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Initial windlass phase and shin splints

Discussion in 'General Issues and Discussion Forum' started by scotfoot, Jun 9, 2018.

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  1. scotfoot

    scotfoot Well-Known Member


    Members do not see these Ads. Sign Up.
    With regard to toe dorsiflexion during the initial windlass phase in gait , might footwear that causes the dorsiflexing musculature to have to work harder , lead to pain on the top of the foot and at the shin,a form of "shin splint " .
     
  2. scotfoot

    scotfoot Well-Known Member

    With regard to the above , if a clinician determines that overwork of the extrinsic and intrinsic toe extensors is indeed the cause of a patients discomfort ,then the prescription of footwear which is less restrictive to the dorsiflexing action of the toe extensors ,might be a good idea .
     
  3. Lab Guy

    Lab Guy Well-Known Member

    “With regard to the above , if a clinician determines that overwork of the extrinsic and intrinsic toe extensors is indeed the cause of a patients discomfort ,then the prescription of footwear which is less restrictive to the dorsiflexing action of the toe extensors ,might be a good idea .”

    What running shoe design features would you recommend?

    Steven
     

  4. What? Shin Splint why?

    If you want to continue on this one track discussion of foot mechanics that focuses on windlass at the MTPJs you need to also be specific with want you are questioning or no one will get involved .

    Shin splits should never be used ever
     
  5. scotfoot

    scotfoot Well-Known Member

    Hi Steven
    Shoes in general should , in my opinion , allow the free dorsiflexion of the toes prior to foot strike to allow the initial windlass phase of gait phase to reduce strain ,if required , on the plantar foot structures and on the plantar fascia in particular.

    Even quite minimal shoes could restrict dorsiflexion if the toes are closely held in position to the sole of the shoe . For example , in middle to long distance tract athletes ,spikes with a closely fitting upper mean that the initial windlass phase of gait cannot function properly since pre strike dorsiflexion will involve the toe extensor muscles working against and bending the forefoot plate .

    Interestingly , at the Atlanta Olympics the tract was made of a less yielding material than normal to give faster sprint times . If memory serves the long distance runners complained of "shin splints " (a generic term well recognized by most runners) which they attributed to the track . I believe it more likely to have been a combination of the track and restrictive , if minimal , shoes .

    Here is a reference (1) that explains my idea of the two windlass phases . I am pretty sure of my ground here and others agree .


    (1)
    Windlass mechanisms - plural - and diabetes - Biomch-L

    https://biomch-l.isbweb.org/threads/31054-Windlass-mechanisms-plural-and-diabetes
    2 Mar 2018 - 7 posts - ‎1 author
    Post 1 So during the gait cycle the windlass mechanism is engaged and reversed twice . Going from heel strike to heel strike we have windlass ...
     
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2018
  6. scotfoot

    scotfoot Well-Known Member

    Actually , just one further thought if I may Steven .

    In relation to the initial windlass phase of gait ,if you provide a less restrict shoe to allow free expression of said phase , then you may also need to strengthen and re-educate the foot to use and be able to use its new found freedoms . It my opinion ,it is entirely possible that poorly designed footwear ,worn from and early age might suppress development the initial windlass phase of gait .

    You won't find these ideas in the textbooks but like I said , I am pretty sure of my ground .
     
  7. scotfoot

    scotfoot Well-Known Member

    In addition to footwear that holds the toes closely to the sole , shoes which necessitate active toe plantarflexion during the swing phase to keep said footwear in place ,will also interfere with the functioning of the initial windlass phase of gait .

    For example simple footwear consisting of , for example , a plastic sole and a single strap over the top of the foot , may require that during the swing phase the wearer apply pressure through the toes onto the front of the sole to keep the back of the shoe from moving to far from the wearers heel .

    Are my ideas any clearer now , Mike ?
     
  8. scotfoot

    scotfoot Well-Known Member

    Last edited: Jun 12, 2018
  9. efuller

    efuller MVP

    Gerry,
    your reference on Biomech-L is some posts you copied from here on podiatry arena. Why didn't you just refer to the earlier thread here? Are you just trying to build up hits for search engines?
     
  10. scotfoot

    scotfoot Well-Known Member

    "Are you just trying to build up hits for search engines "

    Eric ,that is the most stupid thing I've ever heard you say . The information is contained in a more concise form on Biomch-l and easier to read through .
    Good grief !

    Actually , whilst I'm here , I sometimes get the impression that some feel that podiatry does not get the respect it deserves in some countries . Please don't take that out on me ,Mike . I realise how important the profession is and its only going to become more important as time goes on .

    New things are scary . Man up
     
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