title: Foot and ankle problems in Muay Thai kickboxers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Muay Thai kickboxing is a common sport that uses the foot and ankle in fighting. Muay Thai kickboxing trainees usually receive training in Thailand Foot and ankle problems in this group ofpeople who usually train barefoot remain unexplored
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the prevalence of common foot and ankle problems in Muay Thai kick boxers.
  
  
  METHODS
  The present study is a cross-sectional survey of Muay Thai kick boxers practicing in northern Thailand. Interviews were conducted and foot and ankle examinations were evaluated Foot morphology was examined using a Harris mat footprint.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred and twenty-three Muay Thai kickbox ersinnine training gyms were included in this study. Common foot and ankle problems found in the Muay Thai kick boxers were callosity (59%), gastrocnemius contracture (57%), toe deformities (49.3%), wounds (10%) and heel pain (9%). Callosity was most commonly found on the forefoot (77.5%), on the plantar first metatarsal (55.3%) and on the big toe (33.3%). An association was found between a tight heel cord and a history of foot injury with prolonged periods of weekly training. Toe deformities such as hallux rigidus (37.6%) were also associated with prolonged periods of training (p = 0.001). No correlation was found between type of foot arch and foot and ankle problems.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Plantar forefoot callosities and wounds as well as toe deformities including tight heel cords are some of the foot and ankle problems commonly found in Muay Thai kick boxers. They are associated with prolonged periods of barefoot training. The unique pattern of training and of the kicks in Muay Thai might be a path mechanism, leading to the development of foot and ankle problems.
authors.forename: Tanawat
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Vaseenon
authors.forename: Piyapong
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Intharasompan
authors.forename: Thongaek
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wattanarojanapom
authors.forename: Nipon
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Theeraamphon
authors.forename: Sansanee
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Auephanviriyakul
authors.forename: Phinit
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Phisitkul
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D056352:Athletes; D002145:Callosities / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005531:Foot Deformities, Acquired / Q000209:etiology*; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016139:Martial Arts; D008875:Middle Aged; D013785:Thailand; D055815:Young Adult