Well, he didn’t say “No more monkeys jumping on the bed!” or even “No more running!” but I did have to fight off tears as I processed what the doctor said. If you need some cheering up like I did, make sure you check out the joyous photos from my son’s wedding that I shared over coffee.
Sonogram of my left Achilles
And The Doctor Said …
The first thing the doctor said:
“I’m not going to sugarcoat it; this is not easy to treat.” š
Those white marks he circled are calcifications in my Achilles tendon. They are the reason I am still experiencing sharp pain and tenderness. The calcifications extend for about 1 cm and through about 1/2 the thickness of my Achilles. The “empty” pocket just under them in these photos is fluid–a/k/a swelling.
The next thing the doctor said laid out treatment options:
- surgery to debride the tendon (scrape off the calcifications)
- PRP using a needle to break up the calcifications
- do nothing and risk eventually rupturing the tendon
Dr. Google suggests another option–shockwave therapy to break up the calcifications.
The orthopedist I saw isn’t a surgeon–PRP is his thing. That procedure would involve a 6-12 week recovery period, with weight bearing exercise permitted starting at 4-6 weeks. I’m looking into other doctors who might do the shockwave therapy, since that is less invasive–but possibly just as time consuming as it may require several treatments a week apart.
The next thing the doctor said (after I asked) is that running a 10 miler or half marathon in November is not very realistic. š I could be running by then, but probably not for those distances.
My next step is an MRI to make sure nothing else is going on, and then deciding what to do after the Pennsylvania Dutch Farm to Fork Fondo. In the meantime, he agreed there’s no reason to continue physical therapy as long as I do the main exercises at home.
Weekly Run Down
My doctor’s appointment was on Friday, so forgive me for running Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. š (He didn’t tell me not to run, but he did scare me off running through the pain.)
I’d never heard of hollow-hold-alternating-chest-presses–have you?
Saturday the rain held off for the Conte’s Hill Ride. The clouds were darkening as we enjoyed the post-ride goodies, but we made home before the rain came down for real.
On Sunday the Big Cheese food truck was just pulling into the Port City Brewery parking lot as we rolled in, so we took the opportunity to support another local business. š My husband got the White + Blue (goat cheese with blueberry compote) while I went for the basic Kids’ Grilled Cheese.
A fitting refueling after 38.5 miles ….
Thanks to Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down link up.
Have you gotten a second opinion for a running injury?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
Nooooooooo! I’m sorry- this must have been tough to hear. I have to say that I had shockwave therapy for my plantar fasciitis, and it helped but did not resolve the issue. BUT, some people have great success with it. They use it to break up kidney stones, so it definitely can be effective.
I hope you find someone who can help you with this ASAP!
Apparently itās not common to use to break up calcification on the Achilles ā maybe because thereās not a built-in exit path for the particles?
Oh no! Well as rough as that was to hear I bet you are glad you got it checked out when you did. Its good that you’re looking into your options. Hopefully you can find the least invasive procedure that will still be effective. Good luck!!
Thanks. Iāve got my fingers crossed.
I know we already discussed this yesterday- I vote for scheduling it as soon as possible so you can enjoy the fall running season. I do love that Grilled Cheese food truck!
Iām hoping a conservative approach will help, but ask me again in October.
I’m so sorry to hear this! Maybe we need to get together to cry over some beers. Or maybe, yeah, I’d get a second opinion. I don’t know much about any of the options. I did have calcifications on a tendon in my arm, which my rheum injected with a steroid. I know that there’s a risk of tendon rupture with that so I probably wouldn’t recommend it for the achilles. I had shockwave treatments for recalcitrant PF, which helped. I’m just rambling here… Good luck and please keep us posted.
I appreciate your rambling. š The podiatrist I saw this week said he would not inject steroids for Achilles because of the high risk of rupture – so you are correct about that!
Oh, Coco, so sorry for this news. At least you have some answers, but still. Hoping you can find a solution that will give the best results for your situation. Hugs (and prayers) to you. Oh, those grilled cheeses…now I know what I may be making for dinner š
Grilled cheese is a great comfort food. š
Oh wow. I’m so sorry to hear this. I know a few people who’ve had wonderful results with PRP, for whatever that is worth. My sports Chiro is a strong advocate for it. Hugs to you and prayers that it all works out in the perfect way.
Iāve heard of PRP for other issues. His pre-op protocol with percocet worried me ā¦.
Nooo… I’m so sorry to hear this, Coco. I think I’d look for a doctor who has experience with the shock wave therapy and make my decision after consulting with both doctors. Good luck!
That was my plan too!
Jess’s bike bootcamp on Thursday was insane. About halfway through I was questioning my choice to take the class, but thank you for joining me!
I’m really, really sorry to hear bout the update on your achilles tendon š I know it was feeling better for a while but then started feeling bad again. It sounds like either option will be a bit of a lengthy process, but hopefully whatever you choose will give you some relief.
In retrospect, I think Advil was making it not hurt. Too bad I canāt take NSAIDs forever.
I know I’ve mentioned it already, but shockwave therapy worked for my Achilles. However, I didn’t have any calcification like you do. I’m sorry to hear you’re going through this. Did he have any insight as to why it escalated when it did?
I may be giving that a try soon. He said it could have been a minor injury that I didnāt really notice. Iām so used to running through pain, itās hard to know.
Oh dear, Coco! I’m really sorry.The Achilles is a moody diva.
I had all symptoms. In fact, the swelling of my Achilles was clearly visible even without a sonogram.
My doctor favoured a shockwave therapy and PT. The weekly shockwaves felt good, but I don’t think it made a huge difference. For me, the PT was most effective, but it took forever (10 months!) and was a bit depressing.
Most importantly, the doctor had me do a gait analysis and get customized insoles. He said that if we didn’t tackle the root cause, the Achilles would continue to do her diva-stuff. I have never had any problems since.
Meanwhile, YAY for bike rides and grilled cheese! You’ve got this – you know how to keep fit despite Lady Achilles. Well done!
Yes, yay for grilled cheese! Since I havenāt had Achilles issues before, itās hard to accept that itās from a chronic issue ā except for my chronically tight calves which could be a culprit.
Oh no. That doesnāt sound good. Fingers crossed that whatever you choose fixes it.
I did 6 weeks of PT with no running and the pain away. I had to walk half of a half marathon because I had to start training from day 1. But I only had an X-ray.
Glad you enjoy biking.
Yes, thank goodness for cycling indoors and out!
So sad for your ankle/achilles, but so glad you have some possible answers. And cheese, because I understand cheese makes the world go round for some folks.
Happy 800.
Chest press hollow holds sound wonderful, or evil. Maybe both!
Oh, they are definitely evil!
Oh dang, so sorry to hear about this injury!! Good thing biking will be an option for you. I can’t complain – I’ve really been enjoying it this summer! I hope you can get more answers to make your choice of treatment an easier decision.
Thanks! You know Iāll keep you posted š
Oooohhhhh nmoooooo! I’m so sorry! I know how discouraged and upset you must be. I hope you are able to choose the right treatment option for you and enjoy a swift recovery.
That goat cheese and blueberry compootte sandwich looks heavenly!
It was really unexpected from a food truck!
Coco I am so so sorry š I hope after you are able to consult with the doctor about shockwave therapy you’ll have the information you need to make a decision on next steps. In the meantime, I’m glad you’re able to keep biking.
That bootcamp class was an arse-kicker for sure – burpees are simply evil! Congrats on reaching 800.
I can handle one round of burpees, but 3 x 11 was just excessive. š
I am so sorry that it wasn’t better news, Coco. I really hope you can find a doctor who can do a less invasive procedure. Big virtual hugs! And sending you healing vibes, too.
I’m glad that you are still able to bike — and a blueberry grilled cheese sounds amazing!
Well, I should have know it would be ^something^ since 2 months of PT didnāt fix it. Itās still frustrating though.
It is never fun to not be able to do what you love. š
Oh no, I am so sorry to hear about the update. I know it’s been a challenge and wish you would have received better news. Hopefully you’ll choose the right treatment and can recover quickly. Hugs to you.
I had shockwave for plantar facitis and achilles issues and it helped me. PCP was another option but I never had to go there. I would definitely go shockwave route as it’s least invasive and if it works, great. They told me I would know within the first couple weeks if it was helping. I had two treatments a week for some time. I think you only have to wait two or three days in between.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience!