Foot and ankle problems in Muay Thai kickboxers

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Podiatry
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Muay Thai kickboxing, a popular combat sport, heavily utilizes the feet and ankles.
• Trainees often practice barefoot, particularly in Thailand, leaving foot and ankle issues under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of common foot and ankle problems among Muay Thai kickboxers.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted with Muay Thai kickboxers in northern Thailand.
• Data collection involved interviews and physical examinations, including foot morphology assessment using a Harris mat footprint.

Main Results:

• 123 kickboxers reported high rates of callosities (59%), gastrocnemius contracture (57%), and toe deformities (49.3%).
• Callosities were prevalent on the forefoot, plantar first metatarsal, and big toe.
• Prolonged training correlated with tight heel cords and toe deformities like hallux rigidus.

Conclusions:

• Muay Thai kickboxers frequently develop plantar forefoot callosities, wounds, and toe deformities, including tight heel cords.
• These conditions are associated with extended periods of barefoot training.
• The specific training techniques and kicking styles in Muay Thai may contribute to these foot and ankle problems.