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15 Replies Last post: Mar 20, 2007 8:09 PM by nicktn   1 2 Previous Next
Click to view nicktn's profile Amateur
nicktn
16 posts since
Feb 7, 2007
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Feb 14, 2007 7:29 PM

Achilles and Elliptical machines

I have self-diagnosed myself with a rather nice case of Achilles tendinosis and wanted to know if using an elliptical machine would be OK while I am recovering. I started having symptoms a couple of weeks and kept on running because I thought it would work itself out. Now that I know better I am taking a week off with no workouts but would like to get back to at least the elliptical machine. I think I have a pretty bad case as I have tenderness/pain thoughout the day and can feel some "popping" as I move my foot up and down. Any advice is appreciated.
Click to view nicktn's profile Amateur
nicktn
16 posts since
Feb 7, 2007
1. Feb 21, 2007 9:16 PM in response to: nicktn
Re: Achilles and Elliptical machines
Well I decided to go ahead and try the Elliptical machine after taking a week off with no exercise. So far 3 days, 45 minutes each and no problems. Achilles is still tender and stiff but seems to be getting better. I want to get back to running ASAP with the HM approaching at the end of April but don't want to make things worse. Comments/advice is appreciated.
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danielle035
76 posts since
Jan 31, 2007
2. Feb 22, 2007 4:46 AM in response to: nicktn
Re: Achilles and Elliptical machines
I have just started using the elliptical due to injuries. I was researching on the net and I think it depends on each person if it aggrevates it or not more. I also heard the incline can aggrevate it so you may not want to do that. Do you think you should go to the doc cause popping doesn't sound good?Sorry I don't have more advice as I'm not educted but feel your frustration as I'm going through the injury thing too.
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Click to view kqob23's profile Rookie
kqob23
5 posts since
Jun 4, 2006
3. Feb 22, 2007 7:48 AM in response to: nicktn
Re: Achilles and Elliptical machines
I have had achilles tendinosis for about a month and have been swimming and biking. I have not yet tried the elliptical, but I would imagine that out of the three possible training activities, this would bother it the most. I guess it would depend on where the pain is for you, though. What are your symptoms like? Does yours creak when you move it? Good luck, and feel better soon.
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Click to view nicktn's profile Amateur
nicktn
16 posts since
Feb 7, 2007
4. Feb 22, 2007 8:22 PM in response to: nicktn
Re: Achilles and Elliptical machines
I have been keeping the incline in the 4-6 range (20 max) and this allows me keep my foot pretty much flat on the platform and this in turn seems to be keep the pressure off the Achilles. I thought about going to a Dr but the pain is getting better and the popping or creaking has pretty much stopped. Now it is just tender and stiff! I'm going to pick up some new shoes tomorrow as the ones I have are probably shot and they could have been the culprit that caused all this!

Thanks for the replies and I hope your recovery goes well.
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Click to view mooch066's profile Amateur
mooch066
12 posts since
Feb 10, 2007
5. Feb 23, 2007 10:30 AM in response to: nicktn
Re: Achilles and Elliptical machines
i tried to use ellipticals during my bout with with AT...used heel lifts to keep the stress off the Achilles so form wasn't as big of a deal.

I found it hard to simulate the actual running intensity on ellipticals....when I got back to running, i wasn't in nearly the shape I was before.
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Click to view nicktn's profile Amateur
nicktn
16 posts since
Feb 7, 2007
6. Feb 23, 2007 11:26 PM in response to: nicktn
Re: Achilles and Elliptical machines
Just got back from Fleet Feet in Memphis and I feel much better about my situation. First off the salesman there was great! Took about an hour to find the shoe that was right for me and fit perfectly. The AT can probably be attributed at least partially to the fact the shoes I was running in did not fit my style. The new ones seem to take much of the stress off my AT and I hope to be back running soon!
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Click to view nicktn's profile Amateur
nicktn
16 posts since
Feb 7, 2007
7. Mar 3, 2007 5:00 PM in response to: nicktn
Re: Achilles and Elliptical machines
Well tried running yesterday for the first time in 3 weeks. Made it a half mile and had to stop due to AT discomfort/pain.(It was there from the 1st step and just got worse) VERY frustrating to say the least. I went ahead and worked on the Elliptical with no issues for 45 minutes and then went home and iced it. I am starting to worry that the HM at the end of April may be in jeporady. I'm thinking about a trip to the Dr just to check things out. Any opinions?
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Click to view paulmitch's profile Legend
paulmitch
308 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
8. Dec 26, 2007 2:43 PM in response to: nicktn
Re: Achilles and Elliptical machines
Regular running will help tendonitis. It will only make you rehab last longer if you don't run on it.

http://This message has been edited by paulmitch (edited Mar-03-2007).
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Click to view marunr's profile Pro
marunr
162 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
9. Dec 26, 2007 2:43 PM in response to: nicktn
Re: Achilles and Elliptical machines
quote:<HR>Originally posted by paulmitch:
Regular running will help tendonitis. It will only make you rehab last longer if you don't run on it.

http://This message has been edited by paulmitch (edited Mar-03-2007).<HR>


Well I disagree with this. Some types of tendonitis, like achilles tendonitis, are bothered greatly by running.
nicktn...I would try a heel lift if you haven't yet. They can relieve the pressure sometimes, and even while walking you can irritate it. At this point, try not to think about your HM...just concentrate on getting better. I have a friend who was in PT for a year (with only aqua running) before getting rid of AT. It can be a long lasting injury.
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Click to view nicktn's profile Amateur
nicktn
16 posts since
Feb 7, 2007
10. Mar 4, 2007 9:55 AM in response to: nicktn
Re: Achilles and Elliptical machines
Thanks for the replies.

I have heel lifts in now and have started some of the exercises to help with the recovery. Its hard not to think about the HM since it was to be my first race and I've put a lot of work into getting there but I understand what you are saying. I'm going to try the stretches and rest for a couple more weeks and if I haven't made significant progress I'll go to see a Dr.

Thanks again
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Click to view suenmike's profile Rookie
suenmike
1 posts since
May 29, 2006
11. Mar 4, 2007 11:20 AM in response to: nicktn
Re: Achilles and Elliptical machines
I've been running with a mild bit of AT for a couple of months. Like shin-spints it seems to go away into the run, but comes back with a vengence afterwards, and especially when I get stiff (like 1st thing in the morning, hobbling to the bathroom). Not sure what the long-term fix is. Any suggestions (other than stop running?)
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Click to view nicktn's profile Amateur
nicktn
16 posts since
Feb 7, 2007
12. Mar 6, 2007 10:09 PM in response to: nicktn
Re: Achilles and Elliptical machines
I would be very careful with continuing to run. This is how mine started and I kind of shrugged it off and kept going which I now think was a major mistake. Made it through a 10 mile run and then an 8 mile the next week and haven't been able to run since (3 1/2 weeks now). I am scheduling a trip to the Dr Friday and I'll see what he has to say.
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Click to view nicktn's profile Amateur
nicktn
16 posts since
Feb 7, 2007
13. Mar 9, 2007 10:10 PM in response to: nicktn
Re: Achilles and Elliptical machines
Latest update - went to the Dr today and it looks like I may have Achilles Bursitis (sp?) instead of tendonitis. He gave me some type of injection and I'm supposed to stay off of it for a week and then gradually get back into running. I'll keep you posted.
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Click to view nicktn's profile Amateur
nicktn
16 posts since
Feb 7, 2007
14. Mar 17, 2007 12:57 PM in response to: nicktn
Re: Achilles and Elliptical machines
Latest update - after 5 weeks of no running I made it 3 miles (31 min) today with no pain. HM is in 6 weeks so I am going to take it slow and hopefully build back into shape before then! Thanks for the reads and comments.
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