Pain in right achilles tendon

Murago

Well, its more like my achilles heel. I'm a runner, and I workout at least 3-4 days a week right now. I'm planning on really jacking up running and weightliftin - but i'm worried about this pain. I do a lot of stretching throughout the day on my right achilles heel/tendon - its that really thick piece of muscle/bone that goes from my heel to my calf - the connecting part.

So i'll make like a hamstring stretch by leaning forward on the left knee - and then slowly bending my right knee in to stretch this part of my body.

Its a pretty sharp pain, but it feels good stretching it. I can still workout/run/ and I stand for 8 hours a day at work no problem. My left one hardly never feels the same way. I do have flat feet, but i have really good running shoes, and this dr recommended pair of insoles that give my feet a nice arc.

I'm prolly gonna set up a drs visit soon to check me out, so i'll ask him...but in case that doesn't happen for a while, i appreciate any advice you have

thanks

Dunadan019

probably this.

Achilles Tendonitis and Achilles Tendonosis
Two common disorders that occur in the heel cord are Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendonosis.

Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This inflammation is typically short-lived. Over time the condition usually progresses to a degeneration of the tendon (Achilles tendonosis), in which the tendon loses its organized structure and is likely to develop microscopic tears. Sometimes the degeneration involves the site where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. In rare cases, chronic degeneration with or without pain may result in rupture of the tendon.

Symptoms
The symptoms associated with Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis include:

Pain—aching, stiffness, soreness, or tenderness—within the tendon. This may occur anywhere along the tendon’s path, beginning with the narrow area directly above the heel upward to the region just below the calf muscle. Often pain appears upon arising in the morning or after periods of rest, then improves somewhat with motion but later worsens with increased activity.
Tenderness , or sometimes intense pain, when the sides of the tendon are squeezed. There is less tenderness, however, when pressing directly on the back of the tendon.
When the disorder progresses to degeneration, the tendon may become enlarged and may develop nodules in the area where the tissue is damaged

Causes
As “overuse” disorders, Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis are usually caused by a sudden increase of a repetitive activity involving the Achilles tendon. Such activity puts too much stress on the tendon too quickly, leading to micro-injury of the tendon fibers. Due to this ongoing stress on the tendon, the body is unable to repair the injured tissue. The structure of the tendon is then altered, resulting in continued pain.

Athletes are at high risk for developing disorders of the Achilles tendon. Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis are also common in individuals whose work puts stress on their ankles and feet, such as laborers, as well as in “weekend warriors”— those who are less conditioned and participate in athletics only on weekends or infrequently.

In addition, people with excessive pronation (flattening of the arch) have a tendency to develop Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis due to the greater demands placed on the tendon when walking. If these individuals wear shoes without adequate stability, their over-pronation could further aggravate the Achilles tendon.

you should stop running until you can see your doctor just in case as ramping up your running will probably make it worse...

/not a doctor etc...

Fantasma

You should stop making exercises involving that area of your body till you see your doctor.

wunderbar

Go see your doctor. I almost tore my Achilles running a long time ago, and trust me, that is something you do not want.

Murago

wow, i think this is exactly right. It only hurts if i pinch it from both sides...hardly any pain if i press directly from the back. I just called...gonna go in tuesday. Soo...who wants to recommend a good cardio workout that doesn't involve my right heel?

Swimming?
Biking?

Or should I really just stay off it for now?

wunderbar

Stay off of it. You don't want to fuck up your Achilles. a serious injury to it can put you in rehab for months. I've known people in sports who have missed an entire year with Achilles injuries.

you use your Achilles every time you move the foot, so any physical activity will cause strain on it.