Achilles Tendonitis

[Tirshatha]

I was diagnosed twenty years ago with Equinus,but never told I should never go barefoot around the house, or how after I got older it could have an effect on my heels, and now I suspect it contributes to my back pain as well, due to my abnormal gait. I was told that surgery is not very effective for my particular type, and wondered if there is anything I can do to get relief, besides all the pain meds my current orthopedist has me on for my back and sciatic pain.

[funnybones]

Please tell more about what equinus is (is that closing of disc?)
I get physical therapy for my back/sciatica and body alignment problems. But - not typical PT. This place does myofascial, muscle energy techniques, manual therapy etc. It gets me by week to week more than anything.

[Tirshatha]

Equinus is a condition where the tendon in one or both legs is too short.The tendon is in the calf and attaches to the achilles tendon at the heel. It causes heel pain and makes walking very painful. It also causes flat feet and that leads to plantar fasciitis,which can sometimes be relieved with arch supports. Because Equinus causes one to walk with an abnormal gait I wondered if it would be a significant factor in the recovery from my back injury.

[funnybones]

Thanks for responding about it. Wow, that must be very difficult to deal with and also the combination of the back problems. I don't know much about that but I would think it and the back must interplay somehow in terms of one causing pain/sensations in the other. I wish I had more help to offer. My only guess is that a physical therapist who specializes in a more non- traditional type PT may be of some help.

[Tirshatha]

Thanks for your input, and perhaps when I can afford it or can find a local pain study addressing it, I can do as you suggested.