An Ironman’s recovery from an Achilles Tendon Rupture

After the plateau last week, things have been pretty awesome since then.

I’ve gained more flexibility, strength, and the bump (scar tissue) at my lower Achilles is steadily going away. Yesterday, I actually clipped in and out of my bike pedals. The heel pain is still pretty strong but really only surfaces when I spend 20+ minutes on my feet.

I saw my surgeon today (the ole wait for 2 hours and see him for 2-3 minutes deal) and he was happy with the progress. He said the heel pain was normal and commented that most of the plantar faciitis problems are due to issues with the Achilles tendon. I know exactly what he means because I remember my bout with plantar faciitis 10+ years ago and this feels just like it in many ways.

Physio has been going great. My physio is spending a lot of time mushing that scar tissue out of there and its getting better each day. I can feel the strengthening with the bands is making a big impact. My one leg balancing is getting better and my balance board work (started yesterday) was surprisingly good.

I’ve been doing some ebay scavenging and have picked up a few products that have helped in my progress. Here is what I got:

Bauerfeind AchilloTrain - Really helps when I have to go out and walk around for an extended period of time. It will get heavy use when I go back to work in a few weeks. http://www.painreliever.com/bauerfeind_achillotrain.html

J Fit Fit Stretch - Especially helpful in increasing flexibility. You can get the same deep stretch as lowering your heels off of the stairs but without putting yourself under that stress and jeopardy in this point in the recovery. http://www.jfit.com/Preventative-Fit-Stretch-P106800110.aspx

Pro Tech Achilles Tendon - This is for when I return to activities like running or tennis. You can never be too safe. http://www.runningfree.com/detail.aspx?ID=12744

* Other than the Running Free site, I don’t endorse any of the sites. They are there for information purposes only.

I also got more compression socks, and a bunch of insoles and arch supports to use when going back to work (lots of time on my feet) and when I resume running. Even with my insurance coverage, I can’t see myself forking over another $400-500 on top of their coverage to get orthotics made by a podiatrist.

By the way, I’m loving the Olympic coverage. The Men’s Olympic Triathlon was awesome. Way to go Simon Whifield. It is quite interesting to find out of the many athletes that have dealt with Achilles problems in getting themselves to the Games. Morbidly, I also can’t stop staring at all the athlete’s feet, thinking that a rupture will occur.

Happy healing everyone, and thanks for reading.

Hoss