I'm 38 and work out quite a bit, mostly strength training etc. I aggregated something in my Achilles back in Sept playing softball.. it would come and go and honestly went away decently for a few months. Lately though it's come back and I have a hard time walking normal after I've sat for a while and worst is morning after sleeping. Activity and movement seem to make it better and I have not been limited working out, but running will aggravate it quickly. Quick, explosive type forward movement is the issue as lateral movements don't bother me. I have adjusted to some degree lifting and focused more on stretching as well. That being said it's just not going away. I do have a knot on my left foot on the outer edge of my Achilles. Without going down too much of a rabbit hole online when I throw my issues into an AI it's mostly tendonitis or Haglund's deformity which seems to line up pretty well with this hard knot that is much more prominent on the issue foot. I want to get a second opinion, but should I see a podiatrist, ortho or someone else? Getting into my PCP is a pita if I need to be referred. I'm
In the Houston area if that matters.

What kind of PT have you done. Generally Ortho is great, but they are surgeons. They either operate or send you to PT. Based off what you describe I doubt you need PT. Look up the Alfredson protocol and give that a go.

Podiatry can sometimes do custom orthotics if that's what you need, so do some PTs. Ortho usually does not.

I would go see a podiatrist. They will most likely do an MRI to rule out any tear.

bigtruckguy3500 said:

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What kind of PT have you done. Generally Ortho is great, but they are surgeons. They either operate or send you to PT. Based off what you describe I doubt you need PT. Look up the Alfredson protocol and give that a go.

Podiatry can sometimes do custom orthotics if that's what you need, so do some PTs. Ortho usually does not.

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For the most part, rest, ice, stretch etc. honestly thought laying off some stuff would help, but didn't change anything.

I can work out, do raises etc without pain, but running or even jogging is a no go. If I sit for awhile like at my desk/driving or waking up in the morning I am ridiculously tight and takes me some decent steps before I can no without limping.

This is an excellent video. It's long but has the most up to date research and treatment strategies.