Achillies Tendon Rupture - 5 weeks Post-Op
I injured my achillies tendon about 7 weeks ago playing soccer. When it happened it hurt a lot, but I had no idea that I ruptured my achillies.I guess this is the worst part, not knowing, had I known I would have saved 2 weeks of misery.
The first doctor that checked me did not bother to look beyond x-rays, as she did not see any fracture, she asked me to rest for 5 days. 
I then managed to see a physiotherapist that performed some tests including Thompson, and he told me that i suffered ATR (in his estimation he was about 95% sure) but he still wanted me to see a doctor.
After 1 week exactly, i managed to see an orthopedic surgeon he performed some tests, and ultrasound and he then confirmed that I indeed ruptured my achillies tendon.
He pretty much suggested surgery , and he quickly dismissed any non-operative discussions since I am young and active , he figured surgery would give me the best outcome. He asked me to come back in 1 week for surgery.
Timeline
Injury date: 2nd March
First ortho visit: 9th March
Surgery date: 17th March
Surgery last about 1 hour. I was put in a fiberglass splint and covered and off i went. He asked to stay NWB for 3 weeks until my next appointment. I kept my leg elevated pretty much the whole time to minimize the swelling
3 weeks post OP 7th April:
Removed the splint, also removed the 20+ staples my wound, the nurse put white tape strips to cover the wound.
I had ordered my VacoCast prior to this appointment as I wanted to avoid the surgeon using some other boot (thanks to Achillies Blog)
The surgeon liked the boot, he simply asked me to set it to 30 degrees.
He suggested the following protocol.
3 weeks - 30 degrees - NWB
4 weeks - 20 degrees - NWB
5 weeks - 10 degrees - NWB
6 weeks - 0 degrees - Start walking with boot - physiotherapy
8 weeks - Remove boots if possible and start walking
Off course I found his protocol very slow and I was not very pleased to hear that he wants me to keep my foot NWB for 6 weeks Post-OP
I am currently at week 5, here is what I am doing:
- ROM
- Thera-Band exercices,
- Started to walk around the house with my boot. No issues to date. (I AM SOOO GLAD I CAN WALK A LITTLE, IT FEELS SO GOOD)
- I also set my boot to 5 degrees plant.
- 2 times a day, i put a hot pad on my Achilles (to promote circulation and help with the healing) suggested by both Physiotherapist and Doctor.
In addition to all this I am doing the following exercises to a daily basis since 2 weeks post-OP
- 20 x 3 push-ups (with my injured leg crossed over my good leg)
- 20 x 3 crunches and other core exercises
- 10 x 10 (sec hold) x 3 leg raises (to train my quads)
As of this week, I want to start going to the gym and doing some stationay biking to get my Cardio back in shape.
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u should be ahead of me.
Hi, I had surgery March 16. (It took 4 weeks before they found out my achilles was totally rupture!) Was told NWB for 6-8 weeks and same protocol with the boot as you mention. After 5 weeks I went to Dr and he said that I should start PWB and order me to go set up an appt with PT. I do think you are doing good wish I had a bit more courage but so afraid for re rupture. I’ll follow you;)
Heyyy!! We had surgery 1 day apart..
u should be ahead of me.
Anyways.. I was so afraid to start putting weight. But once PT showed me how to do it slowly I started PWB for 1 day. I ditched the crutches the second day and started FWB but with boot at 5 degrees.
Get yourself some Thera bands and start doing partial stretches they will help a lot .. let PT show you how to do the 4 exercises. . ( planterflexion. Dorseflexion.. and swivel the ankle sideways)
I hope at week 6 I start walking indoors with no boot .. donnu if it is very realistic but we will see.
Good luck. If you wanna chat some more and exchange ideas let me know.
Hi guys, good to hear your stories. At week 10 myself and i’m walking now in 2 shoes. Been for the past 3 weeks.
I suspect the amount of time you spend NWB depends on how long from rupture to surgery. I had similar experiences when i hurt my ankle. The closest GP said it was a sprain as I could planar my foot still. I wasnt convinced so I got another opionion that same day from my normal GP. He sent me to do xrays and scans. 2 days later I was at the ortho.
The ortho didnt even look at my xrays or scans but merely did the usual test. squeeze the calf and observed that the foot remained still. His words were, its obvious, you can even feel the gap where it ruptured.
10 weeks later i have part of my normal life back minus all the active stuff. I was on an aggressive schedule with 2 weeks PWB with 2cm heel lift in boot post op and 4 week FWB. I was past neutral at week 4. I never went back to the boot after week 6. I went to my park to do a walk up and down the hill at 30 degrees incline today had no issues.
I’m still unsure if my progress is faster than others but like you I did many of those exercises whilst i binged on Netflix.