What Causes Stiffness And Discomfort In The Achilles Tendon?

Posted on Wed, 21 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 21 Sep 2016 Answered on

Wed, 12 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm having stiffness/discomfort in my achilles tendon when I run and I have a 1/2 marathon coming up in 4 days...can I still run?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Achilles tendonitis

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

You are planning for a half marathon this weekend but unfortunately you have developed Achilles tendonitis. I would recommend resting for the next 2-3 days and try a little run just prior to your schedule marathon. If you develop any pain during your trial run then you should not run the half marathon. If you do you may run the risk of a tendon rupture and that would be not only painful but a long recovery time. To improve your chances of recovery I recommend you take naprosyn 500mg twice daily for the next 4 days. This may reduce the swelling and inflammation and allow you to run.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar