Achilles/heel pain??

[erin1715]

Hi all, I've been having pain in the back of my heel below my ankle but not on the bottom of my foot and I've never had a problem like this before. The pain is only there when I try to bend over at the waist (can't do a hanging stretch). It feels like a tingling/pulling sensation and it does hurt. I can walk and probably even run, although I haven't pushed the running lately because of this. I've been active most of my life and I can't think of anything that I changed that could have caused this other than wearing less supportive shoes, such as flats, flip flops, etc. I've since bought insoles that are designed for over pronation and have been wearing sneakers.

This has been going on for about 2 weeks now. It seems to be a little bit better but I still can't really bend at the waist without getting this pain.

Has anyone experienced this? And if so, what helped?

 

[Chikabowa]

I have something similar. Mine is pretty chronic at this point. I suspect that I could probably do something about it (rest) but I don't. I really aggravated it back over thanksgiving and I just haven't allowed myself enough time to truly get better.

In order for it to not hurt while I'm working out I have to stretch it and make sure my Achilles is really stretched our and really warm. Double under jump ropes are murder if I don't get really warm first. After about 200 of those it really hurts and it will start to impede walking the next day. I notice that I tend to favor my right foot while jumping rope (the foot I have trouble with) so I mentally have to remind myself to shift my weight to the left.

Running doesn't seem to bother it too much although the first mile or so I definitely know it's there. Again once it's warm it doesn't bother me.

When it gets super bad I do a routine of taking Aleve as that will reduce swelling. I'll also ice the area to get rid of swelling. 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, and I do it three rounds.

My chiropractor and massage therapist have both indicated that I have very tight calves and hamstrings - and that tightness is affecting the Achilles' tendon. After a massage and good stretch I do notice that the area is much better.

I wear new balance minimus shoes while working out. I wear Adidas running shows with custom orthotics outside the gym.

Hope that helps.

 

[bapcap]

I noticed the same type of pain in my right foot/heel a few months ago and a visit to the orthopedic doctor revealed a slight tear in the achilles tendon. Doctor said the best thing to do was try to stay off of it, yet he won't authorize me to go out on disability from work. How does one stay off there feet when they have to go to work everyday? Luckily I don't have to be on my feet all day, but I do walk around quite a bit.
I did get authorization for an "orthotic boot" to wear that keeps the ankle/heel from too much stretching. Unfortunately, after wearing this thing for weeks, my right knee(which has arthritis trouble) was really in pain. I stopped wearing the boot thing and my knee is feeling better finally, but I still have the pain the foot/heel. My fear is that I'll tear the tendon really bad one day while walking and the pain will be horrible. Of course, then I would have to have surgery to repair it.
Doctor never could tell me how I may have injured the tendon, he thinks it's been a slow injury going back to when I had left knee replacement years ago...I guess I was putting too much pressure on my right leg/foot while my left knee was in so much pain.
At this point, I'm just trying to stretch the tendon as much as I can throughout the day and I take Advil all day(probably too much!)
Long story short...visit your doctor before it gets worse.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Hi all, I've been having pain in the back of my heel below my ankle but not on the bottom of my foot and I've never had a problem like this before. The pain is only there when I try to bend over at the waist (can't do a hanging stretch). It feels like a tingling/pulling sensation and it does hurt. I can walk and probably even run, although I haven't pushed the running lately because of this. I've been active most of my life and I can't think of anything that I changed that could have caused this other than wearing less supportive shoes, such as flats, flip flops, etc. I've since bought insoles that are designed for over pronation and have been wearing sneakers.

This has been going on for about 2 weeks now. It seems to be a little bit better but I still can't really bend at the waist without getting this pain.

Has anyone experienced this? And if so, what helped?

All I can say is that it is a journey to find help. Many opinions and philsophies with treating the feet.

I am in physical therapy AND have custom orthotics from a podiatrist.

I saw an orthopedic doc who was no help and another podiatrist who was also no help prior to the podiatrist I see now.

I also am going to pick up shoes tomorrow that are going to help me even more.

If you don't want to do all of that at the moment, my recommendation to you is to look up a certified pedorthist and GO!

New balance stores and Brown Shoe Centers may have them on staff. Make an appt. to see one.

 

[erin1715]

I appreciate all of the responses and advice. It does feel like a tearing sensation when I try to do a hanging stretch or bend at the waist, so I've just been avoiding that motion. It really doesn't bother me at all when I walk, but its frustrating because I would like to be more active. I certainly cannot do yoga, which I normally enjoy. I'm not one to quickly go to a doctor, but if weeks go by with no improvement then I'm sure I will. I just have a feeling they won't be able to do anything for it, just recommend rest.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I appreciate all of the responses and advice. It does feel like a tearing sensation when I try to do a hanging stretch or bend at the waist, so I've just been avoiding that motion. It really doesn't bother me at all when I walk, but its frustrating because I would like to be more active. I certainly cannot do yoga, which I normally enjoy. I'm not one to quickly go to a doctor, but if weeks go by with no improvement then I'm sure I will. I just have a feeling they won't be able to do anything for it, just recommend rest.

Guessing is not good. The problem with doing nothing is that it heals wrong and then you have worse issues. Yep...that is me. It went from hurting my back to my feet.

After 3 yrs of this crap, I am finally on the mend. See a podiatrist or other doctor asap.

 

[minkydog]

You need to stop fooling around and get this looked at. What you're describing could be the beginnings of a torn Achilles tendon. And believe me, you DONT want to experience that. VEEEERY painful. You'll know immediately if it happens. The recovery is long and painful.

I would see an orthopedist or sports medicine specialist, this week if you can get in.

 

[Gretchen]

Yes to pp who said see a doc. Sounds like you have plantar fasciitis and/or Achilles tendonosis. I've had it in both feet. Most recently the left. Was in a boot and off work for 3 months. No fun. You need to get it looked at. And to those who do have a diagnosis-if the dr or physio recommend stretching, do it several times a day. Everyday, or it comes back.
Good luck and get thee to a physician!