Will I lose my fitness completely?!

[Bustersrunbuddy]

Feeling thoroughly fed up, I’ve got tendinitis in my ankle!! Really missing running, and scared I’ll lose my fitness! Not helped by being an asthmatic that despite knowing they will upset my breathing slightly has resorted to naproxen to ease the pain as I’ve been told not to run or even walk long distances so the effect on my breathing won’t be felt anyway 😢😢 xx

[Boxcar Graduate10]

You won’t lose it all. I had 3 months off last summer with tendinitis. The last month of that I swam a bit & was back to walking the dog. It took another 3 months to get to where I left off but at least those 3 months involved being out running. I ran alongside a C25K group when I was getting back into it & was reassured that I had retained quite a bit of fitness.

[Bustersrunbuddy]

Thanks so much, I was so worried, when she said tendinitis I was gutted! Not really sure how and why I’ve got it but guess it’s one of those things, I’ve not long been running so it’s a big worry for me! Thanks me for your kind reassurance 😊

[UpTheStanley Graduate10 in reply to Bustersrunbuddy]

You say you've not been running long, so, unless you've already done a proper gait analysis at a specialist running shop, the most likely cause (in my non-specialist opinion, read with caution, obvs) is that your shoes are letting your heels drop too far and stretching the tendons. This is fixable using inserts, or if new shoes feature in your plans any time soon, you can get ones that have the necessary support built in. But specialist advice is essential, and you should expect it to cost a bit. Don't just buy random inserts at the local pharmacy or chain "sports" shop! Similarly, seeing a physiotherapist (perhaps you have already?) will get you set up with simple exercises which will hopefully get you back on the road sooner, and strengthen your tendons and muscles to guard against any recurrences.

And no, you won't lose all your fitness gains . Best of luck!!

[Boxcar Graduate10 in reply to UpTheStanley]

I second UpTheStanley’s advice. I had a gait analysis with a sports podiatrist & saw a physio too. I now have custom insoles & am still working on addressing the weaknesses they picked up. My gait is still an issue as I have hip drop (but to put that in perspective I’m now going beyond 10k in the hope of completing a half - and the ankle is fine now). I completely get how worried you are. Try to find out the root cause of the injury (gait, muscles tight or need strengthening etc). Stay strong. You’ll get there.

[Bustersrunbuddy in reply to Boxcar]

Thank you both I have previously had insoles, like orthotic things, I had forgotten about them! Maybe I need to put those in! 🤔

They are querying hyper mobility today, MIU referred me to GP due to joint swelling so I’ve been referred to physio so we shall see. Thank you for your advice, I’m grateful to know there is light at the end of the tunnel 😊

[Irish-John Graduate10]

Nope. I'm just back running after a throat infection nearly turned my lungs black. Barely walked most of that time - and first asthma attack in two years (running does wonders for Asthma)

Last night, a very slow - but comfortable- non stop 5k assures me I probably lost maybe 20% of where I was....but I bet I'll get that back pretty darn quickly.

When you do feel better, just take it nice and easy running. I bet you will be well pleased at the result

Wishing you many happy miles in your future

[MadDave]

Can you do any other strength & cardio training? Walking & cycling both count as do exercises that specifically strengthen hamstrings & calves (the weakness of which may be linked to your tendinitis issue). Get well soon!