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Hi,

I am interested in peoples experiances of useing k-wedges in running.

I have seen an distance runner, who has recently developed post tib tendon inssertion pain, who has been using them with their original orthoses, which where successfully percribed for shin problems. He, however is reluctent to give them up as he feels that the extentions help him to run faster!!!

when have you used them, and what was the percieved benefit by the athlete? has anybody found that there use ahs led to problems i.e. pronation related symptoms, as they are essentially a forefoot valgus extention? If so, then, what have you used as an alternative!

I am not really interested in solveing this guys issue (not sure that I will see him again)...more for interest really!

regards to all

Gareth

 

Are you asking about the Kinetic Wedge? Not sure what you mean by K-wedge

 

yes sorry, thought that was a common abreviation!

regards

G

 

I was having a chat with a collegue on this subject the other day and thought I should ellaberate on my thinking.

When using the kinetic wegde, the section under the proximal phalanx will add hallux dorsiflexion, I'm concerned that the rest of the extention is essentially a 2-5 bar...will this lead to a pronatory moment's towards the rearfoot when running in those with a forefoot/midfoot strike patern, therefore having the potential to lead to pronation related problems? Is this true (if it is)only for those with a pronated foot type, or in peoples experiance, have there use led to problems over a range of feet?

In those with a mid/ forefoot strike pattern, I was taught that forefoot control has a greater role than in rearfoot strikers and when walking, and have always work to this notion. I therefore am interested in peoples experiances of using forefoot extentions such as the kinetic wedge! I have seen there use in runners from other pods ( and a local running shop) but haven't used myself!

Apoligies if this is a bit vague,

regards to all

gareth

 

Hi Gareth,

Yes, the kinetic wedge, or a reverse Morton's extension, or sub 2-5 extension, will tend to shift the center of pressure more lateral (because it decreases force on the first ray) and this will increase the pronation moment from ground reaction force.

However, you have to keep your eye on what you are treating. Medial column, or windlass mechanism, pathology (HAV, Hallux llimitus and plantar fasciitis) will tend to get better with less force on the first ray even in the presence of an increased pronation moment from ground reaction force. The cause of pathology, for these conditions is load on the 1st ray and not just pronation motion of the STJ.

Cheers,

Eric Fuller