History

Imagine a vice grip.  Attach it to your bare heel. Tighten the vice grip just until it is  snug.  OK, give the screws one more full rotation.  Hurt?  Now, go for a run.

If this is you, perhaps we can help each other.  My search for answers and doctors and treatments has been a difficult journey, and if my story in any way helps others, then I have accomplished something.  Besides, this is cheaper than therapy.

My Recent History (2005-2012)

For about 8 years, I have run in and out of what my GPs (two of them) called Achilles Tendonitis.  I've taken weeks off, cross-trained, ingested NSAIDs, stretched, completed two separate 6-week stints at two different PTs, "suffered" through deep tissue massage, enjoyed osteopathic manipulative massage, and yes, I've iced. I've iced so much that my ice maker was getting a better workout than I was.

Specifically, it has been the last two years that I have had to drastically lower my mileage.  Two years ago I was able to train (balancing on a fence between remaining on the healthy side or falling off into the pain of defeat) for my third 1/2 marathon. I PRed at 1:33.33 (please allow me to rejoice in my past accomplishments). I might also add that I was only running 4 days per week, averaging 25 miles.  The other 2 days I was on my bicycle, and I gave myself a rest day. Since that October 1/2 marathon, however, I have rapidly fallen into running 2 days a week, averaging 4 miles -- total, on a good week.  On a scale of 1-10, a 9= running through tears. A 10 means I don't run. 

It is here you might ask why in the world do I continue to run?  My answer: it is the ONLY way I can curb any depression from not being able to run the way I have run for the last 38 years of my life. I can only liken it to a drug addict coming out of addiction.

I finally found my way to two different orthopedic doctors: Dr V and Dr. Q. I don't know why it took me so long. Disbelief? Denial? (classic signs of addiction) Within minutes, both identified my issue as Haglund's deformity.  I spent the next 8 weeks in a boot and went with Dr. Q because he was closer, and I figured what did it really matter? A boot is pretty non-technical. Nope. That didn't work either. Suffice it to say, it is extremely important to find good doctor. My criteria?  #1 a real RUNNER (not a hobby jogger).  #2 communicative and intelligent (Dr. V fit #2 but not #1).  Dr. Q, well, you can figure that one out for yourself.  At least I got an MRI.  

                                                              

Compare the heel bone.  Notice on the left foot, it is relatively smooth; whereas on the right heel bone, it tapers up into a point. This "spur" causes friction to my achilles when I move-- whether it is running or walking.  You can also see the bump that has formed on the back of the heel.  This is from inflamed bursa sacs.  

My Present (2013)

So as I bring you into my present state of being, such as it is on 4 miles a week, I have one last glimmer of hope.  I have found myself a doctor, Dr. N, who fits both my criteria.  My surgery is scheduled for June 14.  I will wait to attach links to him until 1) I gain permission and 2) I can relate positive news. 

Before scheduling my surgery, I have made an attempt at HR training.  At this point, I am too far gone. A part of me thinks that had I tried this 2 years ago, it may have been successful.  I pushed hard, close to race pace, whenever I ran.  So while I didn't do "track" speed work, I was in a sense doing speed work.  Here is a link if you want to find out more about HR training. (hmmm. can't get the link to work. just google his name)

Dr. Philip Maffetone. “The Big Book of Endurance Training and Racing.” Skyhorse Publishing, 2011-02-15. 

I am new at this blogging thing, so as I gather up links and resources that have helped me along the way, I will add those as well.  Please feel free to send me comments. I especially crave those from runners who have found success.