rougemac’s AchillesBlog

Hey mac, good luck with your appointment. I tore my right achilles on the same day…..I tore my left 11 yrs ago and found myself in your same situation with my jeep. Unfortuantely for me I had to trade in my standard for an automatic……talk about taking a beating…….good luck

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I hope your “surgeon” is familiar with the recent studies, as has been well documented by normofthenorth. I too have taken the non surgical route and although I was in a cast for 6 weeks and have not followed the UWO protocol too closely, I have been pleased with my progress. Almost 4 months later, I am almost back to my normal activities. I can’t do single heel raises yet but my physiotherapist has just given me excercises to strenghten my calf muscles.
Good luck!

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I think you’ve already got the quick links, Mac: bit.ly/achillesstudies for the studies (or the Wikipedia article on ATR, as long as it lasts!), and bit.ly/UWOProtocol for the protocol from the UWO study, which a number of us here are already following.

It seems like a good way to go. Reasonably quick and convenient, virtually identical outcomes (strength, ROM, re-rupture rate), less moaning and groaning than surgery, and much lower risk of complications.

Hi all. I had surgery three days ago and was not aware of options. I am in a splint/cast with foot pointed downward. Have read about the VACO cast and had a couple of questions. Is it an effective option. Also, noticed you have to have a script. Will i need to bring some convincing evidence to my DR in order to get a script for it. If so what should i bring. I want to the fastest recovery while not risking injury and set back. I am 47 and very athletic. It is hugely difficult for me to lay around thinking of inactivity for such a long period of time.

tony,

If doc won’t prescribe what you want I’d look for an alternative like an adjustable hinge ROM walker available online. Get what you want soon. If you recover without problems the need for the boot can pass rather quickly. I have a non-adjustable boot and should be out of it at 8-9 weeks post-op if all goes well. If I had an adjustable boot I might wear it for another week or two for a safer transition to shoes. On the other hand, an adjustable boot might have made progress quicker.

Your doc may or may not support your desires. Mine refused so I am ignoring his rehab protocol. After leaving surgery it’s no longer “his” foot. I am doing great on my own plan. In my one visit to PT the therapist was impressed, supportive, and questioned why I even bothered to make a PT appointment.

Good Luck!

Hi Tony: I seem to be one of the few, maybe only one here who has used the VacoCast. Its the only one I’ve used but I can say with all honesty, I would be shocked if there is a better product available. It is completely flexible, adaptable, comfortable, and safe.

As for a script, I assume you mean a prescription from a doctor or therapist? My PT ordered the boot for us from the US distributor in Mass. I am not sure about this, but believe i could have ordered it directly if I chose to do so.

In the states it is about 3X the cost of the standard boots, wholesale, but well worth it.

Let me know what other questions you have.

Help….I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!!! I think I tore my achilles!!!!!!!