I can’t believe this!
Hi all. My name is Lisa and I consider myself a fairly active and fit 40 year old. Anyway, less than a week ago, I was in the middle of a Jazzercise class (yes, Jazzercise) when my mind and body were in conflict as whether to go forward or backward. I landed funny (trying to go two different directions at the same time) and immediately felt a pop in the middle of my right calf. I hopped over the the corner as I couldn’t put any pressure on my right foot, and sat down. I didn’t know what was happening but figured that it couldn’t be good. I tried icing it and stretching it but since the pain was unbearable, I decided I better get out of there and go to a doctor as soon as possible. Someone helped me to my car where I called my husband and asked him to meet me at home because I did something bad and needed to go to the doctor ASAP. I then drove myself home, which in hindsight, I probably shouldn’t have done. I had to brake with my left foot and had to push my right leg down at my knee just to get going 20 to 25 mph. Luckily, it was mid morning and there wasn’t too much traffic.
Anyway, by the time I got home, my husband arrived and took me to our orthopedic surgeon, who just happens to be on our speed dial. (Unfortunately, our family has a history with injuries and my oldest daughter will be completing her second surgery in less than 6 months this December.) After examining me, he determined that I had a partial tear where the Achilles meets the calf muscle. He said that I didn’t need surgery and then proceeded to cast me, toes pointed down, and said he’d see me in two weeks. I had more questions than I asked him, as I was in shock and denial about what had just happened to me. I found this site and started reading and researching my injury. I still have questions about whether or not I need surgery. I’m under the impression that if I do, it should be done within a month of the initial injury, is that correct? Also, is non-surgical treatment as effective as surgical if I want to return to my previous level of activity? Further, does anyone know if a partial tear, as high up as I tore mine, a good candidate for surgery anyway?
It has been reassuring to read that others going through similar situations and having similar issues as I am having. At first I was worried that my heel was developing a pressure point inside of my cast (and thought I would rip it off myself during that first night) but after reading testimonies, discovered that heel pain is a very common complaint. I only wish I wasn’t allergic to most medications and could take something a little stronger than a flexeril and a regular tylenol. Sorry to carry on like this but this is the first time I’ve really just vented about all of this to a bunch of people going through a similar experience. I’d appreciate any advice anyone wishes to share.
Lisa