Bilateral achilles issues?

January 12, 2014

Jo asked The Guru for the following Physiotherapy Advice:

I snapped my left achilles in 2011 and it was conservatively treated, I started training again after a period of weekly rehab via Bupa at a local clinic and whilst the calf muscle is still smaller than the right leg I have started training as I would previously, with a far amount of cardio, including treadmill. I am now suffering with a lot of stiffness and pain, with swelling at the back of my “good ankle”, and have been having some sports physio locally, however, it does not seem to be improving. Could you suggest a course of appropriate treatment?

I work in W1 so it could me more convenient to use Six Physio, especially if your treatment rectifys the situation. I’m “only 41” surely my running days aren’t over?? 🙁

Jo
January 12, 2014

Hi Jo

So, left ruptured put into a sort of serial cast/aircast boot and rehabbed well, albeit a bit weedy.

Right, having had no issues is now swollen and stiff…

On the face of it, it sounds as if you’ve got a tendonosis…again! There is also a bizarre amount of anecdotal evidence with bilateral ruptures, so you need good hardcore advice.

Personally, I wouldn’t let anyone poke, massage or friction your tendon. I’d be big into rolling and releasing your calf, checking out and optimising your foot mechanics and getting to grips with a good, but not necessarily painful eccentric loading program. If push came to shove I think an ultrasound may not go amiss…..

We should be able to help – but with all the usual caveats about success etc.

At 41, your best running days are around the corner 😉

Guru Responded

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