Saturday, April 12, 2008

Achilles Tendonitis

I can't walk. It started yesterday after my run. At first it was a dull annoying pain. Within a couple of hours I was limping. I went to bed last night hoping that a good nights sleep would make all the difference.

I woke up this morning and before I moved a muscle I prayed, "God, please let the pain be gone. I really want to take the kids to the park today." I stepped out of bed, and felt fine. Praise the Lord. Fifteen minutes later I was not fine anymore.

I googled "common running injury". My symptoms of dull or sharp pain anywhere along the back of the tendon, but usually close to the heel resulted in a self-diagnosis of Achilles Tendonitis.

I have an inflamed Achilles tendon caused by poor stretching and excessive hill running. To get better I need to stop running, avoid weight-bearing movements, take ibuprofen for 7 days, ice the area to reduce inflammation and keep it elevated whenever possible.

It is sunny and 78 degrees today. It is spring. Tomorrow and for the next 6 days we are expecting highs in the 50's and rain. One perfect day of spring and I need to stay immobile. I really have no choice. I cannot afford to have this injury linger. One week from tomorrow I will escape the rain of the Pacific Northwest for the sun of Mexico. I have to sacrifice this one spring day so I can enjoy the use of my legs for one whole week in Mexico.

I have never been good at restraining myself. We went to the park. Jeff usually grocery shops on Saturdays, but he sacrificed for us. I guess that is what a family does. Each sacrificing a little of themselves so as a whole we can experience a unity that brings joy and memories. In five years the memory of the perfect spring day at the park will remain with me. I hope that my tendonitis will not.

10 comments:

carrie said...

oh man! right before a trip. Definitely relax so you can have a great time.

louann said...

Oh no!!! I will pray it will heal soon. Of course you have to enjoy your vacay!!

Irene said...

Oh wow..running injuries are the worst! I know exactly how you feel. (Minus having such a injury before a wonderful trip to Mexico!)

I hope you will be back in action before you know it. I have found that if I am forced to take a long break from working out due to illness/injury etc. The first couple workouts are miserable. But by the third, I am feeling so much better. Next thing I know, I am back to where I was. It just seems to come back so much faster than I expected.

Take care!

E said...

You will be well. You are deciding right now.
I am expecting a whole bunch of stories from Mexico

Don Mills Diva said...

Oh that really sucks - hope you're all better for your trip.

Cynthia said...

Oh no! As I was reading this, I was thinking "did you stretch?" I hate stretching, I have to force myself to do it. Not lecturing, just knowing where you are coming from. I hope it feels better soon...

Texasholly said...

Oh so sorry! Keep moving it gently as much as you can without increasing the pain. Fingers crossed that this won't continue to long...

Anonymous said...

I hope your injury is starting to feel a bit better. Isn't it the way right before something fun is gonna happen!!

Speedy recovery wishes sent your way!

Victoria said...

Ouchie! Feel better soon!

LunaNik said...

Girlfriend...rest, rest, rest, ice, ice, ice so that you do not feel the effects of that injury on your vacay!!!