Anyone have Achilles Tendinitis?

[bamademo]

I feel like I have needles in my heels some mornings and I work out.
What works for you? I've just started glucosomine.

[eyepaddle]

1. Once I walk around a bit

it seems to loosen up. I bought a different kayak--where my feet sit much more naturally, and the irritation seems to be going away.

But if glucosamine really helps or something, I'd like to hear about it.

[TimeChaser]

2. I get that all too often.

I have bad ankles. My reactive arthritis tends to flare up anytime I get sick there. Usually I just take prescription strength ibuprofen and try to avoid most activity.

[lilymidnite]

3. Egad yes!!

My left achilles tendon is sometimes so swollen and tender I have to wear clogs or other open-back shoes. Even losing a lot of weight (over 100 pounds) hasn't helped. The only things that have helped is to put about 1/2" of padding in my left shoe, raising my heel up a bit -- that plus icing it.

I'm also trying glucosamine because I can't take ibuprofin.

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

4. Yes, indeed, and I had surgery for it

I was very very active (played volleyball, ran like mad, did weights, etc.), then little by little my left heel felt like it was stinging, then burning (this was about 10 years ago). Eventually, the pain got so bad that I stopped working out altogether. About 3-4 years ago, the pain was so bad that I was noticeably limping and some days I could not walk at all.

I went to podiatrists throughout this time and I was given cortisone shots, ice, physical therapy, you name it. Even expensive orthotics did not help. The x-rays clearly showed that where the tendon connects to the heel there was calcification and the extra calcium had formed a bony protuberance off the top of my heel (thus causing more pain). The 'bump' was clearly visible.

So, in July 2004 I had surgery. The tendon was detached, the bump taken off and the heel reshaped. Then, the tendon was reattached using a titanium screw. I was with a solid cast up to my knee for two months. I went around by wheelchair. When the cast came off, I went around on crutches and then, very quickly, I moved to a cane and then regular walking. Now, a year after, I am doing very well. Pain is definitely gone, although occasionally I feel some tenderness and I still can't do certain things (like running or biking). When it's cold, I feel a bit of discomfort because of the titanium anchor (but this is apparently normal).

Now, my tendon looks normal and is no longer causing inflammation around the heel.

It is a very painful condition and there is no easy or fast cure. I hope that you can manage without surgery, because you really can't do much for a whole 2 months. :hug:

[lilymidnite]

5. Nuts

I think I'm destined for that. Podiatrist says so. My x-rays show a big bony spur. Sometimes I can't walk well at all. I certainly am afraid to snow ski, for fear of snapping the tendon. I mostly swim laps for exercise, sometimes bike (but use stiff-soled bike shoes).

Nuts.

[MissMillie]

6. Have you seen a doctor?

I only ask because the statement that your pain is common in the morning gets me to thinking of my own bout of plantar fasciitis.

http://heelspurs.com/index.html