Physio Network [Expert Physio Q&A] Calf injuries unraveled: shoes, surfaces, and syndromes with Craig Purdam
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May 14, 2025 Joining the discussion is Craig Purdam, a seasoned physiotherapist with over 40 years of experience and a renowned expert in elite sports injuries. He unpacks the complexities of calf injuries, particularly medial tibial stress syndrome, shedding light on the impact of footwear like rocker bottom shoes. Craig explains how different surfaces and distances can influence recovery. Additionally, he dives into popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, detailing its causes and treatments, particularly noting trends in female athletes. This is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in sports therapy!
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Control Speed, Distance, And Surface
- Prefer tempo runs (~4–5 m/s) over slow plodding when reintroducing running to share load between calf and proximal muscles.
- Quantify and progress distance and velocity, and avoid excessively soft or slippery surfaces in early return.
Progress Footwear Strategically
- Use heel raises early to protect length and progress toward higher-stack (lifted) shoes to unload the Achilles and calf during return runs.
- Mix shoe types to avoid deconditioning the soleus and maintain adaptability for track or spike sessions.
Soleus Drop From Exclusive Rocker Use
- Some elite athletes who trained exclusively in rocker/high-stack shoes lost soleus function and performance suddenly.
- Craig advises mixing shoes to prevent that abrupt drop in muscle capacity.