loumar747’s AchillesBlog

Healing long is a term used to describe an AT length discrepancy after surgery. it can be measured by ultrasound but in your case the best check would be using an ortho device called a goniometer which measures your ankle flexion compared to the unaffected side. You would have difficulty pushing off while walking. I doubt this is the problem if you do not have a limp. Your upper leg pain is not your AK but more likely sciatica. Do you drive with your wallet in your right back pocket? If so, that is the cause. This is common in long distance drivers. Hope this helps. I have had two AT ruptures and and a lot of time to think and study this stuff. Also an MD.

Great post. Absolutely inspiring to hear of your progress.

Norm: Your comment made me smile. You have definitely become the ‘Achilles rupture guru’. It has always been comforting to me to know that you were there.

Kellygirl and bionic, Thanks for the comments. I always feel good when I see that you’re both still around too - feeling the ‘achilles bond’!

Nice post Loumar. No straight line to the finish for me either. The lengthy and curvy road back certainly makes this a mental challenge.

Great news, Loumar! It certainly sounds like you are through the worst of it. I think there’s no stopping you now. Keep up the good work!

I still remember a rehab milestone when I first noticed that I hadn’t been thinking about my leg for a few minutes — and then an hour, then a day…

Of course, now I can’t make it through most days without thinking about SOMEBODY’s leg!

I am 5 1/2 months since bone spurs surgery on achilles. I walk with a severe limp, and it hurts all the time. It still swells with 10 minutes of walking and is swollen most of the time. I too am very discouraged and posts like yours actually give me hope it’s not just me. I couldn’t dream of doing a heel lift.

I had a blood clot in right calf, and then tore cartlidge in my left knee and had to have operation (rough 6 months!!). But, my shining hope is my 2nd surgeon. He point blank said it simply will take a year to be mostly normal, and maybe two to be as far as you can be. It’s just a slow, long long process. Basicially be patient.

If there’s hope I can be more patient. Maybe good advice for you too, just takes more time.

Keep on keeping on…you’ll do it….slow and steady…. Something about a tortoise and a hare. Sending positive thoughts your way.

Thanks for all the comments and encouragement. It definitely helps to know that others are having similar struggles. This blog is definitely a life saver! We’re in this together! Aysrose - hope you’ll have no pain when you stop NSAID. My periformis was strained because my glutes were so weak that the periformis was doing all the work.

I very much understand you Loumar, because I am also very far away from what I planned or imagined to be at 6th months postop. I couldn’t figüre out how your perifomis muscle have been strained? I might have missed to read how it happened in your blog. I am also dealing with an upper heel pain which also made me limp in 20th week post op. I probably forced when doing heel rises exercises, so at 13th week. I almost had no limp but at 20th week I had a real limp. Now I am on NSAIs, no pain at all. But I am pretty sure that when I stop taking those pills, pain will come back (hope not). There is no other choice than to wait and take it easy. I didn’t expect to play tennis anytime earlier than a year but now It is really very hard for me to stop walking, running,or any sports dealing putting even a little pressure on my achilles.
I will inform you when I stop NSAID ( I will be taking them for at least one month). if the pain goes away, maybe it will work for you too.
All the best till that time…

Im also at 20 weeks, I have also experienced some collateral damage to other muscles in my legs. I have upped my Vitamin C and Amino Acids to help th ehealing process. The important part I have found is to at a minimum is MOVE. You have to get your mechanics back, bad mechanics is what causes the breakdowns in other areas.

Keep moving, do your best, and Good Healing!

Thanks for the positive remarks and suggestions Kellygirl and Grimfoot. It was just the little prod I needed to keep plugging along. We

As I’ve said elsewhere today, was walking barefoot without the boot today for the first (official) time. I also felt like I was limping and flatfooted. For me it is weakness in the muscle and probably in the attachments of the tendon to the muscle. I’m on the mature side as well (49) and have been told to expect it to take time - and not to rush things. FWIW, don’t adjust your expectations, keep doing the exercises - have you got the one where you use a scarf to pull your foot towards you with your leg extended in front of you? - and it’ll come. All the best!

Ugh, I’m sorry, Loumar. What do you think the main source of your limp is? I felt like it was my foot–the inability to push off normally because my foot was so weak. It shortened my stride. Is that the same for you? If so, really focus on the eccentric movement of the heel raise. It seems to have helped me.

FWIW, there are still days where the lump of healing gets inflamed and I notice myself shortening my stride because it hurts. I still limp when I’m barefoot–so even if I’m walking normally in trainers, I’m not walking normally all of the time. I don’t think your limp is because you are not trying hard enough or anything else–I think we all heal at different rates. I was watching Trin’s YouTube video and marveling at her heel raises and tip toe walk at 4 months–she left me in the dust!

I know it is totally frustrating and discouraging at times but think how far you have come so far. It’s a long slog and we will all get to the finish line in our own time. Hang in there!

Thanks Bionic and Upstate. I will definitely be out of the boot, but I’m going to LA next month. I’m pretty sure I will wear it traveling. I’m only 5′0 and it will be natural inclination to stand on my tippy toes to put my luggage in the overhead or run to the gate because I’m always underestimating how much time I need. The boot can keep me humble and protected.

Take Care.

SJG, I wore an aircast through several airports in 2011, both the US and internationally. I didn’t have to take it off (except maybe in Spain??), but they did wipe it down with one of those cloths that detect explosives residue.

SJG I missed your query about the boot and airport. I had to remove the boot at each airport.

Thanks for all the encouragement and comments everyone! I am going to Hawaii. First of all, I’ve failed in my internet doctoring . Turns out I don’t have bursitis but rather have a tight/strained ‘periformis’ (deep hip muscle) which has been caused by my weak glutes (atrophied somewhat during the boot stage - which evidently can’t be prevented when in a boot and non weight bearing) and the extra stress on my good leg. The good news is that I should be fine by Hawaii date. (How could I complain about such a trivial problem with all that is going on in the world?) I had acupuncture to release the muscle, have to rest and then am to start with ‘gentle’ glute stretching etc….. Thank goodness for physiotherapists. So, keep those clam shells going everyone and up your glute exercises - keep your ‘periformis’ happy.

Lou…. I forgot to mention, I had deltoid bursitis. It’s pretty painful and mine didn’t go away with rest. But that’s me. My doctor prescribed Voltaren, which is a super strong anti inflammatory. It took like 4 days and the pain was gone and hasn’t returned.

I had some left when I ruptured my achilles the first time and I took it which is probably why I thought I was getting better.

You should pat yourself on the back for all your accomplishments. Congrats and go have fun on your vacation.

Take Care.

Does bursitis diminish with rest? Perhaps more work in the pool will loosen it up while not putting too much stress on it. Seems like Hawaii would be a great place to get some swimming in. I don’t know about the insurance issues but seems like it would be a shame to cancel at this point. If you need to rest, perhaps you can spend a day at the pool/beach. Do you have a handicap placard? That would ease up on the long walks from parking lots if your hip/leg is bothering you. It sounds like a fun trip and I hope that you can enjoy it!

Bionic and Micah… way to go on your travels during recovery. I am rather jealous of both your trips. Lou - go to Hawaii. How awesome.

I get out of my boot 9 October, and I have a few trips planned for October. I’ve already decided that since I won’t be able to stand on my tippy toes to get my overhead luggage in, I’m probably wearing my boot. I’m rather overprotective now if you can believe it.

So, could either of you tell me what is was like wearing the boot or vacocast going thru US security? Will I have to take it off?

Thanks. Take Care.

Loumar,

Sorry, when I was talking about top 5 times came close to re-rupturing…I meant to encourage you. I meant to say despite being quite active, I did not re-rupture. Keep in mind I was also at weeks 6-8. I was in Vacocast except during evening at home. I was also surgical in case that makes a difference to you. You will have a great trip.

I went to Hawaii while in vacocast. Ended up in the water with the cast. Probably did a bit too much in terms of activity and if there was a time during healing so far (at 13 weeks) where it I came close to rerupturing, the top 5+ times would all be during those two weeks in Hawaii.(approx week6-8)

In a worst case scenario, can you fly back early you don’t incur huge medical costs? Consider that insurance that you only pay for if you need. You are a relatively short flight away. It’s not going to be necessary, but the peace of mind might help you enjoy your trip.

Not sure if you intend to have cell phones there, but look into getting a couple of numbers or getting a temporary roaming plan. Not sure if once you get there you will be in resort or driving. But with cells, if you need to sit or rest, it’ll make it easier to rejoin your friends.

My guess is that a cane (foldable if you wish) can be a very light and easy device that can permit you to FWB but ever so slightly correct a walk to get things back on track. You may wish to try one out.

My guess is you’ll have a great time in Hawaii.

Thanx Micah 1 - you’re right!

Hi Lou,
Sorry to hear about your hip pain. I know what you’re going through with the holiday dilemma. At 10 weeks we went to NYC from UK and I had the same dilemma re insurance etc. I eventually decided that if it re ruptured I would just pay for a cast and refuse all scans etc to keep the cost down, then sort out the leg when I got home. You should be beyond re rupturing by 5 months surely? Its nearly 2 months away and if you’re kind to your self you may be in much better condition by then. Live life to the full!

Terrific news, Loumar! I’m thrilled to hear that the limp is going away. Keep up the good work

Woo Hoo Lou!!!! Congrats on your progress. I’m really happy for you.

As for getting rid of that nasty fear of re-rupture. Well, I did re-rupture for reasons not entirely my own. I guess you can say my feelings of being superhuman are dashed. Ha. If you were to re-rupture, you have the tools to pick yourself up and go forward with confidence. You’ve earned your success so celebrate yourself!

Keep us posted on your progress. Take Care.

Thanks for all the responses! It definitely is encouraging to hear that others have had the same problem and to receive little advice ‘tidbits’.
Skim92, I think Norm has a very important point re: being sure your other foot is the same height. I think that my not following that advice may have led to my gimpy walk particularly as I loved the boot because I could steam roll along and I did use it even after I was in two shoes when I needed to go distances quickly or if I was in a ‘dangerous’ situation.

Skim92, walking with your foot splayed out to the side is sensible for the day between an ATR and getting into a boot, but it is TOXIC during treatment/rehab/recovery. Don’t Do It! Your boot should be snug enough and supportive enough to let you roll forward almost onto your toes, knee forward, with your weight transferred (through the boot) to your shin, via the top front of the boot cuff. Ryanb has a video. You should be able to walk as fast and as normally as before.
Alas, when you lose the boot, you’ll have to slow way down.
Also, make sure your “good” shoe is as high off the floor as the injured one. That should add NO unusual strain to your “good” foot and leg.

Cane!

A cane has worked wonders for me to keep my walk proper. It also still permits me to pretty much FWB in the right wsys.

I initially used it because my bad knee and my less bad knee started acting up. It offers just a slight modification to my step and balance which makes a huge difference.

I definitely have a limp too! I’m still in my aircast boot with no crutches but I definitely can’t walk without my leg turning out sideways and limping. Without the boot, my leg is still not at the point where it can bend and walk properly. My good leg definitely is taking a toll from all the overcompensating, as is my hip…

I’m getting into two shoes soon so I’m eager to see how my walk looks like!
Good luck!

I noticed the same thing, Loumar. When I slow walk, I hardly limp at all. It also sounds like the soldier walk is what my Doctor said to practice to kick the limp. I really have to think about not letting my hip drop–especially when barefoot. It doesn’t seem to do that in trainers. I guess if you aren’t walking too much you can at least get some cycling and swimming in! I’m sure those few unwanted lbs will disappear quickly! Good luck!

Your mind still remembers how to jump down the shale (which I agree is great fun) keep working hard and i am sure your body will catch up

A number of people here have developed various gimp-walk adaptations that either hurt them physically, or had to be laboriously un-learned afterwards. So taking long walks with a “silly walk” can do harm, in either of those ways.
I once sang in a choir where the conductor was constantly lamenting that it was easier for us to remember a WRONG note we’d sung, than the RIGHT note! Stride styles may be like that, too. . .

Thanks for the comments. I was on the top of Mount Washington, Courtenay, B.C.

I’m sure the view from the top of the mountain top was spectacular. (And beats the view from the long dark tunnel any day! ) Glad you had a day to remember

Lol! I’m not quite where you are yet–can’t wait to forget that I have an injury Sounds like a grand day though! Keep up the good work!

Thanks for the responses everyone - my ‘one small concern’ is no longer a concern!

It sometimes happens to me years later, and I’m not sure which calf I get them in! (An important milestone in ATR recovery is not thinking of your legs as “good” and “bad” — Sure, it helps to have torn both ATs, but that’s only part of it!)

My wife gets calf cramps more frequently than I, sometimes waking her up. She’s never had an ATR, so I think it’s way more common than that. . .

When the ATR is still very new, calf cramps can be hazardous and occasionally get treated, with anti-spasmodic pills (like the Robax drugs for backaches).

This happened to me a little bit around week 14-16 (give or take) and m doc said not to worry about it and it would go away as I build more of the muscle back. I honestly can’t remember how long it lasted.

Now this is something I am acquainted with! I think it’s normal–or at least normal to you and me I always stretch first thing in bed–but have had to temper those stretches to avoid the cramp! It has been getting better though–but I am still careful not to stretch too hard.

Thanks for the kind words, Louise. (As of early Aug. 3, this post still needs a title. Did you mean to post it as a reply to your previous page?)

I can find lots to criticize in what your Doc told you, don’t get me wrong. And I share your sense of responsibility to his future ATR patients. (Please do send him a carefully worded letter on their behalf!) But for a few seconds there, I was feeling the frustration of a Doctor who treats a bunch of patients who are fragile and vulnerable for the first time since they were infants, and REALLY want to get back ASAP to the vigorous athletic activities that have become such a big part of their lives.

Meanwhile, however many reruptures happen to “non-compliant” patients, the evidence indicates that lots more are caused by over-slow rehabs — and maybe by the lack of PT, too, though there’s precious little direct evidence for that.

Don’t forget that there are some ATR patients who hurt themselves by going nuts and doing too much too soon. And Doctors’ nightmares seem to be dominated by those patients. So a BIT of preaching to be patient makes sense, even if you don’t believe the old myth that slower rehab is safer than faster. (And when Norm sticks up for the Doctors. . . )

My doctor says the same thing every time I see him–that this is a long recovery and can take a year to get back to normal. Tendons take time–lots and lots of time.

In spite of your Doctor, it sounds like you are in good spirits and doing extremely well! (I seriously doubt any kind of letter is going to make a difference to him.)

Keep on charging ahead! Looking forward to hearing how you progress!