brombones’ AchillesBlog

New to 2 shoes - New Balance 990v3

For future treasure hunters on the blog, new to 2 shoes and looking for advice…

I just picked up a pair of New Balance 990v3 sneakers - basically a backless running shoe, with just enough lip around the heel to hold your foot in place.
I had been wearing my K-Swiss tennis sneakers, feeling the higher ankle support was beneficial. But the pressing around the site of the surgery and the swelling around the ankle was definitely impacting the area negatively. My PT suggested I take an old pair of sneakers and physically cut out the back of the heel where the contact was being made. Unfortunate timing of cleaning out my closet weeks before rupture made this impossible! They were about $100, but some previous versions were available around the web in limited sizes.

NB 990v3

Two Shoes! Week 7…

Just back from vacation and took plunge to two shoes, consistent with my doc’s advice. Meandered around the house slowly mostly. No pain and some sensations, but handled it well.

but… Took sock off at end of night and my foot looked like an orange on a toothpick. It was the first real swelling I’ve observed during the whole recovery. Centered around my ankle, both sides were puffed out. Time for some RICE.

Im happy to be moving forward, but certainly realize that this whole process is far from linear.

6 week visit with OS

Uneventful session with OS -

progress made:

• Inspected site and thankfully observed tendon strong and healing appropriately. ROM ahead of curve.
• removed one wedge, said take last wedge out in 3 days (since done)
• Noted some inflammation around one of the incision marks, this has flared up with excess walking and stresses.
• Said keep boot for at least another week, then transition to sneakers indoors at least (7 week point).
• Swimming ok, stationary cycling in boot. Basic message was use your head and listen to your body wrt intensity.
• Maintain PT 2x/week.

I had to ask about golf - he indicated possible to hit balls as early as July (4 1/2 months or so), maybe 9 holes in a cart soon after. ALL contingent on progress, etc. Basically consistent with my expectations and a great thing to look forward to.

promptly have taken the family for April break down to Annapolis and now Philly. Lots of walking and shuffling around cobblestones and colonial houses etc. using my cane, but the heel is where it hurts. Nice swelling and rice needed a couple times a day. Rolling the heel on a tennis ball is very helpful with the pain. Keeping after the theraband work and leg lifts as well as can be expected.

back to doc at 12 week point, so an extended period of self reliance and judgement needed…hoping to maintain conservative approach and get through this. More to come.

5 Weeks - FWB, aches pains, and golf ache

Heading into 6 week follow up next week. Have dropped the crutches fully and using a cane outside the house for stability on uneven surfaces. Really sensing forward momentum - nice connection and calf flexing. PT is ongoing,now in the fighting phase with insurance company to extend sessions. Have made executive decision to carry the full freight if they cut me off, it’s too important and effective with the right therapist. Last session was interesting - new task to simply lift my heel - mechanically couldn’t do it at first. Feels like ice breaking around the joints, but once established it improved. Introduced Therabands as well, so I have some new homework to get after.

the plan is to lose the boot after this week’s appointment. I’m apprehensive about that prospect, but also excited to see the progress. Doc indicated swimming was on the table at this point, which will be huge step. Fingers’ crossed on that one.

aches and pains in the heel/ankle of my ATR leg have increased as direct usage has been upped. Took the family to the Botanical Gardens in the Bronx yesterday and ended up embedded in my phone on a bench due to over estimating my stamina. Humbling. Great dinner around the corner on Arthur Avenue softened the pain.

surgical tape is falling off now, incisions and scar are really tidy and no complications. Very fortunate that it seems my surgeon knew his way around a needle and thread.

Our golf course opened today, coincident with a big Easter brunch. It is tough to know the place is off limits for months and receive the sympathies of your friends (over and over…). And he awful puns, enough!

so nothing really impactful - just steady improvement - just wanted to contribute that no drama is no bad thing.