Achilles tendon pain

imported
#1

I have gone about 480 miles so far having started in Harpers Ferry and am heading south (hopefully to Springer Mountain, GA). Yesterday after a long downhill (going south from partnership shelter) I started getting a lot of pain
in my left achilles tendon (where I think it attaches
to the bottom of my calf muscle) right above the top
of my trail runners (new balance). This hasn’t
happened to me before. Does anyone know how to
recover from this? Should I buy some Hi top tennis
shoe type hiking shoes? I am wearing super feet type
insoles. I am taking a zero day and ibuproprin.
Pika

pika

#2

I had achilles surgery a few years before I took a similar trip. I’ve always worn the higher top hiking boots. A zero day or two should help and do some stretching (not alot) before you begin the day. Good luck…not trying to scare you…but if it goes you’ll be hopping on one leg. I’ve had no problems at all…just be aware and cautious and you should be fine.

doc holiday

#3

I had been a distance runner prior to my thru hike. Most runners use a stretching regimen. I routinely used several stetches on my hike aimed at the achilles, knee, shins, and ankles. I had been doing these stretches for 20 years so I stretched every 2 hours during my hike and I never had any problems. I agree with doc you do not want to start agressively stretching. Start by stretching only in the morning and as the hilke progresses you can increase. Runners never stretch cold muscles. We start with a very slow run until you work up a sweat, then do some stretching. I am no expert, just telling you what I do. I would hike for an hour or so before doing any stretching. Stretching should feel good, never hurt. Hope it helps.

Steady On

#4

I agree with previous statements except, I cannot wear anything other than trail runners, I use superfeet also. My routine is stretching , stretching and ice in town (in that order) IB before I hike. I start each morning very slowly, with a short stride and nearly flat footed, working my way up to a comfortable gait. Never push it. A shorter stride makes a big difference with my problem. Hope you find what works for you, soon.

Sobs

#5

Mine swelled for 2 days, hurt badly. Took IB for 2 days, went away. No more probs. This was all at the beginning of my trip.

Farsang

#6

one word:
arnica.

leslie

#7

Could easily be wrong diagnosing without seeing.I go against the higher shoe thing just the opposite.Achilles problems are often associated with the heel tab rubbing the tendon which often refers the pain a little higher.Runners often single/double cut the heel tab about 1 inch to stop/relieve the above.I do as marathoner/triathlete/hiker.Try it before buying new shoes. Seems brutal to a new pair of shoes but its nearly always done by distance runners.

english stu

#8

Thank you for all the good advise, I didn’t need to see a doctor. I took four zero days, iced my Achilles tendon. Back on the trail I took shorter steps, stretched and especially took steps downhill where my foot was more parallel (flatter) to the slope or the trail. Also I noticed a faster pace would bring on problems and slow pace wouldn’t. I was back in business and made it all the way to Springer even doing many twenty mile days.

Pika