achillies tendonitis help

[bustedankle]

Any suggestions for helping achillies tendonitis/tendinosis? Whenever I ride I have pain in my left achillies tendon. It usually starts towards the end of the ride. I havent changed my position on the bike for four years and if anything my training has reduced recently. I'm not sure why this has started but I'm at the point where I can ride at all, as even a very slow easy ride results in significant pain and swelling of my ankle for 6-48 hours after. Tried stretching, ice and anti-inflammatory creams. Any other suggestions?

 

[bikebike]

Unfortunately, the only solution is rest, rest, rest . I've had the same problem myself, and rest was the only thing that allowed the tendon to heal properly. Physiotherapy helped, as did taping to restrict movement in the foot, but pushing through and aggravating the tendon can lead to some nasty permanent damage. The achilles is a large tendon with no blood supply, hence the slow healing. Hope that helps

 

[Rocktape]

Rest is a great answer but sometimes even rest doesn't cure all. I know, i tore some muscles in my soleus 3 years ago and still suffer pain. Not to spam but we've taped a lot of athletes (cyclists, tris, runners) for AT issues and they all claim it makes a big difference. You can use ROCKTAPE (shameless plug) or any Kinesiology tape. We publish videos on our web site that show you how to tape yourself. You can also visit a therapist who knows how to tape. Well worth the $20 to find out if it helps IMO.

 

[schism]

Whatever you do be careful with your AT, if it goes you have a long road to go before you get back out on your bike. Taping is def worth a try but monitor carefully!! The AT can just go on you