Should I be worried?.
Over the past week or so my right achilles has had a strange feeling in it. The only way that I can describe it is as a “buzzing” or “humming” feeling.
It is not swollen. My shoes have not changed. I would not say that it is “painful”, but it just feels a little weird. If I had a race in the next few weeks, I would probably just power thru it. I am starting to ramp up for IMAZ and will be starting a 24 week plan the 2nd week of June. I don’t want to start of injured.
Last 3 weeks, I have been running 4 - 5 times per week. Mostly 3-4 mile runs with 1 run of 6.5-7 miles per week.
I have been cycling 3 x per week. Again, just short rides of less than 1 hour 15 minutes.
This week I have only run 1 time (3.5 miles) on Tuesday. I have focused on swimming this week and will hit swim #5 for the week tomorrow. I do plan to get in a few longer rides over the long weekend, but will probably skip the running (unless your advice convinces me otherwise).
The answer is yes. Since you are obviously very “in tune” with your body (as many endurance athletes are), use this early sign to back off for now, esp speed work, hill repeats, FTP/LT bike work, etc. Late achilles issues are very hard to get over, even with rest (which you won’t likely do).
“it” is likely *crepitus" or paratendinitis. The achilles tendon has no proper tendon sheath like most, but a paratenon instead.
Yes to all of the above: ice, eccentric gentle stretching when ready, but most importantly rest. NO strengthening exercises (i.e. calf raises, big gear drills, one legged drills, etc.)
Avoid calf raises and focus on eccentric heel drops. 3x15 then ice. Use your other leg to return your injured foot to the flexed position, not the calf/achilles on your injured side. No running outside of the pool. If you’re compelled to bike, as mentioned before, no big gears, no big climbs.
Thanks for posting this - answers below should help and are consistent with what my coach has suggested.
I have had trouble walking on my left foot because of this since Monday’s triathlon - when I flex my foot up or down it feels like an accordion opening and closing is the best I can equate it to…
Haven’t exercised since Monday’s race though and won’t again until Saturday’s ride.
Coach suggested ice as well but I haven’t done that yet (he just suggested it today).