Wellies for achilles tendonitis

[julesjoy]

I need help. I've lived in muck boots for the last 10 years, but having given myself achilles tendinitis (the bit at ankle height rather than under the heel) through lockdown induced walking earlier this year, I am finding these horribly uncomfortable. I was just about managing in walking shoes, but it's too wet for those now. My tendon hurts almost as soon as I put the wellies on, despite various insoles attempts. Are there any others anyone can recommend to see me through winter because I can't go on like this?

 

[teddypops]

I need help. I've lived in muck boots for the last 10 years, but having given myself achilles tendinitis (the bit at ankle height rather than under the heel) through lockdown induced walking earlier this year, I am finding these horribly uncomfortable. I was just about managing in walking shoes, but it's too wet for those now. My tendon hurts almost as soon as I put the wellies on, despite various insoles attempts. Are there any others anyone can recommend to see me through winter because I can't go on like this?

Nothing to do with wellies, but have you tried using a tens machine? Really helps with my tendonitis!

 

[ihatework]

I’m afraid I haven’t managed to find a welly that I can walk in without being crippled, even with proper insoles. I spend most of my time in trainers where possible.

BUT physio strapping does help. Expensive but worth it for times when wellies are the only option. I’ll try and find the technique I use

 

[ihatework]

 

[SussexbytheXmasTree]

I bought some AIGLe Parcours a couple of sizes bigger and added an extra insole. They’re better than anything else I’ve found for winter but overall a bit heavy. I could have got a size smaller in retrospect.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00OZSUTKO/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_gKtZFb562NWAX

 

[TheHairyOne]

Ariat country boots for me. The support bit at the baxk of the heal comes up high enough that it doesnt press on the tendon for me

That and the exercises on the stairs.

 

[kathantoinette]

Ditch the wellies altogether. Get country boots or something else.

 

[1523679]

Wedge heel inserts help to alleviate the symptoms, and kinesiology taping per ihatework’s posts or other support strapping methods can prevent worsening.

But the best solution is a regime of rest (at least put away the wellies), ice, careful daily stretching exercises and massage.

Source: 35 years of fairly serious competitive running and a grouchy Achilles.

 

[SussexbytheXmasTree]

Ditch the wellies altogether. Get country boots or something else.

Country boots ime tend to sag around the ankle and then can press on the Achilles’ tendon. I have a permanent lump on mine. My insoles have a raised heel.

 

[spotty_pony]

Interesting read as I have injured my heel on the inside (was stood on by a clydesdale!)

 

[minesadouble]

You could go to a Podiatrist and get custom insoles for all of your footwear.
Heel drops and weighted heel drops are good.
If you want a quick fix then focused shockwave worked miracles for me but you need a good physio who really knows their stuff.

 

[dogatemysalad]

I sympathise. Mine was caused by dog walking in wellies on both ankles. I had to ditch wellies for everything other than bringing the horses out of the muddy field. Also changed the way I walk. Shortened my stride and stopped walking at speed everywhere.

 

[Annagain]

An advert popped up on my Facebook yesterday for fully waterproof walking boots - they looked like walking boots, with the laces and everything but were made of rubber. They were a make I'd never heard of. I can't find them now but maybe try some googling and give them a try?

ETA I think it might have been these. https://thedrybootcompany.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4ZKM3si77QIVIe_tCh1yCQHXEAAYAiAAEgJK4PD_BwE

 

[Carrottom]

I bought some compression socks which helped, also rubbed in Vicks vapour rub last thing at night.

 

[julesjoy]

Thank you for the suggestions everyone! I really hope I can make it comfortable - the rest/heat/ice/stretching worked nicely over the summer, but as I said wellies have just completely undone all that. With small children that need exercising and ponies that mostly live out, I have a lot of mud and water to trudge through.

I will definitely look into taping and shock wave, and I have a TENS machine somewhere too. Thanks for the taping link ihatework.

1523679 do you have a link for the insoles you recommend? I think I've bought half of Amazon and not found the right thing yet!

I will also try some Country boots, thanks for the suggestions.

 

[oldie48]

I ruptured my achilles tendon over 30 years ago, it was stitched back together but 10 years ago it partially tore so I've got a hole in it and a very thickened area above my heel. I have to be very careful in choosing boots. Hunters fit me well but I got sick of replacing them every year so I now have Aigle Parcours, big enough to wear a couple of pairs of thickish socks with them. So far, so comfortable. When I partially tore it again, I used a heel lift and tape for several months and that helped enormously although I still had to be very careful not to have anything pressing on the back of my heel. Sorry to say this, but when it has got sore, rest has been essential.

 

[Abby-Lou]

I bought some AIGLe Parcours a couple of sizes bigger and added an extra insole. They’re better than anything else I’ve found for winter but overall a bit heavy. I could have got a size smaller in retrospect.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00OZSUTKO/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_gKtZFb562NWAX

Yes agree generous on size could have gone a size down n comfy soles

 

[Abby-Lou]

I taped my back when that went, it was like a turning point for me using the tape. recommend the rocktape kinesiology tape H20 it is basically stronger and last longer I could go 5 days with the tape left inc having a shower (sorry it sounds disgusting I know).

 

[case895]

I have recurring achilles problems from running and Muck Boots and Hunters irritated them. My Le Chameaus are fine and do not niggle them.