Achilles Bursitis
I've searched the forums and although it seems a few of you have had Achilles tendonitis, etc, I couldn't seem to find this one and it is a bit different.
I'm having a bout of bursitis around my Achilles currently. As some back round, I've gone from running 0 miles a couple months ago (due to unrelated recovery from surgery), to 25-30/week currently. I also may have made the mistake of trying zero drop shoes recently for some short runs. I guess I'm aware of the potential causes, but I'm searching for some alleviation before it gets worse. I'd say that this has been somewhat of a chronic problem for me over the years, depending on run volume, intensity, and terrain. However, I've been able to overcome and recover from in the past. This time around, seems a bit worse and I was looking for any advice other than the standard rest, ice, stretch. Not that those pieces of advice aren't good ones, but maybe I'm overlooking the magic bullet that someone could share? Thanks.
Comments
I started going to physical therapy and we worked on releasing (ex, massage) the calf muscles and strengthening them too, and I've been much better ever since. I've never gone back to Altras; they just don't work for some people.
Brad,
Been through your issue. First on the agenda is the hardest - stop running and allow the area to settle down. Ice, antiinflammatories are good but would not stretch in the acute phase.
Once you are pain free start a program of eccentric calf raises. This is excellent for solving the chief issue- weakness which rears it's ugly head with either too much distance, speed, or hills before you are ready.
Once you've begun a consistent strength program start rolling the calf, stetching etc.
I'm not a fan of zero drop running shoes and suspect this was a big contributor to your problem. Definitely works for some but at my age (61) not even a consideration.
Good luck.
Dave Mariner