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BodyAttack - Ankle Stability/Shoe Question

Last post 04-26-2008, 2:32 PM by cesran. 4 replies.
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  •  04-20-2008, 9:09 AM 28145

    BodyAttack - Ankle Stability/Shoe Question

    I can't imagine that I am the only instructor with this problem so I'll throw it out there and see if anyone has any suggestions.

    I have injured my ankle several times while teaching BA. I seem to roll it during lateral movments and the injuries have ranged from simple sprains to torn ligaments and stress fractures.  It's always the same foot and I realize that once you injure your ankle it's basically weakend forever.   I switched from Nike shoes to Asics which for a good while worked really well with lateral stability.  Last week I injured the ankle again and this just bums me out. 

    Does anyone have a shoe or ankle stability solution? 

    Thanks Much!

     


    Paula "It does no good to dwell on dreams Harry.....and forget to live"
  •  04-20-2008, 5:25 PM 28167 in reply to 28145

    Re: BodyAttack - Ankle Stability/Shoe Question

    Hi Paula,

    The best piece of advice is to consult a podiatrist.  Since you seem to have a track record of injury, it makes sense to have a proper biomechanical analysis.  The podiatrist should also be in a good position to provide advice about which shoes are going to be most suitable for you - what works for someone else may not work for you.  Obviously all the major brands make quality cross-trainers with good lateral support, the key is to find the right one for you.  I think Ryka and Avia are about the only brands still making a studio shoe as well as cross-trainers.  I don't know how many classes per week you are leading, but you probably need to replace your shoes every 6 months or so.

    Also, have you thought about strapping your ankle or wearing ankle supports in classes ?  I hope you're wearing one (or have your ankle strapped) as part of your recovery.

    I used to regularly strain my ankle ligaments running and playing sport; I have used elastic supports for ankles (and knees); and found them beneficial. They provide good compression and support, very helpful for sprains and strains, and lateral ligament injuries. It is like being professionally bandaged, without the bulk. I also find that the ankle feels stronger when I wear the elastic support.

    If you purchase an ankle support I recommend the 'figure 8' type (best descriptor I can think of), rather than the anklet type which is just a straight sleeve or sock. The figure 8 types have a seam which runs vertically on the outside of the ankle; and can be reversed to wear on either ankle. They have a heel cut-out of course. Note that there is a possibility that with reduced flexibility in the ankle you may place additional stress on the knee joint in certain movements (twisting and turning at speed) and therefore increase the chance of a knee injury, although I think this is unlikely in BA.

    But, for all of that - see a podiatrist first.  Good luck.

    Good luck.

  •  04-21-2008, 1:25 PM 28210 in reply to 28167

    Re: BodyAttack - Ankle Stability/Shoe Question

    Well it is never wrong to see a dr.... but, some Dr.s are almost anti activity in the favor of ease on your body. So be carefull in picking one.   Some people dont realize that if you take away our classes you take away happiness.

     but for easy advice...  the thing about great running shoes is that they are made to RUN . not do three step runs and iceskaters.  I have mild issues with running shoes as well and my ankles tend to roll also.  a shoe that pretty much made that issue go away is the nike Free 7.0. 

    Running shoes are kind of high off the ground and made to go forward and backward.  so they are kind of like wearing high heels when doing side to side movement.  The Free's 7.0 are much lower and have a wide base so that it is hard for your ankle to tip over and roll.

     BUT be carefull because, if you wear the Frees alot, and I mean a lot, (depending on your food type) you could develop planter facieates(spelling) becuase there is no arch support.  I did, so now im back to the running shoes.  but I LOVE the frees and look forward to going back to them.

    make sure for the 7.0

  •  04-21-2008, 5:21 PM 28223 in reply to 28145

    Re: BodyAttack - Ankle Stability/Shoe Question

    I think it really depends on the person. I started out with shin splints, and then I overdid it one week a few months ago and I've been healing a bad stress fracture ever since. I went to a podiatrist, and he hooked me up with some custom-made orthotics. So far, they seem to be working. If you've been suffering from a lot of lower leg injuries, that might be something to look into. You can also have your feet analyzed and they can tell you which shoe will work best for your foot. Personally, I find Saucony's to be the best for me...

     Good luck and be careful!


    Carpe Diem
  •  04-26-2008, 2:32 PM 28580 in reply to 28223

    Re: BodyAttack - Ankle Stability/Shoe Question

    it took me a while to find the right shoe for attack.  once i did, most of my foot/leg discomfort disappeared.  However, once i start to get shin splints, i know it's time to buy a new pair of shoes.  i usually get about 3 months.... new balance works best for me....
    ...do or do not, there is no try
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