Pain in all the right, or wrong places
So the boots been off for about a week, I have yet to do anything other than ride my tri-bike set up on a bike trainer in the basement and some minimal eccentric strength training, just a little, enough not to aggrevate the AT. My main findings are that the tendon swells and gets painfull more from the day to day rubbing of the tip of the heel piece on a shoe, than it appears to from excersize. I made a 40 mile each way trip on Saturday and it hurt more and all day from that, than any walking I have done, so I may have to wear the boot for driving. Other than that it feels great, especially when using KT tape, and again this could be a placebo ’safe’ feeling more than anything else, or it could be that the tendon receives less wear and tear from footwear, either way I will continue with the KT tape, and hate to admit it, but I will be doing some longer walks to see how it goes, get into a steady bike/walk/EST routine and go from there. If there was a plastic AT protector that stopped shoe impacts I think I would be healing faster…maybe
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Glad to hear your PT regime is on track. I’m starting PT next week, so I haven’t been doing too much on my own — just getting about right now is enough. Bu the bike rehab sounds like a great idea. Think I have a friend with a bike-trainer stand he’s not using. Maybe I’ll get my mountain bike cleaned up just a bit, and pressed into service on it. I’ve also noticed the heel pain — somedays more than others. Almost as if my heel has lost its natural padding. I guess that’s another area which needs to be gradually reconditioned. Thanks for the update & info. All best.
Can you elaborate on KT tape? How it’s used, if it needs to prescribed, etc. I’ve heard of this before but don’t know much about it. I’m getting the “itch” to start kicking this recover, (PT part), into high gear and I’d like to see if this will aid in what I’m doing. Any info you can provide would be appreciated….Thanks and good luck with your recovery
Janus-
That heel pain you describe is normal, and to be expected. Some people have found Croc’s provide a lot of relief. I also found rockered shape-up (Sketcher) shoes help; since they put more weight on the center of your foot. However, the shape-ups will also work over the Achilles area (depending on where you’re at in recovery that can be a good or bad feature).
At 6.5 months out, I still have occasional bouts of tenderness in my heel; though the frequency and severity are much reduced.
RyanB, thanks again.
Ryan and PJ,
Stay away from Skechers Shape-Up shoes or any shoe like that. That is the main culprit in my original development of Achilles tendinitis, causing my eventual rupture (not to mention two subsequent ruptures). That style of shoe is specifically designed to shorten the AT and unnaturally displace your weight, challenging stabilizer muscles to do excessive work. Coming back from an ATR, you cannot afford this additional stability challenge.
I do agree with Ryan on the Crocs, though everyone’s foot is different. Dansko-style clogs are great if you can handle the weight and are comfortable with the elevated platform (once again, not best for your first shoe back). I bought a pair of cowboy boots with a low-heel because the back of the boot does not touch my heel and the minimal lift gives me even displacement with my gait (even now when I’m basically just learning to walk again!). I feel a lot of that discomfort is due to the loss of what is the biggest callous on anyone’s body and building that buddy back just takes time.
Congratulations on your increased mobility! I can’t wait to get back on my bike. I would really suggest you think back on what have been the most comfortable, naturally-fitting, low-maintenance shoes you’ve worn in the past and go with something similar whether it’s euro-style boots, ergonomic shoes, clogs, or in my case: low-rise cherry red cowboy boots