Achilles pain

[NotForrestGump]

Hello, reached week 9 and over the last two or three weeks have had Achilles pain in my left foot that has calmed down in my days off so I’ve kept going, but I had to give up my first week 9 run after 15 mins because the pain was too bad. Really don’t want to lose all my progress (because it’s been hard work & im amazed I’ve got this far) but what’s the best advice? I could hardly walk for the last two days. 😞

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Don’t run... that’s the only advice I can give. Fully ruptured achilles could keep you out for 3 months or more... so I’d rather lose a little of what I’d built by being cautious than all of it by trying to run through the pain.

Give it a few days and if it’s still a problem seek a medical opinion. A physio will be able to give you exercises to help healing and also to gain strength. There are strengthening exercises that we could recommend, but they could be a risk without a full assessment too.

Here’s hoping you’re not out for long. The first two weeks will see you lose none of your progress, after that it will be gradual. Never rush back from an injury, especially anything in and around the ankle.

[NotForrestGump in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Ok, thanks. I had a similar thing last year, unrelated to running, so I’ll try the exercises but if problematic I’ll stop. Hoping my physio will take appointments soon 🤞🏻

[Ojojodee Graduate]

I had a very similar thing when I was starting out (I’m now on week 8 so behind you!) and I did a virtual physio session which was very helpful. As said, there are exercises to do that can help but I slowed right down on my sessions, only going if I felt no pain and waiting 2-3 days between each run at least until it improved. The recommendation was to take a couple of weeks off. I also found icing it after each session really helped to heal. Good luck and keep safe!

[NotForrestGump in reply to Ojojodee]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[Scruff55 Graduate]

Please don’t run for at least a week you won’t loose fitness. I struggle with Achilles tendinitis so fully appreciate the pain it’s soul destroying. But it does settle. My physio said to reduce running at first but that didn’t seem to work. So I started to rest it for at least 2 or 3 days between runs when I started back running after not running for a week . I also slowed right down ( not that I was fast) and this seemed to help but initially I didn’t run for a week. UnfitNoMore is right, good advice to follow. 😟 better a week or two now than a few months down the line.

[NotForrestGump in reply to Scruff55]

Thank you 🙏🏼 Good advice from you both there which I really appreciate. I’ll have a werk off and take longer rests between runs when back at it x