how long does tendinitis....pulled Achilles tendon..take to heel? the best treatment? can it b chronic prob?

Question

im a waitress and i pulled mine in august. just recently went to the doctor...a generalist...he gave me something for the pain and a gel for the imflammation. would like to get back to running but it still hurts. after work i wind up limping.....desperate as i need to run for my mental sanity.

Answer 1

Since you have had the injury since August it is more of a tendonitis than a strained tendon. I'd stay on the meds you were given and try to warm it up first with something nonimpact (bike or eliptical runner) for 5 minutes or so. Then start some long slow painfree stretching. Like five to ten stretches with each held for at least 30 seconds. Don't make it hurt. If you do it will just stay inflamed. Many people use heat before exercise and ice afterwards with some success. One important factor to remember is that you have two muscles that run through your achilles tendon. Your Gastroc and your Soleus. Your Gastoc attaches above your knee and is best stretched with your knee straight. Your soleus attaches below your knee and needs to be stretched with your knee bent. 10 PAINFREE stretches (5 each) per hour you are awake. If you aren't stretching enough to bug you then you aren't stretching enough. Another good test is to sit on the floor with your legs straight out infront of you. Using only your legs muscles pull your toes back towards you are far as you can without increasing your pain. They should be even. If not, keep stretching. This can be a chronic problem if not addressed.

Answer 2

You may need to change up the exercise for a while. An exercise bike may not stress the tendon. Don't start running on it until the swelling and inflamation goes down. Did you talk to the generalist about the injury?

Answer 3

See someone that does Active Release Therapy. (ART) ART breaks up scar tissue and allows for healing. The time it will take to heal will depend on the severity of your tendonitis.