Hi Sophie I would concur with what Anna has said regarding the eccentric loading (with a few caveats): Alfredson's research was performed on patients with degeneration BUT still able to run (with discomfit). With the degree of degeneration you appear to have this is going to take a while if it is to be successful - certainly longer than 3/12. You are going to need to progress the program extremely slowly and carefully ensuring that you strengthen the whole complex (i.e. gastrocs and soleus). If you ultimately end up having the Sx, you have a far better likelihood of a successful outcome if you follow the eccentric loading routine at the appropriate stage in your post-Sx rehab. Good luck Dave Riddell Physiotherapist ..................................................................... BUPA the personal health service ..................................................................... BUPA House, 15-19 Bloomsbury Way, London, WC1A 2BA Visit: http://www.bupa.com ..................................................................... Internet communications are not secure and therefore BUPA does not accept legal responsibility for the contents of this message. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of BUPA. .....................................................................