Hello wonderful people,
While generally happy with my progress, I have felt uncomfortable with my affected foot. Recently I’ve done a lot of research on foot problems, and concluded I have a certain amount of equinus bothering me. Hopefully I am not turning into a horse, but Equinus (pointed feet, like a horse) is a condition caused by a shortening of tendons (contracture, though I feel that is too strong a word) the most common being the Achilles tendon (compounded by tight Gastroc and Soleus (calf) muscles). So I have been doing calf stretches, and noticing a certain improvement. With equinus, the forefoot strikes the ground too early, too often. It therefore takes most of my effort to keep my toes up and away from the ground (dorsiflexion).
On my team, opinion is split 50/50 ; my Radiologist and Yoga teacher think it’s certainly an issue (to a degree). My physio and Chinese Dr. are very doubtful it is an issue. Therefore, this week I’m seeing a chiropractor who is going to take a look at my foot, and next week a podiatrist who will finally settle the matter. Either way, I will continue with my stretches (Ronald (my stroke half) is in dire need of stretches from head to toe). I thought I’d post this story now, since a lot of mystery (to me, at least) is about to unfold.
Does anyone here have experience with equinus, or shortening of Achilles tendon? I realize that foot drop causes similar symptoms, and there are several mechanisms which can cause foot drop. My senior physio established that I don’t have foot drop, but noticed my ankle was very stiff, and the reason is now clear to me. If anyone has experience of this problem, and can advise I would be most grateful.
Good luck to all, and hope there is all-round progress in abundance,
ciao, Roland
ps. I am going back to my watercolours by the end of the week
(waiting for a new palette)