 |
Re: [RC] Sore Achilles Tendon//Boots - Beverley H. Kane, MDMike, I agree with everything Karen said. She took the words right out of my fingers. I also recommend against boots or any shoe with a heel higher than the sole. Positive heels will further shorten the tendon. One of the things that contributes to the chronicity of Achilles tendinitis is the vicious cycle of shortening-->acute overstretching during exercise-->inflammation --> contracture (shortening). I recommend wearing negative heel shoes, such Birkenstocks. In addition to sandals, Birkies come in closed toe, hard shell models that are suitable for wear around horses. If you have to look executive or geek chic during the week, loafers or other neutral-heel shoes should be OK. For riding, you might consider Ariat Terrains and Terrain-like bottoms (Dumas, Pulse, Springbuck, etc.) or running shoes w/ half chaps. With running shoes you have to be careful that the backs don't rub the tendon. Some companies are still making raised backs that actually contribute to AT. Beverley On 3/4/07 2:59 PM, "Mike Lewis" <mlewis73@xxxxxxxxx> wrote: Karen, Thank you. Blowing the tendon is the last thing I need. I'm naturally very heel-toe, but have had some coaches work with me to get me more on the front of my feet. My times improved slightly, but I've had foot trouble and aches/pains ever since giving up my normal HUGE power and overstriding way of running. SO yes, I believe there are definite tightness problems here. Would riding in a supportive boot help? I have combat boots that go slightly up the calf. They are padded all the way up and are very supportive... I know they wouldn't alleviate the muscle tightness problem... but wonder if the extra support would be helpful. Thank you, Mike --- Karen Everhart <rainbowmeadowsranch@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:Hi Mike, I was a long distance runner until a car wreck required a total knee replacement a few year ago) AND I am an exercise physiologist. I would fully expect that, as a runner, you have over developed your gastroc (calf) muscle. If you have a tendency to run on your toes it will be worse than if you are a heel-toe runner. Over the years, that gastroc development places a strain on the AT. When you ride, if you ride "heel" down you may be over stretching an already tight AT. So, regular calf stretches and adding an additional element to that stretch might be of assistance: Stand on a step (after you have warmed up and stretched the calf). Allow the heel to drop backwards and downwards off the step holding that stretch for 20 seconds. BE VERY CAREFUL. Do not bounce and Do not overstretch. If you do so, you could blow your AT. It is not hard to do that, especially if you are tight. If this doesn't make sense feel free to call 620-725-3402 AND, try getting a "stirrup straight" product. There are a number of options. Try Country Supply. If you order from them, put Rainbow Meadows in the Country Care Code box at checkout and a small percentage of your purchase will be sent to our Rescue:-) Karen Everhart MEd President Rainbow Meadows Rescue and Retirement, Inc. www.rainbowmeadowsranch.com Owner/Operator Horse Calls - Equine Management Solutions Centered Riding Instructor Distance Horse Conditioning and Training www.horsecalls.com=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
|