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Hi all ATR community,
Last two weeks were pretty interesting for me. I was in boot for one week, now I am it two shoes for 5 days. Next week I will be using just one crutch. here isthe story;
On 11/25 (at the end of week 5) I went to the hospital to see my doctor, hoping coming out of cast and upgrading to the boot. My doctor was not there and an assistant of him helped me. He gave me an Aircast FP walker, showed me how to wear it. Infact I was very comfortable in the second cast, and hoping for more freedom with the boot. but, as soon as I wear it I realized its heaviness and discomfort. Furtermore, the assistant didn’t change weight I bear and the angle, and reminded me NOT to take it of while sleeping. It was a huge dissapointment for me. The day after I had flight to my wife’s hometown for the religious holiday. I plan to make another post about the perfect experience flying with Turkish Airlines. Anyway the holiday was fine I got used to the boot somehow with a couple of nights with unpleasant sleep.
On 12/1 (one days short of 6 weeks) I went to the hospital to see my doctor, and ask him if I can take out the boot at night. The doc felt the tendon by pressing with his fingers, and pressed by foot upwards, streching the tendon with a moderate force. He said everthing is ok, you don’t need to waste time with the boot, just go to a shoemaker and change the heel part of your old show with a 4cm(about 1,6inches) long heel just for the injured side. Use this shoe for two weeks, first week with two cruches, second just one next to the good leg. I asked about the PT, he said later. As an execise, he told me to roll a bottle under my foot upon soaking my foot in warm water. I was surpised, and said Ok. Now I am walking slowly when compared before, not to take any risk. I can feel the pulling of the tendon while walking when my injured leg is behind and need to point my foot outwards to decrease the strech. Also, I can’t make my foot 90 degrees, maybe short of 10 degrees.But, I feel like it is getting better, the pulling is less now when compared to e first day I wear the shoes. I feel like the ROM will not return to normal in a short period. Patience is the key, like most of the experieced people here says.
I will post some photos soon, to show my progress. I hope everybody will get well as soon as possible…
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Hi Tanay
my physiotherapist advised me not to turn the foot out, to reduce the stretch, but rather to not put the good foot in front of the bad foot whilst walking. It’s slower but it helps your tendon to gradually stretch properly apparently. Then maybe when you get down to one crutch and no crutches you can gradually start to increase how far in front you put your uninjured fooot. Just a thought! Anyway sounds like you are going well. Its amazing how many different treatment approaches there are, I am nearly 5 weeks post op and still in a boot but down to one crutch…can’t wait for the two shoes!! Best of luck with a continuing good recovery!!! Ruth
Comment by rutha 12.07.09 @ 6:59 pmHi Ruth,
Thank you for your comment. I am doing just what you have suggested, right now. I also asked the doctor, for his approval. He confirmed that I should do so. I totally aggree that there are lots of different treatment methods. I think that’s what doctors are for. Otherwise we could have treated ourselves based one a single protocol. Anyway I feel that I am getting better everyday.
You were really unlucky experiencing this injury on your birthday, but I an sure that your positive attitude will speed up your healing process. My calf muscles were also strong like yours, because I go to fitness club 3 times a week and involved in other sport activities like soccer, voleyball, etc frequenty. My doctor said it played a role in my rupture. Also he says it will take 3 months in total to heal. And after 5-6 months I will be able do any sport I want. For some people it may take like one year for complete recovery, but I think it will take shorter for people like you and me. I wish you a short and healthy recovery period.
Tanay
Comment by tanays 12.09.09 @ 6:14 am