My mission this week was getting a second opinion about my Achilles. That involved finding a doctor who might or might not see things differently, making an appointment, and getting a copy of my x-rays from the orthopedist. All that time spent on Google and making phone calls was worth it, because I got a very different second opinion.
Scooby’s not sure what to think of my stretching boot.
Before I get to my update, I want to thank everyone for their support. I especially appreciate everyone who shared their experiences. I know every case is different, but it helps to hear that others have been through similar injuries and managed to lace up their running shoes again.
Getting A Second Opinion
My main search criteria for a second doctor was someone who did both PRP and shockwave therapy. Who better to weigh in on which treatment might be better for my condition than someone who didn’t have a vested interest in selling me on one or the other?
I found a podiatrist with solid credentials and made an appointment–making it clear that I was getting a second opinion. At my appointment, he took my history, manipulated and palpitated both my ankles, and watched me walk up and down the hallway. He looked at the x-rays and sonography images I had from the orthopedist.
While he didn’t dispute the finding of calcification in my Achilles, he didn’t think that is the main source of my pain. He thinks the more likely culprit is the swelling–the dark pocket under the circled calcification in the image above. And, he thinks the more likely cause of that is tightness in my Achilles and calf. One piece of information he had that the orthopedist didn’t was that since I started taking the prescription anti-inflammatory the orthopedist prescribed, I’ve been essentially pain free–even when he poked and prodded in a way that would have elicited an ow! last week.
He suggested a more conservative treatment plan:
- continue the course of prescription anti-inflammatory
- do a series of calf stretches 3 times a day
- wear a stretching boot if I can stand it
- stop running while I’m on the anti-inflammatory and then try starting back
- if the pain recurs, consider a course of shockwave therapy
- if the pain persists with shockwave therapy, consider PRP
So, that’s where I am. I stopped running again. I am stretching like it’s my job. I’m wearing the boot a few hours a day–I haven’t tried to sleep in it yet.
Weekly Run Down
Between my Achilles and the heatwave, this was a good week to go all-in with indoor cycling. My favorite class of the week was Robin Arzon’s Aretha Franklin ride. You just can’t beat that music. Since the prescription anti-inflammatory worked so well, I did go for two short runs before the podiatrist suggested I stop. 😉
Monday: 2.25 Scooby Miles + upper body strength
Tuesday: full body strength + Peloton Climb Ride
Wednesday: 3.0 Scooby Miles + lower body strength
Thursday: full body strength + Peloton Aretha Franklin Ride
Friday: Peloton Pilates + R&B Ride
Saturday: Conte’s Hill Ride
Our last hill ride before the Farm to Fork Fondo! I think we are ready as ready as we’ll ever be.
Sunday: After a night of wicked storms that were impossible to sleep through, the roads were too wet and debris-filled for an outdoor ride. I decided to stack upper body-focused Peloton classes and ended up doing the hardest ride I’ve ever taken—Tunde’s latest 30 min intervals + arms rides, which had no breaks whatsoever!
I definitely needed a cool down ride and ALL the stretching after that!
Thanks to Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down link up.
Have you used a stretching boot?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
I sure hope your new plan brings you good results! I wore a boot like that for PF for a while. It this the same foot that had the PF? The storms all week have been nuts. So many trees down! Ready for fall
I’m pretty sure I’ve had PF on both feet — it’s been a while though. I hope all this calf stretching keeps PF away at least.
All the storms I keep seeing and hearing about bring back so many memories of the derecho we had a year ago (August 10, 2020). The destruction is humbling. Gosh, I hope all goes well with your recovery. Sounds like you have a good plan in place.
I hope this plan works!
We had a derecho 10 years ago – it was unforgettable.
Nope, I have not used a stretching boot.
Glad you got a second opinion! Sounds like you have a really solid plan in place now. Let’s hope it works sooner rather than later!
How has Scooby been doing with less running?
In this humidity, he’s fine without running, and we’re still walking a mile twice a day. My husband’s giving him some playtime in the evenings when he can.
My husband does some training with Bandit in the evenings! He loves it. Because it involves treats. 🙂
I like your game new plan. It sounds so much better than what you were hearing from the previous doctor. Sending lots of good vibes and healing hugs your way!
Was my friend Barb Haley your ride leader for the Conte’s ride yesterday? I saw on IG that she led a Conte’s ride, but not sure from which shop.
i hope my Achilles likes the new plan. It could take longer, but won’t be as traumatic.
We do the ride from the Falls Church shop with Adam. Maybe she leads the Old Town ride?
Yes, probably since she also works at the Belle Haven Spokes.
I’ve never used a stretching boot, but I’ve been thinking about it for my PF. I’m glad you saw this doctor and things seem more hopeful now. At least you’re not getting out of shape from this break from running- you’re still killing it with those workouts!
My Dr. “gave” me one — billing my insurance — but it looks like the exact same ones are on Amazon for ~$30.
Oh, a stretching boot! Now there’s something I haven’t tried before! Sounds like a good, solid plan that your second-opinion doctor has. Excellent, Coco!
Keeping active without running is hard for a runner – but you are so good about the bike rides that you will come out of this even fitter (if at all possible).
Looking forward to the Farm to Fork Fondo!
A am missing running, but the Fondo is giving me good reason to focus on riding.
Sounds like it was helpful to get a second opinion! I hope the more conservative plan helps and you can get back to running. I’ve never tried a stretching boot. Great job staying active through all of this!
It’s an interesting device that keeps your foot in a flexed position.
So good to have a second opinion! I hope this course of treatment does the trick.
You had a great week of workouts! I’m looking forward to taking Robin’s Aretha ride.
The ride was awesome! I hope my Achilles cooperates with the new plan.
I hope this podiatrist is the ONE! Fingers crossed.
Scooby looks so concerned in the first photo! I am glad that you went to get a second opinion. This course of action seems way more manageable!
I agree with you about the Aretha ride – so much fun!
He’s skeptical for sure!
I like this second opinion. Makes sense and fingers crossed this course of treatment works! The storms lately have been something else.
They said we got a month’s worth of rain last night! Creeks rose 6 feet in 1/2 hour.
We have to be our own advocates! Glad you got a second opinion and the plan sounds solid. Best of luck!
Thanks! My fingers are crossed.
while I’m glad you got a good second opinion, I’m still bummed you are off running again. what a bummer that this is still an issue. Hoping this new plan will be “the one”.
so good you have other things to fall back on. And that you have Scooby 🙂
2021 has been the year of injuries. It’s probably my payback for all the running I did in 2020.
Good for you for getting a second opinion! Hopefully this approach works. At least you are still able to be somewhat active, even with the issue.
Yes, for now I can do everything but run, so that’s a plus!
Hmm, a stretching boot? I’ve never heard of that but we do have one of those PF splints. I’ve tried sleeping in that once and it was horrible. It bothered me! I haven’t seen anything named a Fondo around here. Is it a race or a casual group ride? I’m glad you got that second opinion. It’s comforting to have a plan!
Great news on that second opinion!! I am so happy for you. Bummer on the no running again but I know it will help with your recovery.