From24/7 To No Boot at all!
August 22, 2014 by nosport45
Yesterday the boot came off! I’ve gone from having to wear it all the time for the past 10 weeks(2weeks in cast before that) to not having it at all. At the appointment there was no Thompson test just alot of poking and prodding, which was painful , to then putting on two trainers and leaving the boot behind. I then went to have ‘inserts’ put in my shoes which turned out to be pieces of 5mm sticky backed felt. I got another piece to take away with me so that I can cut more for other shoes. I was warned that they are messy when trying to remove.
Was told physio starts next Thursday. Wasn’t sure whether to use crutches or not. So I left the hospital , very slowly , using one crutch on opposite side. Dr said to ‘get things moving I can walk and do gentle stretches. My heel feels sore and muscles at front and calf/ tendon very tight. I did do tiny bits of walking in two shoes for last week but don’t think its been enough. I can hardly bend my knee when standing as muscles feel so tight.
Just wanted to ask you guys if this is normal? Any advice for this week before physio starts? And should it still be painful(feels very bruised and have noticed slight bruising around ankle) ? Maybe am just anxious about rerupture and new term starting back at work in two weeks ?
Trying to stay positive- ‘could be worse and not for ever’ but really would like a few opinions about how it has been for others. Thanks
Hi, I went from a boot which had been worn 24×7 to two shoes at week 8.
Used one crutch for the first couple of days and then I was ok to walk normally, albeit very slowly.
I had bruising around the inside of the ankle until about week 12.
I didn’t have any real pain when I went to two shoes, just tightness in the achilles and back of my calf which eased with physio.
I was certainly nervous about re-rupture and very careful in terms of what I did, but now at week 15, I don’t even think about it.
Nick
Nosport45, moving to the “2-shoes” stage is a big milestone and a call to action for your leg muscles. While your Achilles has been healing protected in the “boot”, a lot of your muscles have been sitting “on the bench” getting soft. So, it’s entirely to be expected (and normal) to experience pain, tightness, weakness, and swelling (again) as you ditch the boot. Go slow and be careful, but this is where the good part (IMO) of recovery starts. My simple advice for you for this week–before your first physio–would be to continue to elevate and rest as you’re able. Also, don’t be surprised if swelling reappears–this is normal as you become more active and start re-engaging dormant muscles. In some ways, this early stage seems like a case of 2-steps forward, 1-step back–but don’t fret as this is just part of the road to recovery. -David
Thanks David, Nick. Feel reassured and will follow your wise words. Today actually feels bit better than yesterday already. Bruising still coming out a bit around ankle area and can’t bend knee much at all but definitely beginning to feel more’ normal ‘ everywhere else. Slow steps but not using crutch today. Doing bits bare foot too. Thanks again
Good luck in two shoes! I like to read your progress as you are just a little ahead of me. Going to FEB I used the one crutch and may do the same when I get to 2 shoes. I think it is important to make yourself comfortable with each stage and it sounds like you are doing just that. Keep up the great progress!
Congrats! Going two shoes is a huge step. I’m surprised you are starting pt so late. I would think some light strength and stretching would help with two shoe transition. I would keep crutches if it helps you with peace of mind. Good luck with your healing