[pct-l] Achilles Tendon

[ambery-80243 at mypacks.net]

I have suffered with Achilles tendonitis for years.  Interestingly enough for me, it bugs me more when I quit hiking than when I hike all the time!  I have found that the best thing is to start out slow first thing in the morning.  You will have a lot less pain if you don't stress it before it gets warmed up.  I know the importance of stretching, but don't stretch them hard when they're cold.  Don't be afraid to go a little slower on those uphills where your tendon is fully extended.  It's also just another reason to keep the overall weight you are carrying down. Of the people I know who've actually snapped tendons, it occurred from playing basketball or tennis and some jerking move that they made. And of course, whether you wear lower or higher topped shoes, find one that doesn't hit your tendon when you walk.

-----Original Message-----
>From: mark utzman <blackbelthiker at gmail.com>
>Sent: Dec 5, 2011 1:38 PM
>To: pct-l at backcountry.net
>Subject: [pct-l] Achilles Tendon
>
>Am I doing this right? Dont know if I am sending messages to right address.
>Does anyone have experience with Achilles Tendonitis/Tendonosis? I strained
>my left achilles tendon practicing for a thru-hike I plan to do in 2012.
>It's been over a year and it is still sore. Is it possible to do a
>thru-hike with this condition, and how can I deal with it on the trail?
>Thanks, Mark
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