Achilles Tendon Pain - Intermittent after sitting?

[Tabby]

Just wondering if this is something I should get checked out, or if it might go away on its own. I twanged my achilles tendon a couple of weeks ago playing road hockey. It wasn't a big deal and I had no trouble finishing the game. It was just a "twang". But since then, any time I sit still for a period of time, when I get up it is so ceased up I am extremely lame for about 3 or 4 steps when it loosens up again. I have no pain in it at all except after I've sat for a while and get up. It is a particular nuisance at the end of my commute each morning and night. I'm hoping I just pulled it or overstretched it and it will heal over time. But the degree of my initial lameness when I first stand up is pretty severe and seems to be getting worse. Should I worry?

[outsiderein]

I have struggled with similar Achilles pain/stiffness, although as far as I recall it was not related to an injury. My PCP recommended some stretching exercises. I probably should have seen a PT, but was not referred. However, I did see a PT for an unrelated issue and asked her about it. She had suffered from the same, and said it took a long time to resolve, although it did in time. She recommended 2 exercises. Stand on stair or elevated platform with heels hanging off. With knees straight, drop heels to stretch Achilles and hold 30 seconds. Repeat several times. Ditto with knees bent. I'm sure if I was religious about this, my issues would resolve faster. YMMV.

[Tabby]

Thanks. This morning I did some ankle stretches as we got within the last km of work which seemed to help a little. I've thought of skipping over the doctor and going straight to PT, though a doc can order some imaging to see if there is any kind of specific injury. On the other hand, PT will probably be the same no matter what and I've got other aches and pains that it might help with. I hate getting old.

[mzloolue]

I recently went to an ankle specialist who also does professional basketball players.
Not that it matters, but the others I had been to were useless.

Anyway, althougth I found out that nothing is going to do much to help and surgery will be useless, he did give me some stretches.
And he explained that ankle stretches are not enough.
I have tight places in my upper calf sort of behind the knee that the dr said puts stress on the ankles and there are stretches for that.

It makes sense to me.