Best Doctor/Hospital/Clinic For Strained Achilles

[heybruce]

I strained my Achilles tendon working out and followed my usual three step procedure for this type of problem:

1. Ignore the pain and stick with my exercise routine until the pain becomes too much to ignore.

2. Back off a little on the exercise routine and hope things get better.

3. Look for competent treatment.

I am now at step three. I realize from my internet research that rest and lots of time to heal are probably the only cure. However I'd like professional advice on how long to rest the leg, how much and what kind of activity I can engage in without slowing down the recovery, and anything I can do to expedite healing and keep the tendon stretched out and strong so I don't repeat the injury.

I'm afraid if I just show up at a hospital I'll get whatever doctor is available, not a true specialist in this type of medicine. Does anyone with experience in this type of problem have any recommendations?

[hellodolly]

I picked this one off the pined list.

He is a bone doctor who I have heard has experience with sports injuries. He also has a clinic close by but I had heard he is hardly ever there.

Dr Chanakarn Phornphutkul

Rajavet Hospital

053 204545

I would suggest calling him. I went to that hospital and got another doctor. I heard that he is only there Fridays. Maybe go in and try to make an appointment. They have a fair Physio Therapy department there that might be able to help you.

Also I had a strained groin and my doctor recommended him.

Good luck

[uptheos]

He is a bone doctor who I have heard has experience with sports injuries. He also has a clinic close by but I had heard he is hardly ever there.

With Rajavej Hospital on your right, go forward to the junction turn right and his clinic is about 200 metres on the right.

He's there weekday evenings from 1730 and Saturday mornings from 0900. The only time he's not there is when he's in the USA or elsewhere, when of course he's nowhere else in Chiang Mai either. He has a good reputation for treating sports related injuries and is one of only two surgeons in Chiang Mai that use arthroscope on the knee. I'm sure as hellodolly has suggested, he would be a good port of call.

Also as stated, the physiotherapy dept at Rajavej is very good.

[heybruce]

Is Rajavej the hospital called Ratchawet in the Chiang Mai Magic Map? Near the Chiang Mai-Lamphun road?

[uptheos]

Is Rajavej the hospital called Ratchawet in the Chiang Mai Magic Map? Near the Chiang Mai-Lamphun road?

It's on the river, opposite the Holiday Inn.

[heybruce]

Thanks, I'll check it out this week. I talked to a friend that had knee surgery who also recommended this clinic.

[TheWalkingMan]

Achilles tendon injuries can be extremely serious to the point of rupturing. Ouch!

Many years ago, I had tendon problems and this is what I did to get healthy.

Stopped training completely. I was seriously into running, but all the research I did (this was pre-internet) said to stop training. Even when a professional athlete has an Achilles tendon problem they are usually out for a considerable amount of time and these people have the resources to afford the best physicians.

My healing regime was as follows: After coming home from the office, I would get an ice cube and ice the tendon for about 15 minutes, then massage for 15 minutes - Total time was usually an hour.

In the morning the tendon would be stiff so before I got out of bed I would slowly move my foot up and down to get the tendon ready for movement. Once up I would stretch it a little bit. Note that the stretching is gentle and if you feel pain during the stretch... back-off and then stretch again.

I think I was out of action for 3-6 months. Not sure of the extent of your problem but I would get the old brain ready to accept an extended vacation from training.

Good luck and now I bet you will notice more people with foot injuries and you will wonder if it something similar to your problem.