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Calf Strains/Tairs

Discussion in 'Biomechanics, Sports and Foot orthoses' started by trophikas, Jan 21, 2008.

  1. trophikas

    trophikas Active Member


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    Gday

    Iv recently had a glut of patients entering my clinic with chronic calf strains and tairs. These patients have all followed a similiar route in that they are all semi professional athletes athletes who have chronic issues with these problems and have consequently seen the full gammette opf health proffessionals, such as physios and osteopaths prior to attending my clinic. Previous Tx seems to have consisted of basic anti inflamm, trigger point therapy, Heel raises, rest and stretching/strenghening regimes and in one pts case even cortico steriod injections.
    Is there anything Podiatry specific I can offer these Pts. Im lead to beleive that bowing of the achilles due to a rear foot valgus can increase load on this structure, although its important to note that Im refering to calf strains and not tendonitis type issues. My studies so far have revealed that the vast majority of calf injuries occur during the propulsive/toe off phase of gait and that there is suspicion that both calf and hamstring strains/tears could possibly involve L5/S1 degeneration, which is highlighted by AFL end of season injury reports that demonstrate that there is an increase in the incidence of strains/tears in these muscles as player age increases, as opposed to quadriceps strains which do not share the same trend.

    I also wondered if landing on the midfoot/ forefoot when running forced the gastroc/soleus complex to act like a large spring and put strain through these structures, however as Iv already alluded to above the research I have read seems to suggest that these pathologies tend to occur at or nearer toe off.

    I understand the specific biomechanics of each pt is crucial in answering this queery, but its not practical for me to list them for each pt, so what Im after is perhaps generalised biomechanical findings (wonderful if accompanied by research) that predispose pts to these injuries and treatment plans.

    In addition I would love to hear from anyone about how orthotic prescription varies when you are designing them to fit into football shoes (would u use a DC wedge, or would you be too concerned about lateral instability)

    Regards

    MrT
     
  2. Admin2

    Admin2 Administrator Staff Member

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