Few days ago I posted about a calcaneal stress fracture that had to be confirmed by a MRI. Today I got the results of the MRI and my diagnosis now is partial tear of the Achilles tendon. After the change in the initial diagnosis, can I consider myself lucky because I avoided the stress fracture or the partial tear is a worst scenario?.
I talked to the doctor and I told him that I have no pain when I walk. Sometimes I can feel it but it’s no painful. I can also bike with very little or no discomfort. He suggests me to use the elliptical machine or bike if there is not pain. He says pain is the main indicator, as long as it doesn’t hurt i should be able to ride and swim but no running for the next 4 weeks until I see him again.
Sorry about your injury. I had a partial tear of the achilles tendon this spring…very painful. At first, I ran through the pain for about two weeks but I couldn’t take it anymore. I went to PT and had several sessions of electrostimulation (where they inject a steroid cream…not sure what this treatment is ‘officially’ called) and lots of ice. I stayed on the elliptical for about a week after treatment but I could bike just fine but I did not run for about two weeks. Then I started running and it was like magic…all healed up! No problems since. I’m sure there are different degrees of tearing so take this for what it’s worth…this is simply what worked for me. Best of luck.
Thanks for sharing your experiences matti. I’m surprised it took so little time for you to resume running. I hope my achilles is not that bad at all, otherwise the doctor would have put me on a walking boot or something like that.
Diagnosis depends upon the severity of the tearing. Calcaneal stress fx are a pain because you need a cast, crutches, no weight bearing, etc. but they are pretty predictable in their healing, and once healed are not usually an issue again. Minor achilles interstitial tearing can be easy (as in Matt’s case) or a real bear (as in on/off issues for months to years if not healed properly). Just take it easy for now and listen to whoever is treating you and of course your pain. Do NOT push through this pain as it can lead to a much longer recovery. He/she may recommend some PT as well in the later stages (I usually do).
Several years ago I worked through a severe calf strain/achilles tendonitis with swimming, biking, and NO running for 6 weeks. I was able to ride without pain on flat ground and mild hills if I kept the gearing low and the cadence up. It might help to move your cleats back on the shoes and to decrease pressure on the calf during pedaling.
would biking, if there is no pain, an option? I just think about 4 weeks of no running or biking and just trips to the pool and get depressed.
Last year, I had double partial tears on both achilles … running on the treadmill doing easy strides and then heard a pop … then a sharp pain, as if someone chopped with with a stick from behind …
Ultrasound indicated that I had partial tears on both, including tendonitis … After 3-4 weeks of ultrasound, the electro-thing-ma-jig, physiotherapy to strengthen and stretch out my achilles and massage therapy … and, custom orthotics to correct my gait … mild pronator and flat footed …
Started back slowly on the run after 2-3 weeks … and, did lots and lots of bike, easy gear, high spinning, as long as there was no pain … and, went off to do some duathlons, 1/2 IronDU and a Fall Marathon 3-4 months after …
So, yes, if you take the winter months to recover and strengthen and correct the causes of your partial tears … you should be up and ready to go in the Spring at the start of your race season … andy …
would biking, if there is no pain, an option? I just think about 4 weeks of no running or biking and just trips to the pool and get depressed.
As in JohnM’s experience, most people can bike through this. But again, listen to your pain. Also, he had some good points: mainly, spin and no big hills and no standing/mashing up the hills. Moving the cleat(s) back is also a good idea. Also, be careful the back of your cycling shoe does not irritate the tendon insertion as cycling shoes tend to have a pretty rigid heel counter.