11 week update, closing in on two shoes
I am 11 weeks post-op after a full rupture on March 14 after several months of achilles tendonitis. I had surgery on March 17. Surgery was routine, and no issues with incision healing, etc. I was in a cast for six weeks, and have now been in a boot for five more. Taking a conservative approach to recovery, want to avoid rerupture at all costs.
While I am still in a boot, I’m getting better ROM and am now able to walk great distances thanks to the Even-up, logging nearly two miles yesterday. Swelling is starting to go down overall, but still a good bit at the injury site.
I am preparing to walk with two shoes beginning a week from today, so my PT did some stretches on my foot today and I have better dorsiflexion in my involved ankle than my un-injured ankle (7 to 6). My PT said that could be because she had just stretched me, or it could be that my uninvolved achilles was tight to the point that it triggered the tendonitis in my involved achilles that ultimately led to my rupture.
I’ve got a mental block about walking, am pretty anxious about it…but hoping that fades away after a few steps. I’ll be in shoes with good ankle support, of course.
Thanks again for all of your updates; the blog has been a helpful resource!
June 1st, 2015 at 6:03 pm
Sounds like you are doing well with your recovery. I never thought to do a true “walk” while I was in my boot, so 2 miles is great. I had pretty much stuck to a stationary bike while in my boot. With respect to two shoes- I started around 9 weeks in the house but kept the boot on as I went up and down stairs. By 11 weeks got the courage and go ahead to try 2 shoes outside the house. I did my first one mile walk- very slow and cautious- took me 30+ minutes. I am happy to report that this past weekend at the 13 week mark- I am up to 3 miles- with my one mile split is already down to 19 minutes. I started out with quite a limp/ hitch, but I see that slowly going away and am doing much better. Still have a good amount of swelling, though really no pain. I am sure you will do great as you also make your transition to two shoes. Take care.
June 1st, 2015 at 7:32 pm
Wow, three miles at 13 weeks, that’s fantastic! Thanks for sharing your progress, as it’s quite encouraging for me to hear of your experience.
Re taking big walks in the boot, I have been warned by my PT that it can cause other issues (back, hip, etc). That said, as long as I focus on a normal stride, it doesn’t seem to be creating any problems. And it definitely helps me mentally to just get out and about.
Congrats on your great progress, and thanks again for the response!