Sometimes academics do overthink things

I have to be careful what I say here as I am criticizing my professional colleagues, but …

A while back there was this a couple of studies on proximal changes in those with Achilles tendinopathy. I blogged about one of them here and the other one is here. Both studies found those with Achilles tendinopathy did have change in proximal function such as muscle activity and hip motion. Both studies did lead the author to discuss the role of the proximal structures in Achilles tendinopathy. This lead to responses in social media on how important the hip and core are and that we need to focus the treatment interventions there. This was despite that this is not what the studies showed as correlation is not causation.

Now, just today we get this systematic review on gait alterations in those with heel pain that showed that:

There was moderate to strong evidence of decreased rearfoot center of pressure duration, impulse, and peak vertical ground reaction force at loading response. In compensation there was increased contact time of the midfoot and forefoot, increased midfoot and forefoot impulse, delayed time to the mid-stance vertical ground reaction force valley, and decreased peak force at terminal stance. The only quantitative measure of pronation/supination included limited evidence of increased medial forefoot and rearfoot inversion-eversion total mobility, and medial forefoot plantar flexion.

Despite correlation ≠ causation they still managed to conclude:

The variables identified in this review may be used to assist in identifying movement-related gait dysfunction for treatment decisions

I am not sure how they could reach that conclusion as like the Achilles tendinopathy and proximal issues, those with heel pain will be walking differently because of the pain. I call that limping. It does not need to be over thought.

Phillips, A., & McClinton, S. (2016). Gait deviations associated with plantar heel pain: A systematic review Clinical Biomechanics DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2016.12.012

Please sign up for my newsletter when a new content is posted:




Advertisement:

Bestseller No. 1
Podiatry Student Handbook: (Second Edition)
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Shi, Eric (Author)
Bestseller No. 3
Funny Podiatrist Gift Cool Podiatry American Flag Doctors T-Shirt
  • For get the broken ankle and stand out with this Podiatry Make Walking Great Again that is suitable for men, women, boys, girls, youths and teens. Ideal trend for couples, dad, mom, husband, wife, boyfriend and girlfriend that are physicians and surgeons.
  • The best present for him and her on Birthdays, Christmas, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Father and mother that are orthopedist or podiatrist can give it to kids, sons, daughters and toddlers. Use it as family matching style for 4th of July celebrations.
Bestseller No. 6
Funny Podiatry Christmas Tree Foot Podiatrist Idea T-Shirt
  • Are you a podiatrist, chiropodist, or someone who works at a foot clinic, podiatry office who also loves Christmas? This funny Podiatry Christmas tree design reads OH PODIATREE: with rows of feet in a tree shape.
  • Perfect for any foot care specialist. Display it proudly to the podiatrist's office and get smiles from your patients with this holiday design.
Bestseller No. 7
A+Elite PEAR Genuine Diamond Bur 3/32" Stainless Steel Podiatry Chiropody Pedicure Manicure Nail Reduction Drill Bit
  • Highest quality 316 series stainless steel provides best performance, corrosion and high temperature resistance
  • Fully autoclaveable
Bestseller No. 8
Podiatry Axial/Sesamoid Weight Bearing Positioning Sponge - Closed Cell 13" x 8" x 4"
  • Closed Cell Podiatry Axial/Sesamoid Weight Bearing - 13" x 8" x 4"
  • Closed Cell Sponges are made from a lightweight, radiolucent, non-porous foam - entirely easy to clean and extremely durable! Non-coated, premium charcoal grey color. 100% radiolucent artifact free imaging.
Bestseller No. 9
Foot Whisperer - Podiatry Outfit Podiatrist Foot Doctor Gift T-Shirt
  • Are you a podiatrist? This podiatry designed outfit is for you. Makes a fitting foot doctor gifts too. Get your foot doctor this funny podiatrist attire. This make a cool gift for podiatrist you know. Grab this foot surgeon outfit now!
  • Podiatrist gift? This foot whisperer designed outfit is for you. Be the funny foot doctor in this unique foot nerd design. Makes a funny foot whisperer gifts.This podiatry attire makes a nice gift for future podiatrist too. Get this foot surgeon gifts now!
SaleBestseller No. 10
Podiatry ICD-10-CM & HCPCS Cheat Sheet for 2023
  • InnoviHealth (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)

I get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases