Foot injuries, playing surface and shoe design: Should we be thinking more about injury prevention

Abstract

The increasing use of artificial pitches has occurred in a multitude of sports at both professional and amateur levels. Artificial turf has become an extremely attractive option as it is felt to encourage a faster, safer and more entertaining play. However these pitches are not without controversy among sporting professionals and in the media. Foot and ankle injury in sport remains incredibly common and a significant burden on health professionals, but what impact do the new artificial surfaces have on these injuries. This review article aims to establish whether artificial turf has an impact on injury rates in the foot and ankle.

Keywords: Artificial pitch; Foot and ankle injury; Shoe-surface interface.