Achilles problems

[Lorraine54]

My Achilles is still not back to 'normal' after 18 months of non running. I still walk the dog, yoga and swim. I've tried resting it, strapping it and exercises. Should I just run through the pain and swelling (when it happens)? Anyone else out there dealing with Achilles's problems ?

[j-runs Graduate]

Hi I had to stop on my first try c25k with painful achilles. I stopped running for a long time and then started brisk walking instead, which is easier on them. I have been doing the eccentric heel drops for a long time now, just 10 each leg 3+ x a week. They strengthen your calves. I finally started c25k again, at week 9 now, and the achilles are so much improved I hardly get any problems any more. I also had the wrong type of running shoes (too flat for me) and changed them after a gait analysis, also lost some weight. It's worth checking with your gp who might refer you to a physio, but don't run with pain. Hope it improves for u.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

The only true running injury that I suffered was a "tweaked"Achilles tendon, which stopped me from running for over a month, during which I did eccentric heeldrops while standing on a step.

This, under the informal supervision of a friend who used to be a physio, got me back to running.

He advised me never to run in pain (and that goes for any injury) and that cycling could help, again as long as pain and swelling are controlled.

I would suggest getting professional medical advice since the long term outcomes can be very serious.

Take care.

[Sparkey5000 Graduate]

me!! Same as you still walking the dog and doing yoga. Had three months off running but missing it so started week 1 yesterday but with loads of stretches. I can still walk today (win 1) and although I can feel it not inhibiting my movement. Going to play it by ear. Have you come across the app Recover? That recommends specific exercises depending where your niggle is. I found that useful. Not it’s the same everywhere but I can self refer for physio in my area using the health authority’s website. That might give you good advice. Hope you get sorted soon.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Go get it checked out... as IannodaTruffe says, we advise never to run through pain, or masking with painkillers. Swelling too would seem to indicate something amiss?

After I tore my Achilles tendon , ( not running related), I had, after the third plaster was taken off, physio, but within a relatively short time there was a huge improvement in mobility.

What injury did you suffer with your Achilles?

Please keep us posted?

[Comte Graduate]

Yes I concur with previous comments that you should never run in pain. Also swelling is a sign that something is wrong. Maybe with walking the dog and yoga you are still attempting too much with the Achilles and that more rest is necessary. Also have you tried putting heel inserts in your shoes, running or otherwise, that lift the heel to a small extent as this is medically recommended for Achilles problems. I have had a calf injury, unrelated to running and not an Achilles problem, for which I use heel inserts and fortunately I have had a very good physiotherapist.

If you can consult a physiotherapist without first consulting a doctor, then I would recommend this instead of consulting a doctor.

[DocEmmett Graduate]

Hi Lorraine54,

IannodaTruffe, above, as ever covers it so well.

I tore both Achilles tendons some years ago when I tried doing too much running too soon. My running plan was not sound (unlike the brilliant C25K), my body was not accustomed to it and let me know about it. Both Achilles tore together and I was left in the middle of a town centre barely able to slowly walk the two hundred metres or so to my parked car to return home. I used RICE, saw my GP, used heel inserts, had a course of physiotherapy, did advised exercises including eccentric heeldrops, and undertook a programme of physio-instructed self-massage up and down each side of each Achilles, every day for a year. It felt like it would never end. I returned to low-impact activity: swimming, Pilates, cycling, cross-training, appropriate weight-training, keeping a close eye on how my Achilles were doing. I did not expect to ever run again. I walked our dog most days and after about a year of dogwalking happened to hear about C25K. My concern when starting C25K was whether my Achilles would hold up or tear again. I followed the programme to the letter with pre-exercise stretches and post-exercise stretches, good hydration, good sleep, good nutrition, learned as much as I could from this community and followed good sense and advice. I went straight through C25K start to finish without trouble, am currently on about nine weeks of post-C25K consolidation runs, and shortly due to start Juju's Magic Plan (Bridge to 10K). I am enormously thankful to the C25K programme and this community for teaching me how to run and for getting me back to running.

So why am I telling you this? To help you not run with pain, to help you avoid injuring your body, to encourge you to be patient, to seek professional advice, and for you to know that with care you can get where you want to, and you will.