Achilles Tendonitis

[G-Mac]

I run anywhere from 25-30 miles per week, and have been doing so for the past few years. Nothing new in my routes. I purchased a different pair of running shoes about 1.5 months ago, which I think has lead to my heel issues. I've been waking up with pain, but usually subsides as the day goes on. Now the pain is constant, but it's not debilitating. I have stopped running, but do you think this is something that will heal itself with time - along with new shoes. I've read how this could lead to more severe issues such as an achilles rupture. Needless to say I want to avoid that at all costs.

Any thoughts, besides rest, that may help this issue?
Would ice or heat be beneficial at this point?

Many thanks for your help!!

G-Mac

[Heidi]

Hi
It sounds like plantar fasciitis.
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/foot/plantarfaciitis.htm
I would obviously advise rest and a change of trainers as you have mentioned. This alone should really help. Ice can help in the mornings or after you have been on your feet for long periods. Anti-inflammatories may also help. Stretching the calf muscles has been shown to be very effective, as has wearing a night splint and heel pads or insoles.

[Heidi]

Sorry, I think I may have misred your post. IS the pain under the heel (i.e. the bit that comes into contact with the floor) or at the back of the heel?
If its at the back then it could be the start of achilles tendonitis. Similar treatment applies to be honest. Stretching of the achilles and calf. rest, ice, anti-inflammatories. Sports massage and ultrasound are also great for achilles tendon problems.

[G-Mac]

Hello Heidi,

Thanks for the response.
The pain is definitely behind my heel. I have been doing more research and wondering if it's tendonitis or bursitis. I have an appointment, but wondering if the doctor will be able to tell without an MRI. I do plan on changing shoes, and giving it some rest. My main concern is if I already started to do damage to the tendon, thus making it weaker or more suseptible to "something I'd rather not think about" injury.
Regarding my shoes, I strike on the outside of my right foot first, thus my right shoe always wears down first. (I believe b/c my hips are out of wack) I have thinking about orthotics and if they would help with my issues?
Any thoughts about that?

G-Mac

[Heidi]

Hi
Yes retrocalcaneal bursitis is another option, that and insertional achilles tendinopathy.
It is very difficult to tell the difference between them. Treatment is very similar anyway, but if you can get an MRI I would still advise it.
It is true that achilles tendinopathy left untreated can weaken the tendon and leave it more suspectible to tears.
Regarding insoles/orthotics, they may be useful in the short-term, especially to raise the heel which takes some of the strain of the tendon in daily activities, but if the problem is coming from higher up, then they are just correcting an effect of the problem and not th problem itself. So this should be addressed.