Hi everyone!
Just over two years ago I ruptured my left achilles playing my very first indoor soccer game at a local college class. Most of my family and friends told me not to try again…I am 54 & hadn’t played outdoor soccer since I was 15…but I really loved playing the game, so I told them that I was going to try to play again no matter what it took! Well…I’m back playing in the same college soccer class again, and loving every minute of it!
My recovery process probably could have been shorter, but I decided to take my time and really prepare my body for the dynamic movements soccer requires. That meant working with a great personal trainer who initially kept my core strong (during the first 2 months after surgery) and then gradually started working on building back my calf, ankle and hamstring/quad strength. By the end of the first year, my leg had pretty much recovered to where I was before the injury. I decided to continue training the next year with flexibility, dynamic movements, running techniques & stretching routines before I started playing soccer again.
Having played soccer the last 4 weeks now (three one hour 7 on 7 games per week) I really believe that I am in better shape than before my injury. The repaired tendon can perform quick turns & changes in direction, sprints, hard kicking, jumping and other dynamic moves. Am I pretty sore after the games - yes, ankles and knees mostly. Is it a good sore - absolutely - no injuries!
So unless you have a complication that prevents you from a full recovery, you can and will recover - it just takes time and lots of patience! And don’t give up the sport that you injured your achilles in just because everyone tells you to - it may prevent you from having an awesome time sometime in the future!
Heal well everyone - slow and steady can be a winner!
P.S. If I rupture the right side, I’m not going to have surgery…thanks Norm!