After my initial high from visiting the Orthopedic Surgeon and finding out about the Cortisone shot, I decided to do some research.  I found out that it isn’t actually recommend and that it tends to weaken the Achilles tendon, resulting in ruptures.  This was rather depressing to find out.

I decided to seek out advice from various people, including my dad who is a GP and the great folks at RunningAHEAD.  I also asked my Ortho about it and he mentioned that the tendon ruptures are actually associated more with shots into the tendon 2-3″ above where my shot would be.

I was was told by multiple people that it can hurt quite a bit, and being a wuss when it comes to pain, that is definitely a factor to be considered.

I decided to go ahead with the shot under the following conditions:

• I would only get ONE shot in my right heel.  I may get one in my left heel in the future, but I’ll only do one shot in any given area.  I’m hoping that one shouldn’t cause an issue with tendon weakness.
• I’ll see how the shot works out and if I find that it doesn’t help or the pain returns, then I’ll explore other options or simply give up on running.

I made the appointment and went this morning to get it.  After all the build up of people telling me how it would hurt, including my Ortho who said it would sting, it was actually a very easy procedure.  I felt a prick from the first needle that he used with an anesthetic, but after that initial prick, I felt very little.  To be honest, I don’t know all the fuss was about with regards to the pain.

My heel is a little sore right now (an hour later) and I imagine it will be this way throughout the day, but I’m really glad there was no pain and that it didn’t hurt like everyone else said it would.  And believe me, if there was pain involved, I would know…..I’m a huge wuss when it comes to needles and pain!!

So, now I will rest the heel for a couple days and my Ortho siad  I can run again on Saturday.

My fingers are crossed and we’ll see how this works out…..