Wrist, Hand, Ankle and Foot Questions

Question 1

Explain how and why the use of wrist straps with dowelling on the high bar may increase the risk of distal radial epiphysitis in young male gymnasts.

Answer 1

• The purpose of a wrist wrap is to provide support to the wrist joint during heavy or max effort lifts in pressing movements and overhead lifts. During these movements, the wrist can be pulled into excessive extension under load and result in compromised mechanics, possible injury, and failed lifts.

Question 2

Explain the role of the flexor pulleys and the extensor mechanism of the hand. What effects do the flexor pulleys have on finger function?

Answer 2

• The main role of the flexor pulley system is to hold the flexor tendons against the phalanges; preventing them from pulling away and bowstringing. This allows efficient flexion of the individual digits by the long flexor muscles.

Question 3

Describe the roles of passive and active structures of the medial longitudinal arch.

Answer 3

• The medial arch is the higher of the two longitudinal arches. It is made up of the calcaneus, the talus, the navicular, the three cuneiforms, and the first, second, and third metatarsals.
• The arch is supported by the plantar aponeurosis, by the small muscles in the sole of the foot (short muscles of the big toe), by the tendons of the Tibialis anterior and posterior and Peronæus longus, flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus and by the ligaments of all the articulations involved.[1

Question 4

What is the windlass effect?

Answer 4

This windlass mechanism is a mechanical model that describes the manner which plantar fascia supports the foot during weight-bearing activities and provides information regarding the biomechanical stresses placed on plantar fascia

Question 5

Why is the windlass effect important

Answer 5

The windlass mechanism aka movement of the medial longitudinal arch is essential for shock absorption and dissipation of forces through foot. It explains how the foot can act as both a rigid level and an adaptable shock absorber during the stance phase of gait.

Question 6

11. What are the possible consequences of over-pronation?

Answer 6

• Overly flatten foot. Arch flattens and stretches. Muscles, tendons and ligaments are strained
• shin splints.
• bunions.
• heel pain.
• plantar fasciitis.
• iliotibial band syndrome, an inflammation of a ligament on the outside of the knee.
• chronic lower back pain.
• stress fractures in the foot or lower leg.