Fencing with foot/ankle problems

[Saber Girl]

Hi all...Wow, it's been a really long time since I was here last. Anyway, Back ground for my question: I began fencing 5 years ago, I began SCA Rapier combat 2 years ago. I had to quit both about 1 1/2 years ago due to sever foot and ankle problems, after seeing 6 specialists, noone has any idea what is causing the problem. Now, I really miss fencing and rapier. So, my question: Does anyone here fence dispite foot/ankle problems? Do you use support/braces?

Thanks
Saber Girl

[Peach]

I was having quite disturbing foot and ankle problems a few years ago, and saw a podiatrist who specialized in sports injuries. Turned out I had severe arch problems (high arch which collapses emphatically) and they made me special orthotics with a very pronounced arch for my fencing shoes (in addition to another pair for everyday wear). The problem cleared up for me, but I always wear the orthotics.

The annoying thing is that my health insurance won't pay for them, and they're expensive.

[esskreemr]

I dislocated my ankle ( while fencing) about 11-12 years ago. It put a damper on my fencing (and just about everything else) for 4-6 years. I couldn't fence at all for about 2 years due to the lateral movements (it was my rear ankle).

I now fence with no problems other than an occassional flare up of tendinitis. I've also had plantar fascia (?spelling?) issues that have cleared with the application of the proper stretches, exercising more, and losing weight.

What problems are you specifically having? There are quite a few "doctors" on this board that can cure you of your every ailment.

[D'Artag-NOT]

Saber Girl, what kinds of specialists have you been seeing?

I have extremely flat feet and after a year or two of fencing I developed such pain in my left ankle that I could hardly walk. I finally did what I ought to have done long before and went to a podiatrist. He ordered an MRI on the ankle to rule out actual fractures and soft-tissue tears and the like. Then he prescribed and had made custom orthotics. They took a little getting used to, but now I wouldn't dream of walking, let alone fencing, without them.

I'd recommend a board-certified podiatrist if you haven't seen one (certified by the American Board of Podiatrists, not by this message board! ). Alternatively, an orthopedist who specializes in sports medicine may be able to help.

[Saber Girl]

Thanks for the responces. The problems (they think) are planter faciitist, Achillies tendonitis, Tibial tendonitis, really high arches and insteps, suppination of both ankles, hyper flexiblaity, a sever sprian when I was 7 (unknown if that caused any lasting problems), and one of the PT said that my Achillies tendon felt "like creased paper"
Thanks again
Saber Girl


I have been to a podiatrist, 3 orthopedic surgons, and a doctor of physical medicine. I have also worked with 3 physical therapists

[sabreur]

I would second what Peach said about orthotics. Also sounds like you need to work with a trainer/physical therapist to strengthen your ankles...

MR

[MyraTrue]

Wow... I can't compare to that list, but I've had ankle problems for a couple of years now. I tent to pull the tendons in my back ankle, as well as other rolls, strains and sprains when I fence. Its gotten pretty bad sometimes, and I just wear a brace on it when I fence. It helps stave off some of the worst of the problems. I get home and I ice it. I learned that you can still fence when it hurts, at least while you're on the strip. Its once I come off that things really suck.

good luck with the foot/ankle problems!

[Saber Girl]

Thanks, I think that I am going to try some simple foot work at home, and try to build up to being able to fence a few hours a week

~Sabre Girl0

[rtran]

I agree with Sabreur in that you should go to a therapist and learn some proper excercises to strengthen your ankles. Normal footwork will not help some problems people have with their feet.

[OffTarget]

I have bad feet/ankles from a long fall down an elevator shaft (busted both legs/ankles and dislocated the right foot). I actually came to fencing due to the linear nature of the sport. Because I have no lateral stability in my right ankle and foot, I wear an Aquasport (Airsport?) splint brace (two hard pieces of plastic, one up each side of the ankle) secured by a velcro strap. I got it from my orthopedist. Without it I have pain and weakness, with it, everything is ok.

Really, if it can hold me together, it may help you.

[Sabresque]

Originally Posted by OffTarget

a long fall down an elevator shaft

Erm, anyways... I'm just a freak of nature I guess. During my first year of fencing, I had constant ankle problems that I just couldn't figure out. Whenever I made a lunge that was slightly longer than normal, I'd have a big pain in the back of my ankle and then couldn't lunge for a couple of weeks without a lot of pain. Eventually I went to a specialist after my doctor couldn't figure it out either. They finally just took an xray of my ankle for the heck of it and found out that there's a small bone in the back of my heel that is longer than most people's and so when I made a long lunge I would pinch, bruise, and sometimes chip the bone. From then on I've had to wear an ankle brace for fencing and it's eliminated the problem because it keeps me from bending my foot forward that far.

[Saber Girl]

Thanks
the airsport looks intrersting, I don't think I have seen an ankle support quite like that before.

Sabre Girl

[Max]

Saber Girls are hot... (Homer slobber)