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From: Paul Shields
Category: Coach
Date: 1/11/00
Time: 12:15:25 PM
Remote Name: 203.38.32.116
Hi Maria,
I am not a doctor but can maybe give you a few pointers. This can be extremely painful and the worst part about is that you should probably stop running until it heals.
You may care to look at a variety of medical sites on the Web which can provide some help. An example of some is as follows:
http://www.runnersworld.com/injuries/achilles.html
http://www.drkiper.com/articles/achilles_tendon.html
http://www.mffac.com/achilles.htm
http://www.soarmedical.com/medical-library/foot&ankle/achilles/index.html
http://www.seafordfootcare.com/problems_achilles.html
In summary it can be caused by over training, hill running, poor shoes or over pronation. Immediate treatment is RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation). Anti inflammatory medication (eg asprin) can also help. You should stop running until the pain disappears then gradually start again remembering to stretch. For the long term you should identify the cause (eg running shoes, or calf muscle strength etc) then rectify or eliminate the causative factors. (eg replace running shoes, or strengthen calf muscles etc)
Inflammed Achilles Tendons are frustrating, I hope you can get over it soon.
All the best,
Paul