Football Player - Calf problem.

[lel24mcr]

Hello,

I'm treating a gentleman who I've only had a very brief session with so far, who has had surgery on his achilles tendon, for multiple adhesions, approximately 7/12 ago. He didn't have much physiotherapy post surgery and had severe tightness in the calf. He plays regularly for an amateur football side and was back playing pre-season in July (about 4/5 games) although he admits he may have returned to sport too early. Whilst sprinting during training he felt a pull in his calf quite localisted to the peroneus tendon on the fibula.He doesn't have any obvious reduced ROM or muscle weakness. He does have tightness in the calf and some scar tissue around the same locality.
He has been applying heat and doing stretchs for the calf. He has been having some deep massage to reduce scar tissue. At present he is able to run 3/4 pace and is also doing bounding over small hurdles. He feels that if he were to sprint again it may pull. I am planning to take a close look at his foot posture and gait when I next see him. But I am unsure as how I could progress with treatment.

Sorry I can't provide much info but any ideas would be appreciated.

[suzi0802]

it sound like he may be puching himself a bit soon??if he is getting severe stiffness post exercise which eases with movement he may be pushing himself a bit much into a chronic inflammation. in that case he should ease off and just try some jogging for the moment. he can also be given a program to maintain total body fitness- eg arm weights, swimming, cycling, water jogging.
from what youve said i would concentrate on deep frictions regularly (ie he may need to come in twice weekly to have any effect of these, or be taught self treatment), 5 times daily calf and hamsting lengthening, strengthening of the tibialis anterior to balance out any pull on the peroneal, possible strengthening of the gluts if these are weak. postural correction work, modification of technique(ie check his running style, see if his coach says he is doing anything wrong). then perhaps prescription insoles if you feel foot biomechanics are implicated. alot of treatment may just be slow progression back to sport. hope this helps

[lel24mcr]

That's very helpful. Thanks for replying with some ideas.