achilles strain, marathon runner

[adcockcraig]

I strained my achilles resently and I am running a half-marathon 2/13/2009. How do I minimize the pain while training and not injure it more?

[Tom Plamondon PA-C]

Hello,
To treat acute inflammation in a tendon, use ice packs or ice massage and NSAIDS...and perhaps some compression (ACE wrap, neoprene sleeve). Ice is done after the exercise.

Remember the basics of warming the tissue and stretching before exercise and stretching after exercise.

An effective linament is a 50%/50% mix of salicylate cream and menthol ointment or cream (both can be found over the counter at the pharmacy). Rub this into the tendon and apply a heating pad for 20 minutes 1-2 x a day.

All the best to you.