Hey guys
I had a minor calf strain (around where the achilles-calf meet)…my physio put thin sheets of rubber under the heel of my orthotic insole in order to raise the heel slightly and take some pressure off the lower calf.
It has worked I think…but I’m just wondering could i expect any impact on my sprinting speed/form or would it be fairly negligible?
It can affect your mechanics somewhat, so I think the most important thing is to rehab the injury! Lifting your heel up throws your balance forward, which can lead to tightness and possible inactivity of the quads, and hip flexors.
Did your physio use inserts on both heels to even things up, I would consider this. Its important to carry out the right stretches for the calf/achilles or the problem can recurr. It might affect your running at slower speeds but not so much at max, better that than an acute achilles problem.