Achilles Tendon Injury Frustration
I've been having recurring pain in my achilles tendon for the least few weeks following my final OS run test. Not sure if I injured it on that test, but that seems likely. I took a week off with NO running. Seemed to feel fine after that, but as soon as I went running again (very easy pace)... I'd get pain about 2 miles in. Since then, I've taken a week at a time off with absolutely no runnning (now going on 3 weeks) but every time I come back, it's the same story.
I have NOT stopped cycling because I feel no pain during cycling. I guess I'm wondering if I just need to bite the bullet and take a couple of weeks off from ruunning and cycling. I really HATE to do that, because I was hoping a bike focus would improve the cycling while maintaining (somewhat) the run fitness.
Pain is pretty much in the middle of the tendon, between the heel and the back of the leg where the tendon attaches. It is very painful swells pretty noticeably when sore immediately after attempts to run and for about a day, but pain is prety much gone after that. Again... no pain at all during cycling.
I probably need to see a doc, but thought I'd throw this out to the team and see if anyone is dealing or has dealt with something similar. Very frustrating, as last year was injury-free and great fitness build... And up until now, I've really improved my running. Don't want to cut off my nose to spite my face, but would like to minimize fitness losses if possible.
Anyone have thoughts?
Comments
Steve,
I feel your pain (figuratively and literally), I fought a bad case of it a few years back. While mine was partially brought on by a quick increase in mileage, I'm also convinced that my problem was exacerbated by a functional leg length discrepancy due to my hips being tight/out of alignment (my tendinitis was on the long leg side). A couple of trips to the chiro made a lot of difference for me . . . with a little routine maintenance, I've been relatively injury free since (knock on wood).
Hope that helps and that you can get it resolved soon.
David
Do a check list
- new shoes; need to replace old shoes; stretching, running more hills; as you mentioned the speed work; inserts/orthotics new or need replacing.
- I've heard of issues in lacing up too tight causing issues on the achillies
-bike cleats, make sure they are not loose
- done any other sports lately with lateral movement; tennis, badminton etc I know these are a killer for me when I am running a lot.
Now my experience last OS
I had my achillies flare up in one leg last OS as I tried to ramp up gradually and still had issues. Like you I took some time off of running and kept up the biking. I still think the biking does not help as well. For me I did not have much swelling when I came back but it was still pain.
For me I did a lot a icing and anti-inflamatories from a doctor. While I normally stay off the stuff I know that its the quickest route to recovery so I bit the bullet and managed the issue for about 3-4 weeks with prescription anti-imflamatories (50-100 mg 2X day). While I'd not recommend the NSAID's route while still running I started on them after a couple attempts to come back and noticed that the recovery was slow.
Also after I finally made it back to running I did short loops close to home or on the treadmill so I could shut it down early if there was any pain. I went to long once and the pain will just continue or come back worse.
Be careful with the prescription anti-inflamatories as they can mask a lot of pain especially when the dosage goes up. I know this from a former time when I took much heavier doses for my knees and at times achilles while figure skating. It kept me on the ice but once I figure out the solution was to strenghten the knees with a few exercises I never had any problem in the last 3-4 years.
Gordon
Steve,
In Canada I have to get a referral to a specialist. My doctor is a GP that I've been going to for years who also works with athletes. If you can get in with someone who has a background in sports medicine that would be the way I would go.
I don't think the right GP would be bad especially if they are involved in running or triathlon or sports themselves. Not really sure what to say about the podiatrist but they should be able to help. The one time I got to see an orthopedic doctor was when I broke my leg but they should also have the ability to disgnose musculoskeletal system problems as well.
Hopefully someone with a medical background will chime in.
Gordon
Steve:
if no pain after cycling = ok to bike. same for swimming.
the achilles/soleus area is inflammed, but sounds like the tendon is still attached. from age 30 and above on average, this becomes a key area to properly warm up and stretch, in that order, before your workouts.
soft tissue therapy will likely be the best therapy for you, since it will break down scar tissue and help healing. running hard is not recommended, since it places excess stress on the tendon or soleus muscle and exacerbates the micro trauma that is causing the pain. you might be able to handle easy running, once the acute inflammation subsides.
in theory, sports medicine specialists or orthopaedic suregeon sports medicine docs would be the ones to see. the healing will be expedited by soft tissue therapists, however.
hope this helps.
GH