Try the AirHeel wrap or the heel sleeve sock and wear it around, including everyday activities and overnight.  Some would suggest that stretching calf muscles may also be of benefit, along with icing your foot after long runs.  I would say invest in the speciality socks and, in the alternative, literally enclose your left foot with cloth, elastic bandages around the heel, mid-portion of the foot and lower ankle.   

Hope things are doing better soon. 

Can you be more specific on where the heel pain actually is?  Since you titled the posting "Heel and Achilles Pain" is it safe to assume the heel pain is on the back side - where the Achilles attaches?  Or is the pain more on the sides of the heel and/or the bottom of the heel?

What other details can you offer about when you get the pain?  For example, does it hurt when you get out of bed?  When you say you need a break - does that mean in the middle of a run?  If so - does that mean a run starts out with it feeling ok but then it feels worse as the run progresses?

Jim

Barry:

First and foremost: I'm going to defer heavily to Damien's article that he referenced in his reply.  He is the/a pro around here and has forgotten more than I know about Achilles issues.

I noticed in his article (I hope I get this paraphrase right) that there isn't necessarily a causal link between not stretching, for example, and AT.  I have it in my head that not having a tight calf comlex (which then results in tight Achilles) is really important.  I've also been reading more frequently that stretching is NOT the right way to lengthen.  A foam roller and/or massage might be very helpful.

There are exercises that are helpful (called heel raises or heel drops) which can rehab an Achilles tendon, however I think there is a fine line between doing them when the tendon isn't ready - and then having them do more damage.  Consequently, you might consider going to a PT and getting pro help in getting through it.

Jim