🎙️ Episode 18:  Beyond the Calf Raise: Foot & Ankle Function in the Runner with Romain Tourillon

 

Have we been thinking about the foot and ankle the wrong way?

 

When most clinicians or runners think about foot and ankle function, the conversation usually centres around calf raises, ankle mobility or a few intrinsic foot exercises. But according to sports physiotherapist, researcher and strength & conditioning coach Romain Tourillon, that only tells part of the story.

 

In this episode of The Rehab Runway, Romain shares how his PhD research has reshaped his understanding of foot function and explains why the foot, ankle and calf should be viewed as one integrated system responsible for absorbing, transmitting and generating force with every step.

 

We explore his concepts of the absorbing foot and propulsive foot, discuss the different roles of the intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles, and examine why foot stiffness is far more nuanced than simply trying to create a "stiffer foot." Romain also explains the importance of first-ray loading, MTP function and force transmission, and how these ideas have changed the way he assesses and rehabilitates runners. The conversation then shifts to the calf, where Romain outlines his multidimensional framework for rehabilitation. Rather than viewing calf strength as a single quality, he explains the importance of tissue structure, maximal strength, capacity, explosive strength and reactive strength, and how these qualities interact throughout rehabilitation and performance.

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We also discuss seated versus standing calf testing, why improvements in calf strength don't always translate to better running, how he developed his calf-capacity circuits, and practical strategies clinicians can use to improve assessment and rehabilitation.

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Whether you're a clinician looking to refine your approach or a runner wanting a better understanding of foot and ankle function, this episode offers a practical, evidence-informed perspective on one of the most important yet misunderstood regions of the body.

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In this episode, we discuss

• How Romain's PhD changed his understanding of foot function

• The roles of the intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles

• The absorbing foot and the propulsive foot

• Foot stiffness, force transmission and first-ray loading

• Assessing foot and ankle function in runners

• Ankle dorsiflexion beyond the lunge test

• The five dimensions of calf function

• Seated versus standing calf strength testing

• Why calf strength doesn't always transfer to running

• Calf capacity and the development of the calf-capacity circuits

• Sequencing rehabilitation from strength to reactive function

• Common mistakes clinicians make when assessing and rehabilitating the foot and calf

 

About Romain Tourillon

Romain Tourillon is a sports physiotherapist, researcher and strength & conditioning coach with a particular interest in foot, ankle and calf function. His work combines biomechanics, rehabilitation and performance, with a focus on helping clinicians better understand how the foot and ankle absorb, transmit and generate force during athletic movement.​

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Instagram: @romain.tourillon

LinkedIn: Romain Tourillon

Link to Romain’s Calf course: Complex Calf Course 

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🧠 Upcoming Courses​

• Physio Running Camp Kenya 2027

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🎙️ About the Host

Hosted by Luke Nelson, Sports & Exercise Chiropractor, running coach, and strength coach.​​​​​​​

• 📱 Follow Luke on Instagram: @sportschiroluke

• 🌐 Learn more & explore upcoming courses: www.healthhp.com.au​​​​​​​​​