pain in achilles below calf
Question
I am a cyclist that has recently started participating in triathlons. mostly spint distance but plan to do an olympic distance in a couple of months. Last summer I had issues with calf pain on both legs at differant times that felt like a pulled muscle and was not able to train very much for running. I am presently running about 4 miles on a training run and have been running comfortably most of the spring. Last week on a training run I started getting pain in the tendon just below the calf and a couple inches above the heel after about 3 miles into the run. I walked the remainder and took some ibuprofen. I was able to run the 5k at the triathlon about 5 days later and it was tender but not much worse. It is still pretty tender to the touch. cycling and swimming do not bother me but I am hesitant to do much running. is there something I can do to keep this from happening
Answer
Hi Paul
Problems with achilles has destroyed more ruunig careers and should not be treated lightly.First start taking 500mg vit c with your 3 meals a day.Second you want to ice as often as possible,especially after workout.Do not take ibuprofen.You mask the the problem and will make it worst.I would cut the running for a week or two giving it a chance to heal up and then start back slowly.You have to constantly lightly strech it when the tendon is warm and full of blood,about 5 minutes into a run stop and do it,and then again after run.You must also give your calf the same attention as they are interelated in the insertion points.You just have to be patient on your come back and don't try to run threw it.This one could drop you fast.
To your success
John
Creatine
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