Your Achilles Tendon Rupture (ATR) and Recovery
AchillesBlog is a space that has grown over the past few months to bring together people who have injured their Achilles Tendon. You can share your injury and recovery experiences with others who are also recovering from their achilles tendon rupture (ATR).
You’ll also find valuable information about recovering from Achilles Tendon Rupture, and please feel free to contribute to our resource to help others who are on the same path to recovery.
If you think you just ruptured your Achilles tendon, (Please go see a doctor!) and please visit: Just ruptured your Achilles?
If you want to learn more about Achilles tendon rupture, treatment, and recovery, please visit this page:
Achilles Tendon Rupture Rehabilitation Protocols, Recovery Guidelines, Publications, and Studies
If you want to read about other people’s personal experiences with Achilles Tendon Rupture and Recovery, you’ll find blogs by people chronicling their injury and recovery here. If you are starting out on your recovery, then it’ll be very helpful for you to read about other people’s recovery experiences.
My ATR Recovery Chronology is here, and you’ll also see many more on the left sidebar under the title “RECOVERING FROM ATR”. Many of these blogs are on AchillesBlog, and some are blogs from elsewhere that we’ve come across.
If you want to share your Achilles Tendon Rupture story, you can create your own here.
My AchillesBlog is: http://achillesblog.com/dennis
If you want to join in on the conversations of people recovering from ATR, or want to share your story without creating a blog, then you can leave a comment anywhere on the site. It’ll show up on the main page under “Recent Comments”. Feel free to leave a note and say hi. 
If you are looking to buy things that you might need to aid in your recovery (and reviews of some of the products), check out:
Things you might need.
If you have recovered enough to be able to start home exercises and/or physical therapy, this page will be very helpful:
Physical Therapy for Achilles Tendon Rupture Recovery
You’ll also find great information from excerpts from various forum postings on: Posts worth reading
Additionally, you’ll be able to:
- Have your progress displayed (along with everyone else’s) on the site’s NYC marathon course map(Requires only a user registration to add your information)
- keep track of your recovery progress
- Widget: On your personal AchillesBlog, keep track of your recovery process graphically from the date of your surgery on a NYC marathon course map. (personal blog required)
- Widget: Keep track of how many days it has been since your surgery/injury with “Achilles Timeline” (personal blog required)
Widgets require that you have your own personal blog. If you don’t want to blog, then just create a placeholder blog and setup the widgets only. (some people are already doing this)
Dennis
Please be sure to read our disclaimer.
Brendan ruptured his achilles on Feb 26th. I think he’s the most recent one of the group.
Here is the link for his blog: Brendan’s blog
He’s contemplating on going back to work after 1 week, which I think is too early.
Hi all..
I had surgery on March 6th after tearing it on the first. Had the surgeon videotape it and will get it on Monday my first post op visit. I have access to alot of medical journals, research, etc so if anyone has any specific questions I can research for you. I am chiropractor, and hope to see patients this Monday after I get my cast on..Should be challenging. Would like to hear about your experiences as far as returning to work.
Thanks
Dr. Ross
Nancy..
sorry to hear that you have joined our club..Need to figure what tissues are causing the burning..
Is it localized or radiating??
What makes it feel better…activity, rest, a position??
Is there any swelling, redness, itching??
Let me know??
ross
thanks for your reply
the burning happens only at one spot
i usually put my hand on it and do a keigel and it seems to help
it does appear to be red when it happens but i’m not sure if it’s me pressing on it that does this…
by the way, i’m in my 8th day after surgery
i sort of going crazy being inactive and so dependent of others!
my first appointment with my surgeon is on th 26th
looking forward to this
do most people get a full on cast on their first visit?
thanks
nancy
Nancy,,
Best to be on the safe side and check with your MD.
As for the cast you will see from surfing this site and doing your research that there is not set protocol. I was in a splint for 4 days then put in a cast. Based on the protocol I will be following the cast is on for 2 weeks and then star rehab.
Do your research, ask questions and you’ll make the right educated decision for yourself.
Good Luck and let me know how it goes.
Doc Ross
Nancy -
I was in a fiberglass cast from just below the knee right after the surgery, for 2 weeks. After that, a checkup and another cast for 2 more weeks. My foot was then put into a walking boot after that.
Hi all, I just found this blog. What a great thing and a great find.
I ruptured on 2/26/08 and had surgery on 3/3/08. I’m out of the splint and into a short cast for 3 weeks. Then on to the boot. I’m glad that a lot of what I have been experiencing (mental and physical) sounds normal. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to post.
It’s great to know you are not alone, otherwise known as misery loves company!
Jim
Jim, welcome! By the way, how did you find this site? I am always curious about how people arrive here.
Glad that you’ve found this place, and I hope you find the site helpful. Please let us know if you have any questions, and feel free to share your story. thanks!
dennis
when you got your second cast put on, where you able to put any weight on it or did you have to wait until you got your boot?
i can’t wait to walk again…
i’m at the end of week two…time flies when you’re lying on the couch!!
i’m addicted to csi miami
any other good shows out there?
thanks
nanc
nancy,
I was allowed to put 20-30lbs (PWB) right after I got my 3rd cast. (1st cast was in the emergency room, 2nd cast right after surgery, 3rd cast at the 2 week follow-up exam.)
I am looking forward to walking too. I love the old law & order episodes with LENNIE BRISCOE.
hope you are feeling better!
Dennis–I was googling everything Achilles injury, and found your site. Of course I was sitting on the couch with my lap top, foot up. I feel I may be a bit late to start blogging. I’m in a cast now and per MD no limits on weight. Of course I can’t put full weight on my foot. I weigh 235 and can get to about 100 pounds (on a scale) without pain.
Nancy–As for shows to watch, I just finished “The Office” on Netflix instant view. They have the first 3 seasons that you can watch on demand. Nothing like a good laugh.
Uplifting story of the day about young Carsen Main. What a great kid! (denverpost.com). I know there are lots of hoopsters in this group so enjoy (I’ve got skills!)
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_8631581
johnskier - That’s a great story. I hope he gets to score too.
Jim - Hopefully you’ll get to FWB soon. It really makes a big difference.. but I have to be careful to not overdo it, and it’s really easy to forget that I need to take it slow.
Dennis..
Great…long article on everything you need to know..
http://herkules.oulu.fi/isbn9789514284342/isbn9789514284342.pdf
Ankle feeling much better. I think it was just morning stiffness. I did 15 min on the recumbent bike today and it felt great. Did upper body workout too. I figure my only “job” now is to keep fit and keep the blood flowing to speed recovery.
Has anybody tried those cast covers for swimming?
Jim
Jim - Philip is on a vacation, and he bought a waterproof cast cover for swimming. He promised to let us know how well it works. I think he left for vacation yesterday, so we’ll hear from him in a few days probably.
thanks for your tv series advice!
love the office too , 3rd rock, entourage…no new episode though
thanks dennis for the info about the weight bearing
does anyone know when we can start cycling (stationary bike) and swimming?
the only exercise i do is wiggling my toes, hopping around, upper body exercises
week 2 going on week 3 post surgery
i’m worried about packing up the pounds…yickes!
nanc
Hi all just got out of surgery tonight around 6pm…still awake after taking one of my meds (percs). Leg is still numb so the pain has not set in yet. I can’t wait to walk…..
mike
Nancy - during the first 3 weeks I did ride the spin bike with my bad leg on a bar stool and pedaling with my good leg. Not sure I got much of a workout…I wasn’t too motivated to work hard.
Mike - good luck, I’m amazed you’re blogging.
Nancy - Let me preface by saying please consult with your doctor to confirm when he/she believes it is best for you to start biking and swimming. Everyone has a little bit different protocol.
I was able to start riding on my bike trainer at 4 weeks post op (with my injured leg in a cast). I kept it at pretty low resistance and probably half my normal rpm. I was up to about 75% rpm at a moderate resistance while in the boot from 6 weeks to 8 weeks. At about 9 nine weeks I started to ride without the boot, back down to low resistance and rpm. I will also recommend using the heel on your injured foot as you begin to cycle and slowly work up to using the ball of your foot. This will minimize the strain on the tendon.
My doctor also gave me the okay to start pool exercises at week 6. However, I canceled my gym membership awhile back so I haven’t tried any swimming yet.
ok
i guess i’ll wait til i talk to the doc
i’ve been going up and down my stairs on my “derriere” so that’
s a bit of a workout!! gosh..
5 more days until my first post op appointment
how much time off work are you guys planning/planned on taking?
and..when did you guys started driving your car again?
Nancy,
Good luck on the first post op appointment. Goes fast, they look at the incision then cast it up for 2-3 weeks. I was back to work on a part time basis in 5 days. Obviously depends on your job, I was able to have a roll-about in the office and rolled from room to room to take care of patients. It’s very exhausting so if you have an option take 2 weeks off to rest, elevate and heal. I was lucky (f you can call it that) that it was my left leg. Driving caused my foot to swell withing 15 minutes the first week but by the second no swelling.
Hope today is better than yesteday.
Doc Ross
Nancy - I took 2 weeks off of work, 1 week of full rest and then 1 week of working from home (still laying in bed and elevating). I just went back to work for my third week post op, and it was pretty tiring, but it was good for my mind to be out and about. I drove after I got my cast after 2 weeks. I tore my left like Ross though and have an automatic. Hope you have a good weekend!
nancy - I was off about 10 days and worked with wireless from home some during the first 10 days. I think I tried to do too much, however, and caught a nasty cold the week I came back. I also had to ice and elevate my leg at work. You’ll have to judge how you feel and what your work schedule will allow…but I think that if you can stay home two weeks it’s good. Even the third week I was icing and elevating on my desk. After the third week, it pretty much didn’t throb anymore. I was driving within a week…it’s my left foot so that helps. The problem would be if the car breaks down, etc. One time I had to buy gas during a blizzard and I’m crutching around the car, hoping I don’t fall, freezing my tail off. Pretty comical, really. Take care - it gets better.
I’m suffering from “castrophobia” and it has nothing to do with Cuba. This cast gives me the worst trapped claustrophobic feeling. I’m not claustrophobic either, small spaces don’t bother me. I wish I could see what’s going in in there. This is America, I should be able to pay extra to heal faster. Oh well, off to find that Zen book….
Jim
Nancy - I was back to work 5 days after surgery. I mainly have a desk job, especially during the winter, so it wasn’t too difficult going back. I was able to keep my leg elevated on a couple of boxes placed under my desk. For me it was important mentally to get back to some level of normalcy. It was much harder for me to sit around the house. I think you just need to listen to your body and do what feels right to you.
I ruptured my right AT plus I drive a standard transmission, so I was pretty screwed when it came to driving. Fortunately, my partner and my father were able to drive me to and from work. After about 6 weeks I felt tired of being a burden on them so I swapped cars with my father and drove left footed for a couple of weeks until I was out of the boot. Probably not recommended, but I only drove a short distance to and from work.
you guys are such a great help
thanks for all your stories and advice
since i teach grade one, my doctor decided to write me a 6 weeks off note, making sure i did not trip onto anybody’s little feet, toy, chair, etc. and i’m fine with this.
it’s just that you can easily get bored
for driving, i’ve got a standard, and i tore my left AT so, i’ll be patient…like for everything else
i do feel good, just can’t wait to get that first cast off and start physio soon, get moving.
have a good week end
don’t eat too much chocolate tomorrow
nanc
Brendan-
I thought I would get a boot on my first follow up. I get the cast off on 4/8. I think he changed his mind from boot to cast when I said “I can’t wait to go swimming today”. He’s protecting me from myself. My doc said I could weight bear, although I can’t get full weight on my foot yet. I have been doing the recumbent stationary bicycle for 20 min or so, and walking with crutches with as much weight is comfortable. It’s always more sore in the morning, but after the bike I can almost get to FWB with no pain whatsoever. As long as no tension is applied to the Achilles, I don’t see how a little weight bearing should be a problem.
As for how I injured it, I was warming up at a Krav Maga class. We stretched and were running across the mat and changing direction very quickly. Total non-contact injury. At this point my story is the same as everyone else’s, thought someone fell on me, mat slipped, shoe broke, etc. I then vaguely remember my toes almost touching my shin as I went down. Self diagnosed in seconds. I had been hiking for quite a few hours earlier in the day, over mostly very large smooth round rocks, so I had been on my toes for hours piror. I don’t know if this is a contributing factor or not, but seems like it could be. It was my second day back to working out after a nasty bug and 2 weeks off. I’ll save some room for others. Hang in there everyone.
Jim
4 wweks post op but can’t sign up…any help?
T Boor -
Hi, what is the problem that you are having exactly?
Hello from Amelia Island Florida !!
Sorry it took so long to give you all the update on my vacation and the review on the Dry Cast Cover.
First, I don’t know about you all, but I have now gotten ridiculously strong and capable on the crutches. We have been walking around the city, around the hotel, down to the beach with really no problems. It definitely makes me feel much better to be this mobile again.
So for the review of the Dry Cast. First I bought the half leg large version. This was my first mistake. Although, the full leg seemed too long and probably very unattractive, there is no question that it is the better choice. I have been swimming every day and today I went sea kayaking with my son. The cast cover does keep it totally dry but for a few leaks that feel more like sweat or a little moist on the top of my cast. I have realized that this is caused by the fact that with the half leg version there are only a couple inches of rubber seal above the cast. With the full leg version, there would be much more rubber seal to keep the water from seeping in. Truly this minor leaking has not been an issue as I have been wrapping the top of the cast with an ace bandage and it has been absorbing most of the moisture.
So, for the good stuff. The freedom of being able to move around and swim without the crutches has been exceptional and lightened my mood. I would recommend that once you are a couple weeks out of surgery and mobile that you get the Dry Cast and go to the local pool to at least float around for 20 to 30 minutes.
I hope all are healing well. I will check in again soon.
All the best.
PK
brendan I’m more of a wake fan, but they have had a rough year…at least I got to watch every single game this weekend! I’m trying to make a meeting tomorrow, been off the meds since Friday night. I’m guessing that week 2 and 3 is much of the same as week one? Does anyone ever fall asleep and wake up by a muscle twitch…feels like my calf wants to stretch?
mike - I’ve had the twitch the first couple weeks.. it happened a handful of times,but it finally subsided. It used to hurt, but I don’t think it does much damage to the tendon as I think the cast protects your achilles pretty well. I don’t think it’s good for the tendon though.
Philip -
Thanks for that review. I’ll have to put a link to the full leg version of the Dry Cast on the “Things you might need” section.
Glad that you are having a great time out there!
Mike
Yes, I have had the twitches. On night 4 after surgery, I was having a dream that I had to run and jump something. Well, I used my bad leg to push off and woke up bolt upright. That was not a pleasant experience. For the next few nights I was actually a bit anxious to sleep. I have had a few others, but that was the worst. I’m not allowed to have any running, jumping dreams from now on.
mike - i had the same twitches that you and the others talk of…they happened during week 1. To your other question, my week 1 was the roughest, had to keep elevated above the heart to manage…got off pain meds about day 4. Week 2 was a little better, but still laid in bed with elevation and worked on laptop. I’m finishing Week 3, and it was much better than either of the previous 2 weeks. I was back to work, getting stronger on the crutches, not having to elevate as high (still some swelling, but no throbbing).
Wow, every day gets better. I just walked about 50ft without crutches in my cast. I carried my crutches just in case. It’s not so much a walk as a plant, step. But it was a real step, not just a hop. No pain. My doc cleared me to bear as much weight as I wanted while in the cast, as my Achilles is protected from any stumble or accidental weight placed on the ball of my foot. I’m at 21 days post op. I think the occasional weight bearing really helps with the circulation.
Jim
Hi All - today was 4 weeks since post op and I went in for a cast change. My foot is now at 90 degrees and the ortho said every thing looked fine. So, there will be 2 more weeks of casting then I go into a walking boot.
Dennis - the pain and tingling you feel is very normal, it takes time for your nerves in your leg to normalize (I ruptured my other achilles 2 years ago).
herb -
Thanks, it’s good to know that I didn’t damage my tendon somehow. By the way, did you have tendinosis (tenderness, etc..) in your achilles? I am worried about my other tendon as well.
Jim -
Good to hear that you’ve made some progress. Walking gets to be much easier with the boot so hopefully you’ll get into one soon. Looks like you are good great.
Dennis - I have no tendinosis in my legs, however my ortho told me the chances of ruptureing my other tendon was very high if you had previously ruptured your other one (I just think my tendons were very thin to begin with). I don’t know it was smart of me to be on the court again, but hey I played for another 2 years before the other one blew out. I think my case is very rare to have both tendons rupture, so I hope everyone who will eventually be healed, don’t to be discouraged and go out and live life to the fullest.
Hy guys -
Michael here in NY. Had my surgery today. Doc said it went well: 45 minutes, reattached tendon to heel bone using dissolvable anchors. Am in a splint, top and bottom of foot extending to mid lower leg held in place with lots of Ace-like bandages, Doc says it makes it much easier to check the incision.
The sciatic nerve block is still working so, at the moment, my foot is still numb. The anesthesiologist said that it may last as long as 24 hours. I’ m not looking forward to it wearing off. I have the Percocet ready.
Doc and I are now having the
NWB v. WB debate. He wants 4-6 weeks of NWB. I’ve emailed him a bunch of the recent literature about early weight bearing in ATR rehab. He seemed to be underwhelmed pointing out that they were all non-US studies. I pointed out that one was Canadian and that they weren’t really off the reservation. The debate goes on, although since it’s only day one, I have a lot of NWB days ahead under all circumstances. The other issue is how soon may I swim. I am a daily fitness swimmer, and have been for 30 years. When I broke my shoulder blade in a bicycling accident a few years ago I started swimming after a week doing a one-armed crawl, I’m pushing for an immersible fiberglass and Goretex cast as soon as the wound is sufficiently heeled. Doc is worried about kicking while swimming. I have explained that I can swim perfectly well without kicking. I think I’ll bring him around.
If any of you have had experience with swimming as part of your rehab I’d love to hear from you. Also early weightbearing info would
be appreciated. Thanks to all. Michael
Michael -
Glad that your surgery went well, and take good care of yourself for the next two weeks. I had to negotiate a shorter time in a cast with my PA.. so I was able to cut it down by a week. (4 wks instead of 5 wks).
That’s as close as I could get to EWB with my doctor.
I was actually fine being in a cast for 3-4 weeks, since I really didn’t trust tendon’s strength then.
Keep us all posted on your progress, and elevate your leg all the time!
Dennis -
Thanks for the response. My first night was ok, the foot is still a little numb from the nerve block so I was able to sleep with no pain. I bought these big wedge shaped stiff foam pillows at Linen ‘n Things and they are excellent for elevating the entire leg while sleeping. It is a little odd sleeping with leg that raised but it wasn’t that big a problem. I slept better than I thought I would.
My problem will be pushing myself to get back to the office. I’m a trial lawyer (fortunately no trials on the immediate horizon) with lots of clients who need attention. Although there is a lot that I can do from home, there are many things that require being in the office down on Wall Street. My firm will provide a car service for my commute, so that won’t be an issue. I would not want to negotiate either the Metro North railroad or the NYC subways on crutches. Neither is particularly handicapped accessible. As everyone on the blog seems to be saying, I’ll play it by ear. But, that said, I’m not great at sitting around. Tom, going back to work after 5 days, is my current hero.
I’ll keep all informed.
Michael
Michael -
Glad your surgery went well. I had a nerve block too…I actually called at about 26 hours after surgery because I was still numb, and the nurse said that it could last even two days…in hindsight, I wish it had! It was like 15 minutes later, that thing wore off and it is quite a suprise, I would suggest starting on your pain meds ahead of the block wearing off! That pillow sounds pertty good..maybe you could send a link and Dennis can post it on the “things to have” page. I just used regular pillows and had a few nights where I woke up and my leg had fallen off the side of the bed…ouch! As far as the work thing, I’m right there with you…I hate to sit still. I was really anticipating going back after a week as well…but the surgery/pain/healing really sapped the energy out of me…so I was ready mentally, but it’s just more tiring than you think to crutch around during the first few weeks. I spent week 2 at home working on laptop in bed. I think Johnskier also went back fairly early, and with a weakened immune system, caught a nasty cold. Take care and let us know how things are going.
Michael - Good to hear that you’re in good spirits and that you were able to get a good night of sleep. I remember that being tough for me. Not because of any pain, but I think it was just hard to stay comfortable.
It’s a little weird now for me to read when people are going back to work. Unfortunately this blog started up about a month after my rupture, so I didn’t have a lot of good resources. I really didn’t give it much thought when I went back to work. I wasn’t in much pain, had pretty well mastered the crutches by then, and I knew that lying around the house would really affect me mentally. I’m lucky that I work in a small office and during the winter I’m mainly at my desk in front of a computer. And, unfortunately, working from home was not a real good option.
With that being said, I think it is important for everyone to assess themselves on their own. Only you know how you’re feeling. This is a serious injury and you don’t want to push things too hard. It’s good to set some goals, but don’t be afraid to adjust your goals if your body is telling you to slow down.
Great point Tom…it’s always good to continue to mention that everyone heals and deals with this injury different. I think that’s the best piece of advice…listen to your body first…it will give you the signs if you are going to fast/slow with your recovery. Hope everyone is having a good day..and if you’re not…you will tomorrow!
Hi All,
I injured myself last Tuesday, had an MRI today, and surgery is scheduled tomorrow. How much pain for the first few days? Thakfully my ex is letting me stay at her house for a few days post op.
How fast until you can actually get around a bit? My Dr. said I would be walking wiht no cast or boot in three months. Possible?
I have 4% of the tendon still atached, so he said most likely I will have my cast with my two pointed down. He said he would try to avoid, that, but don’t count on it. Any thoughts?
I am a single Dad with three kids and self employed, so this is going to be a tough go.
I go in tomorrow at 2, and operated on at 1:00.
Great blog!
Mike
Hi Mike R -
welcome to our not-so-exclusive club. I had surgery yesterday afternoon. I’m about to take my first pain pill now. I am beginning to feel some slight discomfort and was told to stay ahead of the pain if I can. I had a 97% tear. According to my doc, the surgery was the same as with a complete tear except he didn’t have to locate the loose tendon.
Good luck tomorrow. You’ll get through it as we all will. Not fun but there are lots of things that are worse.
Michael
Hi Mike R - everyone has various degrees of pain when coming out of surgery. However, I would suggest asking for a splint instead of a cast for the first 2 weeks, because your foot will be swelling up in a cast with no breathing room, and it can feel like your foot is ready to explode. I am talking from experience, I ruptured my left leg two years ago and now my right. Having the splint the second time around was so much more tolerable after surgery.
Mike R - Good luck with the surgery. Sorry you had to join the club. My recommendation is to read through all of the blogs on this site to get some expectations of the road ahead. As you’ll see, there are several different treatment and rehab protocols and no consistent level of pain.
Toes pointed down in the first cast or splint seems to be pretty common. This reduces the tension on the tendon. You’ll have to lift your knee a little higher when you crutch around, but it doesn’t take long to adjust.
3 months for walking unaided is very realistic. I started walking without the boot around week 9 and my rehab has probably been a little toward the conservative side.
mike r.
good luck tomorrow
i agree with tom regarding the splint, this is what i have and it is more comfortable to wear as you foot swells, etc.
for myself, i only had to take tylenol 3 for the first week
2nd day, lots of pain, got good painkillers and felt better
after
the side effects of some painkillers is having the runs, which can be very tricky when you’re on crutches…ha,ha
your kids will get used to it all and you’ll see how much they will help out
the two first weeks are the worst…
i’m only on week 3 and feel better…still lots ahead though
nancy
Good luck today Mike.
Has anyone else experienced a somewhat sharp pain down near where the AT meets the heel? I only feel it at certain times when I move around. I am almost 3 weeks post surgery. Thanks.
Drew
Drew -
I had that problem some years back before the ATR. It was diagnosed as bursitis in the heel.
Right now, I have been experiencing minor pains here and there around the incision at varying times. Mostly it happens when I am walking in the boot. I don’t think it’s serious, but I think it’s a good sign telling me that I need to stop and rest..
It’s probably different for your case, and if it is really bothering you, I suggest seeing the doctor.
I think getting up and moving as soon as possible after surgery is very important. I knew this would probably be the biggest challenge for me. Within 2 days I had a spot on the floor where all day I would do push-up, crunches, leg lifts, bicycle in the air while on my back, and any stretch I could think of. I was up to 150 or so push ups a day within a week, and more flexible than before the injury. I think keeping as fit as possible will make recovery that much easier. Not to mention the increased heart rate pushing more blood, oxygen, and tendon building blocks to the injury. I don’t know if there is any scientific evidence of this, but the placebo effect for me is worth every bit!
Jim
hi guys
just came back from the hospital for my first post op appointment
saw my surgeon, checked my tendon and everything seemed to be ok
washed the leg…that felt good
was sent to rehab where they gave me the option to either have a cast or a splint…i did not think twice: a splint
the OT showed me a few stretches to do to work on increasing my ROM, and my quads and all , i was happy with this
my splint puts my foot at a 70 degree angle, which was kind of weird first, to get there
i’ll keep this splint for 3 weeks, use crutches, no WB though
i guess i’m happy overall, i had written down a whole bunch of questions from what i had read on the blog for the last 3 weeks and my surgeon was able to answer them all
the plan is to start physio in 3 to 4 weeks and put me in a boot/aircast in 3 weeks.
i’m happy i bought my laptop in january, i’m sure getting good usage out of it!
nanc
Nancy -
Glad to hear that your post-op exam went smoothly. I am curious what the list of questions you had for the doctor were and what the answers were.
If you post it, I think maybe others going into their first post-op exam will find it useful as well.
Please let me know. thanks!
dennis
my questions were
was my tendon fully tared? yes
it was not a clear tear but more shredded, ugly he said
what was the condition of the tendon now? it felt nicely reattached
when will I start WB? in 3 weeks, also because of the fact that my tendon was shredded
when will physio start? in 3-4 weeks
how often will i need physio? twice a week for basically get a series of exercises/stretches
i asked about ultrasound and he said that “physios do a lot of funny things which we do not really understand” so he did not see the importance of it
what was the difference between a CAM boot and a Aircast?
they were basically the same
when will i get one: in 3 weeks
can i drive my car? yes, if it’s automatic, but be careful getting in or out of it
do i have to elevate my leg? no, it’s healed ok
can i take aspirin(it was discouraged after my sugery): YES
any natural supplements: nothing really has been fully proven to help with the healing process, he recommended having a healthy diet and eat vitamin C< helps with the collagene around the scar
can i take baths? yes sir, no danger for infections
just finished doing my first series of ROM exercises..
it feels good, i’m back in the game!
i think that’s all
hope this helps,
nanc
nancy -
thanks for posting the questions/answers. I am compiling a set of questions, and I’ll post them on the main site after it’s complete.
Hi all,
Well, 5 hours post op, and not feeling all that bad. Trust me, it’s no walk in the park, but not much worse pain than the accident. I am on one Norco, 10/325, and it doesn’t seem to be helping much.
The good news is that my cast is flat footed. I had 20% left. Dr. said more pain now flat footed, but faster rehab.
The only bad news was that they had to open me up almost 10″ , as my tendon was way up in my calf.
It doesn’t seem much worse with foot down or up, but I am definitely elevating.
I have a cast from bottom of knee with all my toes showing. At least I can rub them once in a while!
I am sure pain will be worse tomorrow, but so far, so good.
My ex is taking good care of me. I am glad we stayed friends.
Mike
Mike
Mike -
Glad the surgery went well…I don’t think anyone can claim a 10″ incision! Wow! I think Mitch was leading the pack until today..we’ll have to get a look at that if you can upload a pic after your first post op appt. It sure is good to have support/help around after the surgery, it sounds like you are in good hands. Rest up..the first few weeks are all about letting your body do it’s thing to heal the surgical area.
Putting a face to the name. Here I am goofin’ about at Red Rock Canyon outside of Vegas today (I live a few minutes from here). I’m not far from the car though.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2364630139_f7568abd89_o.jpg
Jim
Jim -
Great picture!
Similar to my action shot.
http://achillesblog.com/dennis/2008/02/23/day-16-5-seconds/
I just have to add that none of that weight is going through the tendon, and it is for limited times only. I just want to be able to carry my beer to the couch myself!
Jim - The beer motivation definitely helped me ditch the crutches as soon as I got into the boot. It was extremely satisfying to walk to the kitchen, pop open a cold one, and return to the couch without spilling! Prior to that I would balance the beer bottle between my index and middle fingers while keeping my palm and other fingers on the crutch. It worked, but it wasn’t pretty.
Oh, and nice picture. Looks a lot nicer than the weather I’m dealing with.
MOM”S ROCK!!!
I was laughing so hard my foot nearly exploded. That was great. Your cover is blown Ross!
Jim
PS If I didn’t have help from my wonderful girlfriend I would be lying in a pile of pizza boxes and…well you get the idea.
I hear you Jim. If my wife weren’t here to help me, I’d have starved by now.
Can anyone tell me when the throbbing when the foot isn’t elevated stops? I am 3 weeks post-surgery in the boot with PWB. The throbbing is better than last week but still annoying.
Drew..from the various stories I have heard here..the time varies from person to person. I am 3.5 weeks post op and it’s just been the last few days when it’s been OK to keep it down for extended periods of time. I still like your choice of word, “annoying”, because that is how I would describe mine for the last week…not a painful throb like the first week after surgery…but a kind of numb/tingly feeling that goes away with elevation.
hi guys
for the beer thing..
i wear a kangaroo top(hoody) with a front zipper…stuff your bottle in there, hold your stomach muscles in….there you go!
for the throbbing, same thing as brendan
i’m exactly 3weeks post op
it’s gone better since i’ve got the cast off but still need to elevate now and then, but not has high, just on a pillow
As soon as I can I think it may be Bikram Yoga for me, at least for a while.
Hi all,
Day # 2 after surgery, and a bit more painful than I thought it would be. Yesterday I actually fell down, as my dog tripped me up going to the bathroom. It felt like I ripped out the stitches, or like I had a hot knife stuck in my ankle.
It took 3 hours to get back to only the normal pain. Scared the hell out of me. I thought I would see blood dripping out of my cast.
I am now taking one Norco every four hours, and the pain is much more manageable. I didn’t take anything yesterday until i feel.
Whoever was doing push ups after day 2, well, if I go to war, I want you with me! I don’t know how you could have pulled that off.
Thank God for my ex. She is taking great care of me. She woke me up this morning with French Toast, berries and coffee. I told her with service like this I might never leave. She answered with,”Oh yeah you are!”
Mike R -
That really sucks that you fell. I’ve stumbled a few times when I was on crutches and ended up putting weight on the cast leg.
I’ve been reading a lot about other people’s experiences with Achilles recovery, and everyone’s recovery process has been a little different.
I stayed in bed for 2 weeks with a laptop. In retrospect, I wonder if that was the right thing to do, but I haven’t had too many problems so far, so I guess I shouldn’t linger on it too much.
Glad that you have someone who can take care of you.
Look what my girlfriend made me. I was griping about how my leg always turns to the outside when lying down and elevating. She made this giant pillow that holds my leg from externally rotating. Very cool stuff. Neat desert camo butterfly pattern too.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2224/2370430864_4b4d499e68_o.jpg
Thought you might enjoy,
Jim
jim
your girlfriend should take orders…
my boyfriend would never be able to come up with something like this!!
Jim -
You have a fantastic girlfriend! If she wants to make additional ones as a hobby and sell them on AchillesBlog, please let me know.
Dennis-
Thanks, she was flattered by the compliment. Unfortunately, she is very busy right now, I think she made it for her comfort as much as mine (to make me shut up).
I do have a suggestion for the website. I don’t know if it’s possible, but can this “Leave a Reply” box be moved to the top of the page? It’s gettin’ pretty far down there, and I am usually commenting on the last few comments. Just a thought. Otherwise the site is really great.
Thanks,
Jim
Michael-
Just to comment on your shower woes. I think I have developed a really great system. As an ER nurse, bathrooms scare me. I have seen more injured people from the bathroom than any other room in the house (don’t wash dishes either). Combine tile, water, and muscle contractions that can cause people to pass out, with all those hard sharp corners, and you have a recipe for disaster. That being said, I tried to make myself as safe as possible in there. I sit in the tub for showers. I have a water pic shower head and an extension hose so I can lay the whole thing in the bottom of the shower. As for sitting down, I sit in the tub on one of those flat rubber balance balloons, keeps me out off the floor and out of the run off. Also, because of the side I injured and where the faucet on the tub is, it’s right in my back. I got on of those $0.99 rubber balls from Target, slightly bigger than a basket ball, the kind that are always in those big metal cages, and use that as a back rest. It keeps me off of the faucet, and is soft. Next, I put a towel over the cast and set it on the edge of the tub. No worries about getting it wet. This way I can shower while sitting down. If you need extra grip in the bottom of the tub, put a small towel down. When I get out I have a sturdy chair right next to the tub with a towel on it. I can get out, dress on the chair and put on my favorite shoe, and not leave a trail of water. Hope all this makes sense.
Jim
Jim -
Thanks, but I don’t think I can move the comment box, but I’ve added the “reply” button on the comments. It should direct you to the “Leave a Reply” box (on the correct blog). Let me know if this makes using the site easier.
Dennis,
That’s nice. Was that always there and I just didn’t see it?
Jim
Jim -
Thanks for the shower advice. I have a handheld attached to my shower so I’ll give your method a try.
because i seem to be a little worried about my injured foot and plantar fascia, i did a little search and found this site with good tips (maybe you guys had already posted something?)
anyways, it will get better once some of us start moving again
most of the stretches are not applicable for some of us now but good for some of you who are walking
will continue massaging it and icing i guess
if any of you have tried something else that works please let me know
here it is
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20010201/467.html
Nancy -
Thanks for the link. I’ll post it on the site as soon as I can.
I hope your foot gets better soon.
Jim -
Nope, I added it today just for you. Enjoy!
Day 4 and I feel pretty darn good this morning.
Has anyone slept on their side? I have a flat/wedge shaped pillow a friend gave to me to elevate my leg. My butt and back are feeling weird from laying down so much, so I thought I would try the side.
Last night I put the AT(left) leg on the wedge, laying on my right side, sideways, and put two pillows between my two knees. I felt really comfortable when I fell to sleep, and I woke up with the wedge on the floor, still on my side, and no swelling or pain whatsoever.
You think there is any harm doing that?
Hotel Ex is closing today. I am off to my house, and my first attempt at a shower (trust me I NEED it!)
Hope you all have a good Sunday.
Mike
Mike R - sleeping on my side was the only thing that worked for me…I don’t think you are doing any harm, in fact I would argue that getting good quality rest is one of the best things you can do for your AT during the first few weeks post op. For the first week, to get the most elevation, I would sleep on the side of my good leg, put 2 pillows between by legs so that by bad leg was elevated above my heart. I woke up one night with my leg hanging off the side of the bed..and that hurt like heck!
SAME HERE GUYS
i’ts the best way for me to sleep still after 4 weeks
Nanc - I experienced some of the plantar fascia discomfort you referred to while I was in my various casts. I spoke to my surgeon about it at my 4 week post op visit and he recommended pulling my toes up to my shin, as far as I could without feeling any significant pain. I think this helped. My arch felt really tight at week 4, but by the time I was in the boot at week 6 it felt much more relaxed.
Mike R. - I don’t think you’re doing any harm. I agree with Brendan that quality sleep is probably one of the best things for healing. Do what you feel comfortable with during the healing process. We all heal in different ways, so don’t be too concerned if something that is comfortable to you is different from everyone else.
thanks for the advice tomtom
massaging my foot seems to also help
Hi All,
I am a recovering from my second Achilles (bilateral) rupture. I popped the first at 36 playing indoor soccer and the second at 42 playing tennis on hard court. I I want to go back to these games, but I am somewhat apprehensive about the risks. I am ~eight months post-op on my second “event” and am still working to recover the full strength in my calf. Do any of you have any suggestions or metrics for full strength recovery? I have been swimming a bit which is a low stress excercise, but I miss the soccer…….
TZ
tz - sorry to hear that you had another rupture, but glad to know that you’ve mostly recovered from it. By the way, was it on the same leg (re-rupture) or different legs?
I am just starting to walk without the boot, and my plan is to lose 10 lbs and exercise regularly.
I know that it’s not a guarantee, but if I weigh less, then there will be less stress on my tendons.
I also plan to be vigilant about making sure that there is no tenderness in my achilles if I plan to participate in high- impact sports.
If I put in place sound preventive measures, then I believe that it’ll dramatically decrease my chances of ATR.
I believe that you get what you put into it, but there are really no guarantees in life. Do your best and hope for the best.
dennis - I wiped out both left and right Achilles. I do have a neighbor who re-ruptured the same tendon. I gather that is a nasty repair because the surgeon hmust work around the scar tissue fom the first event. Good luck with the ten lbs and the exercise regime
All,
Side sleeping with the leg Achilles leg elevated on some pillows was the only way I could sleep.
I was struck by how much difference In pain I had between the two ruptures. The first (no nerve block) was excruciating and I almost got hooked on the pain meds. I had to flush the remainder down the toilet. The second leg (with a nerve block) did not hurt nearly as much. The second leg also had significantly less atrophy - go figure.
I wish there was some way to partially stimulate the muscle tissues while the tendon is healing and still vulnerable shortly after the operation. Ten years from now they’ll have this figured out……..
Great blog….
TZ
what a treat…
i had a 45 minutes full body massage today…
i fully recommend it
my good leg was absolutely hurting
so were my forearms (because of those *&&%$ crutches)
here is what she recommended to release some of the tension in myr forearms/wrists:
bathe them, alternatively, in hot water(1 min) and ice cold water (10 sec)
i tried it tonight for 5 minutes, it was enough, and my arms felt great
YEA !!! Just back from the doctor 7 weeks post op and the cast is off and the boot is on. My scar looked great but very long as I tore my Achilles very high. The calf muscle is non-existent but I am sure that will come back soon. The doctor did tell me to ditch the crutches as soon as I was comfortable. It took all of one hour before I threw them in the trash - Literally !! I hated those things. It feels very weird to be walking and I am walking with a real limp but I am walking. My doctor has a physical therapy practice in his building so I already went there and am scheduled for my first evaluation tomorrow morning at 9:00am.
I will report on that tomorrow.
So here is something new that my Doc. wants me to do that seems very different from what you all have been doing. He told me that the incident of re-rupture is 19% within the first year. He has prescribed a metal brace to be made for my shoe that will prevent my foot from overextending. This is to be worn once the boot comes off for another 6 months. It is called the Klensak Metal Upright Heel Attached Dorsi Flex Stop Brace.
Seems aggressive. Anybody heard of this. BTW, I am only 39 and in great athletic shape.
PK
To All..
Have not seen any comments or posts about someone getting to the pool for rehab. Interested in getting in and out of the pool as well as using a crutch on the wet deck. So if anyone is doing that can you relay some info,
“One day closer to the end”
Doc,
I have not gotten in the pool yet but I fully intend to as we have a full indoor and outdoor facility at our gym. I did take my kids several times to the pool for their lessons while on crutches. It is very dangerous but dooable if you go slow.
PK
I’m planning to swim this weekend and test out this fiberglass and Goretex cast. I’ve been contemplating getting in and out of the pool one-footed with the crutches. I’m happy that I have the Strutter crutches because they have a much bigger base than a standard crutch and the base always remains flat on the ground as a result of the hinged spring mechanism. Even with all of that, I plan on having my wife help me in and out of the pool. Luckily, she too is a swimmer. In all events, I’ll report back as to how the swimming goes.
Brendan…
Left foot..
FYI…your gastrocs act as 2nd and 3rd pump besides your heart. In order to circulate the blood up to your torso the gastrocs need to be utilized otherwise the blood pools in the foot, leg and thigh. This stagnation leads to swelling, redness, varicosities and the possiblity of clotting. So wiggle your toes, ask your MD about PWB, FWB or even doing isometric exercises inside the cast/boot.
Doc Ross
small update:
Injury/Surgery Date Summary Table was rewritten.
It’s now actually sorted by surgery date, and it should show your information if you have an Achilles Profile regardless of whether you have a post or not.
I’ve also added “which leg” field. I’ve taken the info from the spreadsheet and what was in the comments and your blogs to fill out most of it. If you want me to add “which leg” info for your profile, either leave a comment or request for an update on the spreadsheet.
You can’t enter the “which leg” info yet from the “Achilles Profile” since I haven’t made changes to it yet.
Dennis,
I am 39 and in tore my right achilles.
So gang. I am still having a real hard time walking in the Aircast boot. It is extremely uncomfortable. Not that I am getting a lot of pain in my leg just that it is really an awkward gate. The only way to swing my right foot forward in the boot is to pigeon my toe out aggressively. It really looks like I am walking like a pirate with a peg leg. Walking this way hurts my knee and back. I am guessing my issue is that I have two wedges and only -12% range of motion, so my ankle just does not bend.
Are you all experiencing this issue?
Thanks.
PK
philip - thanks. As for the boot, how many days has it been? I think if you find a good shoe that has a fairly thick sole, then you won’t have to compensate as much when you walk. (I personally haven’t found one and not planning on buying one anyway since I’ve been walking fine in the boot..)
It took me a week or so, but I’ve adjusted my gait so that my boot leg is always slightly bent. Also I have one of those boots that have rounded sole to make walking easier..
I think others will comment on this, since it’s been a topic of discussion on several occasions. Maybe creating a “How to walk in the Boot” section might be helpful.
Please let me know if anyone wants to give it a shot. I’ll link to your blog from the main page.
Bri - Thanks for sharing your blog. I’ve added your link on my site as well. Cheers to another Minnesotan! Hope you were able to get out yesterday and enjoy the beautiful day. Good weather really helps when trying to stay positive.
Others - I’m sorry I can’t offer up much advice on walking in the boot. I didn’t really experience any troubles with the boot, so I never gave much thought to how I was walking with it. For me, walking in the boot felt almost the same as walking in ski boots - a bit awkward, but easy to make adjustments. My only issues with the boot were that it was larger and heavier than my casts and that my good leg felt more fatigued which I’m sure was a result of the compensation. Perhaps the ease of movement is dependent on the type of boot? Phillip, maybe you could check with your ortho and see if he has a different style of boot you could try.
Hey all,
Just got back from the hospital - I will be in a fibreglass cast for the next 6 weeks (new one every 2 weeks) with NWB.
After that I can put full weight on the foot and begin PT.
Weather is getting nice out and it’s starting to get frustrating!!! lol..
James
Maya…
sounds like we forged from the same mold…good luck with the biking, where are you located??
I am so ready to hop on the bike and get moving..My next apointment is Wednesday and I am hoping that I get the green light on some physical activity.
Doc Ross
James -
Thanks for the update. You can still go outside on crutches. Your upper body will definitely get stronger using crutches. You can try a walker or the iwalkfree as well. Johnskier has used iwalkfree, so you might want to ask him about his experience.
For anyone interested in swimming, see this evenings post on my blog. In a nutshell, it was pretty easy and well worth it - there is a great sense of freedom in the water and only having one good leg is not a problem in the pool.
Dennis…
you may want to add this to the causes of ATR…spoke with a GP and he asked if I was on an Antibiotic..I have done some research and indeed Levaquin contributes to an increased amount of ATRs.
here is some info.
http://www.zimmreed.com/levaquin-tendon-rupture.html
Doc Ross
So for a quick update to my boot walking problems. Yesterday afternoon something happened where I suddenly began walking correctly. I no longer had the pigeoned toed peg leg walk. I have walked a lot today and have tried to evaluate the change. I believe that most of my issues had to do with lack of confidence to “roll over the toe” of the boot. Now that I am walking heel - toe I see what my problem was. It seems intuitive now. This goes to the whole conversation we have had relative to patience with this injury. It is not an every day improvement but improvements by the week.
PK
Here is a look at the calf and incision 5 weeks 2 days post op and 6 weeks post injury. I think I tried to scrub the dead skin off a bit too aggressively, thus the rash.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2336/2401132899_61ff6d46f1_o.jpg
I have some serious work to do, but I’ll be taking it slow. Plan to start PT next week. I can’t believe how normal I feel walking in the boot.
Doc Ross - Thanks, since there wasn’t a section on “Causes of ATR”, I’ve added it to: http://achillesblog.com/atr-rehab-protocols/
Jim - aside from your rash
…our ankles look identical. I still can’t believe you are standing there…that’s so neat to see. I have my appt this Friday…I’m supposed to be NWB now, but I have been sort of walking with the crutches, probably 25% on the booted foot…and it feels great.
I had my second post op Dr. visit today. 15 days post op.
They took the staples out, and I am barely swolen at all. No brusing, and the scar looks really healthy.
They recasted me for the thrid time, and I am at a complete full 90 degrees! It feels really tight but I am happy about it. He did the Thompson test, and my foot moved a LOT!
I can PWB up to 20 lbs. on it, which is not bad for two weeks! My cast comes of in two weeks, and into the boot. They fitted me with a cast shoe cover so I can actually stand on it a bit.
I am SHOCKED at how much atrophy there is in the calf! I wil post pictures later today. I am a runner and hiker, and my legs are pretty strong and difined. Not the ATR leg any more!
I wil start ROM and light PT as soon as the cast comes off, so I do feel I am a little ahead of schedule.
He said I was doing really well, but to remember about it being a marathon, not a sprint (like we all hear and say).
He thinks I will be walking in shoes in 6 weeks.
Mike R -
Thanks for the report..I’ve got a pic of my atrophy after 25 days: http://achillesblog.com/brendan/2008/03/28/2nd-post-op-day-25-appointment-questions/ It was a shock to me too how quick it goes, but you figure it’s the most used muscle in the body. You sound like you are on a very similar path to Dennis..looks like a solid protocol. Hope all is well…keep us posted.
Doc Ross-
How do you know if your antibiotics are Levaquin? I too am on antibiotics… Does it say it on the bottle? It’s in the bathroom right now which seems like a long way away but I’ll hobble over and grab it
Here’s another link I found on the topic:
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/articles/health-highlights-jan.-3-2008/hd-611405?ipc=B00520§ion=section_02
Bri,
Levaquin is a brand name for the antibiotic levofloxacin. Levaquin belongs to a group of antibiotics called Fluroquinolones, or Quinolones. They are groped based on their chemical structure and how they stop bacterial growth. If your bottle says levofloxacin, then you have Levaquin. There are other drugs in this group like Cipro, but from what I have read, Levaquin seems to be the biggest culprit in tendon rupture. Rather than drone on…this may help
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluoroquinolones
Didn’t mean to steal your thunder Doc, I’m just bored at home.
no problem Jim..
Bored….masters on TV…
Baseball started
Hockey playoffs
Crunch time for NBA..
and you’re reading up on antibiotics….
Doc Ross
Jim - Thanks for that info. Also, if you have a bit more time, can you tell us more about how to negotiate with the health care providers? I’d like to setup a page for those without health insurance on how to lower their medical bills.
I think your knowledge in this area can help a lot of people. If I didn’t have health insurance, (and I almost didn’t), then I would have had to pay 14K.. and that’s more painful than the achilles rupture!
Ross-
That had me laughing. Well, for the same reason an alcoholic avoids the bars, I ditched the TV 3 years ago. I seem to have reached the end of the internet though! I’ve probably given 10x my bodyweight in Levaquin to patients though (sometimes even with steroids, ouch), I wonder how many tendons I’m responsible for. Karma??
Dennis-
Would you like me to email you about the insurance pointers? I’m thinking you must have my mail when I post. I can make a few more comments, but I’m not sure it would be enough to fill a whole section.
jim - thanks. I’ve sent you an email.
Hi all
Just found this site and have been very impressed with the ideas and information gathered. My complete rupture of the right AT occured whilst playing basketball on march 6 and was operated on march 8. I am 38 yo mum with two kids (3 and 1 year old) so not much time to sit on couch and ring the bell. Have been lucky to have good family support but have been FWB since around 4 weeks as it is the only way to get some things done (also no pain). My Doc really didn’t give me that much info regarding my recovery but the protocol has been plaster splint 2 weeks then boot for 6 weeks with crutches as needed. Each week the boot heel is reduced. I am now 5 weeks post op and up to date have been a bit confused about what I should and shouldn’t be doing. Reading your comments has made me feel a lot more confident about my progression and certainly given an insight into the many varied treatments out there. Thanks for the great info posted as I have been very unsure of procedures up to date.
Hi just syumbled across this blog, literally, whilst researching recovery times for ATR. I ruptured my AT at 1835hrs on Wed 20.02.08 whilst playing a game of 5 a side football. Now in week 7/8 of recovery and due back at the hospital for my 3rd and final plaster cast to be fitted and hope to be free from this by 01.05.08.
Can anyone give me any idication to the timescale I might be looking at before i can get cycling again ?
Many thanks from across the pond in Scotland.
Hi Sharon, glad that you’ve found the site useful, and thanks for sharing your ATR story. Looks like you are recovering very well.
I started FWB after 4 weeks (I guess that’s week 5?), and I am now walking in normal shoes. Doctors have varying recovery protocols, and I pretty much adhered to my doctor’s rehab schedule (except when I had my moments of impatience).
If you have any specific questions about our experiences with ATR, please let us know.
JohnK - Welcome. Your cycling question is one you probably want to discuss with your doctor as recovery protocols are all different. But, I can give you an idea from my experience. I am now a little over 13 weeks post op. I was given the okay to start partial weight bearing at week 4. I was anxious to start doing some cardio exercising, so I asked my doctor if it was okay to start riding on my bike trainer. He said that was fine, but just take it slow. I started out at a relatively low resistance and rpm, and gradually increased both. I continue to ride on my bike trainer or a stationary bike a few times a week. I avoid high resistance to minimize forceful movements, but my pedal strokes are back to normal. I haven’t hit the open road yet as I’m still being a little bit cautious, and I’m also waiting for the weather to turn. At this point steeper hills would probably still be tough, but a flat ride is definitely doable.
In my opinion, cycling is a great way to get the blood circulating in the leg again in a pretty controlled manor. A flat ride is manageable early on (3 months), but you may have to wait until you get some strength back in the calf before going on a hilly ride.
Dennis - thanks for the reply and your info has been great.
I guess I have been very lucky in that I have had no pain, even from the injury to the op and afterwards, but this has probably made me feel that I should be doing more. When I asked my Doc, at the 2 week post op stage, about physio and PT he said when I get out of the boot (7 to 8 weeks post op). However,I have been following the Eric Berkson PDF file protocol on goals and activities as I have found this really good. Have you been doing much in the way of exercises whithout the boot? I have been quite active with the boot on - gym, some walking and chasing the kids around. I will tackle swimming in the next week or so. Not so much worried about the swimming itself, more about trying to get changed and showered afterwards. My goal is to be able to walk without boot in 3 weeks as we are going on a family beach holiday (Gold coast as I am from Australia)
sharon - Ever since I was put into a boot, I’ve been doing the home exercises. (although not as regularly as I’d like) http://achillesblog.com/physical-therapy/
The exercises that I have been doing are: #1, #2, #3, #6, #7, #8
Basically the exercises that don’t involve me putting too much strain on my achilles.
But you should always get an “OK” from your doctor before doing them. I asked my doctor about the exercises and he said it was “OK” for me.
At about week 7-8, I started my PT. I should have started at the beginning of week 6, but I couldn’t because some silly paperwork reasons.
When you do start your PT, be sure to not push yourself too hard. Although it’s unlikely, I have heard of people re-rupturing their AT during physical therapy. Brendan has a nice post regarding re-ruptures: http://achillesblog.com/brendan/2008/03/31/discussion-topic-other-atre-rup/
I have to keep reminding myself that it didn’t really hurt too much when I ruptured my AT. That means that it probably won’t hurt too much if I re-rupture. So I can’t use pain as a indication of whether I am getting close to a re-rupture.
Just make sure that you consult your doctor before doing any exercises.
Hi AT Gang.
Just wanted to check in again with the boot experience. Now that I have worked out the kinks on how to properly walk in the boot the freedom has been amazing. This weekend I had was able to do yard work and play baseball with my boys. A real mental boost !!
The good news is that my foot in only a week and half of PT is bending to about -5% which is a +7% improvement in ROM. The PT has been very effective and I have been seeing him 3 times a week and doing the exercised every day.
Another progress report is that I am limping around the house slowly without the boot. I am trying to take it slow but it is hard not to push a little.
Glad to see everyone making such great progress. For anyone new. Read the blog every day it keeps your spirits up on the bad days.
All the best.
PK
Just got back from my third post op appointment (5.5 weeks post op). My doctor said that I can gradually wean myself off of the crutches, which is nice. I am a little hesitant to give them up, though, as I still feel like my bad leg is weak. He had me push against his hand with the ball of my foot and I was surprised at how hard I was able to push. Encouraging. I should start PT next week (they couldn’t take me this week) and I go back to see him in 4 weeks to (hopefully) get rid of the boot. Baby steps!
drew - glad that you are able to get off the crutches soon. It was a major sigh of relief for me when I started walking in the boot without them. I think PT helps a lot, and I wish I had started a bit earlier too. keep us posted.
philiproskin - good to hear that you are progressing nicely. Yes, I loved going from the cast to the boot. My favorite moment was putting the crutches in the garage knowing that I won’t have to use them again. Let us know how your recovery goes, and thanks for your comments.
How do I get my own blog on your site? I am a bit confused on where to start, since I have been contributing already. Will all my old posts be on it?
Just a quick note on the knee walker. You can rent them at any CVS for $80. per month.
Last, how do I post my pictures?
Hi all, Just a question about recovery. The overwhelming feeling I have right now when trying to flex my foot is that I can’t get my calf muscle to “fire”. I don’t know if anyone else has had this sensation. I’m sure this is just part of the process, but it’s just such a weird feeling.
Thanks
Jim
Mike R -
First login if you already have an account, and then
you can go to this URL:
http://achillesblog.com/miker
It should redirect you to the sign-up page.
You can post pictures after you’ve created a blog.
Thanks for letting me know about the CVS and renting knee walkers. That’s a great piece of information. I’ll put that on the main site.
Let us know if you have any problems with the blog signup.
Jim - I think what you’re referring to is probably normal. You’ve likely lost a fair amount of strength in your calf as well as range of motion. I can’t remember if your doctor started you on ROM exercises, but those might help. I think it just takes a bit of time for everything to start functioning normally again. As you start to re-stretch the tendon, you’ll probably notice the calf start to “fire” again.
Jim - Yep, I know that feeling. I tried walking normally by pushing off with my recovering foot, and my foot didn’t respond. It’s getting better though as my calf muscle is getting stronger.
I walked around a few blocks today, and I am getting a little closer to normal walking. My heel is a bit sore though as I think I’ve been walking way too much the past few days. Time to relax and give my heel a break for a couple of days.
Dennis
thanks to you linking my blog to yours i now have quite a few AT (victim) visitors. In AT terms, i am now an ATV (veteran) having ruptured my AT in September 06. While i do few if any specific posts on my AT these days I am happy for people to visit and check out my history and I will answer questions if asked.
my AT has recovered. I dont run by choice although i am sure i could if i wanted to, but i do ride (road bikes) . My calf musculature has still not regained its former beauty but it works ok and it does not pain me.
I wish you and all of your visitors enjoy a similar fate in the longer term.
Be positive , be active - what doesnt “kill you” makes you stronger. Its true - at least for me.
Jeff
Jeff -
Thanks for stopping by. Glad to hear that you’ve recovered fully, and it’s good to have AT veterans around.
I’ve been keeping up with your blog and it’s good to hear that your dad is doing better.
Good luck on your French, and the cheese souffle looks delicious.
Just a few observations about starting to walk in a shoe again. I’m almost at week 7 and am allowed to wear a shoe with heel lifts in the house. I limp quite a bit since my foot doesn’t want to bend much past 90deg. I find if I take very small steps, I can almost get a normal gait. If you are starting to walk without the boot, try very short steps at first. This will allow you to use your foot and calf in a normal motion without undue strain.
Also, since my Dad had hip surgery with a resulting DVT, he swears by these (he uses the next higher compression)
http://www.healthylegs.com/joformenovmi.html
I saw a pair at the local drug store and picked up a set. I have to say they really help with the swelling and just make your leg fell more, normal i guess. I’m not sure the fashion statement I make with one knee high black sock though. I may start something here. I’m in Vegas so it’s shorts weather now.
I know that Orthopedists and Podiatrists both can do this surgery. Is there any other specialty that will do this surgery? The thought occurred to me that maybe this has something to do with the differing recovery protocols. I’m sure each specialty has differing ‘cultures’ on recovery protocols. I was seen by an orthopod and am walking about the house today in a shoe at 6.5 weeks. Seems fairly aggressive to me. Any thoughts?
Jim -
Thanks for the link for the socks. I’ve created the link on the main site: http://achillesblog.com/things-you-might-need/to-help-you-get-around/
Is anyone else at the 8 week mark and still in a hard cast? I will be at 10 weeks, my next Dr visit. Supposedly going into a walking boot at that time. Last visit(week6) they told me wean myself off of crutches, so this past Sunday I just put them down and started walking on my own. Sorta frustrating hearing other recover times–but my Doc is very conservative in protocol..
Brendan-
Did you happen to go to Lees Mcrae College outside of Asheville? Also blog photo tricked you–that photo is from the Rocky Mtns. Some buddies and I go elk hunting out there from time to time. Probably will have to miss the trip this year.
Kevin - nope..went to Warren Wilson..but have driven by Less Mcrae. Should have known the Rockies too…since I live out here in Colorado now!
Found a bright side to this mess–yesterday afternoon I went to my daughter’s coach pitch softball practice at 4:30. If I was healthy that would never happen, would have been at work..haha Is this injury costing anyone else because they are unable to work? Looks like I will be out of the big brown truck for at least 6 months….Kevin
Great website - found it while surfing and looking for those going thru the same thing as me - Just had my first post-op appt eight days-plus and got a good report. Surprised there hasn’t been much pain, but I was scared to death when the cast was taken off. I didn’t want anyone to touch the area and was just waiting for the shooting pain to come, but it never did.
Best wishes everyone !!!!
Tulsa - glad you found the site…there is a wealth of information on various topics for the different stages of your recovery. How did you rupture? How has the first week gone?
hay kev34 / you are 1 day ahead as of injury date .. i have been in the boot since 3/31/08 and started swimming soon as the hard cast came off / it really helps . they let me use the wheelchair getting in and out of the pool .
go for my secound post op next monday . still use cruches as it helps with balance. going into my 3rd week of pt .. i think the swimming works better than pt / but the girls are pretty hot there so i go 3 times a week ..
Brendan -
I injured myself playing basketball. I hadn’t played in two years, but was having the game of my life, hitting all my shots and dishing the ball well. One point to win and was driving to the basket and then it felt like someone kicked me in the back of my leg. Being familiar with the injury, I knew exactly what it was.
The first week was a test of patience. I’ve never felt so helpless and dependant on my family at any time. Week two has been better.
Getting the positive reports and having a support group like this website has been a big boost.
Hang in there, everyone, especially those who are in day one or day two. I never thought I would make it to day 10 post-op, but here I am. I’ts going to be a marathon, not a sprint …
rob h
when you go swimming, do you need to wear a waterproof cast or can you swim without it?
when did you started swimming? week __?
thanks
Rob H–
It will be 10 weeks when I go back to Doc on the 29th of April, I think I go into the boot then…but I have been walking without crutches for eight days now—I use them only when my ankle gets tired..I will be trying the simming pool out as soon as possible.. Kevin
Milestone for myself–I love to turkey hunt, until this morning I hadn’t even gotten to go out and listen for any birds this year..But this morning me and a buddy went out and I was able to harvest a longbeard…It was awesome just being able to get out in the outdoors for awhile….
As we used to say in the Air Force “Suck it up and Press on” we will all get through this eventually….
Dennis..
Found this article. Too late for us but for the future unfortunate this may be of some help..
Interesting reading prior to having surgery
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/98043.php
Doc Ross
Doc Ross -
Thanks, I’ve created a link in the “Just Ruptured your Achilles?” page.
Hi Doc Ross
(are you really a doctor?) I am eight months into recovery from a complete rupture(due to someone jumping on my leg) and still suffering. Just today being referred back to the specialist…………..is this normal?
Dizzydebs
Yes on the doctor question..
What kind of pain are you having??
This injury takes a full year to fuly recover. You may or may not have pain during this time but the tendon builds up scar tissue over the course of a year.
Hope the specialist visit goes well…let us know
Doc Ross
Just received the video of my surgery..
Too big to post.
interesting to say the least.
Will post a full report after my post op visit on Wednesday..
Hoping to be able to be in 2 shoes…Will be 7 weeks post op.
When did everyone ahead of me (3-6-08 surgery) start wearing two shoes throughout the day??
Doc Ross
Ross - I believe I was back in 2 shoes at week 9, maybe a few days earlier. I probably could have done so at week 8, but was still having to deal with a lot of snow and ice on the sidewalks and didn’t want to take any chances. It sounds like you’re a couple weeks ahead of the schedule I was on, which may help some as you rebuild strength in the leg.
Good luck with the post op visit!
Doc Ross,
Hi. I’m at week 7 post op today (so is Brendan). I was cleared for shoes at week 5.5, but have been wearing the boot when out in public, and shoes in the house with superfeet insoles and about a 1/4 inch heel lift. I’m wearing running shoes with a substantial heel. I still limp a lot, and don’t have much dorsiflexion past 90deg, but that will come. The more I’m in a shoe, the more I hate the boot. The boot used to seem comfortable, but now it really makes my ankle feel stiff. The most frustrating thing is not having full range of motion in dorsiflexion (foot upwards toward the shin). I feel a very tight strap like sensation from my heel to mid calf, almost like the doc put a cable in there. I just want to stretch, but know that could be catastrophic.
Jim….
Thanks for the input..
Did the swelling reduce after you started going into the shoe??
What about irritation of the heel??
Doc Ross
Doc Ross - I was FWB in the aircast at 7 and told to come back at week 9 but the doc was on vacation last week. This is now week 10 and have my appt this week so my guess is I’ll be out of the aircast then. I definitely feel like I’m ready. Others like Jim are on more aggressive schedules it appears. On balance I’m comfortable with the ROM and strength that I have right now and spend a lot of time up and about.
for kev 34 and nancy / nancy i started swimming as soon as the hard cast came off / 7 weeks after surgery / i just take the boot off and use the wheelchair . take it right to the hand rail hop the steps and / then tread water some laps then walk slowly in waist deep area .. kev 34 my turkey permit starts next monday .( michigan ) i can use my quadrunner .. just hope i dont have to chase it .. kev good job on turkey !
Doc Ross,
I have never had much swelling. With the shoe I seem to have a bit more, but that could be because I’m up more with the shoe, and with the boot I have almost no swelling at all. My heel does get irritated easily though. If I am walking on hard surfaces it’s worse. My biggest frustration is the giant rash I got form the cast. It’s much better now, but I can still see it. It’s where ever I had a lot of rubbing with the cast.
For those who ruptured their right AT (or left AT with a stick shift car), how long after surgery did you begin driving again? My wife is understandably getting tired of being my chauffeur. The doctor gave me the ok (I’m almost 7 weeks post op), but I’m not sure how safe I would be on the road.
Drew- I’m still in a hard cast (at week nine today), but I got tired of sitting around so I went for a drive about week 8. I used the cruise control when applicable and I use my left (good foot) for braking…just have to be extra cautious and leave yourself plenty of room to respond to traffic…good luck with it Kevin
Hi guys,
week 9 non surgical recovery update.
Visited the Ortho clinic and had my cast removed and i was examined by the surgeon who advised me that if i had a shoe with me today he would have been happy to let me go home without a cast, but as i didn’t have a shoe i have a cast back on. Next week is a biggie, remove the cast and i am free to start PT.
After last weeks low of not getting full movement, today is a massive high tinged with slight disappointment that i could have been 1 full week ahead in recovery.
Hope everyone is doing well and recovery times are coming all as planned.
Time for me to have a small whisky in celebration, SLAINTHE !
JohnK - Thanks for the update. Hope you enjoyed the whisky! Interesting that the surgeon recasted rather than just putting you in a temporary plaster splint that you could’ve removed when you got home. Oh well, you’ll be out of the last cast before you know it.
Dennis, I sure wish I could edit my comments. I could fix the grammar and spelling errors I make before I’ve had enough coffee or after I had too much beer. That is a very short window of time when I’m at 100%. Off for more coffee.
Tom,
the reason for recast was due to the fact that i never had a shoe with me or i would have been coming home in “two shoes”.
Whisky was great………………homemade Bramble Whisky
JohnK - I realize that they recasted because you didn’t have a shoe. I just found it interesting that there wasn’t a simpler alternative which wouldn’t require another post-op visit. I suppose a plaster splint wouldn’t have worked unless you had your crutches.
Perhaps you’re story is a good one for everyone to remember as they get close to ditching the boot/casts. Bring along a shoe to your post-op visits, just in case!
Congrats to those who are progressing so well (Ross, Johskier) and congrats to Lamar for getting through surgery. Every day will be a little better than the last.
I’m 7 weeks post op today. I started PT this week and had 2 sessions. It felt really good to get the foot moving again and to actually feel my calf muscles working. One interesting note is that the physical therapist had me ride a stationary bike yesterday while in a shoe. I had a hard time fitting my bad foot into my sneaker and definitely couldn’t tie it. She said that this is normal. According to my doctor, I should be back in 2 shoes in 2.5 weeks. Hoepfully I’ll actually be able to fit my bum foot into my shoes!
I’m in Baltimore.
This is off topic, and I am not sur if you heard about teh great white shark attack that happened in Solana Beach, CA (North San Diego County) today. I live in the next town down, Cardiff-By-The-Sea, and just YESTERDAY I sat on my truck tailgate watching my SON surf at the exact spot of the attack for two hours. Very strange stuff.
I have surfed there hundreds of times, and have onl seen dolfins and small leapard sharks.
http://ori.msnbc.msn.com/id/24313314/
Mike
drew
we’re basically at the same point
i also had my 2 PT sessions this week
i can’t believe the difference in my foot!
will be on the bike next week BUT in my aircast
need to wear it for another 5 weeks
do you still use crutches?
at this point, i feel much better walking with them, takes some pressure of my foot
happy recovery
Hey everyone - just found this site and I’m already grateful…i just tore my achilles 100% about 4 hours ago! surgery tmrrw in detroit then flying home to LA…i got lucky and am getting the Detroit Piston’s ortho surgeon, so that makes me feel a little better but I have literally never injured myself seriously or had surgery. so that makes me a bit nervous. alot. My job is one that has me in multiple states per week traveling and tons of air travel (i leave for UK in 12 days)-
so. could u help w/ my questions:
1.)Does anyone know how airplane travel works w/ this injury- w/in 2 weeks of surgery and beyond? is it feasible or stupid?
2.) can i still do my job (traveling for work non stop) and still get my post op visits and physical therapy done?? is it a lot riskier? (assuming i keep weight off of it). stupid?
i snapped my tendon walking back to locker room after a cpl hours of basketball- I’m 28 and in pretty good shape so i’m hoping that helps, but right now i’m unsettled.
oh and #3)- sitting in the ER today- i had my leg stabilized and elevated- then i got a foot cramp- u know the kind everyone gets occasionally- well, i instinctively pulled my toes back to stop the cramp- but that made my tendon go further up my leg and i felt a pain that got me within a milimeter of blacking out- screamed bloody murder in the ER….
HOW DO U HANDLE FOOT CRAMPS???
thanks for any answers-
Rayn
Kristin- You may want to call your doctor about not sleeping. I was on Percocet for the first week and slept like a baby. The not-sleeping for me came later, when I had a pressure sore that was throbbing all night and not responding to the pain meds. I always kept my ipod nearby so at least if I couldn’t sleep I could listen to music. Sleeping with the TV on helps too. I think sleep is really important though, for healing and for state of mind. Good luck!
Ross/Jim/Brendan - How do I know if I have an adhesion? My scar puckers a bit at the top. Is massage OK? I have a friend who tore her Achilles in November and she said her physical therapist said NOT to massage.
Welcome to all the new victims. Don’t worry, it will get better. I am walking around in the boot and it is great.
Jim - Looks like I missed your comment regarding being able to edit your comments. I found a plugin that provides this functionality.
Ok, you should now be able to edit all future comments for 15 minutes. I’ve enabled it for the main site and my personal achilles blog.
If others with blogs want to add this feature on their pages, you can go to: “plugins” tab on your admin console, activate the WP AJAX Edit Comments
As usual, if you can’t get it to work on your own, let me know if you’d like me to activate this feature for you.
Hi all,
I found this website last night, and have enjoyed reading the posts and hearing everyone’s experiences.
I ruptured my achilles 2 weeks ago today playing basketball. I hadn’t played in a number of years, but started back about 2 months ago. My achilles on each ankle had bothered me fot the previous few weeks. Oddly, they felt better the day of the rupture than they had in 2-3 weeks. I had been playing for nearly 2 hours the morning of the rupture. I have a few friends who went through and explained to me the sensation of the injury, so I knew what it was immediately. Very depressing feeling.
I’m now at 1.5 weeks post op in a splint. I’m scheduled to have stiches removed and a hard cast on Monday (I’m anxiously counting the hours!)
I’ve had very little pain, but finding a comfortable position has been difficult. The top of my foot is frequently numb even when elevated, and, though it isn’t as bad as it was immediately following surgery, I still get the rush of blood to my foot when I stand up on crutches.
Any suggestions for comfortable pillow alignment / sleeping positions would be greaty appreciated.
Craig
Craig - I think you’ll sleep better once you get in your hard cast..it’s much lighter than the splint. One thing that helped me was to sleep on my side of the good leg, and put 2-3 pillows between my legs, thus elevating the injured leg. It was more comfortable to sleep…especially for me as I’m not a back sleeper.
I also ruptured playing basketball after a few months of playing…although I had no warning. Good thing is that if we can make it to a year, the repaired achilles should be stronger and we just have to try and avoid tearing the other one!
Glad you found the site…check out everyone’s individual blogs for more stories as well.
Nancy,
I’m able to get around without crutches, but my bad foot (not the tendon, just hte foot) gets a little sore so I usually go back to at least one crutch. I use two crutches when I need to get anywhere quickly or if I’m tired. Good luck with the PT. I know its been great for my foot and I just started too.
Drew
Hi guys,
First sunny day of the year here in Scotland, so as demands the grass has to be cut. I managed both the front and back gardens and also to tidy out the shed and get the garden furniture out without too much difficulty.
Looking forward to Thursday when i become 2 shoed again.
Going now to have a cool beer and a lie down and read my book.
Cheers, John
Alright…a quick lesson learned at 8 weeks here. I’m in the boot..it’s one of the first beautiful spring days here in Colorado. So I spend an hour this afternoon reading the paper outside. I decide to give my leg some time to enjoy the fresh air as well. 30 minutes is all…
At dinner tonight, I think to myself…gosh, my boot is feeling extra swampy tonight. I take the boot off, and notice the ankle and shin are a bit red. Hmm..wonder what that is from? Well some nasty sunburn is what’s it’s from you goof! It’s solarcane for this pasty white leg tonight….ouch! My other leg is fine…so WEAR SUNSCREEN!
Craig-Hey! Looks like you and I are pretty much on the same schedule…I’m 2 weeks post op and get my staples out tomorrow also. Not looking forward to it.
ALL - STAPLE REMOVAL QUESTION - My PA advised in advance that staple removel won’t be fun and that i should take a pain pill prior. Is it “easier” to have them remove the bad ones first, then the easy ones or vice versa? Any help would be appreciated.
Kristin - I’d say go for the bad ones first. Everything is relative in life. So after the bad ones, you’ll be saying.. “Well these others ones aren’t so bad.”
Dennis-Thx for the advice. Yep, I’ll go with bad first then. I’ll let you know how that advice worked out tomorrow!
Kristin,
Please let me know how everything goes tomorrow. I’ve been hoping that the fiberglass cast was lighter and easier to manage than the splint. Judging by Brendan’s response to my initial post, it will be. YEAH!
Bri
My doc told me to massage my scar starting at 3 weeks post op
same with a lot of us here too
so no worries
massage from the heal to the calf
perpendicular around the scar and also
running circles around the scar
good luck
How do i add pictures to my blog ?
johnk -
Looks like you figured out how to add pictures to your blog.
They look great!
You can also resize the images.
From the “Posts” editor, click on the image.
Then you’ll see a little white square on each of the corners of the image.
Just drag one of the corner to make the image smaller/bigger.
You’ll have to drag the corners several times since the edit window is a little small and you can resize only a little at a time.
I hope this helps!
Dennis,
having difficulty resizing these pics, any clues ?
johnk -
did you click on the image first from the post editor?
did you see the little white square on the corners of the image..?
You can just drag the corners towards the center of the image.
You’ll have to repeat it several times since the editor screen is a little small.
Can you tell me exactly what you are having problems with? where are you getting stuck?
I’m glad I finally stumbled onto this site. It’s nice to have some contact with others going through the same process.
I’m 5 weeks post-surgery with a goal of a pain free, comfortable walking, 1st trip to Disney for my 3 year old in December. Not too ambitious, but pretty important for all involved.
-J
Dennis,
there are no white squares in the pictures, might be me though, i will get one of my daughters to help me out later on
Jmon,
I am 5 weeks post op on April 30th. That is also my first PT appt., and I am really looking forward to it.
What day did you have surgery?
My Dr. says three more weeks of the boot, and then lose it and the crutches. We will see, but I am sure tired of these things, although my arms have gotten a lot bigger from using them so much!
Are you FWB? I am partial, but can stand fine without the crutches.
Have you started PT yet?
Mike R
johnk -
Yes, it’s a little hard to find, but once you figure out how to do it, it’s pretty easy.
The tiny white square aren’t IN the pictures.
They are at the corners of the image.
They only appear when you click on the image in the “post editor”.
They are very small.. like white dots. corners of the image.
Dennis,
no joy, when i go to edit there are no images shown, only text
johnk -
Ok, looks like your “visual editor” was turned off in your user settings. Can you try editing that post again?
MikeR
Surgery was March 25th, injury was March 18th. I’m still officially NWB, but I can stand fine without the crutches. No PT yet, just some slight flexing when I’m out of the boot for a while in the evening. Getting antsy though. It feels good enough that I’d like to start doing SOMETHING. My wife tells me our 3 year old is more patient than I am…a little harsh, but she might be right.
Doc told me to come to the 6 week appt next Monday with a shoe…wahooooo! Does anyone go through withdrawal symptoms when they lose the boot? Seems like it may be a little nerve wracking moving around with your ankle unprotected for the first time.
jmon,
I’m almost 8 weeks post op and will (hopefully) be back in two shoes in 1.5 weeks. I am definitely a little nervous about getting out of the boot. The boot has become like a safety net that I am a little wary about giving up. Plus, my bad calf is embarassingly skiny. I guess it has to go at some point though. Otherwise it’ll definitely get to stinky.
Drew
Dennis, I think I have managed it and found an easier way to do it at the same time
Will post a few pictures on Thursday when I get my shoes back.
Drew…
getting closer…congrats..It is definitely awkward at first going to the two shoes…but your body adapts quickly. I wear a brace for some extra support during activity, and get some muscle soreness associated with working out.
Just don’t overdo it.
let us know how you’re doing
Doc Ross
I just wanted to say a BIG Thanks to Bri for helping me with the design of the NYC marathon recovery course map page: http://achillesblog.com/atrpt.php
It looks great, and it’s great to have a real design professional lend a hand.
Please check it out. Thanks Bri!
Hey everyone–
Day 68 post op…Dr visit today, got out of hard cast, finally and into the bledsoe boot(@90 degree fixed)..in this thing for a month with no physical therapy…can swim and try a stationary bike along with flexing my foot while out of the boot..Doc said I could be in the bledsoe for three months(possible) ..
Do you guys think I need to get a second opinion–with this guy being so ultra conservative…I will be at least at 14 weeks and still in the 90 degree fixed boot…Kevin
Kev34,
Congrats on your step forward today.
Personally i think that your doc is being a tad conservative and i certainly would be seeking a 2nd opinion.
All the best !
Kev34..
Further right of Rush Limbaugh conservative. Second opinion warranted in my opinion.
Only problem is that surgeons do not like to second guess a colleague, plus they didn’t do the surgery so their not sure exactly what took place. So finding one that would comment may be hard. Good luck
Doc Ross
Kev34 - I had the same thought as Doc Ross. It may be difficult to find another ortho who would feel comfortable second guessing a colleague. But, it might be worth a try. Also, have you discussed the protocol with your current surgeon? Have you told him that his protocol seems conservative compared to others? Maybe there is a reason he’s taking a more conservative approach with you. Perhaps the severity or location of the rupture has something to do with it.
Doc Ross-
would getting the operative report help anything….probably no use trying a Doc in the same orthopedic clinic,correct??? couldn’t believe how much my calf muscle had shrunk (will try and post pics asap)….also my ankle was so swelled I could barely see one…and the flaky, lizardlike dead skin..good grief…. thanks man Kevin
Bri/Dennis - Great work on the marathon tracker page. It looks great! I think it’s a really good way to keep the pace of recovery in perspective.
Dennis - I had one idea or suggestion for the main page. Is there a way to group the “Recovering from ATR” blogs in the left sidebar of the main page? It seems like we have so many blogs now that it might be overwhelming for new people coming to the site. Can they be arranged by points of recovery, or active vs. inactive, or something like that? Just a thought.
Kev34..
Correct on not staying within the same group…more than likely they will agree with your surgeon. Operative report would be a good start…then you could compare to the ones on this blog and see if there is anything different that would warrant prolonged immobilization. As for the atrophy…about 1% loss per day is average…the longer you’re immoblized the longer to strengthen and fully recover. But statistically in a year we are all about the same no matter what protocol you follow.
Good Luck
Doc Ross
Tom -
Thanks for the suggestion. That might be a good thing to do actually..
For external blogs, there is really no easy way to group them, as they usually don’t have information tracked on this site.
I can go through each one and categorize them based on their progress, but everyone’s progress is a moving target, and it would be impossible to manage.
I can separate the external/onsite blogs. And then create a widget that lists all blogs on this site sorted by their Achilles profile information (injury date or surgery date).
It’s doable with registered people who have filled out their Achilles Profile. (Users can directly fill out the Achilles Profile only if they have a blog. Otherwise, I have to create them by hand.)
And it would look very much look like: http://achillesblog.com/atrpt.php (with a few fields and
the nyc map left out) I’ll set up something like that when the main site gets redesigned.
The names in the marathon tracker table now link to the blogs if they have one.
Dennis - Sounds good. I didn’t intend to make you do a lot of extra work. I know you’ve sunk a whole lot of time into this site and it really is great. It was just a suggestion if there was an easy way to group the blogs. The links in the marathon tracker seem like a good idea. Thanks again for all your hard work. Oh, and sorry to hear about your car. Good thing that didn’t happen a month ago!
WARNING! Do not mix drinking, crutches, and steep stairs!
Going to my first PT in an hour, and I am really excited. I almost REALLY screwed up last night.
I went with a freind to sushi and had a few large Sapporro’s and a sake. They had an elevator getting me to the second floor when we went.
Unfortunately, the elevator CLOSES at 10:00, and I left around 10:15.
I had not climbed any stairs until last night, and these wre really steep, and I was really buzzed. My first step sent me tipping over, and luckily I used one crutch to push my self backwards, and I fell hard on my butt. It could have been a catastrophe.
I THOUGHT I was really agile on these things, but apparently not!
now, what could be worst
our injury or this one..
have a good day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ajiXKPOdqo
Tom -
No problem, and thanks for your well thought-out comments and posts.
The car being towed was one of those things that you just have to shake your head and laugh.
Here’s more detail.
I parked on one of the side streets on the upper east side overnight.
The next morning, I walk to the car to find my front license-plate on top of the hood, next to my side mirror.
My guess is that the person in front of me was playing bumper cars getting out of his/her spot, and knocked my license plate off.
The person was conscientious enough to let me not leave behind my license plate, but not conscientious enough to leave his/her insurance/contact info.
But that’s really not that big of a deal..
I was in a rush, and it looked like I would have to replace the plastic mount (broken), so I just drove with the front plate in the trunk to run errands, and eventually to my PT appointment.
This PT office is located in downtown area, the appointment was at 5pm. I found a meter street parking, put quarters in, and ran into the PT office. I come out after PT, and find that the car has been towed. Apparently, I missed the sign that said “No standing from 4pm-7pm”.
I don’t know why they use the word “standing” instead of “parking”.. Cars don’t “stand”, they “park”.
Went to the impound to get the car.
Wait 90 minutes, pay $$ and finally get the car by 8-9pm.
towing fee: $185
parking ticket: $95
ticket for the missing front plate: $65
driving in NYC, priceless.
Coincidentally, I am moving (to just outside of Manhattan) today. A place with a reserved parking.
Looking forward to a few days in Buffalo.. driving up tomorrow after settling into the new place and a meeting in the city. I am not driving in, for the meeting.
nancy -
Ouch! I didn’t need to see that..
A little more warning next time please!
Wow - is this ever a find! I am so glad to have found you all.
I ruptured my achilles tendon playing in a 4.5 USTA tennis league match on Saturday. Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. I have learned alot, (maybe more than I care to learn?!!) as I read all these entries. But thanks, it helps set expectations, better than my doctors can.
I hope to be back online soon after surgery, but then again…we will see just how soon.
One more question - I will have surgery on May 1 - does anyone think I will be able to comfortably take a trip to Italy at the end of September? The plan is to visit Tuscany (lots of driving), Positano (lots of hills…) and a short visit in Rome.
Sounds overly ambitious, but those of you ahead of me might have some insight.
Tennisjunkie - Welcome and best of luck with the surgery. It sounds like you’ll be around 5 months post-op when you take your trip. I’m only at 4 months, so I’m projecting a bit, but I think you’ll be fine at that point. You may get tired a bit quicker than normal and you may experience some swelling, but otherwise you should be able to enjoy the trip, assuming you’re not planning any sprints around the Vatican. I have a trip planned to Boston in a few weeks, which will probably result in a lot of walking, so I may have some more info to pass along to you at that time.
tennis junkie..
Sorry to hear of your misfortune. By that time frame you should be ok. I am off to hike the Grand Canyon in 2.5 weeks which will put me at 10 weeks post op. Will let you know how that goes.
Good luck with the surgery.
Doc Ross
Tennisjunkie-
I am two days from being 4 weeks post op. I had two trips planned at wk 1 Mexico and Wk 3 family visit to CA. While it wasn’t ideal i enjoyed both and by the way walking a beach on crutches is one heck of work out. I am hoping to go on a golf trip in Northern Michigan Wk 6. Not going to get overly aggressive but its paid for so going in a cart and will play what and If I can.
Point I am making and as you have seen in other responses you should be able to make it. We have to be careful and are limited but I can tell you doing that beats the #$%@ out of staying behind. Good luck.
First day of PT. WOW, am I in PAIN! Worst since day 1 after surgery.
The massage felt SO good at the time, I kept telling her I liked it hard, and she said you won’t say that in two days when you come back!
I refuse to get back on meds, so I am up late working and writing.
My range of motion is 95%. She said she was quite surprised for 5 weeks post op. Rode the stationary bike for 15 minutes, with no boot. THAT is a weird feeling!
I have a few small spots where surgery is not 100% healed. I wonder if that was caused by my three falls?
She gave me 4 exercises, ABC, toe towel scrunch, etc. Quite standard according to everyone here.
I had hoped to do some today, but I think I am going to wait until tomorrow morning.
Overall quite happy, but very sore. It is a big stage, starting PT, and I only see a brighter light at the end of the tunnel.
Mike R
Mike,
Congrats on the start of PT! A major milestone that we are all looking forward to.
How often do you go?
Has anybody (Dennis?) published their PT schedule (sorry if I’ve missed it). I’d be interested to see the different approaches.
Craig
Hey everyone–
Now that I am in the bledsoe boot–and can actually see my calf, foot, etc…I was wondering about all this swelling around my ankle and the majority of my foot.. was that par for the course?? I was in a cast(10 weeks) so I didn’t know if you’ll had the swelling or not. Been putting the ice to it , any more suggestions…..thanks and have a good one..Kevin
Craig,
I go three time a week for four weeks, about an hour per. I am 5 weeks post op.
My Ortho owns the PT office, and it is in his office. I am sure if I need another 2 weeks he will gladly write a scrip!
Did the exercises, and the hardest one is the alphabit.
I am pretty swolen today, but can’t wait for PT on Friday.
Ross, are you walking without crutches 100%?
Kev34 - I wouldn’t be too concerned with the swelling at this point. It seems like some people have experienced less swelling than others, but that is probably because we all heal differently. I’ve read that some amount of swelling can last up to a year. Keep icing and elevating as much as possible. Also, frequent massages of the calf and tendon may help.
Hi guys,
This injury and the internet are wonderful things, came across the following that you might find useful :
http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/350_therapy-leg-foot-pain.htm
Good luck with this and other PT
Johnk
Great site…
those starting out with PT this site would be a great adjunct for you
Doc Ross
johnk - Great find!
Thanks for sharing that link. I think everyone will find those videos very helpful. I like the video on how to properly self-massage the calf and the achilles.
I’ve included the link in the page: AchillesBlog physical therapy
I’ll continue adding to our resources for everyone’s benefit, so let us know if you find other helpful websites.
Hi all,
It seems to me that the most swelling that I have is late in the day, especially if I’ve been out and about. I’m sure the swelling is primarily due to gravity, but I’m wondering if there is anything that helps counteract the effects of gravity?
Does increasing blood flow to the area of swelling help? I’ve had a cup of coffee for each of the past two days (not a regular drinker, so the caffeine works quickly), and it seems like my swelling has gone down after each time. Is this possible?
Craig
Hey all,
My 6 week post op appointment is Monday afternoon, and I’d appreciate some input on 2 points:
First, a lot of people have posted about self massaging the incision and or achilles. No mention of this from my Doc yet. Should I inquire? Any good resources on benefits so I can educate myself?
Second, during my last appointment (2 weeks post op), the subject of PT came up. My Doc says he’s not a big fan because of re-injuries during PT and he feels lots of walking and stretching are enough for most of his patients. If I’m disciplined about working at this, can I skip formal PT if the Doc suggests it? How much benefit have you all had from the PT sessions?
Thanks in advance for the input.
jmon -
I think it’s worth asking your doctor about self-massaging. I think Ross mentioned something about it and that it helps with adhesion. My PT mentioned that I should massage my scar as well as the general area after a hot bath.
As for the PT, I think it’s been helpful for me. Tom has some good posts and comments regarding the benefits of PT for him. You might want to read about his experiences.
Doc Ross-
I sent off for my medical records, just in case I decide to get a second opinion….they didn’t send the operative report, just the office notes…so I have to make a special request for the report or how should that work…..appreciate your help..Kevin
Kev34
Just ask for it, you may need to sign a release of records form again. Should take 2-3 days after the request.
Doc Ross
I just joined the TWO SHOES club on Friday. I know that it is progress, but sometimes it doesn’t feel like it because I walk so slow. But, it is still exciting. How long does it take to walk normally?
Bri - Congrats to you too for joining the 2 shoes club! As I just mentioned to Jmon, take it slow as you start walking “unbraced” again. Walking slow and keeping a relatively normal gait is more beneficial in recovery than trying to walk as fast as you used to. As far as walking normally, I guess it depends on how you define normal. I still have a slight limp and walk at maybe 3/4 speed (16+ weeks post-op), but I’m pretty comfortable when getting around. 2 months of limping has thrown off my mechanics, so I’m still not walking normal when compared to pre-injury, but I’m far more normal than I was a month ago.
Thanks Tom-
That’s what I’m trying to do, walk as normally as possible even though it is slow! It’s tough, too, because I don’t have the obvious boot telling everyone I have an injury. Oh, to be able to wear flip flops…
Looking back it feels really fast - I had just gotten used to non weight bearing and all of a sudden I was weight bearing in the boot. So don’t get discouraged you NWB folks…
Bri - I know exactly what you mean. The whole world just seems to whip right on by when you don’t have an obvious indicator (crutches, boot, etc.) telling everyone that you’re recovering from a serious injury. Occasionally I will walk faster with a pronounced limp trying to keep up with friends and co-workers. But, then I remind myself that I need to take it slow and I start to fall behind. Pretty soon they realize what’s happening and then slow down for me. It does get frustrating though at times.
Tom/bri,
I can’t even imagine walking with a “normal” gait right now. I don’t have anywhere near enough flexibility to be able to push my knee out over my toes. Right now it’s reach forward with the bad leg, plant, bring the good leg up, plant, and repeat. Still leaning pretty heavy on the crutches too.
Side note: my 3 year old thought I was slow on the crutches. I can’t WAIT to hear what she’s got to say now!
Jmon - It will take some time just getting the range of motion back and re-streatching the tendon. It starts to get easier once everything loosens up a bit. As you get some flexibility back, try to focus on heel to toe movement rather than just pushing off your heel.
Bri..
Good to hear from you. Went to your achilles site and it looks like you’re doing well. Welcome to the 2 shoes club. It takes about a week to really feel comfortable walking, but you’ll get tired by days end. Concentrate on good heel toe gait, some muscles will be sore and achy but a good massage and nights rest will help.
Doc Ross
Bri—Thanks for the encouragement to the NWB newbies. I’m 4 weeks ATR, in a boot doing some PWB. Can’t imagine this summer without sand-court fun, but ALAS! It’s nice to know at least that two regular shoes are in my not-too-distant future. Praying that my doctor tells me that crutch-ditching is on the horizon as well!
6 week post op visit today. It was fairly dissapointing.
Dr. said 4 -6 more weeks in the boot. FWB starting today, but he said “Well. you are basically on your own now”. He said FWB, try to lose the crutches, but stay in the boot for 6 more weeks. He is leaving on vacation for 6 weeks. I have 3 weeks of PT left.
Can someone tell me HOW the hell you are supposed to walk in the boot? One foot is higher than the other, obviously. You cannot flex your foot; what is the trick? Should I use one crutch for a while? It seems so awkward. Any help would be most appreciated.
I want to lose the crutches, but it is a tad scary right now.
Mike R - the transition from crutches to PWB to FWB in the boot is something that I have just gone through. It’s hard to explain, but it just sort of happens, you have to be patient. I transitioned down to one crutch first for a few days, using the crutch on the opposite side. This helped out with my stride. Then it was no crutch for a few hours, and back to a crutch. I think that took about 4-5 days. The worst pain was in my heel, since I had a couple of lifts in the boot. One morning I just woke up and it felt good enough to be on all day without a crutch. Walking in the boot is not glamorous by any means, but you’ll get the hang of it…if you angle your boot out a little it seems to help. I also always have a shoe on my good foot to get me as high as I can. It’s hard to explain, but you’ll get the hang of it, just give it a few weeks to happen.
MIke R- I have been FWB in the boot for just a couple days. Like Brendan said one morning it just felt ok… next thing I knew I made it most of day.
I had an extra lift left over from my boot. If I am doing a lot of walking I put that in a regular shoe or regular boot to try and help me balance out a little. I have appointment tomorrow hoping to lose some of that lift…
Hi All!
Doc Ross, how long were you in the boot? My PT showed me how to walk in the boot with one crutrch, and it is a piece of cake. I just could not figure it out
on my own.
I am walking a bit without it already.
I was really hoping to be in shoes in two more weeks. Since my Ortho is gone for 6 weeks, I guess I will have to gauge that plateu on my own, and with my PT.
Doc, you mentioned that support sock (around $120.) does that help walking without the boot? Or did you just wear it with your boot on?
Mike R
I ruptured my achilles on 4/19/08, had surgery on the 29th and now trying to heal. Was anyone taking an antibiotic shortly before their rupture? I was taking Levaquin and it is linked to tendon ruptures. I spoke with an attorney regarding this and I am waiting to see if I have a suit against the drug company or my physician. Let me know if anyone has experienced the same.
For those that are back in 2 shoes, did you have a hard time fitting into your shoes when you first made the switch? I put a shoe on the foot of the bad leg during PT and I can barely tie it becuase the foot is still swollen. The physical therapist said that this is normal, but I’m getting a little nervous that I won’t be able to wear any of my shoes when (if) the ortho gives me the go ahead to use 2 shoes again on Monday and I don’t think that flip flops will go over too well with clients.
Drew.
Definitely hard to wear shoes the first two weeks. Swelling and the irritation on the scar will limit the type of shoe you wear. Ask for a compression sock, that minimizes the amount of swelling. Any shoe with firm leather has been aggravating. Head to the store and try on several types and I’m sure you’ll find something comfortable.
Doc Ross
Going to the pool tomorrow for the 1st time–anyone have any pointers on what to do in the pool to help the ATR…Just try to “walk around”, swim gentle or what???
Thanks in advance, Kevin
Kev34,
Go in the shallow and walk, flex, and squat. Do the alphabet exercises, try to walk without a limp. go slow and listen to your body. If they have a hot tub use it after. You may notice some swelling later in the day so ice as needed.
Gradually increase to treading water, and then all out swimming..
Good luck and let me know how it goes.
Doc Ross
hi everyone
been reading all your comments very insightful little nervous and hoping mine is not a full blown tear not much pain just at end of day it is a little tender.
i can walk around all day doing pretty much nomal routines i am going to see a new dr. as the one i am seeing #1wanted to knock me out for some ultra sound????talked to several others and wellllll thought that was unheard of,also never suggested any type of exersise nothing!!!just does a xray and says well looks the same ,is it hurting ,and see ya in 4 to 6 weeks.seeee ya!!!obviously i am moving on ,
my friend had same type of problem was not torn but they did numerous excersises and ultra sound wore boot (air cast) 6 weeks and was able to avoid surgery i am so confused and upset so now i through the boot back on just as precaution until i see this other dr. leaving for va-ca on tues just about a week and i am dragging boot with me.
question is it nessary to wear it in the car as we our driving and will stop every 2 to 21/2 hrs to strech but while idle could i loose the boot. ?
any other suggestions or comments would be so appreciated.
dennis and kev hope your doing better each day thanks for response. this is all a little new to me .
well going to try and do some light houswork (with my boot of course) they are a pain i take small breaks and grab the ol ice pack and take a break now and then .
thanks angellady3
I need a little help.
I am 7 weeks post op on Wednesday. Started walking with no crutches in the boot on Friday, and now I am a little concerned.
First, I have a tiny spot on the surgery that is oozing. Dr. said don’t worry, but I am! Second, I have developed a small blood blister higher on the scar. Anything to worry about?
What is the name of the socks from REI? I keep going through old posts and can’t find it.
Walking is SLOW, but I use one crutch if I know I will be out and about for a long time.
Heel to heel. I am trying to listen to my body and not the PT 100%. She also said don’t worry about the oozing.
Mike R
Mike R -
I think you might want to speak to kristinatl. She had similar symptoms as you, I think.
As for the blood blister, I am not sure about that.. maybe someone else will have a better answer?
I hope the wound heals fully, and keep us posted on your progress!
Hi All,
Well, I have been off the net for a few weeks and haven’t checked in for a while. A few road trips to visit family, went to a wedding, and generally not touching the computer (I used it WAY too much when I was laid up). Glad to read everyone is progressing, and sorry to see all the new members, but it gets better.
I’m 10 weeks post op today and went for a 2.6 mile walk today. I am now in 2 normal, brand new, shoes that I have put Superfeet insoles in, and no heel lift. I limp on and off because I don’t have the strength yet to walk normally and roll my weight on the ball of my foot. If I concentrate, my gait is normal, but it takes full attention. I weigh 230 and can put only about 110# on the ball of my foot, injured side. The most difficult thing for me right now is being able to place any weight on the ball of my foot when pointing my toes down, with my knee locked back. My ankle just wants to lock up. It does seem to be getting better though. Heel is a bit mad too because it tends to take all the weight. I find the most uncomfortable things are chores that require standing in one place such as dishes and cooking. I am constantly walking in place to keep things moving. I visited the place where the injury happened and talked with some of the guys who saw it. Kind of nice to get back, if only to visit.
It’s hard to believe I’m 10 weeks post op. At times it didn’t seem like it would ever come, even though I knew it would.
Take care all,
Jim
Jim - good to hear from you…glad your recovery is going well. Although I’m still in a boot, I’ve been cheating a little walking (although I really can’t call it that, more like gimping) around the bedroom in my barefeet. I was on my feet most of the weekend chasing the kids around, mowing, etc…and the heel was totally spent last night. A good night’s sleep and day at the office today and it’s good as new. I’m sure I’m about 4 weeks behind you..but I hope to be able to take a 2.5 mile walk in 4 weeks in my shoes! Good on ya! I’ve yet to visit the scene of the crime…but need to soon, my abs is gettin’ flabby! Cheers!
Brendan, Bare feet is tough. I still find bare feet the most uncomfortable, due to lack of flexibility and strength. I think you will be surprised how good a shoe feels, esp one with a high heel like a running shoe. The fist thing I do in the morning is slip my shoes on so I can get around.
I’m 9.5 weeks post op and saw the doc for the last time (hopefully) yesterday. He gave me to ok to start walking in 2 shoes. It’s amazing how quickly the time goes from surgery to each step of the recovery so to all of you who are in the beginning stages, hang in there because it gets better quickly.
I have found walking in 2 shoes to be tough. I am REALLY slow and my gait is anything but normal. The tendon is also a little sore. Hopefully this is all normal. I hope to start driving again tomorrow, which will make me, and more importantly my wife, very happy.
Drew,
I found it tough walking at first but 2 weeks down the line it is definitely easing off and I started to drive late on on the 1st day i had my cast removed much to the relief of my wife also.
Keep walking and rest when your body tells you to, it is very much a game of slowly slowly from here on in.
Johnk
What are the benefits of using Superfeet insoles? It seems like a lot of people use these when they get back in two shoes. If I buys some, which type/color do you recommend? Thanks!
Drew
Drew,
I got a pair 2 days ago and found the benefit that it relieves the pressure on the heel which reduces the ricks of plantar fascisis(?).
Today is the first I have got home from work and felt fairly comfortable on the sole of my foot.
Drew, I have used Superfeet long before my injury and think they are great. They are not soft, but offer great support and take the shape of your foot after a while. They will feel strange at first. As for color, if you can remove the useless factory insole from your shoe, get the green, if you can’t remove it, get the blue. I have not used the orange, but I did try it at REI, and didn’t like it. Extra padding under the ball of the foot makes it too bulky in my opinion.
Jim
Drew - I got the green ones. If you haven’t worn an insole (which I haven’t)..they take a little getting used to. In my boot, it felt great right away. In my good foot/shoe, it’s a little uncomfortable. The arch support hits farther back than you would think and so it’s a little painful. If you are on your feet all day, you may want to break them in a bit, wear them for 1/2 a day and then take them out…and do that for a week or so. I am just now at a week with them, and both feet feel great! Oh and Superfeet offers a no questions asked return policy..you can try them for up to 60 days and if you are not satisfied just take them back to the store of purchase for full refund. Did I tell you I own 60% of the company? Just kidding!
kev34 your one week ahead of me post op .as for the pool . do some laps and when you rest do heel pumps . i also have a conservative doc . been watching your progress . ps no turkey yet ?
Dennis..
for whatever reason I cannot log on to post on my blog.
Can you check on it ??
Not sure if my login and password is incorrect..Can you email me my login and password??
Thanks in advance
Doc Ross
ross -
I can’t read your password, but I can reset it for you.
I’ve reset it and I’ve emailed the password to you.
Please let me know if you are able to log in.
Hi all,
Kristin, I really feel for you. I am 7 weeks post op, and have a 1/4″ section on my scar that is not healed. I found out yesterday (before my Dr. went to Tuscany for a month) that it was a “stitch spit”.
I guess some stitches are supposed to dissolve, and sometimes they do not; they then try to work their way to the surface. He found the stitch, pulled it out, and said it will heal quickly. No sign of infection.
I will be in a boot four more weeks. My Dr. seemed very aggressive in the beginning, PWB at 3 weeks, etc., and I asked him yesterday why I can’t get in shoes in two weeks. His answer was that most re-ruptures occur in weeks 7 - 12, so he likes a boot on to protect it. I am full weight bearing, walking around fine without crutches.
PT is still only ROM, but I hope to start strength work next week. I ride a bike every day for 25 minutes, and my calf is coming back a little bit.
Mike R
Doc Ross,
Are you using this achilles support now in your shoes?
http://www.activeauthority.com/bauerfeind_achillotrain_ankle_support.aspx
Did you use it in your boot? What do you did you thnk about it?
Have a great trip, and watch out for small holes on the path.
Mike R
Johnk-
still nothing new on my progress-at least not from the doctor..I go back next Tuesday the 20th..but I have gotten more ROM in the foot, swelling has gone down in foot, still swollen around ankle…still pretty tight–seems to be worse if I stetch toes up towards leg..gotta run, daughter has softball game, we are 3-0…look out Kevin
Rob H–
Tried the pool last weekend, not too bad.. going back tomorrow..our season ended on the 11th, I was able to get two longbeards this year, heard birds every morning–but had a river between us…also went to Ohio on a hunt(budddy got 2) and I took my 3 yr old son a couple of times..good luck on recovery and the hunt…Kevin
Doc Ross or Dennis, Does an ankle brace have any correlation to prevent or help prevent an Achilles Rupture? Also I had almost zero swelling after Day 5 Post-Op and I have my second Post-op today with no swelling at all (Day 12) with my 15 staples coming out. Does this mean that my tendon is healing quicker or is this just wishful thinking? Thanks
Hi all,
I went to a party Sat. night, got stranded, and walked 4 miles in my boot without a crutch, quite buzzed!
I am almost 8 weeks post op.
On Sunday I cut the lawn, pulled weeds, and was quite agile.
I swear after those workouts my calf suddenly has gained size; still a bit flabby, but feels much better.
The only problem I have right now is that I pulled a muscle in my AT calf the other day. The AT has no pain, just stiff when I stretch it back towards my leg. The calf pull is quite painful, though. Anyone else have that problem?
4 weeks until shoes!
Mike R
3 weeks since surgery. My foot feels like its got frostbite on the side of it, feels tingy frozen. Entire foot is all fat & numb. No walking going on.
It this normal? What Should I expect?
Monday April 29th, that’s when i had surgery to repair my ruptured achilles tendon.
Greetings from New Zealand
I found this site while looking for AT rehab protocols (8 days 18 hours till I get my cast off) and as some of you will be bored and immobile I thought I would share my little (and long) story. On Friday Jan 4th I was getting the groceries out of the back of a car when a bottle of sparkling wine fell through the bottom of one of those ridiculously thin plastic bags and exploded on the concrete - a shard of glass sliced half way through my right calf muscle severing an artery (always insist your supermarket double bags your wine!!!). I have done enough first aid to prevent myself bleeding to death (pressure and elevation works wonders) and after superb service from St Johns Ambulance and the vascular surgeons at Auckland Hospital I was home and fine - but I couldn’t put any weight on the leg for two weeks and since it is my right leg I couldn’t drive.
Only glitch was the dopey house surgeon of indeterminate nationality in A and E - the notes clearly said arterial bleed but instead of waiting for assistance he decided to unwrap it himself - as he was doing this and chucking the bandages and dressings on the floor I though - where is the replacement dressing - but too late - these was bright red blood arcing through the air. All he had to hand was a plastic incontinence sheet which he handed to my wife and said “apply pressure” - rather than call for help and expose his dopiness he ran off to get replacement dressings which seemed to take forever - meanwhile wife is trying to stanch the flow with an inappropriate tool and the blood is running down my leg and filling my underpants - luckily we met over steaming vats of cow blood so she was able to do this without falling over and scornfully dismissed his offer of gloves. Then he called the vascular surgery registrar.. She would not take anybody else’s word that this was a an arterial bleed - she was not going to waste her skills on ordinary old venous bleed - so she asked him too take it down again - as he started I said “don’t you think you should get some new dressings first” - so he scuttled off with his head down to get some. But apart from that service was great - it’s the nurses that hold the place together.
Anyway after two weeks of NWB I gradually got back into a bit of exercise on my bike and on Feb 26th took off for a 5 day cycle tour in the South Island (surgeon had said this would be fine). First run went great and then as I pushed off on my right toes to throw my leg over my bike there was a “ping” at the back of my calf. “Shit” I said “I’ve ruptured my AT”, however as I could still walk, sort off, all the jocks in the group said no you have pulled a muscle. This was remote country and no doctors were available, but I did speak to a GP on the phone who was of the opinion that a muscle was torn or strained. A chiropractor in the hotel said the same. So using mostly my left leg I completed the rest of the 100 mile trip – it is a disused railway track and pretty flat.
I went and saw my GP when I got back and he diagnosed strained muscle and sent me for some physio. The first thing she did was the Thomson test and said “you’ve ruptured your Achilles mate”. So off for MRI. Seems muscle had return at site of original laceration and gone through the muscle/tendon junction and taken the AT with it in an unusual angled longitudinal tear. So good half of gastro muscle was attached to long floating triangle of AT, while buggered muscle was attached to AT and ankle, but no power.
Had it repaired just over six weeks ago and surgeon said it went well - even managed to sew muscle back together using scar tissue from original laceration. NWB for 4 weeks but now hobbling around on cast. Have had no pain whatsoever - only took pain killers for the first day post op. Hopeful for good recovery in time for Hawaiian holiday at end of July.
Worst bit has been no driving – I had just completed the 7 year restoration of a 1952 MG TD – very frustrating.
As an aside I guess in any other country I could have sued the supermarket for a million or two, but in New Zealand we have the publicly-funded Accident Compensation Corporation which covers all accidents and injury - all my surgery, rehab and even taxis to work is paid for. Downside is you can’t sue anyone – not many US lawyers emigrate to NZ!
So there you go.
Douglas
matts -
Those are some difficult questions!
I don’t plan on wearing any type of braces after I am fully recovered, but instead closely monitor how tender my tendon is, how much I weigh, etc.
Like you, I also didn’t have much swelling.
Douglas -
That’s one heck of a story. I wish you speedy recovery!
Brian -
I can only speak from my personal experience. I experienced similar sensation in my foot when my cast was a bit too tight which resulted in poor circulation in my foot. Speak to your doctor to find out whether it’s because of the cast that’s too tight or something else (like damage to the nerves in your foot).
Keep us posted on what your doctor says!
Matts - IMO there isn’t a brace that could PREVENT a rupture and still allow your normal level of activity. Most ruptures occur when placing a great deal of force on the tendon. I haven’t seen a brace (other than the boot) that would keep you from doing an explosive movement. The best prevention seems to be strengthening and stretching, and even that gives no guarantee. It sounds like you’re healing well. Swelling seems to vary for everyone, though I don’t know that it is an indicator for recovery speed. I think it just depends on the rupture (location, severity, surgical technique, etc.) and on your body’s reaction to injury.
Brian - It sounds like you may have sural nerve damage. You can research the internet for more information, but from what I’ve read, the damage is usually temporary but it can take up to three months to regain the sensation fully. Best to speak with your surgeon about it.
Brendan - Congrats on your progress back to 2 shoes. It sounds like you’re doing great. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Tom and Dennis for your input! I have been asking alot of people about a brace that can prevent an Achilles Tendon tear and they have been saying the same thing as Tom, and that there is no brace that would help after the Boot(or Das Boot), thats what I call it. Only if we could patent a Achilles Tendon Rupture prevention brace, I would quit my day job.
Question for my friends in the two shoes club - what type of shoes are you wearing? I have been wearing running shoes but lately, the back of the shoe has started rubbing against and irritating my scar. I’ve tried other shoes that don’t go as high in the back, but they aren’t supportive enough to walk around all day. Any ideas?
I really don’t want to go out and buy new shoes… sigh…
Bri -
My dress shoes give me the same problem, but it’s not as bad with my sneakers. As a result I just wear my sneakers as much as I can. Have you considered one of those over-sized band-aids with extra cotton balls?
Thanks Dennis, I will give that a try.
Ironically I found that my volleyball shoes don’t go quite as high as my running shoes (I tore my Achilles in those shoes though).
Bri, that raises an interesting question.
Anybody superstitious or apprehensive to wear the shoes that they had the ATR in?
I have a friend who is just over 1 year post ATR who has given me all sorts of advice and direction through his experience. He still has a few types of shoes that give him problems, though it keeps getting better. Just another looooooong part of the healing process.
Hello everyone. I’m now 4 weeks post-op. I just got my 2nd cast today. It’s not quite 90 degrees but around 80. They had my foot at 90 and it was just too uncomfortable. Doc says after 2 weeks in this cast I’ll go to the boot. I assume at that point I will begin rehab. My doc also said that I will not bear any weight on it initially in the boot. He says that I will be out of the boot completely at 10 weeks! Is this normal??? Also, if I’m not bearing any weight initially when will I so that I can be out of it at 10 weeks. I’d appreciate your help. Thanks. And best of healing to everyone.
craig -
YES, I don’t think I’ll be wearing the basketball shoes that I wore when I ruptured mine again. At least not for basketball. When I am 100%, I’ll be buying myself a new pair (diffrent brand too).
Lamar,
Congratulations on your progress. Seems like only yesterday you were considering not going to surgery. You are one month out and well on your way. Glad to hear you are progressing.
Dennis,
I’m not sure I will be able to wear my basketball shoes again, but they were pretty new, as I think I only wore them 5 or 6 times. Hate to toss some new shoes. Maybe I’m just cheap…
Craig
Thanks Jim. You’re completely right, I did have a tough time convincing myself of the surgery. I just hope to continue progressing. How about yourself?
craig -
Well, I won’t be wearing them to bball.. maybe for just working out.
They are Stephan Marbury’s shoes, the “starburry” that cost $15.
I ruptured my AT in my basketball shoes. I’m still not sure if I’ll play again (I wasn’t very good to begin with), so I likely won’t be wearing those shoes again.
Here is a comparison of my legs at 11 weeks 3 days post op. You can see how the scar is stuck at the top. We are working on this in PT trying to unstick it. I still can’t bear full body weight on the ball of my foot on the injured leg. I’m close though. I tried to get as equal angle and lighting as possible.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2200/2514968720_bdc0fa057b_o.jpg
Jim
I think that link may have broken. Here is essentially the same picture, color a bit better though.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2514132829_799cbfa985_o.jpg
Sorry if this doubles everything.
Jim - I’m jealous…nice legs! The heel and calf look great. I’m sure I’ll be there in a few weeks. I think it’s so neat to see the different protocls manifesting themselves. We’ll all sort of catch up to each other at the 4-6 month period…and in retrospect, an additional 2 weeks in a cast, or 4 weeks in a boot is just a distant memory now. Keep up the good work, and hope that part of your scar gets unstuck…maybe you need to “Cure” it (the band)…with “Doing the Unstuck” A dorky joke to match yours!
Jim - I agree with Brendan, the leg looks great. I’ll swap my good calf for your bad calf any day! Glad to hear you’re healing well.
Jim-Your Bad calf is twice as big as my good one. Being only in Day 16 Post-Op, Week 11 seems along ways off for me. I am in a cast and when I extend my bad leg all the way I can feel my achilles tendon tighten up. No pain, just feels really tight down there. Could it be my scar stretching out? Sorry in advance, I ask alot of novice questions because I am very new with this injury.
Holy &%$#, Jim!
You have the most defined calves I’ve practically ever seen. Awesome. Can’t wait to be able to push up on my toes, too!
Question for all…At what point were you able to stand on the ball of your foot? I’m not there yet, and to me that is my next milestone. For those that can, how far out were you when you were able to rise up on you toes one legged with the injured leg??
Jim - I’m not sure I complete understand the question. Are you saying “stand on the ball of your foot” so there is clearance under your heel? At 19 weeks I’m still not able to do a single legged calf raise with just the injured leg. I’m able to do it in about 3 ft. of water, but not on land. I think it will still be a few more weeks for me. I’m not sure what the norm is for single legged calf raises, but from other blogs I’ve seen, I don’t feel like I’m that far off schedule. You will probably be back to single legged calf raises much quicker because you were weight bearing early on and you have much more strength in your calf to begin with. Hope this helps.
Tom, Thanks for the reply. Yes, my question is basically.
When were you able to stand on the ball of your foot, one legged, heel off the ground with the injured leg?
Hope this helps.
hi guys, im new and i tore up my left achilles may 18 2008. i was playing basketball and went for a power play inside - i felt like someone stepped at the back of my shoe and also felt sharp pain in my ankle going up.
i knew it was not like a sprain - something much more.
i did not goto the ER instead i went straight to a ortho doctor on day 2-3.
he put me in a cast and will go conservative tx but my instinct tells me to get a 2nd opinion - ill be in tampa may 28 for a specialist appt.
My questions :
how long from the date of injury should the doctors do sugery to get the best results? iv e heard 10-14 days when swelling is down ?
also when you had your surgery - what kind of anaesthetics did you get?
Hey, screwdriver. Fellow basketball ATRer here. I did the same as you but my ortho got me into surgery on day 7 because I had limited swelling. I know he usually waits 7-14 days…that being said, I believe it depends on the surgeon.
I had a general anesthesia. I was told it is easier to monitor your breathing since you are face down. Plus, I didn’t want to hear what was going on back there.
Good luck and, as many ATRers here will attest, definitely trust your instincts.
Welcome to the club.
I had my operation 2 weeks from rupture, but my specialist told me that was far too long a wait. I was misdiagnosed initially and didn’t get second opinion until day 12 operation day 14.
I had a spinal anaesthetic which meant although no feeling in legs for some time there were no problems with feeling sick etc.
I was awake for most of the operation but presumably before the nasty bits, they gave me a whiff of something because I must have fallen asleep briefly.
I was told that the spinal injection was far safer than a general. I have had various anaesthetics over the years and would strongly recommend the spinal if you are given the option.
Annie
the mri of my a tendon revealed almost complete tear but when you look at the mri - there are muscle fibers about 1/4 of the tendon still attached - its hard to see the continuity and integrity of the remaining fibers coz the swelling makes the images vague.
im now in a long leg cast and its driving me crazy feeling claustrophobic.when it swells too at night i feel like wanting to go rip it apart.
2nd opinion wont be til may 28 and it is a 2 huyr drive from my home .
IMO the challenge with this condition we are in the the mental anguish . the sudden transition from active to inactive and the depression that sets in.
screwdriver -
Adjusting to the inactivity is difficult, but I hope you can find something that can occupy your time. Understanding that it’s temporary really helps ease your mind.
I spent a lot of time on my computer doing a lot of research on Achilles rupture and reading some books that I had been meaning to read (as well as TV/movies).
I saw an ad for Rossetta stone the other day, and I think starting to learn a new language during my first 4 weeks would have been a good idea.
Hello Dennis,
I just joined the blog today and I am from Dubai city. It is great to see that there are others who share the same experience with you. I reptured my achilles while playing soccer on the 25th of March, 2008. Done the surgery on the 3rd of April, and until this moment, I am still on cast and using 2 crutches. My feet is still pointing little downward…I have had some bad experience with my surgent so I changed to another one although the surgery was perfect and the scare didnt look so bad but the after surgery follow up was awful and he asked me to walk on my feet right after removing the cast which was after one month so i refused because i wasnt able to do it…so I am now with another doctor starting all over. I just want to learn from other members here if its time for me now to start walking or do PT?…in what stage I am? and when will i be able to walk without crutches?
prince -
Glad that you were able to find AchillesBlog.
It’s very interesting to hear that you are from Dubai city. Are you living on one of the palm tree shaped islands? It sounded like an really amazing place to visit from the 60 Minute segment that I watched some months ago.
Glad that your surgery went well, and I hope the second doctor is better. I don’t think there is one correct recovery protocol.
As you can see from everyone’s recovery protocols here, it really varies from doctor to doctor. It’s also what you feel most comfortable with. I started walking FWB with the boot at starting 5th week, but others started much later.. (some earlier..)
You should check out all my past blogs as well as others, you’ll get a lot of information on recovery protocols, weight bearing, boots, crutches, etc..
best of luck and keep us posted on your recovery.
Hi everyone. Happy New Year. I just found this site and sooo wish I had discovered it sooner! I am 9 months post surgery for what started out to be a basic removal of a bone spur and bursa. Expected recovery was 6 weeks or so with some PT. Well…things changed. Despite an MRI presurgical, it turns out thing were a tad more complicated. My ortho ( who is a specialist in feet,ankles and very good) found that I did have a bone spur as expected but …it had punctured my achilles and I had a vertical tear about 2 inches long running up my right leg. I also didn’t have 1 spur..but a whole colony growing around my heel! Needless to say, the overnight stay for the surgery turned into 4 days in the hospital and I’m looking at 18 months to full recovery. The first thing my surgeon told me when I came out of recovery was and asked how thing went: “Well, we found a few surprises! Its as bad as it can get” Good thing I was still half out of it!
I went through most of the same things you all did though wish the shorter stories were ones I could claim. But, I am walking, and out of splints, casts, etc. finally. I still wear a brace to support the ankle but I have 2 shoes on!! It is terribly slow. I’m struggling with that now and am very tempted to throw in the towel on the PT which I’ve been doing for 6 months due to severe loss of muscle. I was immobile for a total of 10 months (three pre op and then postop). But, I know it does help and it is getting better. I still have some discomfort walking and especially when I’ve been still for too long and have not moved my foot around at all but it loosens up. I am fortunate though in that I did not have post op infections, and so far, no serious reinjury, just some small setbacks. I stumbled myself through finding cast covers and curtch stories, not driving for 7 weeks and managing a wheel chair for 3 months living alone but…adds to the character, I think?
If anyone has suggestions on getting past this current plateu I’m in I would appreciate it. I’m still struggling with trying to go down stairs and its a main focus of my PT along with strengthening but very frustrating. For those of you already back to full health, congratulations! It is a long road I know and you should be proud of the accomplishment and appreciate it! This is a great website and though I wish I had found it a year ago, its been great to read the comments etc. even now. Thank you. Have a great new year everyone.
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Hi All,
I have just joined the club. I found this web site through google.
I found out that I have a achilles tendon rupture, on Saturday. I was doing a African dance class and I felt as if somone had whacked me across the back of my ankle. When I went to put my foot down it felt as if there was no floor. I was really scared as I have never I a serious injury before.
I’m going to see the specialist this Thursday to find out the extent of the injury. It’s freaking me out that it might take 6 weeks + to heal as my boss isn’t be terribly supportive and is thinking that I’ll be beack to work next week, so it’s adding an extra layer of pressure on a stressful situation.
As far as which route to take, I’ll obviuosly have to wait until I get it properly checked out and see what state I’m in. In honesty I’d rather not go under the knife.
Will keep you posted.
Kind Regards
Julia
Julia: we all hope for the best my advice would be to have a serious conversation with your orho to know all the benefits and risks of conservative vs operative. there is also a TON of golden information on this site. If you dont mind me asking what is it you do for work?
This is a great site.. kind of mental therapy for the ATR!!I tore my Achilles on May 4th. Had surgery on May 7th. Put in the cast on May 11th. It seems that my mind and my body are about 20 yrs apart, As my wife would have put it. I would recommend surgery. I have a lot of buddies that played football most there life and after setting out for about 15 years from any major sports, tried to get back into some sort of activity, tore the Achilles. We all got surgery and they are able to do more with there leg than not. Just my thoughts..I will try and update my story as i go thru the remaining weekswith the cast . then physical therapy.. thanks and good luck to all
Hi all, I ruptured my achilles four years ago on a womens soccer league. I healed well—some infection and a raised wound site—but i am able to exercise as good as new–however, recently, I am experiencing problems with my other ‘healthy’ achilies–i consulted a physical therapist–who told me it is common to rupture your other achilles–even greater than a reinjury of the 1st achilles!!!Has anyone done this—what do you think?
Hey Tennisfanatic, I also had surgery on May 1 and have a trip set for Poland in September. My doc said I should be okay for it if I follow rehab instructions. He said I won’t be fully back to normal till about Nov.1, that’s when I should be able to run and jump and even start to play basketball again if I have the ****s to try it.
Well, I got my cast off and I must say, I’m so excited to take a shower w/ out a bag around my leg and tape around my upper calf… not able to put any pressure on my leg yet, but i’m excited to get thru the cast faze and on to the next step. slowly start stretching the tendon and muscle… July is when I start rehab.. hoping to play golf by august… Any golfers out there that have a story and time line for me??? I miss playing already !!!!
Tell me what I can add to make this website better!
http://www.mahalo.com/achilles-tendon-tear
Everything you’d want to know about Achilles Tendon Rupture. Link, blogs, products, videos, images, news, backtype, twitter question, mahalo questions, video of a typical surgery.
I created this website because I am going through this myself. I appreciate the help with the website because I want to help other prevent it and help myself by learning more about the process
Thanks
Hey everyone, has anyone had a blood clot after surgery and did this hamper the healing time? I was put in a boot 2 weeks after surgery (with no weight bearing for 4 weeks still to come) and a couple of days later (yesterday), i was diagnosed with a large DVT. Has anyone had this problem and can give some info or advice?
SalW - Hope the physio went well and didn’t hurt too much!
In the middle of July and I’m walking like a champ. Well I have a nice hitch in my step, but i’m walking. Swung the golf club last week, wasn’t to bad, no hip rotation, but I was on the golf course 9 weeks after surgery. Started my rehab and must say, don’t pass on it. I used it to help me mentally, as well as physically. hoping to be walking normal by August and about 60% golf swing back too… Hang in there fellow ATR’s… there is light at the end of the tunnel…
Ruptured my achilles training in Muai Thai about 5 years ago, was taken straight to the QMC where it was confirmed that I had sufered a partial rupture.
The consultant that saw me spent most of his time convincing me that I should go for the conventional method rather than surgery (even though I told him I was extremely phyiscally active) went through the casting/boot process and following the final removal of the boot it lasted about 3 weeks before I was back at the QMC with a rerupture.
Had the surgery the second time and was denied any form of physioterapy. The operation seemed to be extremely succesful and I have had no problems since (save it being a little stiff on the odd morning when I wake up). However, I am considering entering the realm of ‘getting fit’ and have spent a few sessions at my local gym.
I have found that, after excercise my tendon does hurt a bit in the morning (after a bit of a rub it’s fine tho).
A few questions Im hoping to be answered are:
1) How strong are repaired tendons in general as have asked numerous people, some say it’s stronger than ever some say it’s crap aftewr its been repaired.
2) Ultimately, I’m wanting to get back into training… circuit training, running, and Muai Thai, do you have any advice on this positive/negative etc. As I am still extremely wary of this tendon, part of me is thinking it’s just paranoia… I just want to know how capable a rebuilt tendon is?
Ta
Marc - I’m not a medical professional, so my thoughts may not be completely accurate, but I thought I’d offer up my opinions to your questions. I hope that’s okay. I have heard/read that the tendon regains most if not all of it’s strength assuming there are no complications. I believe the level of strength is determined by how well the collagen fibers align during the healing process. Initially, type III collagen forms rather chaotically and slowly converts to type I collagen. Type I is stronger and the fibers line up more uniformly. I have a tough time believing the tendon is “crap” after a repair. If that was the case then the re-rupture rate would be much higher than 2-10% and no one would bother with the risks of going through a surgery that wasn’t going to get you somewhat close to normal.
If circuit training, running, and Muai Thai are things in your life that you like to do, then I would strongly encourage you to take them up again. Injury is always a risk, whether it be a re-rupture or a new injury. You just have to make a personal risk assessment on whether the benefits outweigh the risks. Unfortunately, no one else can answer that question for you. Good luck with which ever path you choose.
Thanks for taking your time to respond Tom… you have pretty much summed up what I have been thinking for a while.
I’ll keep a record of my progress back to fitness now, as a guide for others who have been misfurtunate enough to suffer a ruptured achilles.
Marc,
In one study that followed 154 people who had surgical repair for about four years postop, 2% reruptured the same side (all before six months postop), while 6% ruptured the other side. That suggests that after repair, the tendon is stronger than the tendon (albeit likely afflicted with tendinosis) was, especially once the rehab is fully over.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14723785
There is no proven way to work the tendon to prevent rupture, though many things “seem to help,” (the lowest level of medical evidence). One thing that common sense suggests, and is hard to deny, is keeping your weight down.
Many people have returned to their previous activities after this injury.
Good luck!
Mark,
I see you had a re-rupture after conservative treatment. Me, too. Very discouraging. I do not know how studies are done about the success rate of conservative treatment, because the results are very varied. Some say 10 % some say 40% re-rupture. I have a feeling a lot depends on how the tendon was aligned before being put in cast, if it was a complete rupture etc. As here they do not do ultrasounds and MRIs I think they do not really have a clue what is going on. So probably the results are very random.
It seems after the surgery you are feeling well, so after 4 years of no re-rupture I would encourage you to get back to your favourite activities. My surgeon said with successful conservative treatment I get back 75% strength of tendon, with surgery at least 90%.
Good luck!
I would like to do an absolutely un-scientific survey about the success rate of the conservative treatment.
Who had conservative treatment, was it a full rupture, did it re-rupture, if yes when?
I would like to hear from people who did NOT re-rupture after at least 6 months. Though a year is a more sure thing I guess.
Looking forward your replies.
Has anyone heard of a new procedure where the incision on the back of the heel is approx only two to three inches vs six to eight inches long and after 10 days post op they encourage you to start walking on the Achilles, etc., etc.?
I found this info on the below website:
http://www.mdmercy.com/footandankle/conditions/achilles_tendon_probs/acute_achl_tendonrupture.html
Just cutious if anyone else is familiar with the above and has had this type of treatement?
Also, has anyone suffered from “pump bump” on the back of the heel that eventually caused the Achilles to rupture?
Yes Kevin… the new procedure exists, it drastically reduces the rate of infection so the Doc’s tend to reccomend surgery. However, I would still suggest the long scar method would allow the doctors to do a more thorough job, even if the infection risk could end in disaster.
All said… I quite like my scar, gives my leg a bit of distinction
As for everyone who has replied to me, I would like to thank you all for all your supportive words, I am slowly pushing myself back into training but have a long way to go before im doing high round kicks and hitting wil1200lbs of pressure on the ball of my foot (this is how I initially did it… apparrently the tendon can take something in the region of 1000lbs of pressure).
We should have a Achilles Tendon war wound gallery… then we could share pics of how well our docs put us back together.
Finally, my reccomendation to EVERYONE out there who ruptures theirs. Whether you’re active or not, ALWAYS push for the surgical repair. Don’t let the consultants cut money corners with your health.
I hope this is the right place to post this, if not maybe someone can tell me the correct place. Here is my question:
I had Achilles tendon surgery three years ago for a full tear and I still have some minor swelling and yellowish purple discoloration around my ankle. My foot and sometimes my lower leg tingles occasionally and I’ve only recovered about 60% of my calf strength. My insurance only covered four follow-ups with my surgeon and the last one was a year and a half ago. He said everything looked fine and I should expect to deal with this for awhile. I’ve used up all my physical therapy coverage and have continued it at home. Is it normal for me to still have the occasional swelling and constant discoloration? I mean, my left leg in general looks a tad darker in hue than my uninjured right. Any help would be appreciated.
Ruptured my AT 9/30/09 playing basketball, moving backwards in new sneakers, at age 46. I knew I did something bad, but didn’t think it was that bad because the pain so low (I had dislocated my elbow playing basketball 4 years ago and that pain was a 13 on a 0-10 scale). I went to the ER (bad move - 3 hours for nothing), went to OS the next day who said surgery was really the only option. Had surgery on 10/6/09, which went well, but doctor is pretty set on no weight cast for 6 weeks.
I’m a RE appraiser, lots of driving, very busy season, right foot - I feel I’m screwed.
I ruptured my Achilles 5 weeks ago. No surgery. Fiberglass cast now for the past 5 weeks. I’ve been waking up almost same time every night, like clock work, with the worst leg cramps I’ve had in my life - right up my calf. To the point of tears.
Anyone have any suggestions on how to treat that? Any supplements I can take or things I can do to lessen the pain?
Hi Krystine
You poor thing, I have been lucky to avoid cramping so far, but have had lots of twitching and also that horrible restless legs syndrome at night time. But at least they aren’t painful - just annoying!!
The only things I can suggest for cramping is PLENTY of water, and increasing your potassium uptake….lots of organic bananas if you can get them, or a supplement. These are generally an effective means of minimising muscle cramp when combined with stretching the muscle in question….obviously you aren’t able to do that part but the other two things probably still worth a go??
I am going into a fibreglass cast next week, after 2 weeks post op in plaster….you are the first person I have seen mention that you are in one too. What is it like?? Is it lighter, get more airflow etc?? I live in a really hot place and am dreading 6 weeks in that if its anything like the plaster!!!
Good luck hey!!
Krystine- I agree with Ruth that you should make sure that you are well hydrated. My only other suggestion is to see if you can get your doctor to prescribe a muscle relaxant like Soma, Flexeril or Zanaflex. The evening after I ruptured, I got a terrible cramp in my foot - had to stand up to get it to uncramp, which didn’t feel so hot either. Because of that, I got a Rx for Zanaflex, which I took nightly for the first week. I didn’t have any further cramps, although I can’t say it was definitely the med or just my good luck. Hang in there, Ron
I ruptured my achilles on Oct. 20, 2009, 6weeks ago. I had a cast on for 5wks then a put into a boot. On Dec. 3, I have no crutches, YAY!! I feel very free. I am still taking it easy but at least I can get ready for Christmas. I just wish I could wear two shoes for the holidays.
Hi. I’m at day 5 since the injury and am getting the surgery in 2 days. How long till I walk in a shoe again? I’m a teacher and the district won’t let me back till then; their cared about disability pay. I’m new in the district and untenured and scared about potentially losing my job. Being immobile and a non-athletic the next few months is depressing, but my biggest worry now is my job. What’s the general timeline from surgery to boot walking to shoe walking to sport playing?
Also, any advice on a wheelchair? I thought it would be easier and more mobile than crutches.
Lance, from my reading here, it really does vary widely and depends on many many factors. If I had to generalize from my reading, I would say that boot “walking” is a 3-6 weeks thing, and shoes are 4-10 or so. I say 4 because there is at least one person on this blog who was in 2 shoes at 4 weeks…you should read his story.
Lance, The time to 2 shoes is highly variable. I was supposed to be FWB at 4 weeks post-op and 2 shoes as soon thereafter as I could. I ended up having complications and didn’t make it to 2 shoes until nearly 4 months. Also, a lot will depend on your orthopedic surgeon’s approach to recovery. Some are very progressive and some are very regressive(lots of different casts). Ask your surgeon what his/her plan is, knowing that it could change if there are complications like infections.
As far as your work is concerned, I am pretty sure that your employer is required by the Americans with Disabilities act to accommodate your situation and I am also pretty sure they can’t fire you for being on crutches. A lawyer can tell you for sure and I think you should definitely talk with one. You need to understand your rights and if necessary, the school district needs to be reminded of what your rights are.
I would never recommend a wheelchair for this. The muscles in your injured leg will atrophy a lot more than you expect. If you use a wheelchair you will have atrophy in both legs. You need your uninjured leg to be strong when you get to partial and later full weight bearing. Don’t give yourself an additional handicap. I’m 65 and I was on crutches from August 3 until early November. There were times when it was hard but I managed. You can get a “knee scooter” for getting around on one level. You can’t go up or down stairs with it but you also can’t with a wheelchair.
I would have a talk with your HR people and find out what’s what. As others have said, I don’t think they can fire you for this. The federal FMLA provides up to 12 weeks of protection. What do you do there?
Lance is “sport playing” something you need for your job — like, do you teach Phys. Ed.?
The timelines you’ve gotten above are reasonable, but you may also want to check out my first blog and follow the links to the new evidence on a good NON-operative protocol for curing an ATR. I think your NYC doctors may be out of date, and more old-fashioned than the fancy sports med docs I’ve been seeing in Toronto. (Toronto is sometimes called “The Little Apple” ’cause it wishes it was NYC, but I think we’re learning fast on this one!)
Eight years ago when I tore my first AT, I got the surgery because all the evidence showed better results that way than without, especially for us athletes. But that evidence was distorted by the fact that all the non-surgical patients were being immobilized way too long and way too much, with cast after cast. It turns out that it wasn’t the non-surgery that was leading to worse outcomes, it was the long immobilization.
Anyway, see my first blog (find normofthenorth on the home page here and click on it — or just go to http://achillesblog.com/normofthenorth/2010/01/19/second-atr-first-non-surgical-cure/ ) for the whole argument.
You and your surgeon may be all set for surgery, but if it’s no better than the cheaper, easier, less painful, fewer-complications option, I think it’s worth upsetting a few applecarts. . .
Thanks everyone. I had surgery 4 days ago. I got a long incision too. I saw it today - it’s like 10 inches. Doc said the top side of tendon had retracted and was hard to find. Lovely. It went well though. Been resting, recovering at my parent’s with my mom taking great care of me; much better than my wife! But unfortunately I fell two might ago in the bathroom and put lots of weight on my bad foot out of reaction (propping myself up with sing and doorknob and doorknob broke!). Really painful, psychologically too. Doc today said didn’t look re-ruptured but didn’t react as well as he hoped to thompson’s test. But he said it looked ok. It depressed me to think I may have to redo everything. Have you ever heard of that? Fallen? What was the result?
By the way, I’m a classroom teacher, not gym. I could totally go back to work in a few days in a wheelchair or crutches. I feel fine.
Nearly everyone here has fallen at least once. I fell twice and both times put quite a bit of weight on the injured foot. It was fine both times.
Are you going back to work in a few days? When I had my surgery I was told by the surgeon to stay home, in bed as much as possible, for a week. When I did go back I had to make some changes so I could elevate my leg at my desk because my ankle and foot would seriously swell after 2-3 hours of not being elevated. I brought an old pillow to work, put it on my desk and raised my chair as high as possible.
You indicated they might not let you come back until you could walk. Is that still the case?
I hope to go back to work next week. But it’s unresolved yet. My district has this policy about no wheelchair, crutch or boot. My principal is trying to have HR make an exception. I’ve contacted the union. No resolution yet. Thanks a lot, Gerry. Does anyone know if I’m considered disabled temporarily and am covered by the ADA.
Does anyone know how many days post op is good to go back to work? Should leg stay elevated? I was looking at doing it at 11 days post op. Is that too soon?
Lance:
Probably depends on how you’re paid and what you do. I was operated on on a Thursday and went back to work on Monday and was fine. I think I worked half-days for a few days, but it was really no problem. I felt like as soon as the painkillers were unnecessary, there was no reason not to work. I have a desk job and am paid on commission - no work, no pay. That was a big factor.
Lance,
I had surgery August 3 and returned to work August 10. The surgeon said he wanted me essentially flat on my back for a week. But, when you go back is highly variable. I have seen posts here by people who say they can’t go back even several months after surgery. It depends on a lot of things, like what you actually do, can you drive or otherwise get yourself to work, level of pain, etc. A roofer is not going back to work any time soon after surgery. As far as elevating your foot, you will be quite uncomfortable if your foot is not elevated for long periods of time. I took a pillow to work, put it on my desk and raised my chair to maximum height. It isn’t ideal but it works OK.
i ruptured left ATR 1/12/10, surgery 1/21/10, in first cast, get second cast next friday and then a third cast NWB and i dont know what after that. seems exceptionally long. Foot is in downward pointed position, they are going to slowy stretch it to 90 degrees. I havent been back to work yet, I do sales and its alot of drivng and walking and standing. ANyone else have this type of treatment? ANyone else in sales? did you go back to work sooner or later?
Hi Maryjean,
I injured mine on 1/15 and had surgery on 1/20. I’m in the CAMwalker boot at the first week set at 90 degrees and never got the cast. I’m PWB now, but it’s fractional weight. Not sure why you are in several casts. I would challenge that approach. My Dr was a sports ortho and seems to be more aggressive. I’m also in sales, but have been working at home. I’ve had to cancel 5 flights so far, and I can’t drive as I’ve injured my right AT. I’d think you can do a lot from home as far as calling prospects, but you’ll be driving sooner than I!
All the best with the healing process.
Dan
Hi all. Maryjean, I sympathize with you. I’m in a kind of boot that eventually I will walk in. It’s pretty comfortable and if it gets too moist in there I take it off and air it out for a few minutes. I’m 16 days post op now - thank god! I can’t wait to get rid of this boot sometime in March, I guess. It’s starting to stink like I’m homeless though. Does anyone know if you can wash them? The inside seems to be a pullout, but I don’t want to damage it. Only the two splint shafts on the side and the sole bottom are metal - the rest is like thick, soft nylon. My toes are pointed down in it, I think it shows 20 degrees. Anyway, Maryjean, I’m a teacher. I just went back to work yesterday (thanks for the advice Gerry, Tom, Mary, Pete, Mark!) I’m usually on my feet all day. I brought a wheelchair that I rented for a month, am leaving it in my classroom, and also crutching in, out, and around school. It’s hard. My foot feels discomfort from being down, although in general I haven’t had a lot of pain at all these a since the surgery besides the day after. It’s just hard to keep it elevated while teaching. Any advice from anyone on what to expect from having my foot down a lot at this time after surgery, and also from PT, which I start monday? Does it hurt? What will they do? How often must you go? Thanks again, all!
Hello LanceNYC,
My foot didn’t stink at all while in splint or boot and also didn’t get moist at all, I would say it was cold all the time and hairy of course, as I couldn’t wash it at all. Anyway, I went to work 5 days post op (I work in an international transports company so I’m sitting on a chair usually), but I always had my foot elevated. Elevation is pretty important I guess, because that part of the leg isn’t really well blood-circulated and of course, when you are standing it swells a lot and feels uncomfortable. My doc advised elevation at all times. I started PT 2 and a half months after op and I say it hurts. I didn’t feel any pain at all during these months except from same night after op, and now PTs are killing me. Physio must stretch the tendon and work on ROM so he pushes my feet and massage the tendon which is swollen because of the fluids that are been gathered to this area due to the immobility for 2 months. He starts with tens (currents), then ultrasounds (this feels pretty uncomfortable when passing over the incision). I now have 3 days that I started a little strengthen, doing exercises with rubber bands, also at home. I go every day except weekends, 10 days now, I guess I’ll be spending a whole month there, if not more…for me, it’s not only I want just to walk normally, I’d like to get back to basketball, so I’ll do what it takes to get my favourite activity back soon, and more.
Wish you good luck to the rest of your healing procedure and I suggest you keep your foot elevated as much as you can.
Lance- I sprayed my boot with Fabreeze at night and let it air out. It helped a lot. I also vacuumed it out using the nozzle part of the vaccum. (gross, but true!)
norcalsurf70 and LanceNYC
Thanks for the replies. I am finally in a boot now…I did protest.to all those casts.and I need to get back to work. I like the idea of renting a wheelchair but in sales thats kinda weird…anyway i can make phone calls but leaving the face to face a month out. LanceNYC- I had alot of pain letting my foot hang down but now I;m five weeks post op and it doesnt do it that much. If you can keep it at hip level-using a chair helps alot…..Now I’m wondering about PT and when I can start WB…Thanks to all of you I have spent hours reading all of these posts and helpful suggestions! and Knowing there is support!
Does anyone have any advice about dealing with the costs? I talked to the Dr.’s office before surgery and they said insurance covered everything. Then a week or so ago I got a bill from the anesthesiologist for $3,000. I talked to them and they said “We’re separate from you Dr. and we don’t take your insurance. But we submitted anyway and it’s still early.” Of course I was not happy after this as I made sure to talk to the Dr.’s office and had was told there would be no costs. Anyway, so today I received a check from my insurance company for $500 and a statement that said I’m responsible for the rest of the cost for the surgery, which comes to $14,000. The statement said nothing about the anesthesiologist. So worst case scenario I’m looking at $17,000 in payments. That would hurt. My question is, why am I paying hundreds of dollars each month for insurance if this is the “service” they provide for my hard earned payments? Does anyone have any advice on what I can expect or how to handle this? Thank you all. By the way, 1 month post op now and Dr. says in two weeks I should bring my shoe when I visit him because I’m walking out of there! Insurance or not, that’ll be champagne time!
Lance- you must have the crummiest insurance going. Even if you have a high deductible and your hosp, surg, and anes were all out of network, you still shouldn’t be hung w/a 17K tab. If your surgeon’s office told you that insurance covered everything, then you should hold them to that. Another thing is that it is not infrequent for a bill to be sent to you before insurance pays - check your bills and look for the “pay this amount” line/space. Another thing to do is triple check that all parties are submitting claims to the right address - I’ve had problems after a move where bills were submitted to my old insurance. The check you got sounds like what ins cos do for out-of-network bills (prob your anesth). Finally, call all who have sent you bills and see if you can negotiate in-network pricing even if they are out-of-network. Good luck, Ron
Hi Lance,
In Greece soon as you get a job, you get a public insurance. I, however, got myself a private insurance (actually my husband persuated me to do this) and I pay around EUR1,200 per year for this. Soon as I was injured, I called my insurer (a basketball player also) and he suggested a private hospital and a particular ortho surgeon (of course, I checked also with another surgeon, close friend to my parents). Anyway, up to now, all I have paid is EUR130 for the boot (which costed actually EUR530, but I only paid 25% of it). Also, I received EUR850 from my private insurance, as a ’surgical benefit’ - I had a particual term on my contract about it- which helped me paid my PTs so far. When my insurer visited me at home, he said that the whole operation including anesthesiologist and all post-op visits, costed around EUR6,000-EUR7,000 (on an expensive hospital). So, I think USD17,000 is way too much!
I’m at the 5+ week post op mark. Dr says I will walk with two shoes in a week. Any advice? I’ve noticed a lot of progress in the past week. I can put some weight on it and am kind of crutch/walking now. Dr said one crutch is fine now but it’s kinda awkward and on a slant. So happy to be more mobile, but tendon is still very tight. What’s next?
If you’ve been in a cast, toes down, then you’ve got a whole bunch of things to get used to at once:
1- The neutral position (unless you use heel lifts in your shoes for a while, as some folks do).
2- FWB, or WB as tolerated. Many of us find this transition uncomfortable or even painful, often under the heel.
3- Being “free”.
That latter freedom is both a relief and a hazard. At first, you’ll probably be doing a “silly walk”, bad foot forward. (I used a cane for a few days after I stopped using 2 crutches.) Gradually, you’ll be able to step ahead of the bad foot with the good one, first inches then a bunch.
Balance and ankle stability both return gradually over the next few weeks. The strength to “push off” normally at the end of your stride returns eventually. I’m 12 weeks in total, and I’m still just on the verge of that. In my good moments, I seem to be walking perfectly normally, but it may be a wishful hallucination! When I put my bathroom scale a bit behind me and press down with the ball of my “bad” foot, I get to around 120 pounds, so I know I’m close, and SLOWLY getting closer. Doug53 calls this the frustrating plateau.
The other thing to remember is that the move into 2 shoes and FWB may be when you’re most at risk of re-tearing the thing, so be careful!
Lance, I have heard of insurance companies working with the “lead with denial” plan. This plan puts it back on the insured to fight for their coverage in the hopes they will give up and pay. I can’t say if that’s the case with you but for 17k I would certainly become the squeaky wheel…
Greetings…
I have joined your ranks and will soon bear the scars of the orthopedic surgeon.
The day was sunny, the field was lumpy and as I chased the softball…
05/15/10: Snap! Pop! What the…
05/16/10: “Honey, your foot dosen’t look so good…you should see the doctor.”
05/17/10: “Hey Boss, my achilles tendon seems to be injured I need the day off.
05/18/10: “Mr. Walker your achilles tendon appears to be partially or completely torn, I am sending you to the orthopedic surgeon.”
05/18/10: “Mr. Walker your achilles is completely ruptured and I recommend surgery” “I can fit you in Thursday.”
That is my achilles story…oh yes…I don’t recommend paddle boarding with your friends the day after you injure your achilles.
Snappop, if you want to check out the new studies that show that the results of SKIPPING the surgery are statistically on average EXACTLY AS GOOD as the results of surgery — except for the complete elimination of all surgical complications — check out my blog. (Just add “normofthenorth” after the “com/” and scroll down to “A more complete review of the options — surgical vs. non-operative”. Click on it to see all the subsequent posts by many of us.
Even if you do opt for surgery, check out the protocol from the recent studies, because it’s (a) faster and more convenient than what most Docs use and (b) been proven very effective in those studies — especially with very low re-rupture rates, which is usually the main concern that prompts long “conservative” casting, non-weight-bearing, and lack of mobilization and PT.
Howdy there,this is Mariette Crape,just observed your Blog on google and i must say this blog is great.may I share some of the writing found in your weblog to my local buddies?i am not sure and what you think?anyhow,Thanks!
Hunt the seasons. Animals will be in different places at different times of the year. For example spring and summer are good times to find deer in the open while the depths of winter the deer are more likely to be in the bush.
Wow, what a blog! I mean, you just have so much guts to go ahead and tell it like it is.
it happened june 18, 2010- i went to go play volleyball with my cousins-i hadn’t played in years and went straight into the game and just stretched the quads. only 10 minutes into the game i was waiting for a possible set to me when i felt like someone hit me behind my leg with a baseball bat. i went to see the family doctor the following week– i told him i tried the thompson test and that my foot was not responsive-he dismissed it & gave me anti inflamatory/painkiller pills. i was using a cane and limping around at work for 2 weeks. when my back, knees started hurting and i just couldn’t walk normal-my doctor finally sent me to a specialist. july 7th my doctor performed the thompson test and felt the gap in my tendon and confirmed i had ruptured my ac. an mri was scheduled and you can definitely see the the empty white space on the tendon. i had surgery july 15- the pain after surgery was minimal. the doc also used a graft. my livingroom has gotten smaller due to a wheel chair, crutches and walker- i like the walker- i feel more stable but it’s slower(i wish i had a knee walker!). my doctor says i would be non weight bearing for 10-12 weeks! i’m going to watch a’s vs red sox next tuesday- you think it’s too soon- of course i’ll be using their golfcart & wheelchair service.
Sorry you joined the club and even more sorry that your family doctor was a dolt. You should have gone straight to an orthopod or to the ER. 10-12 weeks NWB is way too long. Atrophy has already begun and by 10 weeks your injured leg will look like a toothpick. There is no reason to NWB for that length of time. My surgeon told me there is no basis for being NWB for more than a couple of weeks, nothing is gained and a lot is lost. Go to Normofthenorth’s blog and find his early weight bearing PT protocol and take it to your doctor. Bear in mind that this is your leg, not his/hers, and that you have a right to have a say in the protocol used. Tell him you want to see the hard evidence that prolonged non weight bearing has a benefit. I promise you he/she cannot produce that evidence. I’m shocked that you have a wheelchair, I was on crutches for several months due to complications and I was a month short of 65 when I ruptured mine last year. Good luck with your recovery. Follow the directions on the home page here to set up your own blog. That will make it much easier to keep us all up to date on your progress. It’s very easy for your posts to get buried on this one and uncool to use someone else’s blog to post your updates.
Thanks GerryR! I’m new to blogging and finally emailed Dennis. I’ve spent most of my time on this site since my confirmed atr. My doctor wouldn’t give me a date when i could put weight on my foot- I kept asking when can i wear a boot and start driving?!!!! The doc wrote on my paperwork- 10-12 weeks non weight bearing (i’m thinkin they were cushioning it) i can’t wait to start the blog! Were you the one doing exercises on the wheelchair? Thanks for the advices : )
Athleticsfan, can’t you kneel on the wheelchair and “scoot” around? That protocol of mine — really from a randomized study done recently at U. of Western Ontario — is posted at bit.ly/UWOProtocol . The study that used it is discussed in reference #7 in the Wikipedia article on ATR (spelled out, of course).
Good luck, and good healing!