Wearing trainers could damage your ankles – Scientists

Scientists claim rigid modern shoes have made joints more prone to fractures than our ancient ancestors. Trainers are considered to be comfy and casual shoes – but they could be causing long-term damage to your ankle joint. Researchers compared the bones of modern people with ancient hunter-gatherers from as far back as the Stone Age. […]

Scientists claim rigid modern shoes have made joints more prone to fractures than our ancient ancestors.

Trainers are considered to be comfy and casual shoes – but they could be causing long-term damage to your ankle joint.

Researchers compared the bones of modern people with ancient hunter-gatherers from as far back as the Stone Age.

They found people in the 21st century had less flexible and robust ankle joints than their ancestors, potentially making them more prone to fractures.

The scientists blamed ‘rigid’ modern shoes and a lack of exercise for the evolutionary change in our ankle joints.

The structure of ankle bones depends on exercise and footwear, and it can change through life, the researchers said.

Prehistoric societies as well as modern hunter-gatherers tend to walk barefoot or use minimal footwear, even over long distances of uneven terrain.

The researchers of this study, led by University of Bologna in Italy, investigated the talus, a central bone between the foot and the lower leg. It sits at the centre of the ankle.

Together, the talus and calcaneus form the subtalar joint, which is important for walking, especially on uneven ground.

The talus is the main bone that connects the foot to the leg, transferring all the weight between the foot and leg as the person is walking to enable balance.

Any injury to this critical bone usually occurs due after high impact, such as a car crash of fall from height.

Injury to the talus bone may hamper the movements of the ankle and foot while a major fracture can cause serious impediment to a person’s ability to walk or stand.  Mail Online