My Achilles Tendon

I went to the doctor yesterday to get an ultrasound on my Achilles tendon. I know that sounds weird, but they can take ultrasounds of many different body parts. Anyway, here is the whole story and why I won't be able to do too much for exercise for a while...

Five years ago I somehow injured my Achilles tendon. I went into my general MD for the ankle pain, and he referred me to a specialist (podiatrist). The podiatrist said I stretched out my Achilles tendon, but did not tear it. I had to get an x-ray, ultrasound, and MRI done on my ankle. Then I ended up in a boot for several months. After I was done with the boot, I had custom orthodics made that I wear in my shoes. I went on pain free for almost exactly five years.

Fast-forward to a few weeks ago and I had the same pain. I figured since I was so busy with grad school and work that I would slap on my boot and see if it gets better. It does feel somewhat better, but not anywhere close to normal. When all the craziness died down, I decided to get back into the doctor.

This time they did an x-ray and ultrasound in two different appointments. During the ultrasound, it was discovered that I have some micro tears in my Achilles tendon. There isn't too terribly much to do about it. I will be wearing my boot again for some time and I need new custom orthodics. My old ones are completely shot.

The boot again

How I look at work with my dress pants and boot

My old skecher shape-ups work well for my other foot, since it makes up for the height of the boot on my other foot.

It is kind of scary to think of the fact that I could end up snapping/tearing my Achilles tendon sometime. That would mean surgery and I've never had surgery before. The orthodics should keep my body in the right position to help with that though. Although the doctor didn't say anything, I'm sure finally losing the extra weight would help too.

I can do upper body workouts and that is all for now. I'm upset about that, because I was hoping to be starting C25K again right about now. That means I need to really focus on what I eat to lose weight right now. I went hardcore Monday morning and about passed out. I think my body would appreciate a tapering off of the sugary foods. I'm considering this kind of a tapering off of the junk week. I aim to mostly eat on plan, but have a couple of junk/sugary items here and there to not pass out. Hopefully by the end of the week I'll be able to cut out anything that isn't on plan.