Tibialis anterior pain

[Guest guest]

Marian:

 

So we're on the same page. I too have taken several of Matt's

classes. Are you aware that our very own Dr. Alon Marcus was one of

his teachers?

 

It is very easy to over-treat using his techniques. Patients come

back because they are so effective. If you are too aggressive with a

new patient, they won't return. They need to be well informed with

regard to possible post-treatment soreness. And, understand that for

some patients, this technique just isn't appropriate. It really needs

to be tailored to the individual. In my experience, yes, a patient

will generally feel a twitch response, and no, I generally don't

elicit one at ST 36.

 

The tibialis anterior is primarily responsible for 80% of the

dorsiflexion of the foot, and acts as a strong decelerator of plantar

flexion. It is the common culprit in anterior shin splints that may

arise in runners over-training on hills since both uphill and

downhill running requires repetitive firing of the TA. A tight

achilles tendon may be found in this problem as it resists a proper

ROM for the TA to function, leading to friction and inflammation.

 

Of course, Alon is right in saying that a twitch response can be

obtained both at motor points and myofascial trigger points. And,

yes, I would look at her fitness activities, gait pattern, shoe type

and cushioning, and if she is on her feet all day, the type of

surface. She may very well benefit from orthotics.

 

With regard to the sciatic nerve, we are all such variable biological

beings. If you have ever done dissection, you know that structures

are not always in a textbook location. And, people simply react

differently, some with more nerve irritability than others.

 

Kay King, DC, FIAMA