Achilles Injury Advice

astasic

Looking for some suggestions and experience from knowledgable here, thank you.

I have encountered a second occurance in two years of a similar injury  under the scary similar scenario . First event involved a trip to the specialist office, second is self diagnosed based on previous experience. Two years ago was a left, now right achilles.

Both cases involve:

1. Prolonged use of anti fungal Lamisil, orally, under the non FDA approved protocol of one pill a day for 3 months, both times due to toe nail fungi.

2. Both occasions the injury inflicted toward the very end of the cycle

3. Both cases involve running mileage in a range of 45-50mi/week, moderate running build up

No prior running ijnuries prior even during repeated run weeks of 55-60mi, with substantial portion of speed work. No other injuries ever in my life before of anything.

4. The onset was identical each time, with typical pain developing in the area 2in above heel

Schooled by the first event, I stopped running 11 days ago. Still swimming and biking, no issues. Some residual morning soreness still present.

I have done this:

1. Heel inserts, 12-15mm both shoes

2. I have iced myself until I incurred frost induced burns on my skin- bad, stupid, I can tolerate pain for sure, did not know I am not supposed to put ice pack on bare skin, learned the hard way, no issues, all ok now, typical triathlete, if little is good, more must be better

3. 11 days 600mg ibuprofen 4x day, supervise by wife, pharmacist 

4. massaged the tendon 3x day, rolled both calves including achilles 

5. Pain test, raising up on my toes gives discomfort, on 1-10 scale 2

Can I conclude that acute phase is not over yet?

What else can I do besides going to see the specialist?

Last time 3.5 weeks of no running and than very slow 4 weeks of comeback, should I expect about the same?

There was no swelling, no noticable nodule on the tendon this time, no noise when moving foot.

The last silly one, just to validate, there is no running through this one, right. I can tolarate and grit my teeth if I have to, just as best as I understand, this one is a no no for that. Podiatrist adviced last time no running, none zero.....until over.

Thanks

HayesSanborn

Something to look into acupuncture. My GF was dealing with Achilles issue last fall during IM training and started have sessions and the problems went away fast. They would mainly focus on the calf if I recall...He is highly acclaimed and isn't a guy that sets up on the mall.

Even thought you're not running, the calf is still working while cycling and he the calf is in spasm it won't release if you continue to stress it.