ADVERTISEMENT

HROT Runners

swagsurfer02

HB King
Gold Member
Dec 8, 2010
63,646
30,463
113
So recently I've been running on the treadmill. It seems like my Achilles is so sore (right at the base of my calves). I've tried to stretch it out before hand but the thing is so damn tight it feels like it's going to tear.

I run on my toes, and it's killing me right now. Anyone experience anything like this and if so what do you suggest for stretches, treatment?
 
Google soleus muscle stretch. There are several. Otherwise, make sure you have good shoes - go to a running store to get fitted for your foot & running style. Back off on your distance or speed.
 
So recently I've been running on the treadmill. It seems like my Achilles is so sore (right at the base of my calves). I've tried to stretch it out before hand but the thing is so damn tight it feels like it's going to tear.

I run on my toes, and it's killing me right now. Anyone experience anything like this and if so what do you suggest for stretches, treatment?

stop running unless someone is chasing you

original.png
 
So recently I've been running on the treadmill. It seems like my Achilles is so sore (right at the base of my calves). I've tried to stretch it out before hand but the thing is so damn tight it feels like it's going to tear.

I run on my toes, and it's killing me right now. Anyone experience anything like this and if so what do you suggest for stretches, treatment?
Did you buy a treadmill? Do you regularly run outside?
 
Yes, I bought a treadmill. No I do not like to run outside. I like to control my environment.
What kind of shoes are you wearing?

I try to avoid the treadmill for some of the same reasons you complain about. If I am forced to do indoor exercise, I normally do the elliptical or take a spin class
 
When you say you run on your toes, do you mean you land on your toes? or do you mean the ball of your foot?

What shoes are you wearing?
 
I'm a treadmill runner. I also like to run on my toes (occasionally wear vibram's or other minimalist shoes) but I mix up my shoes between minimalist and Asaics.
 
When you say you run on your toes, do you mean you land on your toes? or do you mean the ball of your foot?

What shoes are you wearing?


I guess it would be the ball of my foot more appropriately. I have Nike's that I've had for years but only used them for running (which hasn't been much). Maybe it is time for a new shoe. We've had some suggestions...

Any more?
 
I guess it would be the ball of my foot more appropriately. I have Nike's that I've had for years but only used them for running (which hasn't been much). Maybe it is time for a new shoe. We've had some suggestions...

Any more?

I would stop running. Seriously, its tendonitis and the more you push it, the more likely you will rupture that tendon.

I had this during the football days and thought it was OK to push threw it until I took off on a route & the Achilles rolled up into my calf. After a full recovery of a year, I went back to playing and the other foot started getting that same feeling. Iced it every day after practice and seemed to help a bit, but it went away after several weeks of rest.

I ended up getting different cleats, shoes, and wore the laces looser. Also, stay away from any ankle braces over the foot but under the shoe. This kept everything tight in there and contributed towards the initial tendonitis.

I haven't had any sign of it returning in the healthy, non surgical achilles in 7 years, so I'd like to think I remedied the problem completely.
 
I would stop running. Seriously, its tendonitis and the more you push it, the more likely you will rupture that tendon.

I had this during the football days and thought it was OK to push threw it until I took off on a route & the Achilles rolled up into my calf. After a full recovery of a year, I went back to playing and the other foot started getting that same feeling. Iced it every day after practice and seemed to help a bit, but it went away after several weeks of rest.

I ended up getting different cleats, shoes, and wore the laces looser. Also, stay away from any ankle braces over the foot but under the shoe. This kept everything tight in there and contributed towards the initial tendonitis.

I haven't had any sign of it returning in the healthy, non surgical achilles in 7 years, so I'd like to think I remedied the problem completely.


So just rest for right now. Ok
 
I would recommend looking into the Reebok line of running shoes. They all differ for each individual, obviously, but I've been using them for several years now.

Do you have a pretty good arch in your foot? If so make sure you're not buying the flat looking ones - feel the inner part of the shoe to see if there's a good enough support there where your arch would be. A flat spot there will contribute to stress on the Achilles.
 
I guess it would be the ball of my foot more appropriately. I have Nike's that I've had for years but only used them for running (which hasn't been much). Maybe it is time for a new shoe. We've had some suggestions...

Any more?
Like others have said, go get fitted for your gait. I had major knee problems with Nike. Switched to asics and it got better. Now I only run in Brooks Glycerin. I have no problem. Are they Nike running shoes or basketball shoes? Rest and muscle rolling can also help.
 
They are Nike running shoes. I think I will go take a look and talk to someone about the right shoe. Swag is trying to lean down for the upcoming summer.
 
They are Nike running shoes. I think I will go take a look and talk to someone about the right shoe. Swag is trying to lean down for the upcoming summer.
Also, fwiw most running shoe stores always carry the ugliest colors of their shoes, so if you don't like the color you can always ask to order the same model in a different color.
 
Swag you're a tall fella, correct? Treadmills can be hard on a person even for someone my size. They don't allow you to use the same muscles as you would running outside. Essentially you are skipping as the band underneath you moves but more importantly, aren't striding out the way you would running outside.If you are running frequently or at any kind of a pace, they can really be hard on you. I have an ultra marathoner that is a friend of mine. Guy is absolutely crazy. However, I started having problems last year while running on the treadmill. This guy explained to me how treadmills have their place but too many miles or especially too fast of a prolonged pace can really do damage. It could be your shoes, your stride, lack of stretching, etc, but a running specialty store should be able to put you on a treadmill and give you some answers.
 
Your calves are probably way too tight. I am just getting over plantar fasciitis but before that developed I was experiencing some Achilles tendonitis which I also believe came from tight calves/soleus. I was running in too low of drop of shoe from heal to toe. Also make sure your shoes flex at the toe only. I second the Brooks Glycerin. No flex in the arch. Lastly try getting a 6 inch foam roller to roll your calves, hamstrings and quads. It is excruciatingly painful at first but will help your tight calves. Welcome to aging bro. Treadmills suck. I can't wait to get back outside.
 
Also agree on getting fitted for the type of shoe you want. The store may try to sell you a specific brand but at least you will know they type that fits your running style. If you are doing this simply for weight loss reasons focus more on spring intervals and incline than time on the treadmill.
 
One last thing regarding shoes swag...don't put too much stock in what others wear. Sgt. and I are both small guys but that doesn't mean we both need the same shoes. I wear minimalist shoes (Brooks Pure Connect) and have very narrow feet. Find a professional that can fit you correctly. In addition, if you are wearing shoes that are broken down you will continue to have problems. Good luck.
 
  • Like
Reactions: swagsurfer02
Also agree on getting fitted for the type of shoe you want. The store may try to sell you a specific brand but at least you will know they type that fits your running style. If you are doing this simply for weight loss reasons focus more on spring intervals and incline than time on the treadmill.


It's some weight loss (like 15lbs) but more for endurance purposes.
 
It's some weight loss (like 15lbs) but more for endurance purposes.
I second the guy who said to work on Sprint intervals. Will help with weight loss and get your speed up. I disagree with the poster who said to do incline on the treadmill specifically because of your Achilles issues.
 
The only reason to add incline is to simulate a hill or wind resistance. And you're probably not running fast enough for the latter to be a concern.
 
I guess it would be the ball of my foot more appropriately. I have Nike's that I've had for years but only used them for running (which hasn't been much). Maybe it is time for a new shoe. We've had some suggestions...

Any more?

hit the ball of your hit, think "light, easy, smooth and fast". Get new shoes - old shoes are part of the problem. shorten your stride if needed and up the rpm. Try putting your incline to 1%.

Depending on your gait, HOKA's are excellent shoes (great for my bad knees), very light and the most cushioning you can get in a shoe. Go to a running store (if in IC\CR go to We Run or Running Wild and have them evaluate your gait.

Peace!
 
Head over to runner's world and do some reading. They have a shoe selector, you enter your information, and it recommends shoes. I still really think you should go to a store that specializes in running shoes. Not a big box store like Scheels or Dicks. They will watch you walk and run, talk about your running style, etc... and bring out several models to try.

Until that gets sorted out, reduce your miles & speed.
 
If you have pain running, try the bike instead to boost endurance. For me, I stream a college basketball game and pedal for about an hour. Works well especially when trying to get those muscles right again on the running side.
 
A lot of what has been said is correct. Shoes are the key. Definitely need the right fit.

Right now, you need to rest for a couple weeks. Take time off. Stretch, foam roll and ice every day.

When you get back into it, work your way slowly. Just take time to build up. After each run, make sure you get a good stretch of your legs and ice where you've had issues.

As for running on treadmills, it sucks. I do it in the winter as I won't run outside when it's freaking cold out. I don't have any injuries (knock on wood) and I run 6 days a week.
 
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest posts

ADVERTISEMENT