Tendonitis and Bursitis Archives

Achilles Tendonitis

Follow Ups:

• Re: Achilles Tendonitis (Archive in tendonitis.) Walt Stoll [9.8] 07:01:08 4/19/04 (0)
• Re: Achilles Tendonitis maryb [516.888] 10:14:59 4/18/04 (1)
  • Re: Achilles Tendonitis dmaryd [1977.20] 10:24:22 4/18/04 (0)

In Reply to: Achilles Tendonitis posted by Jim [1801.10] on April 18, 2004 at 09:27:32:

The bromelain is an excellent anti-inflammatory, and if you want to double
the potency, add a capsule of turmeric each time you take your bromelain.
Together, they offer more effectiveness than bromelain alone, plus you get
some great antioxidant benefits.

Having struggled with chronic Achilles tendonitis myself off & on, what's been
the most important factor in healing has been a rehab program involving
stretches, several times daily, cross-friction massage, ice, & heel pads in my
athletic shoes. The pads are about1/8"-1/4" thick, and make a huge
difference. I got them from my chiropractor, but you can easily find them in
any drugstore. Just make sure, if you use them, that they get replaced as they
wear out.

Stretching is absolutely key. Also, what is causing your tendonitis? If you're a
runner, that activity needs to go on hold while you rehab; just backing off
partially doesn't work. Been there. Do some cross training that doesn't tax the
Achilles (cycling, elliptical, etc.) until you are completely out of pain. Once the
pain is truly gone, then you can start back at 1/4 strength, slowly working
back into your routine.

One last thought: if you have pain, then you've got inflammation, and using
ice regularly, 10-20 mins (wear a thin sock) 3x day is great for bringing down
the inflammation. . After you ice, do NOT stretch that cold tissue, or you're
apt to tear something. Start doing some massaging of the achilles, back &
forth across the cord, gradually increasing intensity & speed. Cross-
frictioning is an excellent way to increase circulation & break down any
adhesions. That area has very poor circulation, so anything you can do to
beef up the blood flow is a good idea. Keep on it, & eventually your tendonitis
will disappear. And also, figure out how you got the injury to begin with, so
that you can make corrections for future prevention.

Good luck!

Follow Ups:

• Re: Achilles Tendonitis dmaryd [1977.20] 10:24:22 4/18/04 (0)

In Reply to: Re: Achilles Tendonitis posted by maryb [516.888] on April 18, 2004 at 10:14:59:

I too have struggled with this and I can say it is very painful. I have found that identifying my food sensitivities, eating a whole foods diet, and taking probiotics has put it in remission. If I eat wheat or stray from my diet it will cause a flare.

In Reply to: Achilles Tendonitis posted by Jim [1801.10] on April 18, 2004 at 09:27:32:

Hi, Jim.

Anything from chronic bracing to food sensitivity can cause this. Listen to MaryB & Dmaryd.

If I had this, I would start with a good Rolfing consultation.

See the archives for what to do about the causes.

Walt