jdrg’s AchillesBlog

I’ve finally entered a new chapter in the ATR recovery process.  Last week, I received ‘official consent’ from the OS to go ahead and weight-bear until I can loose the crutches.  Yes to getting on the bike at the gym, in the pool, etc. too. I’ve actually been PWB for awhile already (and have been in the pool too shhh!) trying to follow some of the recommended faster protocols cited in this blog community, but it is nice psychologically to have someone ‘in the know’ say, “Yep the thing has grown back, it’s attached, and you can start stressing it and your legs can get some exercise.” Yay!  I know there’s still a ton of work ahead and I’ll probably still hit some frustrating obstacles, but I am so glad to be at a more active recovery stage.

Interesting sidenote: Was also told not to bother with physio for another couple weeks since “I’ll only be doing a few ankle circles and minor stretches back and forth, up and down for now.”  I could not disagree more!!! (already been doing the ROM exercises for weeks) and I’ll use this little post to encourage anyone out there with decent medical coverage (or the extra cash) to go find a great physio and get at it.  For me, this has made a huge difference in increasing my ROM and decreasing the inflammation and stiffness in my foot and ankle.  Except for the thickened tendon area, whenever I massage the foot and ankle and do my exercises, my foot goes back to looking normal again and feels so much less stiff and awkward.  The lump of scar tissue where the tendon has healed is also slowly going down with each and every ultrasound/massage treatment.  For me, the physio has been a huge support physically and mentally.  (Below: My ankle workout spot. A bit shadowy but my ankles are pretty much the same now and you can just see the theraband and wiggleboard my husband made- plywood with an old squash-sized ball screwed on underneath - bottom left of pic).

Even more interesting sidenote: One of the practitioners I saw was so enthusiastic about the new research I showed her, she got together with some other physios in the area and they signed up for some webinar sessions together to learn about new protocols (in general, not just ATRs) and exchange info/experiences.  She said it was easy to get bogged down with life and continue practicing the way she always had without looking at some of the new information out there.  Our conversations were just the motivation she needed to check out something new.  I wanted to share this with you all to offer kudos for the rigour and dedication many (Norm especially!) have shown in examining the literature and regularly sharing it with us all here.  You likely make more of a difference than you might realize.  Thank you!!