Ski Boot Fitting in Austria

Scarlet Fez what were the results of the weight bearing pressure point testing when your boots were originally fitted?

Hi Scarlet fez

Based on some excellent input from cem and advice I am booked in to see Rob at Daleboot in Kitzbuhel the day I arrive.

Can you keep me posted on what your sports medicine people say. If it is something that cannot be fixed then I do not want to spend the mega dollars having my boots made at Daleboot if it is a problem that cannot be overcome. I will keep this post to show him though.

I have tried the drinking thing - makes me ski better but does not numb the pain enough!!

Good luck

scarlet fez,

how much flexion do you have at your ankles....if there is not enough the foot will abduct [inside the boot to compensate this loads the lateral forefoot and gives the problem....most people with this problem think their boots are too narrow, a well made insert and a heel lift combined with a load of calf stertches prior to departure normally works wonders

bandit wrote:Scarlet Fez what were the results of the weight bearing pressure point testing when your boots were originally fitted?

Bandit, youve got me there!! After a bit of deliberation and a little discomfort on the dry slope last weekend I may have identified the cause.
A young 49 I may be but 16 years ago I had surgery to my right big toe, to fix a tendon and shave down a bunnion. I skied for the first time in 16 years 5 years ago and had hire boots and the cramp etc started. Had my own boots and although they have been tweaked still get the cramp and circulation problem.
What I noticed is that when I stand on my toes the weight on my left foot is primarily taken by the ball of my big toe, but on my right due to the old surgery it tends to roll towards my outside 2 toes taking the majority of the weight. When in a ski boot again the moulded inners highlight the pressure point for where the weight is centre namely under the foot between the 2 outside toes. I have taken my boots to my fitter and now because i think it may be as a result of the old surgery, he has placed a wedge under the inner sole to make me stand more even in the boots and hopefully by doing this it will make my foot share the weight and thus prevent the pressure giving me cramp and terrible pain.
It may have nothing to do with the surgery but I live in hope. Going to Milton Keynes Snow Dome next week so hopefully I will have news.

cem wrote:scarlet fez,

how much flexion do you have at your ankles....if there is not enough the foot will abduct [inside the boot to compensate this loads the lateral forefoot and gives the problem....most people with this problem think their boots are too narrow, a well made insert and a heel lift combined with a load of calf stertches prior to departure normally works wonders

Cem I am very interested in your theory as well. I'll try anything. Would it be normal to just get it one foot. What excercises or stretches can I do to help my ankles and calves be more tolerant.

From my previous entry about my surgery I think that as my right foot was not as level it was causing me to not bend my knees symetrically and there by putting unnecessary pressure on my right foot, ankle, calf.
I fore ever live in hope that I can solve this as it will make my skiing so much more pleasurable. Going away twice this winter, solve the proble with my right foot then I will turn my attention to the 'Middle East Crisis'!!

Scarlet Fez great news that you're on the case with the help of your fitter. If his wedge does not resolve the problem, then it may be worth dropping cem a line, and paying him a visit. If you are able to get to MK, he's not too far from there. As I have had 2 operations on one foot, I find his expertise invaluable in getting my repaired foot balanced in ski boots as well as in all my footwear. Painful feet are not fun, and ski boots are not a forgiving environment for tender feet.

Here's a link to cem's stretching exercises pages.

http://www.solutions4feet.com/cp7.php

Please let us know how you get on with your wedge :D

Cem, sorry Ive just realised that you are professional!! :oops:
Not sure if my very crude desciption of my injury and discomfort makes anyb sense!!

it is possible to get tightness in one side, esp if there has been previous trauma and or surgery, the shim under the footbed may work if it is in the correct place and it respects the biomechanics of YOUR foot, all too often i see too much posting under the medial forefoot...this [forefoot Varus posting] is a bit like tequilla...if a little is good more is better :wink: :wink: