My achilles tendon is really bothering me. It's almost like a shock feeling. I really feel it when I wake up in the morning and take those first few steps away from my bed. It hasn't caused me any problems in my running yet, but I expect it may. I am doing the Catergory I and Catergory II running work outs posted on this site. Anything I can do to isolate this problem before it becomes an injury?

1. Ice Massage often and definately after running.

2. Stretch it...balance on that foot like you are going to do a toe raise on a step. Relax into a stretch and slightly bend your knee. You can use your other foot or your hands on stair rails to regulate the weight. Hold it until it fatigues and lets go...Normally about a minute or so. It will give up the stiffness and relax and you will suddenly drop an inch or two lower. Do some other calf stretches.

3. Find out what is causing it...shoes, amount of running, foot positioning while sitting....something is irritating it.

4. Foot circles and other non weight bearing movements at the ankle with as large a range of motion as possisible several times a day. Do not go to fatigue or a burning sensation, it will add to stiffness and inflamation.

5. Do 2 and 4 before and after running.

6. Don't force it.

I ran a nice 2 miles in the rain yesterday. I got home and took off my shoes and saw that my achilles tendon was swollen and red. I didn't feel any pain until I got home and did some cool down stretches. I iced it twice each time for 15 minutes. This morning it is still a little swollen, but there in no pain at all, unless I poke the swell with my finger <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> It's the weekend and I do nothing but swim and work, should I stop running for a few days? Replace running with some other cardio?

My suggestion would be to take a few off, but keep moving it without strain to help it heal and maintain its flexability.
Is your achilles stiff or is it a spot of "inflammation"?

I sent you an instant message through the board.

Try doing your cardio on an elliptical trainer. This should help to no longer aggravate what ever you did while still staying mobile. Also don’t forget your anti-inflammatory try to take it for a few days straight, (Recommended dose) even if you don’t have any pain.