Integrating Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine for Flatfoot Management in Sports

Flatfoot, characterized by the collapse of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot, affects a significant portion of the population, with estimates ranging between 20–30%. It is particularly prevalent among athletes and sedentary individuals, leading to challenges in gait mechanics, musculoskeletal strain, and sports performance efficacy. Despite these implications, the comprehensive pathophysiology encompassing genetic, muscular, and structural dimensions remains inadequately elucidated. Current treatments lean towards Western medical practices such as orthotics, physical therapy, and surgical interventions, whereas Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides supplementary insights into balance and soft tissue treatment. The absence of harmonized, evidence-based guidelines that incorporate both approaches underpins a palpable gap in research and clinical practice.

This Research Topic aims to bridge this divide by harnessing advancements in understanding flatfoot pathophysiology, its ramifications on sports activities and related injury risks, and by developing innovative clinical strategies that merge biomechanical and rehabilitation interventions with TCM methodologies, including acupuncture, herbal remedies, and tuina. By catalyzing cross-disciplinary interaction and exchange, our goal is to furnish clinicians and researchers with contemporaneous, integrative protocols poised to enhance patient care outcomes and athletic performance.

To gather further insights in the realm of flatfoot impacts on sports engagement and integrative treatment approaches, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Epidemiological and genetic/biomechanical foundations of flatfoot in adolescents and adults.

o Influence on sports efficacy, injury onset, and fatigue limits.

o Western medical treatments including orthotic advancements, rehabilitative techniques, and minimally invasive surgical solutions.

o TCM practices focusing on pain management through acupuncture, soft tissue relief via tuina, and anti-inflammatory herbal effects.

o Comparative and efficacy evaluations of integrative approaches versus traditional monotherapies.

o Incorporation of novel technologies like 3D gait analysis, wearable sensor applications, and adjunct regenerative medicine in flatfoot management.

We invite contributions across these themes, facilitating a robust exchange that can lead to integrated, effective flatfoot management strategies.