running with a sore achilles

I've had the same problem. Mine never gets inflamed, just is a bit sore when I start running and feels fine after a few minutes. I ice every night and it isn't getting any worse, or any better for that matter. I'm a bit frustrated by it, but don't want to take a bunch of time off as I'm trying to get in shape for a fall marathon. Inevitably, time off is the only thing that will heal it, unfortunately.

Are you able to determine what has caused the soreness? If this is not clear, you will need to do many things, such as:

Stop running hills.

Stop running intervals.

Reduce your mileage by 50%.

Change your shoe model.

Replace your worn-out shoes.

Ice.

Ibuprofen.

Cross-train.

Do not run.

What about a heel cup?

I tore my achilles several years ago when I threw on some spikes and raced. It had the same problem.

one of the best things that works for a sore achilles tendon is to gently massage it before you go run...

massaging it produces better bloodflow to the tendon creating to soothe and feel better..try it, it works!

Follow the program in this article everyday till pain is gone. http://www.drpascal.com/PascalArticle.htm. :-)

FORGET THE ADVIL!!!!!

I suggest changing shoes, and do not raise your heel!!!!

CAREFUL YOUNG JEDI - ACHILLES PAIN PATH OF THE DARK SIDE IT IS.

find out how to do an achilles assist. it is a way of taping the achilles that displaces the stress throughout the tendon. i had achilles tendonitis (acute) and was able to continue training with this taping method.

I have a similar issue. I took a week off from running because of achilles pain. After a week, it was was very tender but after running easy for ten minutes or so it seemed to loosen. I've been running around 3 miles on a track every other day and it seems to get a little better every day. Also have been alternating ice/heat and massaging area to stimulate blood flow. Only very slight pain when walking up stairs so I think it will be 100% with another week of this.

Good luck!

Bayarean wrote:

My achilles has been sore for a couple of weeks especially in the morning when I get out of bed. I took a week of and did nothing...it didn't get any better.

Can I run on it as long as I ice and advil regularly? Once I get it warmed up the pain goes away but comes back later.

I suggest you stop running on it for now. I'd go with HEAT, not ice, and try to obtain "Arcoxia" which is the best anti-inflammtory on the market today.

Jason

Have a look at the Achilles Healer. It should provide the support you need. http://pattstrap.com/achilles.htm

It seemed to start when I did a 4 X 1 mile workout and a hilly run the following day. It's very specific in location, lateral side in one spot, possible slight tear and/or scar tissue? Like I said, it's functional and I'm able to do workouts on the track in spikes, race, etc. with it staying very consistent. I know eventually the only way to make it better is time off, but I've had 2 streches of 3 weeks off and it didn't get any better. I like the massage idea, I'll have to try that a little more than I have been.

you can tear the achilles virtually without warning. if you are having problems there you are a set up for a tear then your running career is over.

Have the exact same problem-- soreness in the morning, not while running or after it's loose. In face, came to your message after googling my problem to get some help....Seems like we're getting mixed advice. I'm going to change shoes, but is it ice or heat? Before bed? After exercising?

Dudes,

A sore achilles tendon is for life. It will NEVER go away. I guess you can take this as a proof that humans are NOT built to run or that the designer is not that intelligent.

If you NEVER do explosive workouts like hills, sprinting and acceleration and warm up carefully you probably will never break your tendons. Losing weight helps too. But just understand that your champ running days and serious work outs are behind you. Say hello to cross training.

You might think that it's not that bad simply because it disappears after a few minutes right after you get up in the morning, and it also almost completely disappears after 10 minutes of running. Well, that's because of the nature of tendons. ALso, tendons are poorly irrigated in blood and poorly innervated. The pain you feel in your tendons is not a good indicator of the seriousness of the problem. If you have a sore tendon that persists you MUST go see a sports specialist and you MUST have an MRI that will tell you what has happened to the tendon.

For god's sake STOP seeking advice on forums.

I've had Achilles problems for many years. When I was young, they were a problem if my mileage went over 70 or 80 miles per week for very long. Now they're an issue all the time.

Here's what I've found works for me:

Stretching is the best preventative once the inflamation dies down. Stand with your toes on stairs and lower one heel at a time slowly. Repeat 10+ times per leg.

Toe raises using relatively heavy weights (e.g., 100+ lbs) seem to lead to healing. Try one set of 15 a couple of times per week.

Cut back some on your mileage and intensity until the problem gets better. Avoid hills. Replace your shoes if the heels are worn.

Speedwork is still OK if you get a good warm-up in, but I'd avoid anything faster than mile race pace. If the Achilles still hurts after a warm-up and some stretching, skip the speedwork and try again another day.

Avoid morning work-outs. If you must run in the morning, walk for 5+ minutes first to get things a little loose.

I had the same symptoms as those described in the previous threads; tightness in the morning, pain initially while running, etc. I decided to train through the pain as I was training for a track meet. During the track meet, while running the 800 meters, coming round the last turn I tore the achilles. That was 16 years ago. I am running again today, in fact I was back running one year after it happened. However, my calf on the leg that was torn is much smaller than the other calf. I would recommend either rest or crosstraining (i.e. elliptical) until it heals.

Put on your running socks, dorsiflex your foot, apply a double loop of sports tape. Makes running on a sore achilles much more bearable. Also heel inserts.

I have had my left Achilles tendon torn and operated on early 2008. Now its way better than my right and I can depend on it. During indoor soccer and for 2 consecutive weekly games I have had a sore right Achilles tendon. It did not pop like my left one did but it is extremely painful. Resting it is the best solution for now and never play soccer on a basketball court.