achilles tendonitis

Question
I have been skiing for 50 years and consider myself an advanced hard core skier. For the past 5 months I have been suffering from achilles tendonitis and have not been able to ski because of intense pain from my boots. I have been looking into ski boot orthodics but it appears that will not help with achilles tendon pain. I can't bear living without skiing! Please help!

Answer
hi Jill & thanks for the question. Sorry about the delay i have been away.

Yes, you have a painful problem.

there is plenty of info online, here is a little to get you started:
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/strapping-and-taping/plantar_fasciitis.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzRhIyw85Xk

http://www.hypothetic.org/ski/jeff_achilles_st.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3508331?dopt=Abstract


Probably the only way you will get back onto skis in the short term will be with good quality strapping. Id suggest a trip to the physio and tell him what you want to do. They should give you exercises to help with the injury and ask for a lesson in strapping. Perhaps - if your not so nimble, take your partner along as they may be the one doing the strapping for you due to the difficult angles you will need to achieve for it.

Basically you are imobilising the area that is causing the pain. You will need to also change the way you ski [less aggressive] in order to be able to cope. You will need anti-inflammatories and lots of rest at the end of each day so i would strongly suggest you go see your GP for some good ideas on how to look after yourself at the end of each ski day. Especially if you are on other medications.

Getting your boots on and off will also be painful - you may want to consider a bogger boot so you dont have to point your toe so sharply to put your boot on [just an idea].

Hope you are able to find a few ideas here & online. I wish you luck in getting back out there. But the best thing to do is make sure the days prior to going - you take steps to avoid excessive walking around and increase the rest - & lots of very gentle stretching.

lisa