Re-rupturing your Achilles
It is common among people who rupture their Achilles tendon to worry about re-rupturing their repaired tendon, as well as their other, healthy tendon. The re-rupture rates with surgically repaired Achilles tendon are low, but it is still a concern. Also there are a few people on Achilles Blog who have ruptured both of their tendons on different occasions.
There are two people on this blog who re-ruptured their Achilles while recovering from surgery. To learn more about their experiences, please visit their blogs:
In Dave’s case, he was fitted with half-length boot that came up to middle of his calf, not all the way up to just-below his knees. They say that it is better for lessening calf atrophy, but it doesn’t provide as much protection. Dave re-ruptured his achilles while wearing this type of boot. He was fitted with a full length (up to his knees) boot the second time around.
Chip had recently started walking in 2-shoes when he slipped while going up stairs and re-ruptured his achilles. It’s a really fragile period when you start walking without the protection of boots or casts. So you need to be cautious after you are out of boots for several weeks.
In addition, here’s are some excellent posts by Brendan and Tom on re-ruptures:
- Discussion Topic - Other AT/Re-Rup?
- Response to Brendan’s Discussion Topic
- james and herb, personal recount ofrupturing achilles on both legs (herb’s comment is just below james’s comment)
I believe I re-ruptured it Saturday - July 12 and got an MRI Friday the 18th. The MRI tech says he sees a hole which means a rupture. I am devastated. I believe it is a partial re-rupture because I can move my foot. I am in pain. The waiting for a second surgery is killing me - I want to get onto healing. Does anyone know if waiting for the surgery is detrimental? My initial surgery was May 24 - following a flying glass accident.
Hi, catnboot…truly sorry to hear the news. I can only speak for myself but after my re-rupture, I could still press down with my foot. The doctor said sometimes the muscles compensate and can move the foot. He wanted a MRI and that showed a gap…complete tear. Subsequent surgery confirmed it. I hope not the case for you and will keep my fingers crossed.
I think the window of surgery varies greatly. My doctor says he likes to operate between 7 and 14 days after injury to allow swelling to go down. Others have had it done same day.
Keep your chin up. The second time really sucks but at least we know how to handle it. And begin healing again.
My first surgery was Mar 24. After 6 weeks in the non-weight bearing cast then 4 in the boot I was all ready phyched to be moving on to complete recovery and get back to normal. I went to doc on June 3 and he & another doc agreed it wasn’t healing & I had surgery again on June 4th. I tried to get him to give me a few days to get my ducks in a row for surgery, but he said “no, tomorrow is the day”. Unlike the first surgery where it was done as an outpatient, this time he kept me 2 nights pumping IV antibiotics. The wound was not infected butg the antibiotics were to help aid in healing this time. What a disappointment. Back in the hard non weight bearing cast for another 6 weeks. Now am in the boot, but doc said to be on the safe side no weight bearing for 2 more weeks. I then start PT and who knows what happens from there. This has been the worst medical problem I have ever had. I would not wish this off on my worst enemy! I guess like the rest of you there have been times when it has taken its mental toil. I just want to walk.
I got a call from the doctor the tendon is re-ruptured. He will have his office call me with a surgery date. I hope it is soon. My fear of re-rupture is even greater than before. What can I do to prevent a re-rupture again. How long before one can feel out of the danger zone? I am so devastated. I live alone and have no family for help or moral support. I do have a friend that has been helping. I am afraid of wearing her out. I have two dogs that have to let in and out. I have my bedroom and bath upstairs. Plus I have to keep my job –and insurance that goes with it. I am having a tough time getting a grip on my anxiety. I feel like this will never end.
catnboot,
Boy–do I know how you feel! I live alone in a 2nd story apartment in a house downtown. I’ve had to battle everyone for on-street parking. Had to ration my favors, too, but that garbage has to be out on Monday night, whether I can get up and down the stairs or not. I’ve been very lucky in my friends, my incredibly supportive workplace, and lucky that this happened to my left foot so I could still drive, etc., etc.
But it sounds to me like you are on the verge of a bit of a (justifiable) panic and need to take a stab at a slightly more official help. I know that in Erie we have an organization called Voices for Independence. They will provide help to disabled individuals—whether permanently or temporarily disabled—and there is no income limit. That is to say. you can’t make too much money to qualify for services. They do all the simple things that are overwhelming you right now—take out the trash, let out and walk your animals, do the dishes, run some laundry. This is SUCH a dibiliating injury! Many don’t understand. Crutches for the span of a sprain is do-able—you can skip laundry for that long—but not for months and months! ASK FOR HELP! It is out there. Be creative in how you look for it, too. Churches are there and want to help! The ladies at my church made me a full week of soup twice. ASK. It’s there. There’s plenty of life left to be proud and self-sufficient…that time is not now. Chin up, catnboot!
thank you — I am in Dallas, TX — I will check if there is such a service.