7 weeks and PT
I went for my first physio on Thursday and was quite shocked at the thickness of my achilles and how much muscle has already atrophied in my calf. Also, how weedy the excercises feel - gentle swaying back and forth and leg raises etc, but clearly I need to take things gently and I am prepared to be obedient, especially as I can barely sway!! I have decided to stay in the boot for all outdoor stuff (getting to and from work , shopping etc) and to take the boot off at home and in my office where I am on a level surface and under no pressure (although currently still putting it on to go up and down stairs). My physio was very supportive of this approach - even though my consultant had said i should move to two shoes last week - especially as we have rain, leaves and frost as the current outdoor hazards. After just two days of rolling my foot on a tennis ball and scrunching my toes, the numbness I had under the ball of my foot and the swelling of my foot have both started to subside (I believe these aspects are more to do with being in a boot than the ATR?). I can start to see now how long and slow the process is going to be and I am just going to have to learn to be patient….
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Patience is the key, and it’s something we all become very good at eventually. It sounds like you’re making good progress. It also sounds to me like you’re being really sensible. No one with a ruptured achilles can ever underestimate the danger of rain and leaves. Before this I didn’t realise what a hazzard they are. Keep up the great attitude and hard work
I love fast rehabs, but I’m very supportive of your approach, too. It sounds eminently sensible to me.
The pain under the foot is usually caused by FWB, rather than the boot per se, and rolling it over a ball (my PT recommended a golf ball) usually helps. The more you keep your leg “down”, the more you’ll generally experience swelling, though (a) it fades with time and (b) USING your leg and foot muscles often helps promote circulation and decreases the swelling. Standing is usually much harder than walking.
Have you discovered the trick to walking downstairs in the boot “normally” yet?
“Also, how weedy the excercises feel ”
4 weeks ahead of you and still feel like that.
bouncing on a trampoline like a new born buck on friday last , said to the PT , cant believe I have to learn how to do simple things like this again.
I like kneading a large bean bag with my bad foot whilst the boot is off. Feel it is mobilising the foot and giving some low resistance exercise.