Hip Flexor/Achilles

[chaps]

Hi all,

I have two questions, so i though i'd rock them both into the one msg.

About 12 months ago now, while playing football, i tore my left hip flexor tendon sheath when side-stepping. I experienced a very very sharp 'electrical' type of pain, and could not even operate core muscles for around 4 hours. It eventually healed after around 4-5 months. I am back playing football now, but i am always still nervous about that injury, that it will re-occur. Does anybody experience this? i just guess that it's a psychological thing of course) and the more i play ill get over it.

Also, recently i've been experiencing some pain in my right achilles tendon. after about a day of the pain, the muscle join to the heel bone itself swells up, and it is noticeable. it is not a massive swelling, but enough to the naked eye. it is mildly painful walking up steps and hills in the first day or so, but after being active like walking, it usually dissapears after 2-4 days. I am using an anti-Inflammatory called Feldene, which i always use for injuries. Does anybody know what this could be? I have spoken to a few people, and the most common repsonse was that it could be Achilles tendonitis. Has anybody experienced this?
Thanks!
Alex

[dragon]

I am back playing football now, but i am always still nervous about that injury, that it will re-occur. Does anybody experience this? i just guess that it's a psychological thing of course) and the more i play ill get over it.

My advice(as long as you get the go ahead from a good doctor!) is to strengthen the area.This will help to put your mind at ease in a controlled enviroment ready for more dynamic movements on the pitch.
I suffered from groin strain many years ago and found that even after it healed i instinctively tensed it when i was due to put it under stress(kicking).This turns out to be counter-productive as when you tense it can lead to more injury.

As for the tendon injury:-I'd get that checked as soon as possible.The ankles/calves can take a long time to heal due to the constant pressure from walking.

Dragon