Achilles injury -

[sancho]

Hi!

Over the past few weeks I have had a nagging pain in my right achilles (back of leg, above heel, below calf . . . I assume that's achilles???). It hurts the most during running (esp uphill) and step. So, I have sworn off those activites for awhile. But I've also noticed that when I even wear my running or aerobics shoes to walk around in it hurts. Also, it hurts a little when I spin or do stair master. Should I just not do any of it or do you think I'm okay to do the spinning and stair master since its not high impact. I just don't think I can go without any cardio. Should I not even wear the shoes????

Suggestions for a quick recovery???? I am icing once a day.

Thanks,

Lauren

 

[red_mct]

Do you also occasionally get a "pinging" sensation?

It sounds like achilles tendonitis. You should probably see your doctor.

Good luck!
Marie

 

[hokypoky]

Hi Lauren - I injured my AT a couple years ago running. It took awhile to heal. Then last October I pulled it again doing that SB/SJP 90 premix. I'm sure it was overuse, because I was doing only Cathe for my cardio, mostly step of course.

I stopped step altogether (I gave up on running after the first incident), and after a couple months saw my doctor. He specializes in sports medicine and gave me several stretches to do. I ice mine several times a day and after I workout. I bought a velcro holder from Wal-Mart so I can walk around with the ice pack on.

I've been doing spinning as my main cardio (I had to join a gym just so I'd have more options!). On a bike, you can point your toes downward and relieve the tension on the AT. Now I will do step about once a week, but I usually skip over the highest impact segments. Kickboxing doesn't seem to be as much of a problem. I stopped doing the elliptical due to the pulling and stretching - the stair master may have the same problem.

I read that the AT is one of the most difficult things to heal because the tendon is so thin, the blood flow is slower. Be very careful, and don't push yourself with this injury. You don't want it to get worse! If it hurts at all, that's your warning ...

 

[Mckmain]

Hi Lauren...I have had achilles tendonitis a few times. Mine would only hurt when I ran so I did cut back. I could still do step without pain. If it is hurting that much just follow the rule of "stop doing anything that hurts" it. I would ice more than once a day. Maybe 3-4 times a day for 15-20 min. Sports cremes help too. Kickboxing might be a cardio you can do without pain or just rest a few days before trying any cardio. I woould recommend a Physical Therapist if it doesn't go away in a few weeks...

 

[debbydarestobefit]

Hi, if this is really AT, this can be a bear to deal with ... best go see a doctor, hopefully one that specializes in sports med. Ice it regularly, stretch it, and wear low heeled shoes at all times. If your athletic shoes have too much of a heel built up, you may need to wear different shoes for awhile. Switch to low impact activities -- depending on the severity of the "itis", you may need to hold off on all activities for awhile. My best advice (speaking from personal experience), don't mess too long with this on your own ... seek out a professional's opinion. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Deb

 

[seeking_guns]

You can tell that the responses have come from folks who've had AT before. Count me in among that group -- mine, too, was an overtraining injury from running. There's a universal message here: don't fool with this on your own too long. And do NOT try to work through the pain!! Cut back on your running - and cut out altogether on the HILLS, which put a lot of strain on the achilles. Ice several times a day is good; but even be careful with the stretching--sometimes that can make it worse. If it doesn't improve in 2 weeks, make an appointment. The flat shoes comment was great advice. I wound up having to switch from Nike Air Triax (which elevated the heel too much) to Asics Nimbus with an insert. So you might want to check out your sneakers, too.

Good luck! I hope you can nip this in the bud.
Cathy