Hi Neal,
Thanks so much for providing this service. It's really helped in the past!
Current dilemma is as follows: I'm 38, fit, and active and have been slowly
increasing my distances to prepare for a January marathon training kick-off.
Current week consists of an eight mile long run and two five milers during the
week. This is complimented with a regular variety of aerobics, swimming, and
strength training.
Out of the blue, I'm getting prominent dull pain in the Achilles area and
slightly up the back of the calf but only after about three miles. Happens on
both sides but is significantly worse on one side. Tendonitis? How the heck am
I going to run a marathon if I'm having trouble with 8 mile slow runs? I am very
flexible with a religious stretching regime. Orthotics? Help!
Hi Eric. Thanks for your comments. Your question is difficult to answer because
I do not have enough data. My first thought is that you possibly have early
signs of a compartment syndrome. It is also possible that you have an overuse
syndrome on the Soleus, the posterior tibialis or the gastrocs. Do you stretch
with a bent knee as well as a straight knee when you stretch your achilles?
Orthotics might be of assistance, but not unless we can figure out the cause of
your symptoms. See a doc, and get the questin about a compartment syndrome
answered first. A doppler is definitive in this regard as it measures your blood
flow to the various compartments of the leg as you exercise. If you have mnore
data, try me again. Go
