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Just came across this (1 below) on a FIFA website .It's about avoiding fifth metatarsal fractures in elite footballers . The article suggests strengthening the toe flexor muscles ,including the intrinsics , may be a good way to help prevent against the injury discussed .

Quotes "...risk factors include: being under the age of 25 years, during pre-season or early season, playing in the midfield, the non-dominant (stance) foot or having weak intrinsic foot muscles strength (especially toe flexors)."

and " Lastly the lateral toes showed much larger magnitudes of load in the fifth metatarsal fracture group for all three movements tested. Strengthening of intrinsic foot muscles and the use of more support in the football boots can help absorb these large ground reaction forces. "


(1) Plantar loading and risk of fifth metatarsal stress fractures in elite ...


https://www.fifamedicalnetwork.com › plantar-loading-and-risk-of-fifth-m...

1. Cached

7 days ago - Lateral foot plantar load was found to be significantly higher in the stress fracture ... Strengthening of intrinsic foot muscles and the use of more support in the ...
ootballers .

 

The FIFA post references only one article .

Reference
1Thomson A, Akenhead R, Whiteley R, D’Hooghe P, Van Alsenoy K, Bleakley C. Fifth metatarsal stress fracture in elite male football players: an on-field analysis of plantar loading. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise medicine. 2018;4(1):e000377.

As far as I am aware , Athol Thomson is a sports podiatrist .

 

Here is one of the exercises that FIFA endorse for strengthening the foot .


Foot stabilizing exercises - YouTube


https://www.youtube.com › watch › v=g0qoiDEUpQE
25 Jan 2016 - Foot stabilizing exercises. F- MARC. Loading... Unsubscribe from F- MARC? Cancel Unsubscribe. Working... SubscribeSubscribedUnsubscribe