achilles tendonitis/tear
Hello,
I have had tendonitis for about 7 months. I’ve been to my doctor and he has given me an anti-inflamatory cream. My docter is sending me for an ultrasound to make sure it is not torn and does not think that I will do permanent damage to it if I continue to dance. He doesn’t think that anything like physio will heal it. However, in the past week it has gotten pretty bad, I have a sharp pain in my tendon going up and down stairs so I have decided to stop dancing for a while. My question is: I have been trying to stretch my calf to improve my tendonitis and it seems to hurt more now, so is it actually possible to tear the tendon while stretching? ALso I have to wait for 3 weeks for my ultrasound, if it is torn is this dangerous? should a perhaps stop stretching for a while?
4 comments
Brittney
No, there is only one podiatrist in my area. I’m the only dancer he has worked with and he really only told me to stretch because I have tight calves, my family doctor has given me more information. My podiatrist has told me in the past that I have 30 degrees less stretch then I should have in my calves just for walking.
Vivian Abrams DPM
As I said, I can’t tell without examining you. You can try to see an orthopedist who treats sports injuries. After all, dance is a strenuous activity.
Vivian Abrams DPM
I can not give you an answer specific to you as I have not examined you. In general with Achilles tendonitis, I will have the patient rest for as long as it takes. Physical therapy can be helpful. If the Achilles tendon has a tear, then I will either do an ultrasound and/or a MRI. Depending on the severity, immobilization or surgery to repair this might be indicated.Generally, I would not recommend stretching or continued dancing.Have you seen a podiatrist who sees a number of dancers?
martha skibinski
i have had achilles tendon problems once before.today I see too have the same problem on other ankle. I stand 8 hrs a day at work on c cement floor, my tolerence to pain is great. it hurt at my ankle,right now is num and feels hot and my foot aches. would you suggest a doctor visit? I know it is my ankle not my foot. I was put in a cast before I think. the longer I sit it is beginign to hurt more.should I wait 24 hrs to see how it is tommarrow. it has not really bothered my calf yet, it just aches. can I work with this or not advised, should my foot feel numb and my toes hurt? thank you for any help.