News

If you are visiting the Triathlon show next weekend (13-14th Feb) then feel free to speak to us on the 2XU’s stand (stand number F12) or Apex Sports stand (stand number I31).  We are there running injury advice clinics on behalf of 2XU and Apex Sports.  SO if you have any questions that need answering then please feel free to pop by and speak to one of our physiotherapists.

This year will see some exciting changes to the clinic.  Our biggest breaking news is the move to new premises in April of this year (all going well).  Our new location will be on Norden Road, by Vanwall Business Park, Maidenhead.  The move will allow us to enhance our service offering to include Nutrition for Weight Loss & Sports Performance and coming later in the year Maidenheads first ‘Personal Training’ studio.

Access is quick and easy.  Being just a stones throw from the M4 (jn 8/9), the A404 and just enough away from Maidenhead town centre to avoid those rush hour ques.  No longer will be parking be a problem either as we have ample parking places.  So pay and display will be a thing of the past.  Just arrive, park up and let us do the rest.

As developments happen we will endeavor to keep you informed.  The transition should be seamless.  All you should experience are the same smiley faces, just in a different building.

We are pleased to announce that the Drummond Clinic has been granted the status as one of the official Sports Injury Clinics to the 2010 Virgin London Marathon.

If you suffer an injury during your training for the Virgin London Marathon, it’s important to get it checked out and treated by a sports injury specialist – ignoring aches and pains can lead to more serious problems further down the line.

The ‘London Marathon Injury Clinic’ only invites clinics who are qualified up to the highest level and has great experience in injury prevention, injury rehabilitation and performance assistance specific to endurance running.

To that end, we are all runners and have the experience to fully assess every runners needs, understand what is going on and give you a personalised solution to allow you to get back on the streets and continue your training.

If you would like to speak to one of our specialists, then please give us a call on 0871 2219394 or email info@drummondclinic.co.uk

We are pleased to announce the collaboration of the Drummond Clinic with Mike Trees Training. This will mean the highest levels of attention for all wishing to advance their training levels and increase performance into next year.

As a working group we will be able to offer a modern and exciting coaching and performance service through one to one supervised coaching at all levels or by having your programmes designed and communicated by email.

To assist the coaches in providing you with the best service our Sports clinic will be there to support you with exercise testing, prehabilitation, physiotherapy, strength & conditioning, biomechanics and orthotics.

From the Sports Testing perspective we will be offering scientific baseline fitness testing such as VO2 max/submax (running & cycling), ongoing lactate threshold tests, full biomechanical running gait assessment and an indepth cycling video based assessment.

From the Clinical perspective our physiotherapy & rehabilitation team are there at call should you need their assistance.

For more information call the Drummond Clinic and speak to Alex on 0871 2219394

Newton Running Shoe Review

Newton Running shoes were launched in the UK in the autumn of 2008. There are constant developments in running shoes design and while the majority of running shoes focus on cushioning and stability around the heel the Newtons are very different.  They encourage you to land more towards the midfoot and forefoot by placing a raised lug under the ball of the foot and having a very minimal heel to the shoe.

The principle behind the shoe is to recreate a ‘more natural’ foot strike.  By impacting on the forefoot, the foot lands underneath the body, with a slightly bent leg.  This makes a lot of sense because more force is exerted backwards helping to propel the body forwards.  The majority of quicker runners land on the mid to forefoot and if you take off your shoes and run barefooted you will land a lot more on your forefoot than your heel.

The Running Experience

My first run in the shoes felt rather odd at first but as the run progressed began to feel better. The next day my calves and achilles were very tight! I decided to have a rest day and ease into wearing the Newtons more gradually as is suggested. The next day I ran for 20 minutes in the shoes and then changed back into my normal shoes for the next 20 minutes. After a couple of weeks of running in the shoes they began to feel a lot more natural and I really started to enjoy wearing them. I’ve continued to wear the Newtons, alternating them with a couple of other pairs of shoes.

Verdict

I’ve really liked the Newtons and intend to get another pair in the future.  I found them particularly good on quicker pace runs and longer speed sessions.  Moreover, I feel they have helped to change my running style slightly.  When wearing other shoes, I feel I am running more on my forefoot than before.

However, initially you do have to be careful how long you wear them for as they do put a lot more strain on your calves and achilles.  This is probably different for different people.  Craig Alexander wore the shoes for the marathon at the end of the Hawaiian Ironman.

Conclusion

As much as I like the shoes, I wouldn’t want to have them as my only running shoe.  I think for a lot of runners, a pair of Newtons alongside a more ‘conventional’ shoe would be a good combination, but for some runners the shoes might not be suitable at all.  If you have spent a long time running landing heavily on the heel, it could be a very big change to move to landing on the forefoot.

In terms of improving running style and preventing some injuries the shoes make a lot of sense.  If you gradually build up the length of time you wear them, they give something quite different to other running shoes.

Matt Whiting - Apex Sports

Following very positive feedback on our first Optimal Running Workshop, we are pleased to announce a second date:

Sunday 29th November   9:30am-14:30pm

Would you like to…

• Run more efficiently
• Improve your technique
• Reduce the impact of fatigue
• Reduce the likelihood of Injury

AND perhaps more importantly… Improve your Times / PB’s

Then why not bring your running gear, and join us at the

• Berkshire College of Agriculture (near Maidenhead, Berkshire)

As part of this Beginners to Intermediate level Running camp, you will enjoy sessions delivered by experts on the following:

• Running Technique
• Running Footwear & Attire
• Positive Fuelling (Hydration and Nutrition)
• Injury Prevention
• Stretching
• Strength and Conditioning
• A Run (practice makes perfect)

To make your booking please call 0871 221 9422

Since stopping our running shop we have focussed our attentions to improve our Biomechanical Assessment & Orthotic services.  This has been a great success and has allowed us to offer a more technical and in-depth analysis of which the results can be easily interpreted across a range of disciplines. We always value feedback on the way that we report, as we try to construct this relative to the individuals receiving it.  Our Orthotic service remains the same - providing a bespoke product relative to the usage and not just made without any regard to the shoe that they go into.

I would like to welcome to the Team, Apex Sports (Mike & Matt) who are a running specialist shop in Farnham Common and it is thanks to them that we continue to stay up to date on what is current with running footwear.  They are also our preferred supplier of running shoes.  Please feel free to visit their new website on www.apex-sports.co.uk nevertheless, if their store is not convenient for you or your patients/clients then we can simply give our shoe prescription to get from a local supplier…… many options available.

We now offer Sports Medicine Testing.  Again no retail means more time????? So we added another service offering.

Here we are able to measure an individuals:

• VO2 (cosmed)
• Lactate/Anaerobic Threshold (cosmed)
• Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) (cosmed)
• Full Body Composition (bodystat)

Historically, such tests have been subject to the elite athletic population and not to the general exercising groups.  We have invested as a clinic to open these services to such groups allowing for greater accuracy when writing training programmes for endurance events such as 10km, Half Marathons, Marathons, triathlons etc (VO2, Lactate Threshold),  to understanding the metabolic needs for Fat Loss (RMR)

We can conduct the VO2 and Lactate tests on

• Treadmill
• Bike
• Rower

I guess at the moment that this is enough about us, but when you have a moment, why not jump on our website to review some articles or understand more about our services.

PRESS RELEASE

Start the right way to reach your full sporting potential; Young sportspeople take note!

Don’t let early injuries continue to affect your sports career

Every ‘experienced’ sportsperson knows that when you are young, recovering from training sessions or injuries tends to be far easier. Parents; think back to your early sports careers and compare your recovery times then and now.

The problem with this is that from an early age many sportspeople assume sports injuries will resolve with a short period of rest, or continue participate in their activity through pain.

There are a number of risks that can be associated with continuing sport whilst ignoring an injury or resting with the hope a problem will resolve itself. Not only will your performance be limited whilst carrying an injury, but an accumulation of scar tissue or chronic inflammation could lead to recurrent injury problems and an even longer spell on the sidelines.

At The Drummond Clinic our Rehabilitation Specialists share the view that early treatment, advice and education on sports injuries will give any young sportsperson the best chance of reaching their full potential and aid in maintaining a successful and injury-free sports career.

For this reason we have created The Youth Clinic, on Mondays and Thursdays 16:00-18:00, for sportspeople under 16 years old to receive injury treatment and advice at discounted rates:

60min Consultations - £50.00 (over 20% discount)

30min Treatment - £30.00 (over 20% discount)

For more information please contact the Drummond Clinic/Sportsfeet UK on 0871 221 9394.

The foot is subjected to forces hundreds of times the bodyweight, thousands of times in a day. The ankle is a complex structure that makes weight bearing possible. It allows the foot to flex and extend and absorb the shock of the compressive forces when walking, running and jumping. The ligaments, tendons, nerves and blood vessels travel over and through the ankle joint to the foot.

The posterior tibial nerve runs down from the leg and behind the medial malleolus, the bump on the inside of the ankle, down into the foot. This nerve is protected by a fibrous sheath, called the flexor retinaculum. The flexor retinaculum, along with the bones of the ankle, forms a tunnel for this nerve (and tendons, arteries, veins) that runs through the foot. This tunnel is the tarsal tunnel. The ligament over the tunnel is meant to protect the components underneath, but if it becomes inflamed or a foreign body obstructs the tunnel, then it can become part of the problem.

What is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, like Carpel Tunnel Syndrome in the wrist, is a compression of the nerve inside the tunnel. It is less common than its counterpart in the wrist and is sometimes simply wrapped into the foot neuropathy diagnosis. The pressure can come from injuries resulting in deformities, inflammation of the protective sheath, tumors, or other impingements on the nerve. The compression on the nerve interferes with the signals sent through the nerve, causing pain and other neuropathy in the foot.

Anatomy Involved
The ankle is formed by the tibia, fibula and talus. The medial malleolus of the tibia and the flexor retinaculum form the walls of the Tarsal Tunnel. The tibial nerve passes through the tunnel into the foot. The tunnel also houses the tendons, veins and arteries that run down into the foot on the medial (inner) side. The bones, ligaments and tendons in the foot innervated by the tibial nerve are also involved in this condition.

What causes Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome has many possible causes and in some cases doctors cannot pinpoint the exact cause. People with flatfeet may develop this condition due to the strain placed on the structures of the feet and a change in the course of the nerves and tendons running into the feet. This could cause pressure on the tibial nerve. A cyst or tumor in the area may also produce pressure on the nerve. Other abnormalities in the area that may cause this condition include varicose veins, a swollen tendon, or a bone spur.

Systemic disease processes, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, may also cause, or increase the likelihood of, this condition. The inflammation of the joint caused by arthritis will decrease the space available for the nerve, thereby increasing pressure. The veins and arteries passing through may become enlarged due to higher glucose content in diabetics, also causing more pressure on the nerve. Individuals that are overweight or obese may be prone to this condition due to excessive pressure on the posterior tibial nerve.

Injury to the ankle, due to swelling in and around the joint, may also cause pressure on the tibial nerve. Fractures or dislocations may cause the tunnel to shift slightly, or close up. A bone chip in the area of the medial malleolus may also become lodged in the tarsal tunnel, causing an impingement upon the nerve.

Signs and Symptoms
The most common symptom of this condition is pain, burning, or tingling along the inside of the ankle and down into the foot. The pain can vary from prickly points in the foot to severe burning pain along the entire foot and ankle area. The pain generally gets worse with activity, especially prolonged walking or standing and improves with rest. Pain upon palpation of the nerve may also be noted. Loss of sensation may be experienced if the condition is allowed to progress. A change in gait (a limp and overpronation) may also result if not treated promptly.

The symptoms may occur suddenly, but are often made worse by extended periods of activity. The earliest signs of pain are often ignored and the condition is allowed to progress until the nerve is compromised more severely.

Treatment
Treatment for tarsal tunnel syndrome may include rest, ice (to reduce swelling in the tunnel), NSAIDs (to help with pain and reduce inflammation) and immobilization (this may be necessary to allow the nerve and surrounding tissue to heal.) Physical therapy may be prescribed, as well. An exercise program, ultrasound and other therapies may be used to speed the healing process.

In cases where the pain and inflammation are out of control, injections of a local anesthetic and corticosteroid may be helpful. Bracing may be used in severe cases to reduce the pressure on the foot and on the nerve. Surgical intervention may be required in the most severe cases, or in those cases that do not respond to the non-surgical interventions. This generally involves decompressing the nerve by either; releasing the ligament around it, clearing the obstruction or repairing the structures in the tunnel.

Prevention
Prevention of tarsal tunnel syndrome starts with the knowledge of what causes it and avoiding those circumstances.

• Rest for the foot in between long bouts of standing or walking is important. Trying to sit down, or at least change position, during extended periods of standing or walking will help reduce the stress on the tarsal tunnel and tibial nerve.
• A proper warm up activity before beginning strenuous workouts will also help prevent injuries to the structures in and around the nerve, reducing the likelihood of compression.
• Wearing properly fitted shoes and orthotics if necessary, will reduce the strain placed on the area. Shoes that are tied incorrectly, or too tightly, can cause damage to this area, also.
• Using wraps or bracing while engaging in athletic pursuits, especially on uneven surfaces or involving sudden direction changes in traffic, may reduce the chances of an ankle injury, which could cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• A good strengthening program will keep the supporting muscles of the lower leg strong and reduce leg and ankle injuries. These muscles will also reduce the stress and impact on the joint with each step or landing.
• Flexibility in the muscles of the lower leg will help keep the foot in proper alignment and reduce the pull on the tendons during rest. Flexible muscles are also less likely to be injured.