I have been swimming about 10 miles a week (half of my workout with soft fins - for the last 10 years). Went to foot doc today and learned I have AT (moderate), but he said NO exercise until its 75% better. No way can I NOT exercise in the summer (living in the North, we live for summer), and he included swimming. He said too much pressure on the tendon with the kicking motion. No walking, just upper body. Has anyone had AT and NOT exercised at all, esp. not swam?
I've had achilles tendonitis and it has become far more noticeable past the age of 65. The easiest solution is rest, stop using fins, and seriously reduce or change the way you push off from the wall. Walking too much has also aggravated the problem, but then remember I'm older than most masters swimmers. Fins are very risky with AT, but pulling, freestyle, backstroke are usually ok, though be aware you must seriously reduce loading your ankles, and become more aware of what motions load your ankles; this always includes kicking, but how intensely you kick is important to analyze. Tendon ware is a function of aging in most people, so AT usually gets worse and/or more common with age. It can heal, but heals more quickly the younger you are, and how effectively you schedule a long rest interval to give it time to heel. What you can do with AT depends on how old you are, how bad the AT is, and what exactly is causing the AT. I've been told by a orthapedic surgeon that strengthening your calf muscles can help reduce the liklihood of AT, but you should talk to a Doctor or physical therapist about this first. You have options, and AT usually gets better if you treat it and are careful. Don't fall into the rut common with masters swimmers of continuing to swim with an injury!!!
I've had achilles tendonitis and it has become far more noticeable past the age of 65. The easiest solution is rest, stop using fins, and seriously reduce or change the way you push off from the wall. Walking too much has also aggravated the problem, but then remember I'm older than most masters swimmers. Fins are very risky with AT, but pulling, freestyle, backstroke are usually ok, though be aware you must seriously reduce loading your ankles, and become more aware of what motions load your ankles; this always includes kicking, but how intensely you kick is important to analyze. Tendon ware is a function of aging in most people, so AT usually gets worse and/or more common with age. It can heal, but heals more quickly the younger you are, and how effectively you schedule a long rest interval to give it time to heel. What you can do with AT depends on how old you are, how bad the AT is, and what exactly is causing the AT. I've been told by a orthapedic surgeon that strengthening your calf muscles can help reduce the liklihood of AT, but you should talk to a Doctor or physical therapist about this first. You have options, and AT usually gets better if you treat it and are careful. Don't fall into the rut common with masters swimmers of continuing to swim with an injury!!!
