Insertional Achilles Tendonitis
I finally went to see an Orthopedic Surgeon today and I was able to get a proper diagnosis as to what I have. Contrary to what the radiologists reading of the x-ray I had done a couple weeks ago, I actually have a bone spur on my right heel that appears to have actually fractured. I also have bone spur on my left heel.
The doctor gave me a few options that include:
- Cortisone shot
- Physical Therapy
- Surgery
I didn’t have the cortisone shot right away, but I plan to go and get it done on Thursday.
Even though I have bone spur, I am actually very relieved. After all this time of just guessing what was wrong, I have a proper diagnose and can actually purse a proper course of action.
With the cortisone shot I should be able to resume running. This actually has me quite excited!!
EDIT: I forgot to add, he also suggested Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, but mentioned it was very expensive and insurance companies wouldn’t pay for it as it’s considered experimental.
June 24th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Sorry to hear what you’re going through, but glad to hear that there’s a light at the end of this tunnel.
Let me know how much of a yowzer that cortisone shot is.
Congrats on staying strong and seeing this through!!
June 26th, 2008 at 1:30 am
I’ve had 5 surgeries total between both feet due to Insertional Achilles Tendonitis. I tried the cortizone shots but it did not help, actually it hurt.
My 1st surgery was by a doctor that didn’t know what it was. So when the pain came back, 5 years later, I did my homework and the 2nd doctor knew the answer before the x-ray even came back and drew a picture or what it will look like and he was right.
He removed a piece of the bone out of the heal on each foot. This worked for about 5 years again. Then my left achilles snapped. From this point on I have continued to sleep with my feet elevated at night and have added calcium and glucosamine to my diet. I have not had to have surgery or snapped the other tendon. It actually feels as though it’s getting better.
The tendon that did snap is coming along nicely and feels better than it has in years. My leg is still a bit weak (even 2 years later) but is working nicely. Hope this helps you in your choices!
June 26th, 2008 at 6:11 am
Thanks for the info. I’ve been doing a lot of research about the surgery and to be honest, I don’t expect to ever do it, at least not just to enable me to run.