Achilles Tendonitis

[ellenCA]

I have been diagnosed with Achilles Tendonitis caused by taking the antibiotic Levaquin. It was prescribed for a bronchial condition. After about four days I noticed the backs of both legs hurting on the back of my ankles when I walked. I read the information given at the pharmacy and the first warning was about achilles tendinitis being a risk for people over 60 (I am 74) and people who take prednisone (I take 5 mg a day). I quit taking the levaquin and saw my regular doctor. He said at first it was just my arthritis acting up but after I insisted he read the information from the Pharmacy, said it must be from the antibiotic. He said it should go away in about two weeks and to double up on my celebrex. I then went to my Rheumatologist who said the best thing to do is nothing but try to stay off of my feet and use cold or heat whichever felt better. I am now three weeks into this and no better. Has anyone else had this same experience with Levaquin or cipro? What kind of treatment did you have? How long did it take to go away?

[MacAZ]

I'm sorry to hear about your tendonitis. I'm younger than you (40s), but I also have tendonitis caused by an antibiotic (cipro). I only have it on one leg. It's been about 3-4 weeks. I have improved quite a bit by taking ibuprofen and icing it when I can. The pain's much better. However, I still have the swelling and some pain, so I'm worried about overdoing it. I'm planning to make an appointment with a sports medicine specialist to get some advice.

I hope you're feeling better soon!