Ankle Brace for Driving?

[jakermc]

Maybe a little off-topic, but about 6 weeks ago I ruptured my left Achilles tendon and required surgery to repair a 10 cm tear. I'm currently on crutches, wearing a boot, but am looking forward to the start of physical therapy next week. The saddest part is that my cars are on battery tenders and I haven't see the track in months.

On November 10th I am leaving for New Orleans to attend the Ferrari French Quarter Classic, my only real vacation for the year. Here is the schedule, its amazing for any driving enthusiast: http://www.frenchquarterclassic.com/ I've been looking forward to the track day and the police-escorted blast through the French Quarter at 80mph. So here is my question - Has anyone ever seen an ankle brace that might help me operate a clutch?

There is no chance I will be strong enough to operate a clutch unaided and I am sure that I will not be ready for the track under any circumstances. But I thought with the help of a brace, maybe I will be able to operate a clutch well enough to make the drive to New Orleans and make the drive through the French Quarter. I'm not talking about those neoprene braces you seen in the drug store, but something substantial that will hold my foot and ankle securing in a fixed position but still allow the sensitivity to work the pedal. A little flex might be OK. Has anyone seen anything like this?

I will ask my therapist as well when we meet next week, but I thought I'd cover all bases. Maybe someone here has been through something similar. Thanks for any ideas.

[widebody911]

Rent an automatic.

I went through something similar when I had ACL reconstruction - couldn't drive the 911 for 2 months or so.

[jakermc]

I am trying to make some arrangements to have an F1 paddle shift car available for me during parts of the event, but I would still love to be able to drive my own car. For me, thats part of the thrill of the event. Besides, I would not be able to push very hard if the car is not mine and I am not familiar with the course.

I am also looking for options for after the F-car event. I have a 968 tiptronic, but if you have ever driven a first generation tip you know its not well suited for the track. It does not rev-match downshifts. I want to get back in the 911 if I can.

[GUMBALL]

If you can't think of anything else, here's an "off the wall" thought.....
Do you know anyone that does carbon-composite work ??

A few years ago, when I was working for an Indycar team, our driver had broken two toes. His foot was much too painful to operate the clutch properly for pit stops. Our composite guy solved the problem....
-he put one of his heavy plastic bags over the driver's foot,
-then did a "lay-up" of carbon on the sole of the foot
-then "bagged" the whole foot in a vacuum bag
-waited for the epoxy to cure (20 min.)
-and VOILA, our driver had a custom fitted cast

If you had something similar, so that it covers the sole of your foot, but also goes up the back of your ankle - so that there is no strain on your tendon........

Just a thought........

[jakermc]

Interesting idea. Which team did you work for? My father reminded me of another driver that had something similar. My uncle and his family used to own a couple of Indy cars in the 80's, the Kraco/Galles team. They had a driver that wrecked and destroyed his feet and ankles pretty badly, almost losing them. During his rehab they built a special box the simulated the clutch in the car so he could practice. They also fabricated a special brace for him.

I think I found a few off-the shelf options.

Here is one I would wear instead of a shoe: http://www.orthomedicalsupplies.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=oms&Category_Code=ffns

This might work inside my driving shoe:
http://www.bracesupport.com/aa/aforce.htm

Another interesting design:
http://www.docortho.com/Orthopedic_Supports/Product/Plantar_Fasciitis_Resting_Comfort_Slipper_330224.h tml

Maybe there is hope for me yet ...

[Zeke]

I really think you ought to let the thing heal. If you do damge trying to use a clutch pedal, the recovery might be twice as long. These athletes that come back too soon from an injury are a perfect example.

Those tendons will be working simply by memory.

[MartiniRacer]

ok grazy idea here how about a skiboot ? or an icehockeyskate with the iron grinded off. Both will keep your ankle and foot together i think. Sorry for my spelling

[jakermc]

Update: After nagging my surgeon he allowed me to go visit an orthotics specialist where I had a carbon fiber brace and orthotic foot pad fitted for my Sparco hi-tops. Its a tight fit, but I feel pretty secure with the set-up. I tried the brace pushing against a rubber band for resistance and I am pretty confident I will be ready to drive on the street in 2 weeks, allowing me to drive to NO. There is no way I'll be ready for the track then, but this is at least a first step.

Zeke - I am listening to my surgeon and physical therapist religiously, though I am asking them to push my recovery to the limit. Kind of like the track, I will four-wheel drift but no spins. Both still think I am crazy at this point, and if they tell me I am not ready in two weeks I won't try it. But I am responding well to therapy and two weeks is a long time given the progress I have been making. Plus, the surgeon hasn't seen the bew brace yet. I think he'll be impressed with how well it works.