Achilles injury - any tips?

becclesbecca

Hi

I have a slight tugging in my achilles from time to time with certain moves eg burpees and I have some evenings when it is really uncomfortable - although it feels more like pins and needles than pain most of the time. I am currently doing T25 after having done a whole round of Insanity with no issues. I am so frustrated because I am not able to do it at the same tempo as before - and I love to exercise so much. I am doing heel drop stretches to strengthen the calves as it is meant to help but I am not sure what else to do and whether I should continue to exercise. I walk for a living so I can't afford to put myself completely out of action. Any tips greatly appreciated.

sofaking6

If it's pins and needles it could be a nerve problem coming up from the foot. I have a Morton's Neuroma (angry nerve between toes) and that's the sensation - kinda painful but more like an electric shock. I would go see a sports medicine doctor if I were you.

Azdak

My last bout of achilles lasted over a year. The thing that finally solved it was simple calf extensions on a selectorized machine. I felt like a total dope because I had dismissed that as being too simple. Doesn't mean it will work for everyone, but it won't hurt you. Another Thing some find useful is eccentric heel drops (Google the term). As with any internet advice, approach these with caution and, if you try, start off very easy and very low volume.

becclesbecca

Thanks - the heel drop stretches I am doing are the eccentric ones you refer to - so I am doing that and some other calf stretches. Hopefully they will help. Did you exercise much over that year?

Cherimoose

cambridgebecca wrote: »

Hi
I walk for a living so I can't afford to put myself completely out of action.

What shoes do you walk in (brand & model)?

What else do you do for exercise besides T25?

Azdak

cambridgebecca wrote: »

Thanks - the heel drop stretches I am doing are the eccentric ones you refer to - so I am doing that and some other calf stretches. Hopefully they will help. Did you exercise much over that year?

Luckily I could still lift and do the cross trainer and stairmaster, so yes. I just couldn't run or do any Plyo stuff. But I had to cut back and haven't been the same since.

becclesbecca

I now walk in North Face Hedgehogs GTX IV. In terms of other exercise I walk roughly 2 - 3 hours a day and in the Spring, Summer and Autumn I cycle for an hour to my walks. I don't cycle that much at this time of year but will do a couple of rides some weekends (weather dependant). I was adding a Jillian Michaels DVD to my T25 most days too.