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Anyone use heel pads to reduce calf injuries?

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RKS

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I've been playing soccer for about 30 years and my calves are probably as big as my thighs (yes I have popeye-ish legs). Lately I have pulled/strained/partially torn a calf muscle a couple times. Besides RICE and some PT I am wondering if heel pads would help by reducing the amount of stretching of the muscle during acceleration.

I have also sprained my knee slightly and my wife thinks that my calf may be overworked in trying to stabalize the knee. she had also suggested that I strengthen my shin muscles as well.
 
Yes, they will help. After developing achilles tendonosis, I found heel lifts to be helpful in the recovery process. I got these - http://www.feetrelief.com/feetrelief/clearly_adjustable_heel_lifts.htm

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Would having a compression type sleeve that goes around your calf help? I've seen stuff like that at running stores.
 
It seems to me that actually having a piece of equipment to slightly lift your calf would just exacerbate injuries in the future by weakening the muscle... Perhaps you should see a physical therapist and rehabilitate the muscle instead of just putting an insert in your shoe. That might do more bad than good.
 
SociallyChallenged said:
It seems to me that actually having a piece of equipment to slightly lift your calf would just exacerbate injuries in the future by weakening the muscle... Perhaps you should see a physical therapist and rehabilitate the muscle instead of just putting an insert in your shoe. That might do more bad than good.
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I have tried PT along with extended rest (3-4 weeks) from activities that require sprinting or change of direction. I think that my wife may be correct that either my knee or my shins are causing the calf issues. Any heal inserts would only be used for a couple hours a week and only to minimize the chance of injury during a particular activity.
 
RKS said:
I have tried PT along with extended rest (3-4 weeks) from activities that require sprinting or change of direction. I think that my wife may be correct that either my knee or my shins are causing the calf issues. Any heal inserts would only be used for a couple hours a week and only to minimize the chance of injury during a particular activity.
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PT as in you went and saw a physical therapist for a bit? If it continues flaring up, they may be open to proposing new solutions. Did you always ease back into the activity or did you jump right back in? Do you ice things that bother you regularly? These are things I'd advise before trying heel inserts.
 
If you're still healing from your injury, the heel inserts will help to reduce the stress on it. I also saw a PT during the healing process and they assisted in reducing the inflammation and scar tissue. Once healed, I went thru a stretching and strengthening program.

Seeing an orthopedic specialist and/or PT will help determine what may be causing this re-occurring issue. My doctor was the one that recommended the heel inserts to me.
 
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