It’s like the whole thing didn’t really happen. Over a year later, and I am doing exactly what i did before the rupture. The only difference is that my right calf has never grown back to its former size. In fact it about half the size of the other one. Looks like a childs calf in comparison.
How do I build it back up again - and how are my many sporting activities not doing that anyway?
40 weeks post injury and am fully back to doing all I was before. I walk, run and play squash without any pain or restriction at all. Even better is that I appreciate it all far more now … the injury has actually benefited my life. I just want to tell all those starting out that you will recover, and sooner than you think. Eat healthy, stay positive, and keep busy .. then before you know it will behind you!
I do have a fear of this injury happending again, but don’t know what I can do to prevent it … So I’ll just be sensible but still enjoy my body to the full.
Good luck everyone!
It’s been a long time since I posted and I feel kind of bad for not checking and supporting others who are starting out. I found words of encouragement absolutely crucial in my healing.
I am now doing pretty much everything I was doing before. Playing tennis - not quite sprinting for every point - cycling with no impediment, running (as clumsily as ever), and walking long distances without any pain. I am so grateful to have had a smooth recovery and to be enjoying my body again, 7 months after the injury.
To all my hommies starting out, my advice is to read this site as much as you can, eat healthy and breath deeply, and know that your disablement is only temporary - you WILL be back before you know it!!
I have a question that I hope you guys can help with: I’m at 20 weeks and starting to a lot of normal things again, like playing a bit of tennis, jogging, cycling etc. In the back of my mind is a real fear of this happening again. Is there anything I can do to totally minimise my chance of a rupture, on either leg? I guess warm-ups and stretching will help, but is there is any vitamins/supplements/ankle guards that could offer more protection?
I really don’t want to go back to square one again…
Thanks, Withnail
15 weeks and I still limp. 15 weeks! This part of the healing process really takes a long time. I am ready to go hiking and gently tossing a frisbee around, but the foot still gets sore after a while and the heel still gives a twinge.
Any tips on pushing through this phase and getting back to full, proper mobility? Pretty much open to anything except animal sacrifice.
Well, 13 weeks after the injury I am finally walking normally without any observable limp, and pretty much doing everything a normal person does … except play sport. I can now cycle with my cleats on, and go pretty much full speed, provided the road is mostly flat. I am not able to handle any single track or demanding moves because standing up while is kinda painful.
To most people I would be fully recovered, but in truth I am months away from being able to play the sports that keep me sane. Squash is probably another 6 months away, but my doctor advises me to give it up entirely. Tennis is more viable and I estimate only 2 months away.
All in all, I feel pretty grateful to have recovered as quickly as i have. My advice to brothers and sisters starting out on this involuntary journey is:
Good luck everyone!
~withnail
My walking is really frustrating me at the moment. I still limp a lot, and dont have the calf strength to walk normally at all. After making such fast progress throughout my injury I seem to have come to a grinding halt. I know it will get strong again one day, but its so frustrating how long it takes.
Anyway, count my blessings I suppose. This stage is far easier to bear than the early weeks. My sympathies to anyone just starting out - stay strong, keep mentally busy and be patient!
Just a quick progress report … nothing too mind-blowing, but steady progress.
I am now walking with two shoes and one big limp. Strength is returning to my calf buy not yet able to ride a bike with clip on shoes or really support too much weight.
I am being really cautious about walking up stairs or similar high risk situations - these stories of re-ruptures are really freaking me out! At this point - 9 weeks after injury - I dont think I will ever return to the squash court. I never ever want to go through this process again.
In the last 2 weeks I have made a number of gains that have really got my life back on track.
I have gone from 2 crutches, down to one, and then yesterday forgot my single crutch at home and discovered I dont really need it anymore. So now I have both my hands back!
I have ridden my bicycle most nights after work, and can even pedal up a slope without any pain. I wear the boot for protection as I’m not yet confident with putting my foot down yet.
And today … drum roll …. I drove to work! It was a bit strange wearing the boot, and my breaking was a bit jerky, but I felt in control which is the main thing.
In a week I get rid of the boot entirely and go 2 shoes.
Feeling very positive all of a sudden and greatful for my rapid recovery. To everyone starting out or in the early stages, just hang in there, keep busy, take care of your health and the progress will come faster than you think!
I found this information on the website for The Institute for Foot & Ankle Reconstruction at Mercy.
What I found most interesting was their contempt for the 8 inch scar method of surgery most of us have had, and their accelerated recovery regimen. What do you think - is this the future of achilles repair?
Here is an excerpt:
“Fortunately, now there is a new, unique method available for operating on and repairing the tendon. This new method requires only a tiny incision of one to two centimeters in length. This is far more accurate surgery. Recovery after this procedure is easier and the surgical complication rate is extremely low.
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Note the absence of scars in this patient. The stitches were inserted through tiny punctures in the skin, The patient is standing on tip toes three months following her surgery, and has begun a training program to resume ball sports |
Rehabilitation after Achilles tendon surgery
Following the tendon repair no walking on the foot is permitted for ten days. Then walking is begun in a removable boot. There were some treatments used many years ago that relied upon a leg cast. This led to tremendous weakness and atrophy of muscle that was often permanent. Approximately fifteen years ago, with a treatment pioneered by Dr. Myerson, the recovery after surgery for repairing the Achilles tendon changed dramatically, leading to maximum restoration of tendon healing and rapid return of strength. Instead of a cast, a removable boot is worn and instead of using crutches, walking is commenced very rapidly after surgery.
Therapy and exercises are begun soon after surgery. This therapy process is critical in the recovery after tendon rupture, and without a carefully monitored program, full recovery is never possible. This treatment has made a huge difference in the recovery process for both recreational and professional athletes.
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The rupture of the Achilles tendon here was treated with a short incision and this patient is able to stand on tip toes at 8 weeks after surgery. Rehabilitation with exercise is very important early on after surgery to maximize strength. |
Full link: http://www.mdmercy.com/footandankle/conditions/achilles_tendon_probs/acute_achl_tendonrupture.html#pagetop
I limped for a year in pain before I had it checked out. Always thinking it would heal on its own. I decided to get it checked and had the surgery, and I don’t have any issues with soreness or pain, but I am having a hard time not limping some because I limped for so long before I guess and I try to be conscious of it and make myself walk normal and I still feel like I’m limping some. Ugh it’s so frustrating and I don’t know what to do. I had my surgery December 23rd.
Mamie - I agree with Jeff. Also - if you have an elastic band do some stretches with that as well - once you can do the basic ROM movements with no problem. Hook the band around your foot, pull to the left with your hand and move your foot to the right and vice versa - try to just move the foot and not the leg. It is easier to isolate the foot if you put it flat on the ground. Then tilt your foot back, loop on the band, hold tight and push your foot forward. Then loop the band around something so you can pull forward with your foot and get a stretch against resistance. And - if you haven’t already read through some blogs take tiny steps as you first start walking so that you can walk with no limp. Focus on that since you want to walk with no limp even if you’re taking tiny steps. As your achilles gets more flexible your step will lengthen naturally.
Hi Mamie. I have had good luck with the basic ROM exercises to help loosen up the foot-doing the alphabet and rotating the ankle clockwise/counter clockwise. I think that the balancing on one leg helps get those little muscles engaged and stronger.
Best of luck on your recovery
I am now 14 weeks post surgery, Progress is slow. I was in a cast for 6 weeks with my toes pointed downward and in a boot for 5. I then began weight bearing as tolerated in the boot with three wedges and removing one at a time.This was awful because you really can’t walk in the boot until you get the first two wedges out, then you weight bear with crutches because you can’t balance. I am doing fairly well except for the ankle pain and this awful limp. The tendons in my foot are very tight and difficult to stretch making this so uncomfortable. I have hope though because I have really come a long way. Any suggestions for stretching those foot tendons?
You will walk normally again Cassie! I was just checking my blog (achillesblog.com/cserpent) to see when I was back to doing my high intensity interval training class and I started that at 6 months. I was still lacking a lot of strength but I was there exercising. I get my left foot done in August so I’m mapping out my recovery last year (from right foot surgery) to figure out what I’ll be doing when this time around. Just remember to take small steps initially so you can walk with a normal gait if not a normal stride length.
This post gave me so much hope!
I’ll be one month post surgery the 11 of this month (so 4 days away). I’m 23 years old and unfortunately had a nasty accident with glass.. Being this young and studying to be PE teacher it has be hard. I feel like ill never walk with a normal gait again. This post has given me so much to look forward to though.
Thank-you!
Hi Paula, you’ve posted on a blog that is older and the originator may not respond. I suggest reading the main page on how to start your own blog. It’s easy.
Thank you for sharing. 8 weeks post op. Limping along with limited range of motion and some discomfort. Mostly, impatient about not being able to take a “normal” walk at lunch and keep pace and not hurt at the end of the day…or be a big puff-a-saurus!
Hey Clive thanks a lot… That made me feel tonnes better. My recovery was pretty fast in terms on the incision area and all. (imagine my doctor opted for the very conservative method plaster after surgery and removed it after 5 weeks) after the plaster was removed i began seeing my Physio therapist and the ultra sounds, massage and basic Physio started. I’m doing well in fact she dosent want me to see her but has given me exercises to do at home and in the pool. Hate calf raises, i don’t know if anyone knows any other that can help me shake this limp, most times i think I’m walking fine then i ask someone and ohh gosh!! I’m told all horrors! But if you’re saying 6 months then I’m going to relax and so my Physio i will get there and back in my heels! I don’t have a blog but u can mail me lucindachinz@hotmail.com.. Thanks
I think most of us experience a “decay function” in our impairment. (In the math-physics sence, not biology! Google asymptotic. Like radioactive decay, with a “half-life”.) Progress is fastest at the beginning, crosses “Not Half Bad” after a handful of months, then gradually slides towards 100% recovery. Other groups refer to “ADL” = Activities of Daily Living, once you can get by OK. Once I was back to cycling, sailing, and volleyball, I didn’t care much about (or notice) the rest. For me that was around 10-11 months. (2nd rehab was interrupted for heart surgery! “It’s Complicated.”)
Curious if others felt that way too. That at six month mark basic functions return to normal?
Hi there Cynthia
I’m sure you’re with me in hoping that none of those posting here on Withnail’s blog before you, are still suffering - that was 5 years ago but would be good to hear from them.
Week 15 is still pretty early in what can easily be a 12 month recovery period. Hopefully you’ve been having some PT, maybe at a moderate level but now at a stage when you can up the pace and really get the strength back in your legs and lower back, all of which suffer during recovery - you are unbalanced, lots of strain on the good leg if you don’t take precautions, and so on.
At week 16 I started with a sports therapist. Over the following 8 weeks my exercise levels increased to a level way higher than I had experienced for a few years. Now, a year on, I might lapse into a slight limp if I’m overdoing it but even then, when I realise it, I can somehow tell myself to get it together, and I’m walking ok again.
I feel that the first 80% of your optimum recovery is generally going to be by about the 6 month mark, with the other 20% being the nice-to-have to bring you up a to a level as good as (better in my case) pre-atr.
We hav
[...]im at week 15 and I still limp too. my problem is I am a thinker so im thinking a lot and this causes me stress.. then I have people at work constantly commenting on how im still limping and all. I really wonder if ill ever walk normally, having a really bad day today…
I am waiting to start my own myself. I have always read the blogs to see what my next move would be. I tore both Achilles and had surgery the first time but opted out of surgery this most recent time. I am 13 weeks since my latest rupture and have just started to walk in shoes. I am limping noticeably but don’t want to push it to much due to not having the surgery
We aim to educate our patients about and other natural solutions to common health problems in order to motivate you to take a more active and responsible role in restoring and maintaining your own health as well as the people around you.
Been doing some weighted raises, but still the calf is so weak and puny!
That’s a real bummer. I am concerned about the atrophy myself (although I am only 5 weeks post op and haven’t even started PT yet). I have always been a big fan of weighted calf raises. They seem to build a good amount of muscle.
I am 20 weeks post op and feel like I will never walk again normally and without pain. It has given me some hope to read your comment but does everyone recover as well as you?
Good for you! It is encouraging to hear your story. I guess 7 mos isn’t so bad like you said it should be all better before I know it.
Thanks for positive blog - it helps! 7 months!! I am only three weeks post-injury so that seems a long time into the future. Go well. Cheers, Tui
withnail,
I agree with Doc Ross. I still get the odd soreness or twinge if I am on my feet too much, that sounds normal but you should be ready to push through. I stretch every chance I get. Has your PT included joint immobilization exercises, that helped me kick the limp, I’m also at 15 weeks. Consider buying a mini trampoline, my gym quality model only costs $40. By jogging on the tramp, it has helped loosen my tightness as well as improving strength and balance - part of my morning routine. Before I did that my ankle would take a while to loosen up in the morning.
withnail,
I think you’ve answered your own question: long warm-up and daily stretching. My surgeon put the risk of re-rupture at less than 5% and to think of this injury as bad luck - unless you have other preconditions, chronic wound injuries etc. The other wise comment my surgeon made was that you’re not going to forget this injury and mentally you’re more than likely going to take “steps” to not push that leg too hard when exercising. There are no medically proven supplements but you’re probably aware of the bad antibiotics by now.
Hey! I still limp too, and my biggest reason why is flexibility. The best thing my PT said for me to do is to stand and then lean forward, stretching the tendon…at PT I’m on a board that is at an incline and I lean forward and hold it. Most of my limping comes from not having the flexibility when you walk..that rolling motion. So, I’m told..limping goes away once flexibility and strength are restored. In my head, I try and think “relax…let it go.” Because some of our limping is mental too I think.
I hear that. To me this recovery process is mostly a mental challenge. Your body will heal as it will, and the best you can do is work it to the limits of pain and swelling, and recover. It just sucks limping when trying to walk quick or scurry out of the way of traffic, not being as able as only seems right. But things could be much worse.
I too think the bike is a great tool for recovery from this. The limited range of motion in the pedal stroke helps, and on level ground, force applied is up to you. Also you get in a whole lot of reps, about 5000 per hour if you spin just over 80 rpm. Just be sure to do some other activities, like walking or hiking (moderate hills are properly challenging for me now), that work through a full range of motion, and keep stretching.
Withnail,
Do you have a bike? Biking was great for me - for building up strength, breaking a sweat, and flexibility. I started really slow with low gears but could see definite improvement over the weeks. Now I am biking 13 miles to work and back - something I never did before I was injured.
I also wish I had walked more - I think walking as much as you can is really helpful too.
You want to push so you’re tired. Tired is good because you’re demanding things of your body and your body builds itself up to do it. Pain is bad, but tired is ok.
I tried to focus on what I was doing in everyday activities and make sure I wasn’t babying the injured foot anymore.
But most of all just hang in there, it wil come!!
Withnail,
Time to push through it. Are you experiencing pain or just soreness??
If no pain than what are you doing rehab wise?? You really need to be addressing it daily. 3 times per week lifting/strengthening, 2-3 days aerobic/biking/swimming and massaging regularly. I know it sounds like a lot but you really need to be on this consistently. Next week I’ll be posting my 6 month pictures and update.
Good luck
Doc Ross
I’m 12 weeks and talk about slow progress. I’m in two shoes, with lifts and both crutches…..can’t seem to get foot flat or bear enough weight to carry me two-footed without crutches…..I can’t help but wonder if this is mental or what?
I guess we have to remember that everyone’s pace is different and be grateful for the advances we have made 
Marianne
Hate to say it, but time is your best friend. The changes seems to slow down. Others ahead of me noted that on their posts as they passed the 3 and 4 month mark. I just passed week 17. My husband and colleagues have told me that they are not seeing much of a limp at all. I feel like I am limping some and I still feel the pulling sensation in the heel. I am still wary of uneven surfaces….like trails and fields, etc.
As much as I think I should be alot better, I still take comfort in how far I have come.
Great words of wisdom withnail, great advice for all. As a supporter of Manchester City FC your advice would be good to hear for Valeri Bojinov, who in the warm-up for todays game ruptured his achilles, an awful shame as he has just had 12 months out injured with knee ligament trouble, poor man.
So glad you are coming along so well, but, be sure not to do much too quickly, caution is the word.
Annie
withnail - glad to hear that you are back to mostly normal, and that your recovery was smooth and speedy. Please update your Achilles Profile, as it shows FWB still.
Feel your pain. I’m a week behind you. I too have had a good recovery and find the limp frustrating. Keep going a little bit a lot and we’ll all get there.
I hear you - it was 3 months yesterday, I am still limping, and my leg feels tight all the time. I am reading about others who are starting to run, on treadmills, and not limping now, who are close to the same timeframe. It’s very interesting how different it is is for all of us. I keep reminding myself that I need 6 months till running! I found week 10 frustrating, then felt like I made more progress in weeks 11 and 12. Even though I am still limping, I can definitely walk faster, and my ankle mobility is a lot better than it was. Hang in there - I bet you will see a difference in the next 2 weeks!
Jen
I’m almost 3 weeks behind you, but I read these posts and know I have to settle in for a long progression to full recovery. During the first few weeks post-op, there is so much to learn just to function semi-normal, but now that I’m in a groove and pretty mobile (other than driving and still being on crutches), I keep reminding myself that there will still be baby steps along the way even when the boot comes off. I don’t think I’ll be able to * not * think about each step until a good 3-4 months post-op, if not longer.
Hang in there. Sounds like you are coming along great. And those of us behind you appreciate the updates!
I’m with ya, withnail. I am pretty close to your ATR and surgery dates. I, too, have recovered very quickly and cannot seem to shake the limp. Just remember, your recovery has gone very quickly and you are way ahead of most bloggers on the site.
My problem is that I am wary of pushing off with my calf. However, given the calf raises my doctor told me to perform in the pool, my calf continues to get stronger and the limp less pronounced. Have you tried calf raises in a pool/ Ask your doctor about it.
Hey jim, thanks for your comments … patience is not one of my best virtues.
I’m just over double the post Op time that you are and STILL feel the same way at times. I don’t mean this as a discouragement, but rather so you don’t get discouraged by not feeling like you are making a “normal” recovery. My new analogy for the recovery process is that is like your hair growing, you don’t really notice it until that one day you realize you need a haircut. Only difference is you probably don’t fret over how fast your hair grows. Point is, over time it does, no matter what you do. This will pass to, probably about the time I stop thinking about it.
Hi withnail.
My limp varies from day to day. If I go REALLY slow and concentrate I can walk normal. I was faster on crutches! I work on the second floor of a two story building….i’m still taking the elevator. I did stairs yesterday just cuz I was walking with a co-worker and didn’t think about it. Half way down I started sweating and thought I was going to vomit from nerves. I won’t do that again for a few weeks. Some days I’m freaked out, some days i’m not. The emotional roller coaster hasn’t let up yet. I thought it was supposed to leave with the last cast! LOL
That’s great! I wish you all the best and more! Try a round of beginner golf when you can, it can help soothe the mind and body.
It happens to the best of us but with tlc it can be made less of a burden.
Good luck!
Very encouraging Withnail…keep it up!
Congrats, Withnail.
Doesn’t it feel good to have a sense of independence? It concerns me sometimes that I/we are moving through recovery a little faster than others. I am now walking through my neighborhood (40 minutes) after only 5 weeks post op. However, my doctor doesn’t seem to be concerned. I am beginning to walk with less of a limp every day.
I hope we are doing the right thing!
good for you and remember patience. You will want to jump into shoes next. Take your time. If your ankle swells up quite a bit - slow down. I had a very quick recovery with my first rupture and was almost walking normal after 3 months then it happened again. Take your time.
Chip
Withnail!
Go you! Loosing the crutches is an exciting time. Keep up the positive energy and keep your recovery focus. It’s still a long road, but when you can carry your own coffee across the room… things are sooo much better. Bravo!
Sounds awesome. Just had me cast off today and already walking very slowly with one crutch. Hopefully ditch that in week. Hopefully rapid progress like you. Keep it up.
Sorry to hear about your misfortune Karen1… Hang in there and keep your mind busy: time will pass quickly and you will be back in the swing sooner than you think. Drop me a line if you ever make it to Cape town!
