Just when I think I'm doing great, something else happens. My plan this morning was to get up early and get to the gym and do some strength training and elliptical. Hoping to give my feet a rest day, before I hit the pavement tomorrow.
Holy Moly, when I got out of bed this morning and stepped on my left foot my Achilles tendon and the tissue on both sides hurt like heck. As I'm trying to get ready I was limping like crazy it hurt so bad.
I figured I had only two options.
1. Go to the gym and try to work threw it.
or
2. Ice my Achilles tendon and take today off and give my tendon some rest.
I opted for option 2, icing and rest. By the time I was ready for work this morning it was feeling pretty good. My goodnesss, I was sure hoping that would help. I really need to get some more miles in this week so I can stay on my training schedule.
I went to the Internet to see if this was common with barefoot running and what I could do to make it feel better. This is from a article a lady wrote, when she was having issue's with her Achilles tendon while running barefoot. A few things that she did.
1. I listen to my body. I’ve backed off the mileage and I listen to what my tendons will give me each run. If they are sore, I stop.
2. Arnica massage tendons to get rid of scar tissue. Scar tissue presents itself as small bumps on top of the tendon. This is what makes your tendon feel sore.
Arnica - is infused into almond oil and vitamin E oil, scented with spruce essential oils.
Arnica usage- For bruises, swellings, joint pain, inflammation, or sore muscles.
3. Eccentric Calf stretches.
4. Massage calves to loosen any tightness. Looser calves help the tendons to stretch!
We all know that when you have some form of injury, you will try anything to get better.
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| This cartoon says it all |
I know their are several people transitioning to barefoot or minimalist shoes.
What issues are you having with your transitioning.
Do you find it hard taking the transition slowly?
I'm not transitioning, so no advice there. I had Achilles problems through April, though. I rested, iced, and slept in an ankle brace that kept my foot flexed. That's what seemed to make the most difference, and thankfully my Achilles didn't bother me during the marathon. Thanks for stopping by and commenting! :)
ReplyDeleteI have a previous injury on my left foot that has left lots of scar tissue around my achiles and ankle. Massage is a big one for me. I wrap my hands around the front of my ankle and rub with my thumbs on each side of the tendon in circular motion to break up the scar tissue. I also pay more attention to my calves, making sure they are not tight. Foam rollers are great for rolling them out. And of course proper form and post run stretching help too. Just baby it until it doesn't hurt and even then baby it after your runs. Always better to be safe than sorry!
ReplyDeleteI am still in regular running shoes. Still debated the transition.
ReplyDeleteI have plantar faciitis issues.. Night splint helps, it keeps your foot flexed. When I stopped running it really helped.
Good call on resting today. Keep icing!
A few months ago, I had achilles tendon pain so bad that I would end up crying after a run. It SUCKED!
ReplyDeleteI'm not transitioning but I had a major achilles issue pre-Boston last year. Massage with Traumeel's Arnica helped me a ton.
ReplyDeleteHope it heals up fast!
So sorry to hear about your achilles tendon. I have been transitioning since September and thought I'd done a really good job of taking it slowly even though it was hard. As you know I'm dealing with top of foot pain right now after getting to the meaty part of marathon training. So I wished I would have taken it even slower if that's possible.
ReplyDeleteI have been in my Nike Frees since the end of December. I only have issues on my long runs.
ReplyDeleteI have had the achilles issue that you speak of. Not terribly painful like you have.
I also have issues with my arches. They are SORE. I had thought that it was because my arch is weak (from being in shoes that didn't allow for it to work properly) through research I found that to be exactly right. The arch pain and achilles pain only happen on my really long runs with marathon training.
I would love to run a marathon with you someday. I won't be able to do Des Moines this year but I did register for the Twin Cities Marathon on Oct 2nd. Any interest in that?
Oh so sorry to hear it! I really hope it gives you a break asap. I've also heard that propping your legs up on a wall to "drain" them can help with achilles. Rest up and feel better!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about adding a minimalist shoe for a few miles a week but haven't made the plunge yet. Hope you are feeling better soon. Love the cartoon :)
ReplyDeleteThinking about it - but I'm currently wearing orthotics, so it would be a super slow transition for me :)
ReplyDeleteFeel better! Make sure you listen to your body. If it hurts constantly, you made need a break.
ReplyDeleteHope it gets feeling better soon! I am to scared to try transitioning, so I am no help...other than sending healing vibes =)
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear this about your Achilles Penny. Thanks for the useful information. Someone just told me about this Arnica stuff today. I must look into it. Do you know where i get it??
ReplyDeleteMy husband runs barefoot (for about a year now), he transitioned super slowly. Like after a year of running barefoot, he's just now built up the mileage to do 7 mile runs. He was running half marathons before he switched. I think you're doing the right thing, you just have to listen to your body.
ReplyDeleteTake the time off!!! Don't push it, my thoughts are with you! Nothing can replace R&R, no matter how annoying it can be to us runners. ;)
ReplyDeleteI am with you dealing with achilles issues. NOT fun. Definitely rest through it, continuing to workout on it will only make it worse. I have been taking time off running or doing any cardio on it, which I don't enjoy, but know that it will be best in the long run. Here's to stretching and ice!
ReplyDelete