Achilles Issues

[sparky]

I know this is probably something I should discuss with a specialist, but want to know if anyone has had the same issues.

I am 41, and have run off and on since my teen years. I have biked pretty consistently since I was about 20. Two years ago I started swimming for exercise and then decided to put all of those three together. Last year I ran two 5K's, did one biathlon, and three triathlons. I was definitely hooked. I was still training last October for the Blind Pig run when I started having a sore Achilles tendon(left side). When I started out on a run it would be sore and stiff for about a 1/4 mile, then start to loosen up and feel fine. I did this for about three runs before I realized the damage I was probably doing. The morning after those runs, my first step out of bed was very painful.

I figured I would do the usual to treat an injury. I basically rested. I stopped biking and running, but continued swimming and weight training. Come March, it isn't any better and I decided to see a Podiatrist. He says it is Achilles tendonosis and orders 8 sessions physical therapy. I see little or no improvement over those 8 session, so he orders 4 more. I have just completed those, and I can finally say I am improving slightly. I didn't notice the change until they started to massage my calf, which is very tight and has various sensitive spots that they try to work out. Stretching seems to help, but now I am seeing the same problem on my right leg. When I do the "against the wall" runners (hamstring) stretch, I can feel something happening at the base of my right calf muscle. My Achilles tendons have never been swollen or tender to the touch.

My main question is has anyone experienced this? I am beginning to believe that it is more than just tightness, and might possibly be some systemic problem. Can anyone recommend a specialist who would know how to treat this?

[jeffjls]

Sparky,

8 sessions of PT is a blip on the radar screen for this type of chronic injury. In ideal situations, where thereapy is provided 2x/day 6-7 days/week I have seen this sort of injury take 3-6+ weeks to get back to pre-injury participation, but therapy continues up to 6 months. This is in competitive College running and I have also seen it in professional athletics. Be patient and continue to move forward. If your other achilles is sore it is likely due to you putting increased pressure on that one due to the initial injury.

The best thing you can do for your injury is to wake up in the am and do your take-home exercises and do them again at night...put your time and effort into doing everything you need to do to get better. If you are really impatient, increase your Therapy sessions per week to 4/5 per week.

You mentioned that you are beginning to feel some improvement...be concerned when you stop seeing improvement. As far as the physicia goes...this will not change your treatment. If you are unhappy with your treatment, you need to shop for a different Therapist or Athletic Trainer, one who specializes in runners.

Good luck and keep going,

Jeff

[sparky]

Jeff-

Thanks for the information. What appears to be working is stretching 3 times a day, including as soon as I wake up.