Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Recurrent Tendinitis Of The Achilles Tendon
Question: I have be a runner all my life. Since age 35 I have had on & off issues with Achilles' Tendinitis, 2 x a year. At 64 I need to take 2-3 weeks off every 2 weeks to heal. I run 2 weeks no problems, and then it flare up again. I use heat & stretches all the time. Is there some shot or meds I can get from my M.D. to get lasting relief. It is only in my left foot where its always occurred. That is my only weakness I have when running.
Brief Answer:
No permanent shot, rest is important!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this recurrent tendinitis of the Achilles tendon. From all the information you have provided, this is an overuse tendinitis and treatment would only be obtained by reducing the intensity and/or duration of activity that these tendons are subjected to. I understand how important it is to keep fit through exercising but remember that it is also very capital not to fall sick because of exercise.
I am not asking you to stop exercising but would like you to adopt some other sports that do not require so much use of these tendons after about 2 weeks like swimming, lifting weights, etc. Talk with your trainer so that he can identify some more exercises for you to use intermittently so as to avoid using these tendons continuously to the point of developing another flare up. This would permit periodic rest and help prevent on a long term basis this tendinitis.
In all, there is no permanent shot for this. I will recommend spacing your running activities with those that do not need the use of these tendons to allow for resting and prevent provoking another episode. Talk to a trainer about this.
I hope this helps and addresses your query fully. I wish you well and thank you so much for using our services. Please, feel free to ask for more information and clarification if need be.
No permanent shot, rest is important!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this recurrent tendinitis of the Achilles tendon. From all the information you have provided, this is an overuse tendinitis and treatment would only be obtained by reducing the intensity and/or duration of activity that these tendons are subjected to. I understand how important it is to keep fit through exercising but remember that it is also very capital not to fall sick because of exercise.
I am not asking you to stop exercising but would like you to adopt some other sports that do not require so much use of these tendons after about 2 weeks like swimming, lifting weights, etc. Talk with your trainer so that he can identify some more exercises for you to use intermittently so as to avoid using these tendons continuously to the point of developing another flare up. This would permit periodic rest and help prevent on a long term basis this tendinitis.
In all, there is no permanent shot for this. I will recommend spacing your running activities with those that do not need the use of these tendons to allow for resting and prevent provoking another episode. Talk to a trainer about this.
I hope this helps and addresses your query fully. I wish you well and thank you so much for using our services. Please, feel free to ask for more information and clarification if need be.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
