Running injury doctor's Achilles' heel

From the April 21, 2009 edition of The Oklahoman

Dr. Prescott's journal
I have a friend — let’s call him Steve — who’s suffered a running injury. Only problem is, Steve isn’t a runner.

In fact, he’s assiduously avoided running since those wind sprints he detested during his Vietnam-era high school football practices. But now it seems even the relatively minor bouncing of Pilates and some overly ambitious stretching has proven too much for my — I mean his — Achilles tendon.

OK, you found me out. Apparently, two-plus years of dispensing medical wisdom in this column hasn’t rendered me immune to training injuries.

My Achilles, the tendon that connects my calf to my heel, is killing me. In fact, not long ago, the pain was so great that I had to resort to using a cane.

Unlike some people, I don’t have any aspirations to run a marathon — or, frankly, ever to run again. But I would like to be able to walk and do Pilates again without pain.

What do you recommend?

Adam prescribes
I may not be a doctor, but I am a runner. And like so many other runners, I’ve had to battle an Achilles injury.

The Achilles (named for the sole point of vulnerability on the otherwise immortal Greek hero) is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. But because activities such as running and Pilates involve repeatedly applying large amounts of force to the tendon, members of the sweat set commonly suffer Achilles injuries.

So, dear patient, for openers, I prescribe rest. That means as little weight-bearing activity as possible. No Pilates. Keep walking to a minimum. And while that cane may not make you look young and spry, it will help you heal your Achilles’ heel (sorry).

You’ll also want to ice the tendon as often as possible to reduce swelling. If nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen agree with you, those are also a great way to reduce tendon pain and inflammation.

If this course of treatment doesn’t prove effective, see a physician. (Not yourself, of course.) In particularly severe cases, the injury might require a steroid injection.

You know, I’ve enjoyed this rare opportunity to play doctor to your patient. But with the Oklahoma City Marathon coming up Sunday, I suspect I’ll be back on the examining table in no time.

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