Comments for Tanay's ATR blog

Comment on 90 degrees ? by 2ndtimer

2ndtimer — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:34:44 +0000

With the guidance of a physio therapist and gentle stretching, you should be able to flex your foot to 90 degrees. Until then you are not ready to walk without crutches I think. Massage, ultrasound help getting rid of the scar tissue and thickness that prevent the flexibility of the tendon. Ankle mobility exercises are a start. Circling the foot, turning it inside and out and holding it for a few seconds etc. See the exercises link on the main Achilles blog page. With weight bearing also the tendon will stretch more.

Comment on 90 degrees ? by rutha

rutha — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:37:20 +0000

Hi Tanay

I got to neutral (90%) just before 4 weeks post op. I was just wearing the boot and partial weight bearing at the time, and at 2 weeks post op the orthotic guy at the hospital had pushed my foot back really hard to about 20degrees…so I felt pretty comfortable giving it a decent stretch. We are all different, though…you will get there! I have read about people still not being able to stand straight after 6 months. I am sure your doc will be able to give you some tips.

Good luck, and best wishes

Ruth

Comment on Some Photos by Mary Keeney

Mary Keeney — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 04:34:56 +0000

Your calf doesn’t look too skinny! You’re lucky. Get better every day.

Comment on 6 weeks and 5 days interesting news by tanays

tanays — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:14:22 +0000

Hi 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 on 6 weeks and 5 days interesting news by rutha

rutha — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:59:13 +0000

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 on Update and a question by maryk

maryk — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:14:59 +0000

Hi Tanay. If you look on the main achilles blog page, there is a link to a list of exercises to do. I’m sure the doctor is competent, but it seems like most people get a whole list of exercises to do and the list may give you some ideas of more things you can do than just the foot/bottle thing. Get better every day!

Comment on Update and a question by gerryr

gerryr — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:50:02 +0000

I can’t answer your question but it would make some logical sense that it would heal somewhat faster if it is closer to where the blood supply is better.