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Achilles Tendon Treatment

pgiesinpgiesin
in General Training Discussions

Uh-oh!

I am 4 weeks out from CDA and have developed a achilles tendon problem. I am trying not to panic and keep telling myself there is time to heal. I have been icing and using compression all day long. I know I will have to cut back on the running. Luckily taper is almost here and my run fitness is as strong as it has every been.

I am wondering if there is anything I can do to help improve the chances of recovery. Has anyone used the AchillioTrain Support before? Is is worth the cost or is there something else recommended?

Thanks,

Pete

Comments

  • Gordon CherwoniakGordon Cherwoniak

    Peter,

    I've never used that support so can't comment on it.

    Is this a overuse injury or are there underlying issues.  Changing shoes, bike cleats or even doing some new movement laterally (like badminton).  Check out this thread http://members.endurancenation.us/T...fault.aspx

    You will need some time off now go through the likely causes and try to take it a little easier.  You will more that likely need down time after the race  but if you manage the recevery now you can get to CDA without causing more damage. 

    Gordon

     

  • pgiesinpgiesin
    Gordon,

    Thanks for the feedback and link. I am not sure of the cause. I was out at ToC a week ago. This was some significant increase in the amount of riding and climbing. I also replaced my running shoes, but with the same brand and model. Other than that I have been pretty consistent with both the riding and running over the past few months.

    Regardless, I know I need to cut back on the running and potentially riding. The only major piece left is RR#2. I will probably start out doing this and then play it by feel. The silver lining in all of this is that I will probable be spending more time in the pool.

    Pete
  • ghernandghernand

    peter:

    no need to get that brace.  just try to avoid sprinting and climbs on the run or bike that are steep enough to put added strain/stretch on the inflammed area.

    swimming is actually perfect because the pointed toes position relieves strain/stretch on the tendon.  also running with high turn over (i.e. not coming up so much on your toes) or running at z1 pace (slow) should be ok, once the pain subsides. 

    self massage while you sit at your desk also helps speed along the healing process.

    the taper period will help and at the race you'll be going at a pretty controlled pace (not powering over anything), so the pain strain should be held at bay.

    gh

     

  • pgiesinpgiesin
    Gilberto: Thanks for the comments. I actually found a local doc that was willing to let me borrow this brace. So I am going to give it a try.otherwise I would have forgone the purchase as you suggested. I have spent a lot of time on the ATA site today studying how to massage this area. Definitely plan on taking it easy for the next few days and focus on the swim. Also cutting back on the toughness of the RR route and focusing on execution.
  • Matt SamojedenMatt Samojeden
    A simple strengthening and stretching exercise has been show to be effective in resolving Achilles issues. The exercise is heal drops. See exercise 3 in the following doc http://www.smiweb.org/achilles.pdf. This exercise was recommended by my PT and it has been effective.
  • DavidGHarrisDavidGHarris

    I can second what Matt about heal drops . . . were effective for me as well.  I still do them periodically as a preventative measure.

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