foot; ankle abduction; overuse injury; jogging

The aim of this prospective study was to compare ankle kinematics between runners with and without plantar fasciitis (PF). We biomechanically analysed 719 runners (17 PF and 702 non-PF) using a 3-D motion capture system during overground running at their self-preferred speed. An independent t-test was performed to assess ankle kinematics during the stance phase of running (at initial contact, at maximum and range of motion). Runners with PF displayed abduction ankle angle approximately 3o lower than the non-injured runners at maximal adduction (P = 0.006; d = 0.68). In conclusion, it appears that a higher ankle abduction (external rotation of the foot) may be a protective factor for PF. This information appears to be valuable for assessing running technique and may be beneficial to clinicians, coaches and runners who are afflicted with PF.

The aim of this prospective study was to compare ankle kinematics between runners with and without plantar fasciitis (PF). We biomechanically analysed 719 runners (17 PF and 702 non-PF) using a 3-D motion capture system during overground running at their self-preferred speed. An independent t-test was performed to assess ankle kinematics during the stance phase of running (at initial contact, at maximum and range of motion). Runners with PF displayed abduction ankle angle approximately 3o lower than the non-injured runners at maximal adduction (P = 0.006; d = 0.68). In conclusion, it appears that a higher ankle abduction (external rotation of the foot) may be a protective factor for PF. This information appears to be valuable for assessing running technique and may be beneficial to clinicians, coaches and runners who are afflicted with PF.