Cardio with tendonitis

[CaitlinforMiles]

Hi all!

I have been in training for a half marathon and have had a minor setback with a case of tendonitis in my left ankle. I have to wear a boot for two weeks and can't do any weight-bearing/high impact exercise. I know two weeks is nothing, but as a runner not having some form of cardio feels like torture! Any recommendations on cardio exercises I could do that will keep up my endurance while I mend? I have looked at a rowing machine but wanted to hear other people's thoughts. Anything that doesnt use my foot! I don't want to risk long-term damage!

[CaitlinforMiles]

Thanks for the tips! The pain started on the inner ankle, but after wearing
the boot it shifted to the outer side. Makes me think its my Achilles
tendon 😕

[Corney]

@CaitlinforMiles  After 8 years of medical school all he could do for you is give you a boot.  I bet he couldn't even tell you what tendon was involved.  When you see this sports medicine Dr. take your running shoes with you.  Ask the Dr 3 questions.  1.  Are they a runner?  2.  Ask the Dr. what the wear pattern of your shoes tells him/her about your running style.  3. What tendon is involved.  If they can't answer the last 2 questions, I suggest a second opinion.  Do Not allow him/her to inject the tendon.  Good luck.  It's not your Achilles tendon.  When you aren't wearing the boot, don't walk around bare foot, wear something with a good arch support.

[CaitlinforMiles]

Thanks! My appointment tomorrow is with a sports medicine doctor who is a
triathlete and former physician to the Dallas Mavericks. The previous
doctor I went to isn't a runner and didn't schedule a follow-up and gave no
instruction other than wear the boot for two weeks. As a runner, I want a
treatment plan that is proactive (even if that means rest). I am so
thankful for your guidance. This is my first injury and longest I have been
off my feet so its a bit nerve-wracking and scary!

[CaitlinforMiles]

Updates! I went to the sports med doctor today and had a wonderful and very productive appointment. He ordered physical therapy 3 times per week in the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill for the next month. He doesn't want me wearing the boot but I need to avoid running until I've gone through physical therapy. He said I have very flexible ankles-which combined with poor foot support-was an injury waiting to happen. Thankful to have a proactive treatment plan!

[Corney]

@CaitlinforMiles: Sounds like you got the right Dr. I question the AlterG
treadmill, it's good for your Cardio, but at some time in the future you
will have to run against gravity. I still suggest looking into over the
counter Orthotics to give you more support for you arches. Also a running
shoe with a firm heel counter which will give you rear foot stability since
you have very flexible ankles. The shoe should have a straight last and
very little cushioning, because cushioning negates the firm heel counter
and rear foot stability. Good luck in the half marathon!

[Corney]

@CaitlinforMiles  did he tell you what tendon is causing your pain?

[GershonSurge]

Sounds like a much better plan. Without this new doctor, you wouldn't have been better for about six weeks. Now, it will only take a month and a half.

[KidBroSweets]

Your patience is admirable. Good luck!

[supergolfdude]

Caitlin, I'm curious about your recovery since your last post was in July. I have battled Achilles tendinitis since April! I've been too stubborn to see a doctor. Just wanted to know how your healing has progressed.

Thanks!

[CaitlinforMiles]

Hi! I finally have recovered but after about 3 months off running, I am
slowly returning. Right now I am limiting it to 3 days per week. I would
definitely go see a doctor! Its possible that you might have something a
bit more stubborn/serious than tendonitis. Mine actually turned out to be a
stress fracture. But, with rest, targeted stretching, and LOTS of spin
class, I made a remarkably fast recovery. I go to a sports med doctor
(former doctor to the Dallas Mavericks), and he said cycling and swimming
are the BEST way to cross-train for runners, especially when we cant run
but need to keep up our cardio capacity. In any case, I recommend seeking
out a sports med doctor. They may put you in physical therapy or recommend
some exercises that will help you heal and strengthen. Good luck and keep
me posted!