Week 12 - Back on the upswing
21 08 2008After the plateau last week, things have been pretty awesome since then.
I’ve gained more flexibility, strength, and the bump (scar tissue) at my lower Achilles is steadily going away. Yesterday, I actually clipped in and out of my bike pedals. The heel pain is still pretty strong but really only surfaces when I spend 20+ minutes on my feet.
I saw my surgeon today (the ole wait for 2 hours and see him for 2-3 minutes deal) and he was happy with the progress. He said the heel pain was normal and commented that most of the plantar faciitis problems are due to issues with the Achilles tendon. I know exactly what he means because I remember my bout with plantar faciitis 10+ years ago and this feels just like it in many ways.
Physio has been going great. My physio is spending a lot of time mushing that scar tissue out of there and its getting better each day. I can feel the strengthening with the bands is making a big impact. My one leg balancing is getting better and my balance board work (started yesterday) was surprisingly good.
I’ve been doing some ebay scavenging and have picked up a few products that have helped in my progress. Here is what I got:
Bauerfeind AchilloTrain - Really helps when I have to go out and walk around for an extended period of time. It will get heavy use when I go back to work in a few weeks. http://www.painreliever.com/bauerfeind_achillotrain.html
J Fit Fit Stretch - Especially helpful in increasing flexibility. You can get the same deep stretch as lowering your heels off of the stairs but without putting yourself under that stress and jeopardy in this point in the recovery. http://www.jfit.com/Preventative-Fit-Stretch-P106800110.aspx
Pro Tech Achilles Tendon - This is for when I return to activities like running or tennis. You can never be too safe. http://www.runningfree.com/detail.aspx?ID=12744
* Other than the Running Free site, I don’t endorse any of the sites. They are there for information purposes only.
I also got more compression socks, and a bunch of insoles and arch supports to use when going back to work (lots of time on my feet) and when I resume running. Even with my insurance coverage, I can’t see myself forking over another $400-500 on top of their coverage to get orthotics made by a podiatrist.
By the way, I’m loving the Olympic coverage. The Men’s Olympic Triathlon was awesome. Way to go Simon Whifield. It is quite interesting to find out of the many athletes that have dealt with Achilles problems in getting themselves to the Games. Morbidly, I also can’t stop staring at all the athlete’s feet, thinking that a rupture will occur.
Happy healing everyone, and thanks for reading.
Hoss
Hoss, you and me both! I was checking out everyone’s achilles during gymnastics! Pretty amazing piece of the body. I guess we all know how important it is.
Hey Hoss, I ruptured 10 days after you and spent 10 weeks in fibreglass. Just got it off two days ago. I have a quick question for you since I know that you spent 8 weeks in fibreglass also which is alot more than most. The tendons on the top of my foot have really tightened up from being at 90 degrees for so long and I can barely point my toes. Maybe an inch past 90. Did you have that problem at first and how long if you have managed yet did it take to be able to stretch those top tendons back out. I expected to be really tight at the back but not also at the front of my foot and it is really frustrating. It has improved slightly today, but not much.
I do remember it being tight overall and some soreness at the front. With lots of range of movement exercises I made good progress. I was always stretching that sucker out. Doing circles, pointing toes, etc. It comes back but gradual. I still have some tightness at the back today but it is nowhere near how it was when I got the cast off. Some days you will make huge progress and some other days not so much. So don’t be discouraged. Think about the long haul.
The next chapter of your healing is just beginning, just be patient and everything will come back in time. Everytime I get the urge to rush things I remind myself of what could happen because I definitely do not want to go back to the starting point. That would be pure hell.
Good luck.