Pronation and/or old injury causing spur rub?

[Knubbsy]

So in the last few weeks I caused 2 spur rubs (no broken skin, thankfully, probably helps that they are rounded end) but only on the left side. I changed spurs between the two and my trainer suggested it could be inflexibility in the ankle from an old injury causing me to be more toe-out on that side. I’m not sure what I should do about it- other than stop using spurs until we can get to the bottom of this. Thoughts?

Background: I pronate in both ankles (I do have inserts in my boots.) At 14, I was in a sledding accident, but were unable to get a specific diagnosis (original doctor said it was sprain but I was still limping several months later, specialist ordered MRIs and said to stop running for 6 months and that cleared up the pain and most of the limp.) Later that year I was kicked in the right hip, there is still some lingering tightness a decade later. So there is definitely asymmetry. I’ve seen PTs off and on for lower joint issues (patella tendonitis, ITBS, the sledding accident, etc) and have a regular yoga and pilates practice to keep the joints as healthy is really possible.

Thanks!

[poltroon]

Here is my grab bag of ideas when I’ve had this problem:

1. Take off the spurs.
2. Make sure the spurs are spotlessly clean. Dirty spurs rub.
3. Put vaseline on the inside branch and the tip of the spur.
4. Try a longer or shorter spur - just changing the geometry can help.
5. Make sure your spur has no sharp edges, not on the spur, not on the branch. A rounded ball is the best end even if it makes the spur longer.
6. Put the spurs at a different place on your boot - higher or lower.
7. Assess the way the spur wraps on the boot - level? Pointed up or down? Is the branch too wide?

If it’s just a hair rub, they are more common this time of year because the spur may shed out the winter hairs before the summer hairs are fully grown in. But, it is still my practice to remove the spurs at the first indication of a problem for a couple of weeks. A long dressage whip (possibly one in each hand) is a good alternative, and it gives you a chance to reevaluate lightness to the leg.

[Knubbsy]

Thanks for the suggestions

Everyone is shedding right now so that’s not helping matters. I rode this week without spurs and made a point to watch my feet when I rode toward the mirrors- my left definitely wings-out almost constantly. I feel a pull right above my knee when I consciously rotate my foot forward so I’m wondering if the ankle is a red herring and something’s off higher up. I have an appointment with a new ortho this next week to take a look and probably get new orthotics which will lower were the spurs sit.

[JBD]

I have the same problem due to hip issues and lack of flexibility

[Knubbsy]

[QUOTE=JBD;8147495]
I have the same problem due to hip issues and lack of flexibility[/QUOTE]

That’s what I wondered but I already hyper-extend in most joints and have been working on controlled flexibility.

There was a pop when the ortho was manipulating my foot, I think he said it was the anterior talo-fibular ligament. The X-ray was normal- no remodeling- but I’m having an MRI since we did feel that pop. But it looks like my orthotic prescription needs updated to support the outside which may straighten out my foot even if the MRI doesn’t show anything.