Subtalar joint motion and the relationship to lower extremity overuse injuries

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference between the subtalar joint ratio (transverse plane component to frontal plane component) in subjects with overuse symptoms in the foot compared with subjects with overuse symptoms in the leg and knee. Superior and posterior photographs were taken with the subtalar joint in pronation and supination while the subjects were in a seated position. The ratio of the transverse plane to frontal plane components of subtalar joint motion was calculated. A significant (p < 0.05) difference in the subtalar joint ratio existed between subjects with foot overuse symptoms and subjects with leg and knee overuse symptoms.