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Updated: Aug 10, 2025

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Published on: April 11, 2018
Bone Stress Injuries in Runners Using Carbon Fiber Plate Footwear
Adam Tenforde1, Tim Hoenig2, Amol Saxena3
1Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA.
New carbon fiber plate footwear enhances running performance but may increase injury risk. Athletes should transition gradually to mitigate potential biomechanical issues and associated injuries.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Carbon fiber plate footwear offers performance benefits to runners.
- The biomechanical mechanisms, including foot and ankle alterations, are linked to improved running economy.
- Clinical debate exists regarding the association between this footwear and injuries, yet literature is scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss running-related injuries associated with carbon fiber plate footwear.
- To raise awareness of potential health concerns and biomechanical demands.
- To suggest strategies for injury risk reduction and foster research.
Main Methods:
- Case series of five competitive running athletes with navicular bone stress injuries.
- Discussion of running-related injuries in the context of carbon fiber plate footwear use.
- Literature review and clinical opinion synthesis.
Main Results:
- Five cases of navicular bone stress injuries in athletes using carbon fiber plate footwear were observed.
- Altered biomechanical demands may contribute to running-related injuries.
- Performance benefits are considerable, but injury risk is a concern.
Conclusions:
- Sports medicine providers should consider potential injuries from altered biomechanics in athletes using carbon fiber plate footwear.
- A gradual transition to this footwear may be necessary to reduce injury risk.
- Further medical research into carbon fiber plate technology and associated injuries is warranted.
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