Ankle dorsiflexion

[Bigdogsnose]

This is a bit long winded but try and bear with me… I am DESPERATE for any help.

Last 11 Months I have tore my left calf 3 times whilst running.

Last time was 6 weeks ago, and I finally got a physio who gave a shit and really tried to get to the root of the problem.

Right ankle – 0% flexibility (cant squat and kneeling down foot to wall, I can barely touch the wall with my knee – 5”s is considered adequate) meaning I have no flex so as soon as I start loading up in training my Left side just gives up as it is doing all the hard work (in a nutshell).

Physio had me doing some work with a fitness band to try and improve flexibility. 3 sessions in he says, no chance, I can’t move it you need to see somebody who can manipulate or crack my ankle. Idea is that I have suffered fractures and or sprains from football and my ankle has re-set in a false position. Went to see his colleague – sports therapist –genius of a bloke but get the feeling he was more interested in’ professionally wanking himself off’ than actually helping me. He showed me how all the injuries I have suffered over the years (ankles, calf, broken nose, fractured jaw, broken finger, small brain hemorage, knocked out playing football etc) are affecting me know, when I would have thought all that had zero impact on my running gait!!. Basically your body puts up defence mechanisms to prevent you from being hurt again, and shuts down the parts you need to run efficiently.

Back in to see him today, but really doubting whether he can actually ‘put it right’.

All seems to complex when I think the real underlying issue is the lack of flexibility in my ankle(and I don’t want to keep paying for a physio if its something I can sort myself through decent exercises) .

Anybody else ever had issues with the ankle flexibility? Any advise would be welcome.

[punchoutsb]

Ankle problems are relatively common, but zero flexion is indicative of pretty serious underlying issues. The body can heal itself in some pretty amazing ways, but it seldom does that on its own without assistance from specific rehab (and prehab) exercises. My advice: keep seeing a physio. Manual manipulation may help, but the underlying moblity issues must be addressed and that can't really be done online without a full diagnosis being shared. If you're looking specifically for mobility exercises check out Kelly Starrett. He's the go to that I refer people to if I cannot professionally recommend exercises to them.

[Bigdogsnose]

Thanks for the response. I will have a look at the Kelly Starrett exercises. Also been advised to find a Chiropractic Sport Physician who can manipulate my ankle but also oversee a rehab program. Sounds sensible. Expensive business being injured.

[punchoutsb]

Thanks for the response. I will have a look at the Kelly Starrett exercises. Also been advised to find a Chiropractic Sport Physician who can manipulate my ankle but also oversee a rehab program. Sounds sensible. Expensive business being injured.

It is an often times there is no way around it. It's really really REALLY important to treat your body right though. We would all pay the money necessary to get our car or bike fixed, leaky faucets, etc. It's important not to skimp on our physical bodies either. Doesn't take the sting out of the prices, but it's still true.

[Bigdogsnose]

Totally agree. Its more the frustration that I have been in Physio 3 times now - I follow there instructions to the letter but still the problems persist. Even the days I am not running or In the gym I am routinely stretching and conditioning. I'll get there with the right help. What I need is a private physician - 24/7!!!