OT: Achilles Tendon Issue

[zappaa]

This board is good on advice or help!
I’ve miraculously gone my whole life without a joint injury of any kind.
Played multiple sports at high levels including squash in my later years.
Never had a knee, ankle, wrist, shoulder or hip injury….ever.
All of a sudden I have an inflamed Achilles Tendon that according to my doctor after X Rays is not in jeopardy of rolling up on me.
I’m quite functional, I just can’t run.
Physical therapy makes it feel better but the swelling (which is obvious) when I compare my ankles is not going away.
I can play golf, carry my bag and still walk the dog…. No real issues.
Anyone ever dealt with this, I’ve been told by people Achilles Tendons are unlike any other tendon in your body, even if you rest it and do nothing it can stay inflamed.
God forbid I need a boot…..HELP

 

[mildone_rivals]

Go to your local pharmacy or Amazon and get yourself some inexpensive gel inserts for your shoes, sneakers, whatever. Get the ones for sports, which generally have pretty thick heal cushioning. Dr. Scholl's is good enough to start with - don't get caught up spending a ton for custom inserts or whatever until you try the cheap option first.

Maybe get a few for all the shoes you typically wear.

I had issues with my Achilles tendons playing soccer many years ago. I tried resting it for a week, then two weeks, then a month. But they'd start hurting again within a game or two of coming back.

One of the older guys that played with us, a coach with tons of experience, told me to get the inserts. Got 'em, trimmed 'em to fit my cleats, and they did the trick after a couple weeks of rest. Felt like a miracle at the time. I don't use 'em for walking around or whatever. Just running and sports. But if you walk and have issues, use 'em for that, too.

They can also help with stuff like shin splints and plantar fasciitis. But if you have other foot issues, e.g. flat feet, you probably ought to see a doctor because you the wrong insert type might create new problems. If you have "normal" feet, then you should be okay and hopefully it'll work.

 

[Ronnie_B]

My Achilles is the reason I quit playing basketball, I couldn't shake the pain and I didn't want to risk snapping it, that's one rehab you don't want to go through. Take it very seriously Zap.

 

[Ronnie_B]

Go to your local pharmacy or Amazon and get yourself some inexpensive gel inserts for your shoes, sneakers, whatever. Get the ones for sports, which generally have pretty thick heal cushioning. Dr. Scholl's is good enough to start with - don't get caught up spending a ton for custom inserts or whatever until you try the cheap option first.

Maybe get a few for all the shoes you typically wear.

I had issues with my Achilles tendons playing soccer many years ago. I tried resting it for a week, then two weeks, then a month. But they'd start hurting again within a game or two of coming back.

One of the older guys that played with us, a coach with tons of experience, told me to get the inserts. Got 'em, trimmed 'em to fit my cleats, and they did the trick after a couple weeks of rest. Felt like a miracle at the time. I don't use 'em for walking around or whatever. Just running and sports. But if you walk and have issues, use 'em for that, too.

They can also help with stuff like shin splints and plantar fasciitis. But if you have other foot issues, e.g. flat feet, you probably ought to see a doctor because you the wrong insert type might create new problems. If you have "normal" feet, then you should be okay and hopefully it'll work.

I'd take it a step further and go to a orthopedist who can make custom lifts designed to your foot and arch.

 

[mildone_rivals]

I'd take it a step further and go to a orthopedist who can make custom lifts designed to your foot and arch.

Why do that if inexpensive ones work? I never needed to see a doctor nor get custom inserts and my achillees tendonitis went away like magic.

Try to cheap easy path first, and only progress to a more expensive or difficult approach if needed. Is my philosophy at least. If the inexpensive over-the-counter solution doesn't work, or if Zap has other foot issues, then a visit to a doctor makes sense.

 

[zappaa]

Got new Hoka sneakers which definitely help.
I need to go a step further and get inserts
I don’t know what rest is?
Does it mean no walking?

 

[RUBigFrank]

Had an issue with fraying in the achilles - good pair of sneakers solved it (Nike Air Hype II)

 

[batts]

I suffered from Achilles tendonitis a few years back. Rest and physical therapy helped greatly. Rest is the key. If you are active, use an elipical machine or recumbant bike to keep in cardio shape.

 

[ashokan]

Achilles tendons can be very odd
They react to all sorts of things other tendons might not
Antibiotics can inflame Achilles and so can aspartame
I had sore wrists for a year that I attributed to bike riding.
The pain went away when I quite aspartame
Of course sugar can lead to tendon issues
Aside from diet and orthotics (cheap one from Walmart helped me ) ultrasound helps to break-up dead cells so healing can take place

https://sportdoctorlondon.com/antibiotics-and-achilles-tendons/

https://www.livestrong.com/article/490011-diet-soda-and-joint-pain/

 

[zappaa]

Doc put me on Diclofinac.
Bottom line is swelling is not going away.
Please clarify your definition of rest?
Went physical therapy, lots of message, heat and a few exercises…always feels nice but not helping swelling.

 

[RU4Real]

I don't know nothin' about all this, but I would definitely stay away from guys named Paris if I were you.

 

[Ronnie_B]

Doc put me on Diclofinac.
Bottom line is swelling is not going away.
Please clarify your definition of rest?
Went physical therapy, lots of message, heat and a few exercises…always feels nice but not helping swelling.

I would go ice, not heat.

 

[knightru]

It might be referred pain/inflammation from your calf, or even your quad/hammy or hip.

Is the discomfort up high or down low near the heel? Your shoes could also be playing a role. You might want to try acupuncture to hit up the muscles around the calf.

 

[batts]

Please clarify your definition of rest?
Went physical therapy, lots of message, heat and a few exercises…always feels nice but not helping swelling.

No running. No treadmill. No carrying golf bag and walking the golf course. Use a golf cart. In fact, you want to consider taking a couple of week sabatical from golf. I am a golfer so I can understand your reluctance to avoid golf for a few weeks but swinging golf clubs puts a strain your ankles and tendons.

 

[RCBeta79]

This board is good on advice or help!
I’ve miraculously gone my whole life without a joint injury of any kind.
Played multiple sports at high levels including squash in my later years.
Never had a knee, ankle, wrist, shoulder or hip injury….ever.
All of a sudden I have an inflamed Achilles Tendon that according to my doctor after X Rays is not in jeopardy of rolling up on me.
I’m quite functional, I just can’t run.
Physical therapy makes it feel better but the swelling (which is obvious) when I compare my ankles is not going away.
I can play golf, carry my bag and still walk the dog…. No real issues.
Anyone ever dealt with this, I’ve been told by people Achilles Tendons are unlike any other tendon in your body, even if you rest it and do nothing it can stay inflamed.
God forbid I need a boot…..HELP

I had an inner tendon and bruised heel issue and pain for 3-5 days.​

I have been wearing these socks with a built-in soft gel pad for 20 years and it allowed me to continue playing in a wood bat baseball league and adult basketball league.​

The soft gel pad helps keep the heel warm and absorbs some of the impact.

Silipos - 10395 Achilles Heel Pad - Large/Extra Large​

​

 

[wicker]

If you don't have an operation then you might need surgery

 

[zappaa]

No running. No treadmill. No carrying golf bag and walking the golf course. Use a golf cart. In fact, you want to consider taking a couple of week sabatical from golf. I am a golfer so I can understand your reluctance to avoid golf for a few weeks but swinging golf clubs puts a strain your ankles and tendons.

My driving range swing creates Zero pain.
My walking gait is all F’d up.

 

[zappaa]

If you don't have an operation then you might need surgery

Is that a Yogsm?
The only reason I’m wearing these shoes is because of my feet!

 

[mildone_rivals]

Got new Hoka sneakers which definitely help.
I need to go a step further and get inserts
I don’t know what rest is?
Does it mean no walking?

Rest means avoid doing anything that causes it to start hurting. If it hurts all the time, stay off your feet as much as possible for a few days (although ultimately, movement can help blood flow which can promote healing so if you're not walking, do some PT).

Once you can walk without pain (with inserts), go ahead and do it. Once you can jog without pain, go ahead and do it. Pain is awesome at guiding us along the right path. Avoid doing anything that causes you to point and/or curl your toes (kidding, unless it hurts).

There are a tons of helpful YouTube videos made by professional Physical Therapists out there. I guess they see it as a way to add income to their practices by selling ads.

So maybe avail yourself of those, search for "YouTube Physical Therapy Achilles tendonitis" and you'll find some exercises that might help. Not to be Captain Obvious, but just be really gentle with any PT you do 'cause you don't want to rupture the tendon (duh).

 

[mildone_rivals]

I would go ice, not heat.

Some heat before PT or exercise is okay. Ice after is great.

 

[newell138]

This board is good on advice or help!
I’ve miraculously gone my whole life without a joint injury of any kind.
Played multiple sports at high levels including squash in my later years.
Never had a knee, ankle, wrist, shoulder or hip injury….ever.
All of a sudden I have an inflamed Achilles Tendon that according to my doctor after X Rays is not in jeopardy of rolling up on me.
I’m quite functional, I just can’t run.
Physical therapy makes it feel better but the swelling (which is obvious) when I compare my ankles is not going away.
I can play golf, carry my bag and still walk the dog…. No real issues.
Anyone ever dealt with this, I’ve been told by people Achilles Tendons are unlike any other tendon in your body, even if you rest it and do nothing it can stay inflamed.
God forbid I need a boot…..HELP

I'm dealing w/ the same issue. Ran competitively from age 9-50 and never had any serious injuries other than a stress fracture but this thing is a bear. Hurt it running in July and its still sore and swollen but I can still walk. Usually the pain subsides after it warms up.
The solution is R.I.C.E.
Rest
Ice
compression
elevation

 

[Proud NJ Sports Fan]

Do you have pain in the middle of the night when sleeping?

 

[Scarlet1984]

This board is good on advice or help!
I’ve miraculously gone my whole life without a joint injury of any kind.
Played multiple sports at high levels including squash in my later years.
Never had a knee, ankle, wrist, shoulder or hip injury….ever.
All of a sudden I have an inflamed Achilles Tendon that according to my doctor after X Rays is not in jeopardy of rolling up on me.
I’m quite functional, I just can’t run.
Physical therapy makes it feel better but the swelling (which is obvious) when I compare my ankles is not going away.
I can play golf, carry my bag and still walk the dog…. No real issues.
Anyone ever dealt with this, I’ve been told by people Achilles Tendons are unlike any other tendon in your body, even if you rest it and do nothing it can stay inflamed.
God forbid I need a boot…..HELP

Dealt with it last year. Ran into a family friend who’s an athletic trainer (at the beach).

She gave me some simple stretches and the one that was a game changer for me was: injured “foot” forward; bring that knee forward with the heel on the ground. (As opposed to the usual stretch of Achilles on the back foot.). You stretch the higher part of the tendon and it seems to put less strain on the tendon.

(My previous approach of ignoring it and limping when I ran didn’t seem to be working!)

Edit: Also ran an ice cube up and down it as kind of a massage.

 

[zappaa]

May resort to CBD oil

 

[yesrutgers01]

For those suggesting inserts…I had horrible PF in both feet for years. And it was both the arch and heel.
I had inserts prescribed but I would have needed all new shoes. How do you all do inserts? Don’t they make your shoes not fit?
I had to end up just doing a ton of stretching and massaging.

 

[krup]

Zap-

Just watch a replay of a Rangers game every day.

Gallant’s coaching decisions and Lafrenière’s slow skating will upset your stomach so much you will forget your Achilles hurts.

 

[mildone_rivals]

May resort to CBD oil

Did I mention the amazing efficacy of some good hookers and blow? Probably won't help your tendonitis, but sure is fun.

 

[29PAS]

I'm a runner, tight as a drum despite doing all the stretches they recommend and have had AT issues for 25 yrs. When it flares up, I stop running, go to PT and everytime I've been able to come back. Mildone's advice is good - it if hurts, stop doing what makes it hurt for a while but walking, at least for me, is good as it keeps the tendon moving/working/stretching. Individual results may vary - what works for one, may not work for another. Last time I had an issue, 2 yrs ago, the problem was heel edema. The AT was fine but since it was tight, it kept pulling on the attachment to the heel - that caused the edema. Therapist put me in a boot for a month and that solved it although I was shocked at how long it took to get over being in the boot - probably took another 4 weeks, an excruciatingly long time to keep a runner from running! I stretch much more regularly now.

 

[RU from Jersey_rivals]

I have been running for 40 years now and up until 15 years ago I suffered from AT from time to time causing me to shut down. However, since then I've been doing heel drop stretching (once a day) and have not had to stop running because of AT. There are many different kinds of heel drop stretches as I use the one where the heel goes bellow the step and raises above the step. FYI I use CBD oil on all kinds of aches and pains and although it is messy it does work for me after using it for a day or two (multiple applications each day).

 

[newell138]

I have been running for 40 years now and up until 15 years ago I suffered from AT from time to time causing me to shut down. However, since then I've been doing heel drop stretching (once a day) and have not had to stop running because of AT. There are many different kinds of heel drop stretches as I use the one where the heel goes bellow the step and raises above the step. FYI I use CBD oil on all kinds of aches and pains and although it is messy it does work for me after using it for a day or two (multiple applications each day).

you just rub the CBD oil on the area or are you ingesting it?

 

[ashokan]

For those suggesting inserts…I had horrible PF in both feet for years. And it was both the arch and heel.
I had inserts prescribed but I would have needed all new shoes. How do you all do inserts? Don’t they make your shoes not fit?
I had to end up just doing a ton of stretching and massaging.

I never had a problem after using these
Don't let sneakers get too old
After a few months just toss them

Airplus Plantar Fascia Insole for support and comfort, Men's size 7-12​

$8.98

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Airplus-...kWOLJglFKSXvx7O1RQK&athancid=null&athena=true

 

[yesrutgers01]

I never had a problem after using these
Don't let sneakers get too old
After a few months just toss them

Airplus Plantar Fascia Insole for support and comfort, Men's size 7-12​

$8.98

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Airplus-...kWOLJglFKSXvx7O1RQK&athancid=null&athena=true

I’ve never found inserts that don’t make my shoes too tight.
When I had no choice, I ended up getting a couple new pairs of shoes a size larger than normal.

 

[zappaa]

Did I mention the amazing efficacy of some good hookers and blow? Probably won't help your tendonitis, but sure is fun.

My escapades from 30 years ago would definitely have me pain free…Dead, but pain free

 

[Scarlet4Shore]

I’ve never found inserts that don’t make my shoes too tight.
When I had no choice, I ended up getting a couple new pairs of shoes a size larger than normal.

If you are using off the shelf inserts, you have to remove the thin insert that comes with the shoe to give yourself more room. You may also have to cut down the off the shelf insert so it fits properly.

 

[mildone_rivals]

My escapades from 30 years ago would definitely have me pain free…Dead, but pain free

If being serious, I would never advocate using any drugs as a solution to anything. Hell, I hate taking Advil or Tylenol or whatever.

My problem is that some of my earlier life physical escapades resulted in various injuries. And some of those old injuries are now starting to reappear in the form of degenerative issues. I'm not going be aging particularly gracefully, or be entirely free of pain, from here on out.

But I'm not complaining nor would I change much if I could go back and do it all over again.

OTOH, I wouldn't mind medical science figuring out how to clone us, fast-grow the clone body to about 21 years old, then shift our current consciousness to into that new body.

 

[yesrutgers01]

If you are using off the shelf inserts, you have to remove the thin insert that comes with the shoe to give yourself more room. You may also have to cut down the off the shelf insert so it fits properly.

No- had to go with prescription inserts. And the biggest problem was with dress shoes. I was commuting into the city- train, subways and walking a lot. Sales job selling to enterprise clients that still wore suits.
None of the shoes I had were the type you would be cutting anything out of.

 

[gef21]

I 90% tore mine about a decade ago. After the months in a flexed cast, and rehab, I had very similar issues you are dealing with when I was getting back to normal life. Compression, heat, and massage helped me get through it.

 

[RUScrew85]

This board is good on advice or help!
I’ve miraculously gone my whole life without a joint injury of any kind.
Played multiple sports at high levels including squash in my later years.
Never had a knee, ankle, wrist, shoulder or hip injury….ever.
All of a sudden I have an inflamed Achilles Tendon that according to my doctor after X Rays is not in jeopardy of rolling up on me.
I’m quite functional, I just can’t run.
Physical therapy makes it feel better but the swelling (which is obvious) when I compare my ankles is not going away.
I can play golf, carry my bag and still walk the dog…. No real issues.
Anyone ever dealt with this, I’ve been told by people Achilles Tendons are unlike any other tendon in your body, even if you rest it and do nothing it can stay inflamed.
God forbid I need a boot…..HELP

30 Day DL.

Does this mean Rafael Belliard will be posting for you while you heal?

 

[RU from Jersey_rivals]

you just rub the CBD oil on the area or are you ingesting it?

I use it topically.

 

[RU848789]

For those suggesting inserts…I had horrible PF in both feet for years. And it was both the arch and heel.
I had inserts prescribed but I would have needed all new shoes. How do you all do inserts? Don’t they make your shoes not fit?
I had to end up just doing a ton of stretching and massaging.

Did you take the existing shoe inserts, which almost all shoes have, out first? Years ago, when I first was diagnosed with plantar fasciatis, the doc forgot to tell me that part and I went back a few weeks later complaining of tight shoes and he looked at them and apologized for not telling me that detail. Worked much better after that, lol. But yes, even with that, one can often need shoes that are a half size larger than usual.