derek’s AchillesBlog

Life feels like it is returning to normal. I have been able to start wearing shoes other than trainers and sandals. I don’t have to think too much about my gait and push off until the end of the day or a workout. And the swelling that picked up after I started PT seems to be subsiding.

I have been going to PT roughly twice a week for the past five weeks. My exercises now include quite a bit of dynamic movement in the three plans of motion. All of my exercises so far have been based on some sort of lunge, squat, or step up on a box. Sometimes with light weights in hand. Each session includes mobility stretches and exercises from the hips down. I have not once during any PT session worked on toe raises of any kind. I was surprised that I was able to squeeze two single legged toe raises out today without too much stress. From reading other peoples experiences, it seems like more of a symbolic benchmark. Successful recoveries include people that cannot perform one, but have returned to normal sporting activities without any significant deficit.

I was feeling a little grumpy over the last week or so as I grind through the PT sessions and daily exercises. I still don’t run or jump, although I feel that I am close. Regaining calf strength is a very slow process for me. However, if I look back a week, I can see progress. I still hope to be back rock climbing in some capacity before the Christmas holiday.