Shoes for Achilles issues?

OldAssDude wrote: »

have you tried barefoot or minimalist shoes with zero drop and no arch support?

are you working on strengthening your feet and lower legs?

If you go this route, transition VERY slowly. I had an upper body surgery so couldn't run. For the heck of it I got some Vibram 5 Fingers to see if I could strengthen my feet. I started walking in them and gradually increased the distance. By the time I could run again, I found my feet we considerably stronger and I could wear pretty much any type of running shoe pain free as opposed to the heavy motion control shoes I was wearing.

fastfoodietofitcutie wrote: »

I can't wear a traditional gym shoe because the back rubs against the achilles and is too painful.

That sounds more like Achilles Bursitis.
Does it hurt when you walk in the Skechers?
Do you run?
Do you have high or flat arches?

fastfoodietofitcutie wrote: »

I saw a podiatrist and am following his instructions but not getting better. Haven't gone the custom orthotics route yet because I've heard they don't help much. I thought going barefoot was the worst possible thing you could do. So much conflicting information out there.

Going barefoot or wearing barefoot style shoes (thin flat sole with zero drop and no support) should strengthen your feet and lower legs. You just need to take it slow and give your muscles a chance to get strong, and it won't be easy or pleasant.

I agree about trying a night splint. Get one that adjusts to angles less than 90 degrees, so you can gradually decrease the angle as it gets more comfortable. Here's an example:
http://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Plantar-Fasciitis-Splint-Medium/dp/B006L8N71Y

Also, i'd be stretching the calves every hour for 30+ seconds. The effects of stretching don't last long, hence the hourly interval.

You could also try eccentric heel drops, but the studies are mixed with them. Check youtube for how to do them.

For shoes, wear whatever causes the least pain. Shoes with a raised heel (or a heel cup) might feel more comfortable now, but the ultimate goal should be to slowly transition to no raised heel, if possible, because that's ergonomically correct.
While i don't recommend them forever, rocker bottom shoes like Skechers Shape-ups may give you some relief when walking by putting less tension on the tendon (study).

Honestly, it sounds like may have bone spurs or other issues there, because Achilles tendonitis doesn't usually hurt all the time when walking. There are several conditions that mimic Achilles tendonitis, and they're very hard for doctors to differentiate without doing MRI scans.

What were you doing that might have triggered it? Any jumping or running?

Hi. I completely understand your Achilles issues. I finally had my left one repaired the end of 2016, I can deal with the right one for now. I wear converse for my everyday shoe. For fitness I wear Nike flyknit. They backs don’t have the large padding that typically rubs on the tendon. They have been life saving shoe for me.

Asking as someone who has had surgery on both Achilles tendons, has your podiatrist done an xray of the tendons? Since nothing else is working, I'm wondering if it really is tendinitis. I'm thinking no.