The Sports Overload Injuries of the Lower Extremities from the Biomechanical Point of View

This work studies the major sports overload injuries of the lower extremities from the biomechanical point of view. At the same time, the main paradigms of podiatric biomechanics and the application of new biomechanical theories in the study of these lesions are reviewed. With current legislation, clinical gait biomechanical studies should be carried out in health centres and the only health professionals who can perform them are podiatrists and doctors (because they both can diagnose). Graduates in physical education can carry out studies in the field or in the sports court for the sole purpose of improving athletic performance, but never intended to treat a pathology overload.

Proprioception in ankle sprain from exercises and bandages

Ankle sprains are the most common injuries in sports, usually causing damage to the lateral ligaments. Recurrence has as usual result permanent instability, and thus loss of proprioception. This fact, together with residual symptoms, is what is known as chronic ankle instability, CAI, or FAI, if it is functional. This problem tries to be solved by improving musculoskeletal stability and proprioception by the application of bandages and performing exercises. The aim of this study has been to review articles (meta-analisis, systematic reviews and revisions) published in 2009-2015 in PubMed, Medline, ENFISPO and BUCea, using keywords such as “sprain instability”, “sprain proprioception”, “chronic ankle instability”. Evidence affirms that there does exist decreased proprioception in patients who suffer from CAI. Rehabilitation exercise regimen is indicated as a treatment because it generates a subjective improvement reported by the patient, and the application of bandages works like a sprain prevention method limiting the range of motion, reducing joint instability and increasing confidence during exercise. As podiatrists we should recommend proprioception exercises to all athletes in a preventive way, and those with CAI or FAI, as a rehabilitation programme, together with the application of bandages. However, further studies should be generated focusing on ways of improving proprioception, and on the exercise patterns that provide the maximum benefit.