An Ironman’s recovery from an Achilles Tendon Rupture

I’ve got a few things going on this week.

My left Achilles is still very achy from the new casting position. Sometimes just out of nowhere I will experience some random bouts of pain and tingling deep in the Achilles area (maybe it is the Achilles healing in the new stretched out position). Putting weight on the left side brings some pain, but especially if my heel is on the floor and toes are brought upwards. ie: sitting in leg straight up and off the floor. Elevation must be done with my foot outwards or inwards to avoid pain.

I am doing a pre-emptive strike and started physiotherapy on my right foot. My right side had an achy Achilles before this all happened, along with a sore muscles on the top of the foot. With all the hopping around and pressure that the right side has been burdened with for the past 6 weeks, I don’t want to end up rupturing that side too.

I saw Dr. Stoddard (one of the best sports docs around these parts) at Toronto SEMI on Monday, and had my first physio session on Tuesday. It is a bit far from my home but since I am not back to work for another 6 weeks, I figured it is worth the drive to go to a top notch sports medicine and rehab clinic. We made a plan of attack to get going on my right side, and then go full speed ahead on the left once the cast comes off. My physiotherapist has dealt with a few ruptures before so that I a huge bonus. She was extremely thorough in her assessment and treatment. Also, being an extremely active guy who wants to get back to triathlon ASAP, I’ll be seeing a podiatrist to have them examine my feet to see what triggered the ATR and what has caused my Achilles tendonitis in the past (and currently).

Being bored as heck, I figured it was time to update my tattoo collection. Got the new tat on Monday after my appointment with the doctor (with tattoo shop being right around the corner I figured why not save a trip with those high gas prices). I wanted a more sinister design but compromised with the wife and got this. The Jolly Roger. Sums up what I am feeling right now and for the next 6+ months.

By the way, don’t you love peeling dead skin off your feet? I can’t stop. Sick I know. But it has to be done. And the skin just keeps on coming. Once I get the cast off it is going to be a sad scene.

Til next time.

H