Looking For Advice on Ankle/Foot Tendonitis

[Christine]

First, let me state that I *am* under a doctor's care for this. I'm just looking for a suggestion for helping this that I might not have done yet.

Back in January, I was doing a Jillian Michael's tape and warming up with no footwear on. I am an overpronater with very low arches. About halfway through the workout, I noticed the inside of my left ankle was a wee-bit sore but nothing major. I completed the workout and went on through my day. By that evening my ankle was VERY sore and the next morning I could barely walk on it and it was swollen. This is the inner ankle and down near the arch.

I went to see an orthopedic doctor who confirmed there was no fracture and said that I strained my posterior tibial tendon. He gave me a brace so I could stop limping and said that it would get better in about 4 weeks and that I needed to see a podiatrist because I would probably need orthotics for the rest of my life to avoid future issues.

I went to a podiatrist a few weeks later and she was not happy that I was still hurting. She put me in a walking cast for 2 weeks (helped a bit but my foot actually moved too much within the cast) and sent me on my way to physicial therapy. Also sold me some pre-made orthotics that helped a bit. I was slowly improving. Instead of a "10" on the pain scale, I was down to about a 2 or 3. Weekends and being on my feet would flare it up but PT would get it back down.

After 6 weeks, my PT ran out and I was hoping that it would gradually disappear. It didn't and flared up again. My podiatrist sent me for an MRI. The good news is that my tendon doesn't appear to be torn or damaged or degenerating but I have a TON of synovial fluid around the posterior tendon and the flexor tendon. She said this is due to continuing inflammation.

I also now have custom orthotics which really help. So, I'm supposed to continue to rest the foot as much as I can (easier said than done), wear my orthotics all the time (I do), and ice several times a day. I've started that back up. I cannot take an anti-inflammatory due to allergies but she did give some Voltaren Gel to put on it and told me to keep some Benadryl handy if I "decide" to use it.

I am going out today to a medical supply store to see if I can find a better fitting walking cast and, if I can, I will put myself back in it for another few weeks (she did write me a script for it).

Sorry to be so long winded, but I'm getting really frustrated with this injury. She did tell me that I could actually heal from this as I am Stage 1 (Stage 2 requires surgery) but I cannot seem to get the inflammation down.

For any of you with experience in these type of injuries, is there ANYTHING else helpful I could do that I have overlooked?

Oh, she did mention a possible cortisone injection at the site but they really don't like to do it because it increased the odds greatly for rupture of the tendon.

 

[cepmom]

sorry...no experience with this type of injury but I have been dealing with pes anserine tendonitis (knee) after using the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred so I can understand your frustration. it's a great workout but I guess it was too much on my knee. I've gone thorugh PT as well and seen an orthopedic Dr...it is not fully gone but it's better. Still have some inflammation and no longer doing the 30 day shred or my elliptical. It's frustrating when these things don't heal quickly so we can get on with our lives isn't it?

I hope you get some relief soon

 

[Christine]

sorry...no experience with this type of injury but I have been dealing with pes anserine tendonitis (knee) after using the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred so I can understand your frustration. it's a great workout but I guess it was too much on my knee. I've gone thorugh PT as well and seen an orthopedic Dr...it is not fully gone but it's better. Still have some inflammation and no longer doing the 30 day shred or my elliptical. It's frustrating when these things don't heal quickly so we can get on with our lives isn't it?

I hope you get some relief soon

I got my injury on the 30 Day Shred too, but, it really was all my fault. I was doing the tape really early, I have hardwood floors with an area rug. I was trying to be quiet. So I left my shoes off for the jumping jacks. Now, I was definitely doing them more "gently" but I apparantly pulled something. And now I can't get it to stop....

 

[disykat]

It sounds like you are getting better care than I am, reading your post is giving ME ideas. I reinjured an old tear and then, because I was limping, injured the other ankle as well. Walking tours of several colleges in one week during the worst of it really did me in. Now I am in physical therapy, mostly stretching and she's also doing some ultrasound. It is definitely helping. The swelling and pain in both ankles have gone down dramatically.

Last week she taped my ankle, sort of realigning the tendon, which was great. I actually went for a walk that night with no pain at all. Unfortunately I was allergic to the tape (I think you read that thread Christine) and had to take it off. It does make me wonder if a well fitting walking cast that kept everything in line would be helpful.

It's so hard when you want to be active and exercising etc. and you are limited! I totally sympathize.

 

[Christine]

It sounds like you are getting better care than I am, reading your post is giving ME ideas. I reinjured an old tear and then, because I was limping, injured the other ankle as well. Walking tours of several colleges in one week during the worst of it really did me in. Now I am in physical therapy, mostly stretching and she's also doing some ultrasound. It is definitely helping. The swelling and pain in both ankles have gone down dramatically.

Last week she taped my ankle, sort of realigning the tendon, which was great. I actually went for a walk that night with no pain at all. Unfortunately I was allergic to the tape (I think you read that thread Christine) and had to take it off. It does make me wonder if a well fitting walking cast that kept everything in line would be helpful.

It's so hard when you want to be active and exercising etc. and you are limited! I totally sympathize.

Yes, I remember your post about the tape.

Have you figured out what your affected tendon is? The walking cast really does do some good if you can get a proper fit on it. I didn't have any luck and the medical supply store today. They had none in stock so they are supposed to see what they can find this week.

I really need to work on getting this inflammation down. The doctor doesn't want me exercising at all unless it is pedaling a bike. Nothing weight bearing as it just continues to inflame. The ultrasound at the PT was working well, I thought. I could go back there I suppose.