Footballer’s Ankle (follow up on the iWalk Powerfoot):

This is clinical condition which is most often present in those who have engaged in kicking sports for a number of years. As in soccer, the striking of the ball forcefully in a plantarflexed position can generate a traction apophysis (bony tubercle) from the repeated traction stress put on the anterior ankle capsule and ligaments.  This tubercle can form a spur that can act like a door stop impeding any further ankle dorsiflexion (rocker). Footballers ankle manifests itself with pain at the front part of the ankle joint. Soft tissue can become trapped at this anterior joint aspect and produce localized pain. IT will look like a normal degenerative spur, but the clients age and activity will help clarify the diagnosis and pathogenesis. 

iWalk Powerfoot video Army

Here in this video our keen eye was correct regarding the reduction in ankle rocker and subsequent heel rise.  The video when the soldier is walking down the stairs (most notable for on the last step) gives an excellent example of what happens when ankle rocker (tibiotalar dorsiflexion) is impaired (this can look like another clinical condition called FootBaller’s ankle if a spur develops). See how much knee lift he has to generate, forced by the early heel rise.  Once again, still an amazing piece of engineering.

(* If the fabricators are reading this, we are here to help !  Start by moving that metal bar at the front of the “mortise” another few millimeters forward and you will get the extra few degrees to reduce that rocker/heel lift issue. This will smooth out mechanics at the hip and knee and add to user stability and balance.)