Calf pain - any advice?

I have a pair of Tecnica ski boots which were fitted for me last year. I'm happy with the general fit and after trying other boots they definitely are right for my feet.

My problem is that I get a nasty ache in my right calf when wearing them - the sort of deep ache you get just before cramp sets in. The pain eases when I actually ski, but returns as soon as I stop, so standing in lift queues and waiting for other skiers (I still have ski school sessions) can be quite agonising.

Unfortunately I am one of those ladies who have proportionately large calfs which do not get much narrower above my ankles (not freakishly huge, though!!). The boots have plenty room for flexibility in fastening the top buckles. Loosening the upper fastenings doesn't seem to help and only results in less control.

Is this a problem that other people get?
Are there any exercises I can do to try and prevent this?
Is there something that should be done with the boot?
Should I try and get some different legs?!!

Any advice would be EXTREMELY gratefully received :?

Hi Nitty,

My Wife suffered from the same problem. At times she was in agony with this problem. Like you she has broad calfs. She was fitted up with a pair of Tecnica boots last year. These boots were also fitted with a moulded personal insole. The type you get from Snow & Rock once a heat impression of your foot has been taken. She has not had a problem since and loves them boots. The other problem may be ski technique such as skiing in the backseat, this places pressure on the back of your calfs and causes bruising or cramps.
Hope this may help you. )

Thanks, Alistair.

The boots were from Snow & Rock. The liners were heated and then I wore the boots straight away. Is that different from the way your wife's were done? Perhaps I should take them to the shop and see what they can do. It's good to hear there may be a solution to the problem and that I might not have to suffer anymore.

Nitty :-)

see if there is something inside the boot.it sounds strange but my ski pants have a button on the part that goes into the boot(at least i put it inside the boot) so i experienced extreme pain one day. the strange part is that i didn't feel the button at all because the pain was all over the calf.also see if your socks are folded at the top and if they go up your leg more than your boot does.and you have to push your legs forward

Nitty,

My Wife's liners were not heated however, we paid for an additional insert/insole approx cost £50. This takes on the natural foot posture and rectifies arch/pressure problems. Therefore you may wish to take some advise from a professional boot fitter to see if this will benefit you before paying out any cash. It takes about 20-30 minutes but in my Wife's case was well worth it. We skied for a week in December with no problems whatsoever. So it was the first time in 5 years that she went pain free. This saved us money on taxi fares getting her back to the hotel! :lol:

My problem is that I get a nasty ache in my right calf when wearing them - the sort of deep ache you get just before cramp sets in. The pain eases when I actually ski, but returns as soon as I stop, so standing in lift queues and waiting for other skiers (I still have ski school sessions) can be quite agonising.

Its not just a female problem I had that a couple of years ago and have fitted boots and fairly wide calfs with heat moulded foot beds etc., but actually the pain was more to do with me, 1. not stratching calfs and achiles and 2. skiing in the back seat too much, which AlistairS mentioned.

A 3 hour lesson later, weight now fully forward, not had the issue when away but occassional feel it a little if using the poma drags at MK for a couple of hours.

Hi,

I have a pair of Technica Icons which i have had for a few years and must admit they are like a pair of snug slippers, best boots i have ever owned, so it may be a case of either an obstruction or lump in the lining ,having the bindings done up slightly too tight or slightly bad posture(sorry about the last one but not quite sure how to phrase it :().

I'm sure if you take them back and get the fitters to check again they will only be too glad to help.....i would think the feeling of cramps goes when skiing is because the blood is pumping around the legs more and not letting the calf muscle get scrunched up by the constant movement.....but not being a doctor i may be wildly off on that score.

I'm sure it's nothing too bad that cant be sorted out , the boots are the most important piece of kit really, if they don't feel right it wont matter how good the ski's are.

All the best

jon.

Thanks for those replies. I live close to the Snow & Rock where I bought them, so I'll pop along and see what they say. I don't mind paying if it sorts the problem, and if it doesn't, then I guess my skiing style needs a look. I'm not an experienced skier and I know my posture is very different to my hubby's, who practically grew up on skis. He gets raw shins, he's so far forward!

I've just booked a last minute trip, and am panicking after a couple of hours at Sno!zone left me hobbling around, so I must get something sorted pronto!