Love elliptical but it seems to be causing achilles issue?

ljbj12
ljbj12 Posts: 5 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Background - So, I had a foot injury over a year ago, and ended up in an aircast boot for a while, and on crutches for a couple of months trying to get this to heal without surgery. However, a second mri finally showed that there was actually more going on than originally thought, and nothing (tears, etc) had healed despite everything tried. My dr finally recommended surgery, which I had at the end of May. I still have some pain from this, but it is very minor compared to those months before surgery, and my calf muscles in that leg are finally almost back to normal. I do not regret having the surgery now. When the injury first happened, I was determined not to ever have surgery, and regret that now.

Since I started going back to the gym at the end of August, I have been doing mainly the elliptical machine because it stresses my foot less than the treadmill. However, since mid-October, I have been having pain and discomfort in the back of my heel and sometimes kind of up the back of my calf. While I am on the elliptical, it doesn't hurt much, but the rest of the day afterward? Very bothersome. It seems like it should be Achilles tendon related.

If so, I am confused. . . I see recommendations for elliptical when it comes to Achilles. It is definitely better for my other injuries/surgery, so I am also upset that I have to worry about this, whatever it is.

Not sure how to exercise. I don't have access to indoor pool right now. (Swimming is one of my favorite sports, and it would be ideal.)

Thanks.

Replies

  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    See a physio
  • BeckyV73
    BeckyV73 Posts: 69 Member
    May be time to get fitted for new shoes.
  • riffraff2112
    riffraff2112 Posts: 1,756 Member
    Does it hurt the next morning ?
  • msf74
    msf74 Posts: 3,498 Member
    rabbitjb wrote: »
    See a physio

    Do this.

    It's been six weeks of symptoms which haven't resolved and it does indeed sound like an Achilles tendon issue. It may get better through the usual combination of rest, anti-inflammatories, stretching etc but it is worth checking out.

    A decent sports physio may also be able to provide you with alternative exercises like aqua jogging which you can do while rehabbing or even to assist with rehab.

    I know it is a bit sucky if you have to rest completely but remember this is not about a short term loss of being able to exercise but the long term gain of being able to do it pain free for life.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    rabbitjb wrote: »
    See a physio

    This
  • zoeysasha37
    zoeysasha37 Posts: 7,088 Member
    I also had issues with my Achilles while using the elliptical. My doctor told me to use it and not the treadmill because I have knee issues. It took a bunch of physical therapy to sort out. So I'd definitely bring this up to your doctor or make an appt with a sports medicine specialist

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