Hey there, fellow runners and friends of the road,
Achilles tendinopathy—a familiar foe to many of us who lace up our running shoes. As a runner myself and someone deeply involved in physiotherapy at PhysioRun, I’ve had countless conversations revolving around a singular question: Can I keep running despite Achilles pain?
For me, it’s not just a clinical perspective; it’s a blend of personal experience and professional guidance that shapes my approach. I’ve always believed in the power of movement and its role in healing. That’s why, whenever possible, I advocate for runners to continue their passion for running, and here’s why.
Firstly, maintaining that connection to running fosters trust and commitment between the patient and the treatment plan. It’s about more than just my expertise—it’s about building confidence in our joint journey towards healing.
Secondly, running generates a force through the Achilles tendon that’s simply irreplaceable. Up to 7.7 times our body weight—that’s the kind of stress it handles during each stride. Stopping altogether risks losing this unique load, which is nearly impossible to replicate through traditional gym exercises.
So, how do I navigate this delicate balance between running and healing?
I’ve found that collaboration is key. I often create a Google sheet for my patients, where they log their running activities—distance, pace, and the level of morning pain experienced.
Together, we sift through this data, identifying thresholds and patterns. When morning pain climbs above a certain level and persists beyond 48 hours post-run, it’s a signal for adjustment. We agree on reducing volume or pace to find that sweet spot where running doesn’t aggravate the morning pain.
However, there are moments when I do recommend hitting the pause button. Sudden acute episodes of Achilles Paratenonitis or when walking becomes an excruciating task—these instances call for immediate offloading and a heel raise.
At PhysioRun, I strongly believe that informed, gradual changes combined with ongoing rehabilitation can pave the way for continued running without hindering the recovery process.
Remember, it’s not just about pushing through the pain—it’s about intelligently managing it while nurturing our love for running. As I always say, it’s a journey, not just a destination.
Keep moving forward, run mindfully, and here’s to pain-free strides!
Warm regards,
James from @physiorun