jackinva’s AchillesBlog

After three weeks of physical therapy, I’m feeling better each day. Feeling virtually no pain in the achilles, but still a small amount of swelling around the ankle, foot, and lower calf. The tendon has a “tickling” sensation - not uncomfortable, just “there”. I’m going to P.T. 2x a week, and also doing the exercises a few more times on the off days at the YMCA. Also swimming at home daily and doing the heel raises at varying depths in the water. I start out standing at about halfway between my chest and waist and do about 30 - 40 lifts. Then take a step towards the shallow end, and another 30 - 40 raises. By the time the water is just below waist deep, I can’t raise up. However, I’ve been doing this about 4-5 time a week, and it IS getting easier to do them. It’s just going to take a LONG time to get closer to “normal”. Small steps Baby!!!!!

It was a fantastic weekend! I took the Amtrak to Philadelphia to see one of my favorite bands “The Dandy Warhols” play this past Saturday night. I walked from the 30th St. station to my hotel (a little over a mile - or so) and then from the hotel to the club (another mile) and back afterwards. Plus I was dancing my a$$ off during the show, so I really gave the ‘ol foot and tendon a workout. It kinda retaliated on my yesterday by swelling up, but it seemed to be the usual amount of swelling, and the ice wrap worked wonders. Today I’ve noticed that my limp has decreased considerably from what it was a few weeks ago when I went into 2 shoes. It feels so great to both feel and see progress!
I meet with the Physical Therapist this week and get to start the torture routine (I mean P.T.). I’m hoping that all the swimming, walking, cycling, etc. that I’ve been doing the past few weeks will give me an advantage towards my therapy and recovery plan.