Exercise in the form of Physical Therapy

Since my Physical Therapy has progressed quite a bit since I originally started I think 7 weeks ago now.  I thought I'd share the exercises with you all.

To be honest, they are great for anyone who might need to strengthen their calves and ankles to help prevent foot and ankle injuries.  As well as really help strengthen & build up your balance, which is great for anyone!

So it may not sound like a whole lot, but its a vast difference in where I was 7 weeks ago, not to mention 11 Months ago!!!
On the good note, the original work injury (Achillies Tendon) is really responding well, and I rarely even notice a problem with it anymore.
Monday, I will find out about the new issue, which is if my Peroneal Tendon did in fact tear and will need surgery to repair it.  But my hopes are high, and I am really hoping for no surgery!!!  *Fingers Crossed*
On the good side, none of these new exercises hurt that portion of the injury, these were all given to me specifically to avoid any pain at all.

In case, your not familiar with the above exercises by name, and you may like to incorporate them into your life, here are a few pictures below that give you a better idea.
However, I should note especially if you have an injury, or weak calves.  You should not do any of these with any pain, and only do them at a level that causes no pain.

This is a simple stretch, but the key is to only stretch to fell a pull
Do not overstretch this.

These look pretty self explanatory, however you use one leg to balance on
when you do these, the other leg does not actually touch the ground.
Try not to use your hands on anything, and practice the dips to balance.
(however if your injured like me, one finger on a wall helps:)

For these use a Theraband

Hip Abduction - Hip Extension - Hip Flexion - Hip Abduction
For these you will need a plastic tubing, I attach mine to a chair leg and
the other portion around my ankle.

For these the key is to take them slow, and use balance and strength
Do not hold onto anything if at all possible.
(Unless if your injured, then one finger on the wall helps at times.)

So that's is!
Being injured has taught me a lot and when I can run again, which I hope will be soon.  Even though I was not injured running, I plan to take a wiser approach with everything and that includes running and all cross training activities.  That wiser approach will be in the form of making sure that I pay attention to potentially weaker area's of the body to make sure I keep them strengthened so that even if I am at work lifting or pushing a heavy object, or playing with my nieces and nephews things will not pull too much and hurt me this bad again!
That and I've become a huge advocate for paying attention to your body and listening to it, resting when needed, and taking the correct approach to injury recovery.

I hope you all are ready for the holiday's!  I love this time of year!  And I don't care what the media says about what is and isn't politically correct and how we should say it.  I would like to wish all of my readers,

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

What Bob Said, "Don't Worry, Be Happy"

Since it's been a couple of weeks since I've given an update, I thought I'd share a bit of my life with ya.  This week has been a little crazy for me.

I'll get the bad news over first: 

I went into Physical Therapy on Monday only to find out as luck would have it I have to stop Physical Therapy Temporarily.  My Peroneal Tendon has decided to get extremely inflamed, so much so that there is absolutely no way anything (not even the other injury) can heal in it's condition.  The inflammation has been putting pressure on my Achilles which now almost feels as painful as it was months ago.

The PT went and visited with my Doctor (Thankfully the Specialists and Surgeons offices are connected on the other side of the building of the Orthopedic Hospital.)
So Monday I was started on a new anti-inflammatory treatment.  Called Iontophoresis, in short, basically it's using electrical currents to push the inflammatory meds in direct absorption through my skin directly into the inflamed area.

So, my bad luck doesn't stop there... Because with me, when it rains it pours.
My other foot, that has done so well for the past 10 months picking up all the slack for the other..  The Achilles tendon on my (previously not injured) foot has apparently had enough, and for one week now it is acting up and getting inflamed.

They aren't bad looking:)  I only paid $55 for them, so on the cheaper side.  But they felt pretty supportive so I feel like they will do much better than the others I wore to work that were a little more broken down.  Of course, I'm going to get all black laces, and color all the white to black.  I feel stupid enough wearing them with dress pants:  I'm sacrificing fashion a little for the sake of what I need as for comfort to heal an injury at this point:) 

So now for the good news:

To hopefully help the 2nd ankle to avoid further pain/injury, I bought a brand new pair of shoes...
So far this has helped stop it from getting worse.  I am very hopeful on this not getting any worse since I can use the lessons learned from the first to help heal the other and the PT have given me instruction to help as well.

Additionally, it's been several days since the Iontophoresis Treatment, and for the first time in months I can actually see a small little bump on the side of my ankle.  Which is actually my ankle bone:)  Yes, I haven't seen any signs of that bone in over 3 months, Yay it's still there.. ha ha...
It had been so puffy and swollen, the ankle bone had disappeared under it all.  So even though the swelling is still there, it has gone done a ton, and I see this as an awesome sign!  I think the two more treatments of this they suggest will do wonders for it!

So as for my current life:

So basically all I can do right now is very light stretching.  I mean it's so light you wouldn't even know I was stretching...  I can do absolutely no exercise except for 20 minutes 3x's a week on a stationary bike, however that is with absolutely no resistance....

Let me tell ya, no resistance on a bike... Not really exercise at all, I haven't even broken a sweat yet...  But per the calorie counter it shows calories are getting burned off:)  So I've decided to accept that:)
I'm also back to wearing the boot all night again, and sometimes during the day.  But that doesn't bother me, really:)

*  I go in again next Monday for another Iontophoresis Treatment.
*  Then again the first Monday in December.  After that *fingers crossed* they'll see if I can resume physical therapy again.

Keeping from going crazy (well crazier than normal:):

For the past 10 months I have held it together pretty well.  (I don't count the inner head screaming every time I've been dealt a set back:)  Although I'd be lying if watching all my family and friends go through fall marathon season hasn't been the most difficult part of not being able to run.
I won't lie, I am not handling this particular set back all that well, I'm quite discouraged to say the least. Every time I take a step its painful again, and every day there is pain means that is a day nothing is healing.  There is that quote "This too, shall pass."  Well I'm ready for the second half of that quote to take effect!

I believe I know the problem, it's my 2nd job.  I mean that is where I injured it originally.  I've been so careful not to push or lift anything more than 20 pounds to avoid the injury.  But just being on my feet 4-8 hours a day is what is doing it.

I really love this job.  I love the people I work with, I love that I make my own schedules and work at the different locations and people that I only want to work with.  I love its flexibility, and even the job itself.
But it's become apparent to me, that I may have no chance at healing until I leave this job and go change it for a 2nd job that is a boring desk job....
Which is easier said than done.  Because I hate working a computer desk job only second to being injured.
Plus, if I take a desk job, I'll likely have to work set hours, I'll have a boss again... *sigh*

Argggg, after over 3 years of only working for myself this will be a tough, tough change.
Finding one, that will let me do my main job (Wedding's) will be difficult too.  But sadly, the economy has hit the wedding industry quite a bit this year, and it's just not enough to only do that right now, I do need a 2nd job. (Especially to help with all my medical bills that accrue by the week!)

Don't Worry, Be Happy:

Okay, so this is my life and new situation.  I will continue to put my pretend happy face on!
I've got to do some serious thinking, and I guess job hunting...  I'm going to have to swallow my pride and probably do something I am going to hate for a while and try to tell myself I am doing this purely so I can heal and get back to my passion which is running. *smiles*

I've been told by many other's who I have talked to who have had these same types of injures as me, and they have all said 2-3 years it took them to heal and get back to running again. (I don't want to be them, especially since it wasn't even running that caused this all. Sorry for those of you who read my blog who have told me this is how long it took you, I mean no disrespect!)
My PT doesn't agree, she believes it can be sooner for me if I follow the therapy correctly (when I can do the PT again:(  but then even they nor the doctor saw this setback coming.  But there is still reason to hold onto hope, and that I will do!!!

I keep telling myself, things happen for a reason.  Maybe I was going to be running a Marathon this year, and like death or something horrible would have happened... and a higher power wants to keep me around longer...  If that would have been case, then I can deal with this for as long as required (though I hope not too much longer.)

So my question, do you have any types of job ideas for me to consider? 
Maybe there is something that you know of that I don't, that will keep me off my feet, and not be deathly boring???  
I welcome any and all suggestions you have!!!  It might just help me get a solution figured out, or at the least get my creative juices flowing!



Additionally, and totally off the subject above.  If you haven't already and are interested in joining up for a Fun Holiday Giveaway Blog Hop.  Which is a great way to promote your blog, gain new followers and link up with many other blogs.  You can visit the link below to learn more.  If you're interested I'd love to have you join up with us!!!!

Click  Here, Read The Rules and Make Sure You Understand the Rules Before Adding Your Blog To the Linky Below 

An Ego Killer, but Recovery Bound

This week has been a lot of Physical Therapy and transitioning out of the boot.  A few days ago I had my first PT appointment.  I was excited, I am really ready to get onto the next level and eventually back to running!!!

The PT first asked me my goals, I replied with: Distance Running, Hiking and a little bit of everything:)  She then took measurements on my flexibility and strengths with my injured ankle/foot area in comparison with my non injured ankle/foot.
We chatted a bit, and I found out she is also a Marathon runner who's written many medical papers on Achilles tendinitis.  I have to be completely honest, I was thrilled she was a runner and a marathoner.  It means she will totally get me!  That and I know I can completely trust her to help me!

I also found out that the team of PT who I will be working with also consist of other marathon runners. Again a big plus!  One of which earlier this year went through what I am going through.

At first I was comforted in that.  But then she said, yes he came to me and said "I have Achilles tendinitis, this is horrible, the end of the world... People never recover from this."
I asked her "But they do recover, right?"  She didn't answer that one directly, she just explained that he is back to running again.  But unlike most injuries, this is one of those things you have to stop running immediately and let it heal before you can begin again.  (As I learned:)

I already knew some don't ever recover from this.  But there is a big difference between myself and them, and I know why I will recover (as I have been told I will).  Some people just can't make the temporary sacrifice to stopping running for a short while to let it heal.  (But I get it, it's so hard to stop doing something you love, especially when you have races and goals planned.)
As for me, I've gone this long without running, I have nothing to lose by continuing that for a tad longer so that eventually I will be able to, and I will be able to be a lifelong runner.

Anyhow, I only mention that little conversation because if anyone is reading my blog who has this injury, or gets this one day.  Possibly they'll take action and avoid ruining their body forever, as well as get back into running as soon as possible by using proper recovery methods.

Well I won't bore you with all the details of the appointment.  However, I will tell you it was a very humbling experience (of sorts).  Truthfully, it was more of a killer to my ego than anything.  But I will deal...

All the series of tests that she put me through, I pretty much failed them all miserably.  The only one I really passed was standing on my injured ankle with my eyes closed.  But sadly I could only do this for 3 seconds, and she told me she was sort of giving me that 3rd second... (20 seconds is the requirement to pass this test.)  I know, I was seriously shocked I couldn't do this.  10 months ago, I had amazing balance, but now....

See I had been a girl who in my past, there wasn't anything I couldn't do if I wanted to do it.  I've never really had any major physical limitations or injuries like this before.
A few of the tests I failed miserably.
Believe it or not, I cannot even go up on my tip toes and back down, even once with my injured foot.
The other thing is, my non injured foot has been picking up all the slack and using more effort and even it isn't 100% up to par...

So basically if you put me on a scale of 1 to 100.  100 being fully recovered, and 1 being a long way from recovery.  When you take into account all the simple tests I failed or couldn't do, I am basically at a 1.
Which is sad, and the ego killer part.  But on the plus side, I really can't go anywhere but up from here!

Because I have such a long way to go, and have to build my strength back up before I can really get into the PT that will get me back to running.  There are only 2 exercises I can do right now.

Stretch one foot at a time for 2 minutes.  I need to do this 5 times per day.  Only limit, I am not allowed to push through ANY pain while doing this.

5 Minutes of this twice per day.  This one may (and does) cause pain.  But a little pain with this one is okay, because the pain I get from this isn't from the injury area, it's from the muscles/tendon's that have weakened during my past 7 weeks of being in the boot, and not getting used.

Yup, that's it!  But I do get to continue transitioning out of the boot.  Two days this week I even had it off for up to 4 hours at a time.
You'd think taking it off would be a welcome relief.  But the truth is, it hurts a lot to take and keep it off for too long.  So putting it back on is a relief.  This will change over the next week or so as I wear it a few hours less every few days. (So I have been told:)

Yes, it's discouraging to know I have so far to go.  But honestly, its a relief in a way too.  I mean the injury itself is healed, and if I take my time and do what needs to be done it will stay healed.  Not only that, but in a few weeks, I will be at a totally different place than I am now.  Who knows, I might even be up to a slow jog by December???  Time will tell!  But I am just excited that I can say I am recovering, rather than injured!!!

Last, I get to start bringing cardio back into my life:)  3 days a week, 20 minutes on the stationary bike, is the recommended amount.  (Although if there is no pain, I can do more:)
The only problem is, I don't have one in my home gym right now:)  So this is on my list to acquire cheaply from a thrift store or borrow from someone this weekend.
My next PT appointment is on Monday.  I am bound and determined to make some progress!

I'll leave you with this Halloween picture of me and two of my adorable Princess Nieces.  I am a very proud aunt, and I love them all to pieces!!!

Cinderella and Sofia The First Princess's - I went as a Rocker chick this year:)

Did you dress up for Halloween?  What did you go as?
What are your goals for the next week?

Best News In a Long 10 Months

On Wednesday I had my 6 week follow-up appointment with the Specialist.  Within the first few minutes of the appointment I was all smiles.  

All indications point to the Injury (Achilles Tendon) about healed..  I was told they were moving me over to Physical Therapist immediately.  At the Orthopedic Specialty Hospital I was at, they have a PT who is specializes in Achilles Tendon injury healing, she is one of the best in the state and has many written medical papers on the process.   I decided to take this as an excellent sign, things are finally headed my way for the better!!  

I met her and we set up our first PT session for next week.  She also gave me the great news that I can begin the slow transition of getting out of the boot.

Wed. & Thurs. I got to take the boot off for 2-3 hours each day.
Fri. & Sat. - Boot off for 4-5 hours each day.
Sun. & Mon. - 6-7 hours off
Tues. & Wed. - 8-9 hours off - 1 hour of PT
Thurs. & Fri. - 10-12 hours off
Next Sat. - I get to take the boot off for good as long as I can tolerate it.  In other words November 2nd is going to be a GREAT night of sleeping without the darn boot!

!!! YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY !!!

If you can't tell I am pretty excited about this.

The best part is the Dr. told me that I healed faster then most people do. I laughed because I was like 10 months is fast???  But then told him I was glad, and that I wore that boot 23 hours and 45 minutes every single day for the past 6 weeks as he asked.  
He told me, he could tell because I would never have healed so much if I had done as most do, and took it off at night when they slept (against the Dr. orders). 
So I decided I deserved a Gold Star on my forehead:)  All the torture and sleepless nights, were worth it.

Additionally, I asked about the swelling (my ankle is swollen double in size and has been for 6 weeks straight, as well as very tingly toes because of the swelling.)  He said it was nothing to be concerned about, some people swell up when in the boot.  It will go away in the coming weeks:)


From the words of Jane Austen in one of my favorites, Emma: “If things are going untowardly one month, they are sure to mend the next.” 


Last, here is the best news.  He said I WILL be able to RUN again, and soon.  But it is going to take patience on my part (something I will have to force myself to have:)  
I start PT next week, and will begin incorporating walking back into my life.  Once I have the walking part down, and as long as I have no pain I will get to gradually add running.
The hard part is, he said I will have to walk for a while, run for a few seconds and then back off and walk to insure I don't inflame the newly healed injury.
But I figure after 10 months off, I can do slow!  Because it will be progress and like they say "slow and steady wins the race."  (Well maybe not a marathon:)  But definitely slow will win the recovery battle.

Pretty cool huh:)
I came home that day and seriously all my negativity that has been hanging around me for the past months (even though I've tried to hide it and push it away) it really left this time!  It was like a huge weight was lifted and I feel free, happy and excited again!
I don't even care that I have a good month or longer of PT as I gradually work into it, because before the end of the year I will be running again!  I've already got my mind dreaming about where Marathon #40 might be next spring:)  But I think I'll wait till I can run and train before actually pick a race:)

So that is my news, I am thrilled to share:)  
I even lost 8 pounds over the past 2 weeks as I have been trying to eat better.  I dropped it pretty quick, so I doubt the next few pounds will be anywhere near as easy.  But hey, its a start!
I'm going to sign up for another DietBet, I had great success doing those back in Jan. & Feb. this year.

“Tough times don’t last but tough people do.” 

~A.C. Green

Well for those of you running races this weekend, I wish you the BEST of luck!!!  I have a cousin and a few good friends running MCM this Sunday so I will be cheering them on from afar.
Share with me your great news, accomplishments or upcoming races.

This could be a great week

So in two days, I find out if I only have 2 weeks left of slowly wearing the boot less and less over the next 2 weeks.  Additionally what my foot/ankles future will be for the next few months as far as physical therapy.

 

It will be sad to say goodbye to this beautiful accessory, I mean I can't tell you how many outfits this big beauty goes with.  Not to mention how fabulous it looks with my shoe(s) on my right foot.  It's not only absolutely fashionable, its also extremely comfortable!  Especially if you have to kneel down, or sit on the ground and try to get up. (You are jealous, I know:)

I have gotten a little used to it, and in the coming weeks I will miss waking up several times in the middle of the night to readjust it so it quits cutting off my circulation or untwist it all from my blankets and such:)

 

But seriously, although I am very much looking forward to my days without it.  I have to appreciate it, because it has allowed me to hopefully get through the healing process.
My only worries about my Dr. Appt are that my ankle has been swollen double in size since I put the boot on 6 weeks ago, additionally my toes have had that just fallen asleep tingly feeling for the entire time as well.  I called the doctor about it 5 weeks ago, and he told me not to worry about it, it was normal and would go away.  So the fact that it never did, has me slightly wondering....
But in all honesty, I think once I can start taking it off for a few hours here and there, I believe that should help get the swelling down.

So Wednesday morning, I guess we will see what the future holds.  No matter if I get news that I have a bit longer in this or I can start PT immediately I am excited for the news.  Because one thing I am fairly certain of, which is the main issue (the Achilles tendon part) I believe has healed, I have zero pain in that area anymore. (As far as I can tell in the 15 minutes a day I am not wearing this boot when I shower:)  The other issues, well are to be determined I guess:)

Additionally, I have been doing an evaluation on my life.  I have been inactive for about 6 weeks now and that has taken a huge toll on my fitness.  (Not that it was great the past few months before.)
I should lie and say I have been eating wonderfully and healthy. 
But I haven't been doing all that well with it.  That was until last week.
Last week, I began eating better I have been on the healthy Diet-To-Go meals, and I think that has given me a little jump start that I needed.
I have gained way too much weight, I don't want to admit this, but it might be better for me if I do.  Over the past 5 months I have gained 40 pounds....  Yeah, embarrassing!!!  I had a lot of success back in January and February when I tried out the DietBet games, so I have decided I am going to find one of those to enter in the next few weeks.
I have a long recovery process, and because I have been an idiot, I have just as long if not longer to get back to being healthy again! 
(10 months off regular fitness activity can seriously take its toll on your body!!)

I know once I can run again, that will be everything I need to get back into it all for good.  The only problem is I am likely still a month or two away from getting the okay to start doing that again.  So I really need to get on my own case and find some other motivation and get back into it!

Anyhow, that is a little update on my life.  Embarressing as it it!
Hope everyone else is having much better luck with staying healthy and acheiving their fitness goals!

Not Exactly The News I Was Hoping For...

Usually when I post on Mondays, I like to stick to Motivational thoughts.  However, today I wanted to share the most recent news of what I am dealing with as my injury goes.  It might not be exactly motivational, but in a way its progress and moving forward is always a good thing!

Last week I finally had my appointment with the Sports Specialist/Surgeon for my injury.  This appointment took me almost 3 months to get into this Doctor.  I have to be honest, I'd be lying if I said I didn't secretly hope that when I got into the doctor he would tell me that everything I had been doing had been successful and he saw me on the right side of recovery and back to running as I would like in several weeks.

However, that was not my case.  I had good and bad news, it just depends on how you want to look at it.  After having 3 different doctors come in and evaluate, the decision by the surgeon was made that I can avoid surgery.  (Which is the good news!)
The bad news, he told me that the previous doctor I saw had put me in the wrong boot.  (For those who missed my post a few months back, I visited a Specialist who I wasn't exactly thrilled about especially since he told me to find a new sport.  Anyhow, all he wanted to do was sell me heel inserts, orthodics and a boot.)

The wrong boot for my injury?  Yeah, to say I was kinda ticked was an understatement!  They also agreed that the Physical Therapy I had been doing was too early for the injury I have and was actually setting me back and prolonging my injury...  (You seriously don't know how discouraging that was to hear.)

So I was told that I needed to go back to a boot, but this time one that goes up to my knee.  I was going to have to live in this boot 24/7 (the only exception, to shower daily.) 
No Running, No Jumping, very little walking.  Which also means no swimming.  However, he did say if I wanted to I could try taping my foot to a bike pedal and I could ride a stationary bike...  (Well if you could see the size of this boot, you'd realize as I did looking down, taping it to a pedal is not really an option.)

Here is my reality of the situation and dealing with Achilles tendinitis and bursitis, which I have both of.  I could ignore the boot and go back to running and just deal with the pain.  But if I did this, my running career would be short, I might make it a year or two, three likely at the most.  The pain may ease a little, but the scar tissue would build up and cause me major problems years down the road.  The other option, is get this thing healed and eventually get back to running and be able to have a "lifelong"running option.
Well as discouraging as it is, there is only one smart choice.  I have to get this healed!

So right now, I am living in this boot 24/7 - and let me tell ya sleeping with this heavy monster boot on is seriously annoying.  I haven't had a good night sleep since last Tuesday! 
I will be in this boot for 8 more weeks.  In 6 weeks I have another appointment, which will determine if I can begin gradually not wearing the boot during the day.  (They said wearing it at night is the most important part in the healing factor. 
If things are looking good in 6 weeks, then in 8 weeks I will begin a more structured physical therapy program.  There is a chance, if all goes well that I can begin running again maybe in December or January...

The hardest part so far (aside from the lack of sleep, getting used to this.)  My ankle and foot have swollen up.  On Saturday my ankle had doubled in size, and my toes were numb and tingly.  I spoke to the Doctor Friday afternoon, he said this is normal and should go away in a few days.  (It's normal because my foot and ankle are just not used to being forced into the position they are in for long periods of time.)
Well it's now Monday morning, my ankle swelling has gone down some (because I elevated it most of Sunday).  But my toes are still a little numb and tingly because they are not getting the circulation due to the swelling.  So I will be calling the doctor in a little while....
I know the brace isn't too tight, because I can stick my fingers and hand down the side, it really is just from being put in the new position.  Which I have no idea what they will tell me, I'm guessing to keep the boot on and watch it???? 

Anyhow, this is my story and current dealings in life.  I am 9 months into this injury, and it looks like it's going to be 11 to 12 before I will get to see any more running in my future.  It is discouraging, but I have finally hit the point that I am kind of numb to all the news now. 
Life happens, and instead of ignoring the pain and doctors and only having a short running career, it is in my best choice to follow their advice and get this healed so I can have a life of running, and get back to finishing my goal of running a marathon in each of the 50 states and D.C.

I hope you all had a great weekend!  Any of my runner friends with injuries having better luck with yours?  Those of you not injured, did you run any fun races over the weekend?

One of the MOST Common Injuries For Runners

I've been wanting to write this post for a while, but I kept putting it off. Not only do I have current personal experience, but I have talked to so many other runners who have it, as well as several different doctors. It's one of the most common injuries for runners, here's some information that might help save a few of you from ever having to deal with this!

This injury is Achilles Tendinitis as well as Bursitis in the Achilles area.

The sad truth about if you get it, it can last a few weeks (If you can catch it early and get off your foot.) To several months and believe it or not quite a few runners deal with this for 2-3 years. Many runners, can't deal with the recovery and even give up running because of it.

The good news is, for the most part you can take many precautions to prevent this from ever happening to you!

So these are what I call Kristy's tips on avoiding Achilles tendon issues and tips on what to do if you think you may have it.  Note, these are just my tips, you should see a doctor or trust a doctors advice if you have any injuries or pains you are worried about.

Tip #1 - More than likely the injury won't happen while your running! It will most likely happen while you are walking down the street, stepping off a curve or pushing or lifting something heavy when the calf is stretched.

Tip #2 - If you have high arches, or even medium arches. Especially if you are a distance runner avoid wearing flat shoes, flip flops, low drop and flats when you are not running.

Tip #3 - Low Drop A.K.A Minimal shoes, Natural Shoes and Barefoot Running Shoes - Don't use them! I know they are becoming increasingly popular with runners, but runners injuries are also on the rise. 
The shoes may work for flat foot runners or people who have difficulties with other shoes and a foot doctor may recommend them for some with problems with regular shoes (which is fine). 
But unless your doctor recommends you switch and you are having issues running with regular types of running shoes DON'T make the switch just for the heck of it!!!  Doing so can increase your risk of tendon injury, but there are also several other injuries runners get with wearing the wrong shoes for them.
I can't tell you how many runners who have told me this is how their started, including myself who had issue because of these type of shoes. (FYI mine was from walking around in a minimal shoe at work.)

Tip #4 - If you feel any pain in the Achilles area (even slight) that doesn't go away after a short time, that may be the start. Start R.I.C.E methods and don't run on it or walk on it much until the pain goes away.  Catch it early you may only be out a week or so if it didn't pull bad.  Not doing this, you could end up like me 9 months with little to no running or years like others I have spoken to.
I'd also like to add to this, it starts so gradual at times and a lot of this has to do with paying attention to your body, know what "good pains" and "bad pains" are so you can help correct issues before they start!

Tip #5 - If you don't see a noticeable recovery after 1 week, make sure you see a doctor!

Tip #6 - Walking or gradually warming up before you run will help.  Additionally building up strong calves using toe raiser exercises can help prevent it.  The standing leg stretch is also a great way to keep this tendon loose.  However, there are many other stretches and foam rollers that can help too.

Tip #7 - If you your Achilles is bothering you.  You can buy a brace at a local store that will be supportive and help apply compression to the area - A doctor may later put you into a walking boot.

Tip #8 - Cross training, this will help you in a lot of ways.  This can help strengthen your legs/caves and ankles in ways that running and stretching alone will not and can be a great preventative measure!

Tip #9 - Most important of all, if you need to visit a doctor, ONLY visit one who is a runner or who works with runners!  Doctors who are runners get us, they understand us and they know the best recovery programs for us to help keep us lifelong runners.  Non-running doctors, you risk getting told "to find a new sport."  There are plenty of them out there, if you don't know of one, just ask a local running store, or ask other runners in the area.  Most experienced runners have a short list of running doctors to visit, and they'll gladly share! (Well at least I would if asked:)

Tip #10 - Be smart!

I may not have made all of the mistakes listed above, but I did make a few!

Sometimes life happens, and injuries are a part of life.  But when you get them, they are not fun and really the best thing you can get out of them is what to never do again.  Pay attention to your body, its so easy to think a small slight pain will go away the next day..  Then the next, and before you know it, it can get worse so gradually you'll pass up on warning signs.  When in doubt, take a day or two off running and see if it gets better, if it doesn't then you have some choices to make!  The smarter the choice, the sooner you'll be back doing what you love pain free again!

Some runners who have tendinitis (tendons that haven't yet ruptured) choose to run through the pain.  This choice is entirely yours.  But from what I have learned it is best not too.  Scar tissue can build up, and you may get through several years of running with just minimal pain in the area, only to hit a point where your running career is over for good.  Take care of yourself, it is better to pass up a few runs or one race, rather than a lifetime of running!

Stay safe my running friends, and pay attention to your body!  I hope to be joining you all on the race courses and logging in the road miles very very soon!!! - Cheers - 


Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, nor a sports physical therapist.  None of the information above should be taken as medical advice.  If you are injured or suspect injury, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible.