Ski Boot Fitting in Austria

daved wrote:another good exercise for the foot and ankle is to try and work up to 1 minute each leg of standing on a Bosu on one foot...good for the lower calves and muscles in the instep

I have no access to a BOSU ball, so I use a wobble cushion to do the same exercise :D

bandit wrote:

daved wrote:another good exercise for the foot and ankle is to try and work up to 1 minute each leg of standing on a Bosu on one foot...good for the lower calves and muscles in the instep

I have no access to a BOSU ball, so I use a wobble cushion to do the same exercise :D

Thanks for all these tips guys - can you explain this exercise in more details as I do not know what a BOSU ball or wobble cushion is?

thx again

cwagner
The exercise I do is really simple. Stand on 2 feet, on 2 cushions, then move to 1 cushion, then to balancing on 1 foot on 1 cushion.

This uses short twitch fibres in the leg muscles, stabilising muscles in the feet and ankles and also engages the core muscles in the balancing compensation movements.

Simple in concept but fiendishly hard )

Linky's to a couple of suppliers to show examples of products......

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Yoga-Mad-Stability-Cushion-Blue/dp/B000FBNBMI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=sports&qid=1227426776&sr=8-4

http://www.physicalcompany.co.uk/products/product_detail.asp?productId=BOSUR

:D

Cant speak for Kitzbuhl but if you go to a ski shop not right next to the lifts, they will be less busy, usually cheaper, explain your problems and that you intend to buy a pair of boots. Some will find a very new season hire boots for you to try. Test it for the day, then take it back, if its no good change it, if its snug and pain free, then some will give you 2 choices, buy a new ident pair less the days hire cost, or if they are like gloves ive known mates buy the newish hire pair at a a reduced rate.

I have similar problems but to just one foot and have new boots stretched, wide fit, moulded inners, you name it. Usually fine for 3 hours then the agony starts, cramping pain which almost feels like the circulations gone, but no signs of rubbing, pressure etc. I am as we speak seeking further help in my efforts to conqueer the problem. Ive had someone with a knowledge of sports medicine suggest that with a ski boot and the angle of the leg and weight distribution that it puts all the weight on the balls of my two smallest toes on my right foot which in retaliation after a while cuts off the blood supply to part of the foot hence the discomfort. If thats whats causing it then how the hell I cure it I dont know!! Like u I have to remove the boot a couple of times a day. When all else fails drink heavily!! :D

Been 25 years since I was at Kitzbuhel, but we stayed just outside at Aurach I think it was called. Quieter but ski shops and ski school staff were very helpfull. Good luck in your quest, I will monitor this thread in case anyone has pearls of wisdom for you which may cure me!!!

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.