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Achilles Tendonitis and Shoe Type

by Peter Sandler
(NY, NY, USA)

I am just getting over a case of achilles tendonitis. It started about a week after I ran the NJ Marathon. I gave it about five weeks rest (just elliptical machine, no running) and did the ice, rest, heat thing also anti-inflammatories.

It feels a lot better and I just started some light running today with a brace. I am about a week away from getting into my training program for the Hartford Marathon and was wondering what is the best running shoe for this injury?

I run in the Brooks Glycerin. Is this a good shoe?

Answer by Dominique:

Hi Peter,
Thanks for your running question.
It sounds like you have been really sensible with your achilles tendinitis.

The only remaining question I have is what would have caused this running injury to begin with. Were you overdoing it (too much mileage, too much hill work, was the marathon a little too much for you) or was it your footwear?

Some Other Pages on This Site Beginner Half Marathon Training 10 K Training Program Pose Running Nike Runners (Men) Nike Running Shoes (Women)

Brooks running shoes are quality and the Brooks Glycerin is one of their more popular neutral running shoes.

Neutral running shoes are great for you if you have a high arch.

When you have a high arch, your foot does not collapse enough when it lands, causing extra upward pressure on your achilles and lower legs.

Neutral running shoes generally have a softer mid-sole that allow your foot to have a more natural foot motion.

So, if you have a high arch, the Brooks Glycerin could very well be a suitable shoe for you. If you however don't happen to have a high arch, then the Brooks Glycerin may not be what you need.

Make sure to check out my How to Choose Running Shoes page which will provide you with a range of choices given your foot type, mileage, weight, etc.

Additionally, you can go to a specialist foot store and ask them to test your foot type so you can be a bit surer about your shoes.

Best of luck in that marathon and I hope the achilles tendinitis stays away!
Cheers,
Dominique

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Jun 22, 2009
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achilles
by: peter sandler

Thanks Dominique,

I don't quite know what caused it. I have been an athlete and runner for several years although this was my first full marathon.

I took a week off of running after the marathon (and had no pain at all that week) and decided to go on a light run the following Sunday when I started to feel pain around mile 4 and the more incline I used (treadmill) the worst it felt. I simply quit but then could not walk for a few days.

Today is my first day of really training for the Hartford Marathon and just to be cautious I will probably not do any hill or speed workouts for a few more weeks.

Is there a typical time frame for this to completely heal?

Thanks,
Peter

Jun 24, 2009
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Happy to be of help
by: Dominique

Hi Peter,
Happy to be of help.

A marathon is a tough, tough distance. It probably took everything out of you and next time I would advise to just take 2-3 weeks off after the marathon. You can do some cross-training etc, but give the legs a break after a long tough training period and race.

Hard to say what the typical period is, depends a lot on severity and what you do about it. If you catch it early as you have, then you can be injury-free within just a few weeks. If you do not let stuff like this heal then you can really give yourself grief for months and months as it can develop in sort of a chronic condition.

Best of luck with the training!
Cheers,
Dominique (the guy who spends too much time on this site and not enough on running himself!)

Dec 23, 2010
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achilles tendonitis
by: nabeelarkisdata

This injury should be taken quite seriously.

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