meskigirl’s AchillesBlog

After 10 weeks post op and 2 weeks since the cast has come off I am finally FWB.  I still do not have a normal gait.  My steps are very small and short due to the tightness in the tendon. But, progress!  Went from two crutches to one crutch and finally this weekend started FWB.  Now walking about 2 miles per day according to my fitbit.  Stretching and doing ROM excercises and calf raises each day multiple reps.  Hope to start in the pool this week.  Anxious to start really exercising but am not close yet.  FWB is painful and my foot is swollen and warm.  I have been icing and taking ibuprofin during the day.  I have stronger meds left over and have taken two over the last few days at night so I can sleep.   My goal is to get in at least one day of skiing before the season ends mid-April.  Feeling a lot more positive about things than I was at my 8 week update.

Update: 8 weeks post op and the second hard cast has come off and my doctor now says that I am good to go - 2 shoes - wean off crutches and knee walker in the next 6 days and then walk - heel to toe. Walk until it hurts and then walk 10 more minutes…. It is day 2 since the cast removal and I am down to one crutch bearing most of my weight.  I am so stiff and awkward and it HURTS! (yes, I am whining) I have to say I thought I would get more instruction and advice from the Doc - not real happy on that front.   It seems weird to me that he had me pretty much completely immobile for 8 weeks and now I am supposed to just jump in and go for it.  (I tried to get him to get me to PWB earlier but he said no way) He says no physical therapy - just WALK - and limping doesn’t count. He told me that after I walk 12 miles I will feel much better. I am looking for opinions, advice… I am afraid that I am hurting my tendon - my foot is angry, red, and swollen.   I can tolerate the pain but want to make sure I am not going about this all wrong.  I am icing and taking tylenol for the pain.  I am trying not to go back on any stronger pain meds.   I am a little discouraged at this point.  Advice?  Similar experiences?   Looking forward to hearing back on what you all think I should (or should not) do!