gerryf’s AchillesBlog

The differences in treatments across the uk and us are astounding. Even in the uk. I ruptured my Achilles the first time 4 years ago and then again in July this year. 9 weeks after the second rupture (which was missed by the local hospital dispite a large palpable gap where my tendon should have been) it ruptured for the 3rd time and I have a 4.1cm gap. I am having surgery to have a full reconstruction and fhl graft - my surgeon openly admitted this should have been done after the second surgery!!! I’m having the op on October 5th so in 3 days time. I’m normally very active and would go to the gym daily but have found I have put on weight over the past 3 month due to this which is a nightmare! it’s unlikely I will get full function from my ankle again and I won’t be able to run like I did before but am hopeful I can get back to some gym function. I’m just focusing on being able to walk properly for now! The weight can wait!!

One thing I forgot to mention, when I received my boot there is about a 2 1/2 in. difference between my heel on the floor and my heel in the boot. I took a resolable shoe to a local cobbler and for $45 he put sole on my shoe that allows me to walk evenly and level. The sole is about 2 1/4 in. thick. The best $ 45 I ever spent. No more back or hip pain from walking unevenly.

Ruptured my R Achillies Tendon in first of July. Ortho. Doc. said due to my activity level surgical repair was the best option. Pain has never really been an issue, i’m going to be 63 y.o. so it because I have a high pain tolerance or do I have some sort of nerve pathology in my foot ? Anyway, soft cast for 2 weeks then to a walking boot, have been fairly aggressive about FWB and keeping up my cardio.( Schwinn AirDyne good for both arms and legs.) And weight training regimen always with the boot in place and only exercises that exclude my injured leg, but will be included as conditions permit. I had good progress and do a lot of walking in my boot ,almost feels like I could leave it behind at times. 2 weeks from now I will be in a shoe and I told my PT all I want is to be back on my snowboard this winter. We’ll see, all in due time !

Hello my name is Ty (39 year old/female). I was very active before I injured myself–going to the gym probably 1-2 times a week and/or officiating basketball games. I hurt myself playing basketball/shooting around with my students on the last day of school. Im so stupid and was just wrong out there. 3 days later I had surgery (ATR) on June 20, I am now 3 weeks and 3 days. I had a half cast the first week, then a hard cast for 2 weeks. At the 3 week mark I had the hard cast removed, staples out and the boot put on. I was told I am FWB now and wing myself off the crutches. Its been 3 days since I had the cast off—I am walking with a limp and using 1 crutch. Whenever I am sitting I have to removed the boot. I dont sleep with the boot either.

I dont have pain and very little to no swelling. I ice every night and do exercises everything I take off he boot.

From what I hear early WB is good for a quicker recovery. I will have the boot on for another 5 weeks which is when I go back to the surgeon. I start therapy also in 5 weeks.

I am happy that I am FWB, mentally and physically. I am moving around more indepe

Tennis seem to be a common trait in this thread I completely ruptured mine April 5th playing tennis doubles with my son on my team against his classmate and his father on another team.

Was backing off to hit the ball when felt like my son hit me with the edge of his racket on the back of my foot. Turned around and my son wasn’t anywhere close to me.

Went to the doctor next day and he advised a surgery since I am fairly active in sports (46 year old).

At the time of the injury I had a European vacation scheduled for end of April - decided to cancel as I would not enjoy it very much.

One thing that made my decision to cancel easier - was that I had purchased a trip insurance beforehand.
Don’t know what hit me to purchase a trip insurance as I never do - this is the first time I purchased it and it was a blessing to get 100% of the money back.

Had surgery on April 7th. My doctor had a very conservative protocol of 6 weeks of NWB in the cast. 3 weeks with foot pointing down and 3 weeks with foot in neutral position.

I did a lot of reading myself and was questioning this approach during 6 long weeks of NWB in the c

Did mine on April 1 playing tennis - complete rupture. Happened to my left tendon as I pushed off for a serve. I experienced the exact sensations you had. This happened to me in the US. I also opted for the conservative approach - lots of new research supporting this and doctor seemed to think recovery had a good chance to be as good as surgery without the surgical risks. They put me in cast for 2 weeks in equinus position. After that I was fitted with a Vacoped boot - highly recommended for early weight bearing recovery. Had to wear the boot up until end of June even having to sleep with it which took some getting used to. I am now walking indoors without the boot. Hopefully next week I’ll be outside as well without the boot. Strength in the calf muscle is returning gradually. I am not out of the woods by any stretch, but it does seem to have healed. It is a terrible injury for the inconvenience (pain was not too bad after the initial 2 days). I opted not to travel until 8 weeks after the injury. I wish you a healthy recovery and just advise patience and lots of physio. Check out the vacoped - the angle of the boot is