Compression Socks

[WATERWALKER]

I seem to have developed an issue w/ my Achilles tendon. I've taken the last 2.5 months off from running due to a lack of time. I work ten hours a day, and between Little League (coaching) and softball I'm at a ballpark 5 days a week minimum after work. So Little League has ended and I've finally got time to invest in a PT program again. While playing the last few weeks, I've managed to tweak my Achilles tendon while sprinting.

I've read that I should lay off running for 4 - 6 weeks and stretch it a lot while also applying ice. The last thing I want to do is tear the tendon. It's sore to the touch &, I can feel a "bulge" where it is sore. Last week, I stretched it & ran three miles. It eventually it loosened up & even after not running for the last 10 weeks I still did the 3 miles in 25:06. I also read that wearing compression socks will help. Does anyone have any experience w/ compression socks?

FWIW, I'm going to lay off the running program for at least 6 weeks. I've had enough injuries over the years I'm not really interested in a lifting only program so I'm going to start doing cross-fit. At 44 years of age, lifting again would do me some good.

 

[Mr. Z]

My 0.02, crossfit is a recipe for injury disaster. Unlimited reps, under time constraint, until failure puts you way past the point where your form disappears. That's where shit happens. Ask me how I know.

 

[WATERWALKER]

I have a very good friend who competes in cross-fit comps that & is also a cross-fit instructor. I've already explained to her that I'm going to have a "break in" period. This will not be a balls to the wall assault on the gym. I have no plans to do box jumps or anything else that will stress my Achilles tendon. This is to occupy my time for the next 6-8 weeks until I'm ready to begin running again. I need to stay active, not put more fat on my ass.

Mr. Zick, I will definitely heed your advice. I'm not going into the gym to compete or to have a dick measuring contest. I'm going there to stay active.

 

[CharlieNC]

Mild compression typically offers less pain on all parts of the anatomy that I've tried. Even sleep using it on wrists and elbows at times to wake up with noticeable relief.

 

[WATERWALKER]

Charlie,

so the compression sleeves don't cut off circulation? I assumed that they would. That's useful info as I also deal w/ tendinitis in my elbows. It comes & goes. Thanks you for the helpful tip!

Three days in & the cross-fit workouts have been good. I'm skipping box jumps & everything else that can strain my Achilles tendon.

 

[kd185]

have your feet checked for orthodics
the custom to your foot type not the off the shelf from cvs type
they cure many problems, knees hips, back etc etc
cant build a good house on a poor foundation
trust me i know, i have them in ever pair of shoes i own

 

[CharlieNC]

Charlie,

so the compression sleeves don't cut off circulation? I assumed that they would. That's useful info as I also deal w/ tendinitis in my elbows. It comes & goes. Thanks you for the helpful tip!

Three days in & the cross-fit workouts have been good. I'm skipping box jumps & everything else that can strain my Achilles tendon.

If you experience circulation loss, then its way too tight. I've been surprised how little is required for pain relief, not talking exercise support for which you need more.

 

[WATERWALKER]

I've been wearing custom Orthodox for the past 5 - 6 years. They make a huge difference. I have a pair in my work boots & another pair in my PT shoes.

If if I go more than a few days w/ out them I really feel it, - in a bad way. I've been a victim of plantar fasciitis about a 1/2 dozen times in my right foot & twice in my left foot. I've also been spending time rolling out a very hard ball across my lower foot (between heel & forefoot). It seems to be working. Also, wrapping a "voodoo band" very tightly around my ankle & stretching it vigorously. It seems to be working.

I'm amending the WOD to my needs by omitting anything involving my Achilles' tendon. I simply replace box jumps, running, etc w/ more cardio such as a rowing machine or bike.

 

[3rdfocal]

Your achilles isn't something you want to mess with. If you say you can feel a "bulge", best case tendonitis, possibly a minor rupture. I'm guessing its an overuse injury, started from running or a long hike with lots of incline/decline? I've been running ultra marathons for years and have dealt with the same thing from long runs when the temperature is really cold out, my body just doesn't seem to work smoothly in the cold. I've had to take months off of running to let my achilles heal. My advice is to stay away from what bothers it (like really don't run for 6 weeks and then try some short stuff), ice it a lot, and don't use a compression sock, thats dumb. Your achilles doesn't get much circulation to begin with, don't restrict what it does get.

If you're like me, it will kill you to take it easy, but you have to. Not the injury thats gonna heal while you beat on it. Slow healing too.

 

[WATERWALKER]

I was running quite a bit, took time off due to coaching Little League & while sprinting at the ballpark I strained the tendon. I did some light running, trying to stretch it & eventually it does loosen up. This is not the correct answer.

I've decided to take a minimum of 6 weeks off. During ball games, I've decided not to sprint. I'm running like 75% at best. This is USSSA softball; if you hit the ball far enough you don't have to run at all.

I read online that compression socks were used to treat Achilles' tendon injuries. That is where that idea came from initially. I've not used compression socks thus far. I've been doing cross-fit & I skip / do something else in place of anything likely to strain the tendon.

 

[BrianOravetz]

Compression sleeve's/socks are great. Get several pairs to slow the stink and stretching them out. I use them for BJJ and working out. I even have some compression tights; and they do make quite a bit of difference.

 

[6AYoteHunter]

See lots of crossfit injuries in our ER but also see some really fit crossfit members. So don't get too crazy with it.
Compression needs to be very even so best to try on a bunch of socks and see. I personally have never found any that fit me well due to the shape of my ankles and over developed calfs from packing in canyons. Worked with sports medicine for some time and normally you can find a good fit.
Proper shoes are super important at all times even when not exercising. I spend at least $140 on running shoes and over $350 on boots. I have not had an Achilles issue in 10 years. Had issues in the past playing soccer due to getting kicked.
Since you are prone to tennis elbow and Achilles issues also do prophylactic stretching for Iliotibial band syndrome.
Stretching and icing often works wonders.

 

[WATERWALKER]

I've received some very good tips & advice gents. I appreciate everyone 's input. I' usually begin my workout w/ some calisthenics to get the blood moving & I'll spend about 12 -14 minutes stretching. Even at this age I'm very flexible. Once I've finished w/ that, I've also been using a Voodoo band to further strengthen the tendon. Sometimes, I'll roll out the tendon w/ a golf ball after icing my foot. It probably wouldn't hurt to ice my foot more than I do, but I go to the gym right after work. I'll begin the warmup / strength exercises before the starting the WOD.

So far, so good. I still skip / replace anything that has even a remote possibility of further injuring my tendon.