Can anyone give advice for Achilles pain please.

[June441]

I have pain in both Achilles but worse in my left foot. It first started after my holiday where I did a lot of walking and a few 5km runs.

I have rested it for a week and tried all the suggested stretches and strengthening exercises. Thought it felt better so did 5km run this morning and my left foot which I have now put on ice is sore again.

I am so desperate to run, and I can’t believe I’m saying that because before lockdown I thought I hated running.

Any advice to get me back running would be gratefully received.

[Hidden]

Absolutely no expert here but I struggled with an Achilles injury in Jan and it took me a few weeks to really recover. Stretching is vital and now I do it every day. Also heel lifts/calf raises on the stairs have really helped me too when you feel a bit stronger. Bob and Brad on YouTube have some good massage and exercise techniques. I know there are loads on the internet too. Slow and steady but it does get stronger with time. Good luck 😊

[June441 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, good to hear it fixes in time.

[Hidden]

Might be worth a trip to the doctor or a physio if the pain is still problematic after a period of rest. Better to know exactly what you are dealing with and always best to be safe than sorry. Good luck.

[June441 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks I was trying to avoid doctors but I need to be sensible.

[Jnubster Graduate10]

Please be careful, rest is paramount!! I had a problem in my Achilles & it hurt but I kept doing Zumba,just didn’t jump - low impact stuff ( I wasn’t a runner then). Then it got progressively worse & I ended up having an operation as I actually had a tear which obviously got bigger!! Initially doctor thought it was a strain but it turned out to be much worse 😌 I listen to my body now unfortunately I was out of action for a long time. I’m happy to say now I’ve got my fitness back now, with patience & hard work😊

[Jnubster Graduate10]

Sorry meant to say if you can get it checked best to be sure. Good luck with it all xx

[June441]

Thanks think I will have to get it checked.

[Kneejerker]

Exactly same has happened to me .

Any guidance would be welcome.

I think it does take time and we all differ in how we respond to treatment etc.

From what I have learnt stretching and eccentric exercises are the key , though they do not help a small percentage of people .

I found good info on Oxford Univ NHS site.

Good luck and hope it settles

[June441 in reply to Kneejerker]

I have just looked at advice on Oxford NHS site it’s brilliant thanks. I have been doing some of these stretches but not all of them and I like the structure here. Thanks again for taking the time to help.

[Kneejerker in reply to June441]

Good luck

Hope it settles and you’ll get back to running shortly.

Best wishes

[June441]

Thanks I have been doing all the stretches. It’s worse in the morning, but I think it is getting easier. I am aware that it takes a while to fix. I’ll check that site out.

[Tasha99 Graduate10]

High drop shoes. 12mm. Brooks do that. Could try gel heel cups a cheap alternative.

zappos.com/c/what-is-heel-t...

[June441 in reply to Tasha99]

Thanks will have a look.

[anthonykell100]

I tore my achilles a while ago and couldn't run for months. The tendon has a poor blood supply and is very slow to heal. I'm back running again but it's still stiff and I need to be careful. The tendon is still thickened with a bump at the injured spot. I went to see an Osteopath for treatment and was prescribed calf drops/raises and a programme of stretching. Now up to week 7 of the c25k and it's holding out but am still being very careful. Seeing the Osteopath has been great, not just for the treatment but just as valuable is the advice about when and how to ease back into running.