Achilles tendon

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spankmonkeycfc
spankmonkeycfc Posts: 40 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
My Achilles' tendon is very sore / burns after a run even with a lot of stretching, but it's fine on a bike? Any ideas to get around this???

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  • spankmonkeycfc
    spankmonkeycfc Posts: 40 Member
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    And not running isn't a option seeing as I've a duathlon at the weekend and a half marathon on the 24th - should I reduce my running between races???
  • robininfl
    robininfl Posts: 1,137 Member
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    Be careful. Achilles can tear if it's in bad shape. Yes if you can manage less running and ice it after running, alternating ice and hot water baths help, and make sure you warm up very well before running. Acupuncture can also help to calm it down. But in the end you have to fix whatever is causing it, overtraining or technique or whatever.
  • spankmonkeycfc
    spankmonkeycfc Posts: 40 Member
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    I'm off for another run tonight and I'll seehow it goes, the last few times I've been limping the following day even with a slow pace - may have to cutback on the training :(
  • robininfl
    robininfl Posts: 1,137 Member
    edited April 2016
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    Also see a PT if you can, there are exercises to help reorganize the tissues to be healthier, and those sleep socks that keep the foot flexed might help, but for now ice and rest, yes? Do what you need to and then get to the doctor, find a doctor that doesn't just say "stop running" though, like a sports medicine one.

    ETA: because if it just hurts, that sets you back a few weeks. If you let it go until it tears, that can set you back YEARS.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,209 Member
    edited April 2016
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    spankmonkeycfc wrote: »
    And not running isn't a option seeing as I've a duathlon at the weekend and a half marathon on the 24th - should I reduce my running between races???

    No, make an appointment with a surgeon. B)

    If you insist on running, avoid uphill runs (puts more strain on the Achilles), stretch your calves hourly for 30 seconds, and wear a night splint.

  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
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    I haven't run for a few weeks for the same reason.....and I have a HM coming up in 6 weeks that I may end up just selling my bib for. There's always another race.......
  • ClubSilencio
    ClubSilencio Posts: 2,983 Member
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    FWIW, both of my achilles are perpetually sore and wearing compression support helps significantly when I run. I use the AchilloTrain Pro... quite expensive but German engineered and trusted. It has a gel padding that aligns with the tendon. There's many other cheaper ones you can try (search achilles brace/sleeve on eBay) and they might provide you some comfort during your run.

    It sounds like you're gonna give it a go so I'm just offering a tip that might make your training easier. But you should still get it checked out ASAP.

  • spankmonkeycfc
    spankmonkeycfc Posts: 40 Member
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    Cheers people, good advise by all. The splint / support sounds a viable option as I don't want to forfeit the races unless I really have too
  • spankmonkeycfc
    spankmonkeycfc Posts: 40 Member
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    *advice even
  • NEOHgirl
    NEOHgirl Posts: 237 Member
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    Definitely get it checked when you get a chance though. I've always had tight calves, and when I started running again, even with stretching, I ended up with Achilles tendonitis. The doc told me that if I'd kept going, I would have actually torn it.
  • BigGuy47
    BigGuy47 Posts: 1,768 Member
    edited April 2016
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    spankmonkeycfc wrote: »
    ...I don't want to forfeit the races unless I really have too
    Be aware that if you rupture your Achilles tendon you will forfeit races for an entire year. Plus the whole surgery and recovery thing. An unpleasant experience to say the least.
  • Chargunshow
    Chargunshow Posts: 60 Member
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    Tight calves definitely can exacerbate problems with your Achilles. In addition to stretching, get a roller and roll those calves out. Also, stay hydrated to keep your muscles well lubricated. You can also check to make sure your shoes don't need to be replaced. High cushion shoes are good for about 500 miles, standard cushion shoes are good for 350-400 miles...on average. Sometimes aches and pains are a sign that you need new shoes.

    Good luck. But I agree with the others, rest and train another day rather than overtrain and become injured and side-lined for longer.
  • spankmonkeycfc
    spankmonkeycfc Posts: 40 Member
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    Did a 8mile plod with strapping seemed to feel ok; I think you're right about the shoes they're getting to the end of their life, but with 2 races over the next 2 weekends it's too late to bed another pair in me thinks??
  • spankmonkeycfc
    spankmonkeycfc Posts: 40 Member
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    Update: went to a specialist running shop, shoes are at the end of their life but no time to break in a new pair. They recommended foam heels to place inside the shoe to give more support - seems to be working, running with more confidence, and when the opportunity arises I'll break in a new pair. Thanks to all you guys for your top advice...

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