suthrnman’s AchillesBlog

I just had a friend email who ruptured his left Achilles in the Navy.  He said it healed fine w/o surgery, but he was in a full leg cast for 7 months and it took a year to get to normal.  Wow! please someone tell me it can be done quicker and easier than this (I know it can).  Are the newer protocols really that much better?  I wonder why it took so long to figure out earlier mobility and weight bearing is so much better.

I have decided not to have surgery (46 yr old male). I ruptured playing basketball. I have no insurance, but have the cash. I just don’t think surgery is worth it–I’m not convinced.
The OS is recommending the Donjoy boot and I ask him about the Vacocast.
It has been 4 days since accident and I have wrapped my ankle as of yesterday morning in a drop position and use crutches while waiting for a boot.
Should my Achilles be healing while wrapped in such a way or does it need to be set differently?