2nd post op visit @ 5.5 wks…no PT, PWB
Well I am ecstatic to have my cast off but a little bummed at my doctor’s plan (or lack there of). He said I could start weight bearing cautiously & in a walking boot as tolerated. I haven’t acheived a 90 degree flexion yet so I have to “duck” walk. I asked once again when I will start physical therapy & he said I don’t need it. I pressed him on it & he said I could do flexing & pointing at home..which is what I have been doing. He also did not have a boot in the office. It is a large orthopedic practice! I ended up using the generic walking boot that my GP gave me on my 1st visit after the injury. I asked about a specialty Achilles boot & he said I don’t need it. Then I asked him didn’t they do many achilles tendons there & he said no & that it usually happens to football players. I guess I’m on my own as far as my rehab! I would love some input on what I can do on my own to recover properly.
November 29th, 2011 at 10:42 am
Not sure where you live but in most countries you can get PT without a doctors referal. It seems like he has very little idea or interest. It is a difficult thing to rehab yourself and it may be harder for you to get the good advice from others here translated into something you can understand clearly and then do without hurting yourself. I would not bother spending any more money going back to this doc and source out a physio that has had some experience with this injury. A PT may be a bit hesitant to work without a doctor’s prescription but if you explain the lack of interest and say you have discharged your doctor, you should get some sympathy. On my page (xplora) there is a link to the Vacoped rehab protocol which you could use as a guide. You could be starting your physio now and I would suggest it is important to have someone look at the boot to ensure it is appropriate for you. I would also stay PWB until you have had that boot approved. PT’s can arrange for boots but the generic may be good enough. BTW my doc did not want to see me again after 5 weeks and left it all to the PT. He was not disinterested, just didn’t see the need unless there was a problem.
November 29th, 2011 at 10:48 am
We can get PT here (in the US) without a prescription. The difference is, without it, insurance probably won’t pay.
Things my PT had me start working on first (at 6wks) were some easy passive stretching, and balancing on one foot. I was surprising to me how inept I was at the balancing. They - understandably, and correctly I think - did not want to do much else until I got to 12 weeks. Lots of active ROM work too.
November 29th, 2011 at 10:49 am
And I should add- my PT didn’t start until I was solidly into two shoes.
November 29th, 2011 at 10:56 am
Thanks for the advice guys. I think I will look into private PT. It does make me feel better that I still have time. It just feels like forever & I’m used to being pro-active (as most of us “achilles people” tend to be)!
November 29th, 2011 at 11:14 am
Your timing is perfect to start PT and it will make you feel good to get moving on your recovery. You will find the weeks start flying by. You can also do some massage on the tendon. It will help.