10-Week Update
Posted on June 23rd, 2014 by jeffk58
Almost 10 weeks and things are generally going well - although progrees is certainly very incremental. Can walk about a mile without a limp (but with limited push-off) and am riding the stationary bike without the boot. Starting double heel raises and other strengthening/balance exercises. I feel very fortunate so far, as swelling has been limited. Question - I am going on vacation next week to visit family, and one of the main activities with my Dad and brothers is the game of golf. Met with my PT this morning, and he thought I would be fine (even with no boot). Anyone sucessfully tried golfing in and around the 10 week mark?
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As long as the game doesn’t ruin your walk!
Jeff, I haven’t golfed yet, although I have thought about it and also thought it’d be OK at this stage. It’s just not as much of a pull to me as tennis and cycling, so I can more easily resist (although, a family event would be harder). I would suggest using a cart, if only to limit the time on your feet. If you walk it, plan for increased swelling and some time to rest and ice before you go out for drinks and a meal afterwards (assumption!). Also I’d just be generally careful of your footing on any and all uneven or hilly terrain you encounter. Let us know how it goes–and my last bit of advice, unrelated to your ATR, is to hit ‘em straight! -David
It always does. I was a bad golfer with a good AT, so it likely will not be pretty. But when Dad is 88 years old and still likes to golf, you take one for the team
I’m 6 days out of ATR surgery and a golf pro at a club in Boston. I play a good amount of local competitive golf, so I’ve done a lot of thinking about the injury and how the swing will work around the flawed Achilles in the last week.
Remember this if you think your return to golf might be a little early… The most common swing flaw for amateurs is the old adage of “I don’t keep my head down.” The fact is, your head stays right where it belongs (on your shoulders) and your body “jumps” to adjust for faulty mid swing balance. The vast majority of golfers have their weight drift into their toes as they swing, they innately feel a sensation of falling forward and they push out of the toes (rise or jump) to adjust. This common move seems like it is going to cause a lot of trouble for the ATR golfer. If you are felling like you are not yet 100% but have to play! my advice would be to learn to swing from a position where you balance more of your weight in your heels so as to not
…risk the drift to your toes and and force a more explosive, “jump swing” which will definitely put more pressure on that Achilles.
By the way, at 6 days post op, I’m surprised every day at how little pain I’ve had since injury and anticipating a speedy recovery. I’m going to Ireland in 3months to the day and don’t want to miss out on playing!
Thanks for the golf advice! I think I will do the first round in the boot just to be safe, but will surely be doing an “abbreviated” swing as well.Sorry to hear that you have joined the ATR club - best wishes for a speedy recovery!