Is there a relationship between functional at foot and prevalence of non-insertional achilles tendinopathy in joggers? - a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most common overuse injuries experienced by joggers. The pes planus evaluation is often based only on the visual method without a dynamic test. Functionally inefficiency of longitudinal or transverse arch of the foot may be a significant risk factor affecting the lower limb biomechanics and causing of pain in the Achilles tendon area. Assumptions and purpose of the study: This is study was undertaken to determine and investigate the relationship between the functionally inefficient longitudinal and transverse arch of the foot and the prevalence of non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 11 regular joggers at different levels, who were diagnosed with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. The clinical evaluation involved pedobarographic analysis using the Footscan pressure plate. Information on loads applied to metatarsal area, the basis of the second and third metatarsal bones were subjected to statistical analysis.

RESULTS: All subjects who were diagnosed with overuse injuries in the Achilles tendon area showed a functionally inefficient transverse arch of the foot. Despite their pain, the individuals subjected to the study did not cease completely their physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS: Collapse of the natural arch of the foot can lead to biomechanical disorder in the lower limb joints. This is one of the risk factors for the occurrence of changes due to overuse injuries within the Achilles tendon.