The Role of Genetics and Environment in Sports Podiatry

Scientific studies have shown that more than 170 genes factor into the practice of sports. From muscle growth to endurance and by way of physiognomy, genetics play a crucial role when trying to establish possible links amongst the causes of an injury. While it’s easy to point to heredity, such as the shape of one’s foot, it’s important to remember that pain is actually caused by a combination of factors. Although certain people are predisposed to a few categories of discomfort, a podiatrist will be able to provide a global picture of the situation and analyze the environment of the sport being practiced, so as to help the body adapt to that sport’s physical demands. Heredity cannot be modified, but it’s conceivable to work with known data to minimize the physical impact of a sporting activity.

The Body’s Ability to Adapt

The human body is a fabulous machine with an extraordinary ability to adapt. However, this quality sometimes works against it, as the body tends to use other parts of its anatomy, normally less solicited during the activity in question, to avoid a sore or problematic limb. This can cause problems in the short or long term. On the other hand, knowing the way the body works will help counteract potential negative repercussions by introducing a new, beneficial way of proceeding, to which the body will also adapt.

Movements require the combined action of several components, including bones, nerves, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Combining flexion, extension and rotation, the main mechanisms of mobility are subject to different levels of pressure and stress. Excluding accidents and awkward movements, Achilles tendonitis and stress fractures are prime examples of injuries that are often caused by specific movements repeated over time and unique to each individual. When pain, irritation or discomfort is present, external factors (equipment, clothing, type of floor), as well as internal factors (genetics, organs solicited, state of health, movements, flexibility, warm-up) remain essential considerations. It’s the responsibility of the podiatrist to analyze the various elements in play and then create a blueprint of the patient’s habits, so as to give him a clear, concise plan on how to heal and prevent the injury. These custom instructions may differ from one person to another suffering from the same ailment.

Indeed, depending on the sport and the environment in which it’s performed, two people with the same foot type and the same injury will potentially not be given the same diagnosis or the same treatment. A hiker and a gymnast with Greek feet, for example, will not require the same day-to-day care and equipment. This is due to the fact that their feet have navigated through very different environments over time, as one is primarily used to rough terrain and the other to a more controlled, predictable set of movements. Similarly, two people who play the same sport and injure themselves in the exact same area, but who do not have the same genetics, may respond differently to the same rehabilitation plan.

Nature and Nurture

Regardless of foot morphology, whether it is Greek, Egyptian, Roman, German, flat or hollow, it’s important to always consider a patient’s genetics and environment. A podiatrist can assess how to prevent or treat an injury using the insight that the patient is unique in the practice of his or her sport.

Instead of pitting nature against nurture, we must understand that both work in harmony. We can influence our nature through nurture. – Gudjon Bergmann