Achilles heel / tendon

[Angielou]

I ve been getting a pain for ages now. Never when I run. Usually first thing in the morning and painful to walk on. Only been running since October and had it before then. I thought it was because I gave up wearing high heels and went for lower heels. I’ve had gait analysis too. Worse with periods of inactivity. Any suggestions please. Xx

[Hidden]

Sorry to read about your injury Angielou. This sounds like something that you would be best getting expert advice on, perhaps from a physio or your doctor. New runners can pick up all sorts of injuries so it’s best to get it professionally diagnosed and then you know what you are dealing with. Good luck.

[Woollyweaver Graduate10]

Hello Angielou, I'm really sorry to hear that you are suffering.

I have been receiving treatment from a sports physio for a few months now for my Achilles tendinopathy. I do know that she gauges my recovery as much on the morning after pain/creakiness as she does on any pain that I feel when running. So your pain in the morning may well be a delayed sign of weakness/overdoing it.

I have been prescribed a number of strengthening exercises, and the good news is that I have been able to continue running, albeit for shorter distances and avoiding hills.

If you have been suffering for a while, then it would probably be wise to consult a sports physio or your GP. But you may find this article informative:

treatmyachilles.com/achille...

I hope that you manage to sort yourself out. Do let us know 🤗

[Ian5K Graduate10 in reply to Woollyweaver]

Treat My Achilles is a very informative site. They also run a YT channel.This link may be of use too, if it’s bursitis

youtu.be/B1LMKwEZ5mo(Not working as expected?)

[Angie60 in reply to Woollyweaver]

Hi Woollyweaver I had a google and found some exercises but think you are right. Speak to a professional. xx

[Ian5K Graduate10]

I have had similar symptoms and I reckon it’s heel bursitis (or Achilles bursitis). Never a problem when I run or walk, often comes on with prolonged inactivity, or excessive dorsiflexion (raising the toes to stretch the achilles tendon).

I’ve ruled out tendonitis and plantar fasciitis by some intensive squeezing and prodding about - no pain whatsoever with that.

I’m avoiding stretching heel drops (replacing them with heel raises) and I should be wearing trainers with raised heels and avoiding walking in flat shoes or bare feet. I’m also rubbing in ibuprofen gel.

But, of course, I could be wrong on the diagnosis. If it’s really painful or debilitating, better to get a professional opinion. If yours is a chronic complaint, I’d advise a professional opinion too.

[Angie60 in reply to Ian5K]

Hi Ian5k thank you. I switched from wearing heeled shoes to fairly flat ones as I felt more stable ( I do not have an ACL on my left leg) and heels made me feel very wobbly. I'll let you know how I get on. xx

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Could it be the non-running shoes you are wearing? Maybe worth having a check. I know that a particular pair of shoes make my shins ache so I look at all my other footwear carefully.

[Angie60 in reply to Irishprincess]

Hi Irishprincess. You could be right it. It seemed to come on before I started running when I switched from wearing heeled shoes to fairly flat ones as I felt more stable ( I do not have an ACL on my left leg) and heels made me feel very wobbly. Fingers crossed it is nothing too serious. xx

[Irishprincess Graduate10 in reply to Angie60]

Yes it could be that. Fingers crossed you can sort it out 🤞