List of important things
Nov 29th, 2011 by xplora
- Take it easy in the first 2 weeks. Keep off the foot and keep it up.
- If you have trouble coping mentally with this injury, do something about it. See a doctor, therapist or talk to a trusted friend.
- Find distractions to keep your mind busy. Learn something new or do something you have done (and are able to) for a long time.
- Get the rest of your body exercising as soon as you are able.
- Try to get into a walking boot as soon as possible.
- Early weight bearing and movement is a key to a better life style earlier but the research shows good results if you are stuck in a cast so don’t sweat it.
- Getting into 2 shoes too soon will only mean more time being careful where you step. It does not mean you are ahead of the pack.
- Heel wedges in my shoes, in my opinion, restored my quality of life faster and helped me get fitter and walk better quicker.
- Try not to walk with a limp.
- Be sure to wear good supportive shoes as much as possible.
- Do not try to be a hero and think you can beat this by ignoring good advice to do stupid things too soon.
- Don’t obsess about calf atrophy. It will happen but it does come back with exercise.
- Find a good physio that has experience with this injury
- Be an advocate for yourself
- Test everything you read on blog sites against real scientific information or ask a medical expert before trying something.
- It is tempting to try and speed things up. Be patient and look to the end game. A good recovery means no re-rupture, no healing long and good strength at the end transcribes to a return to pre injury activity if that is what you want.
- Be patient and thankful with those looking after you. It is a huge burden on them as well. Take time to spoil them in some way when and as you are able.
- There will be times of great gain and times when gains are small. You may even feel you are going backward. Expect a few plateaus.
- Be diligent with your rehab. A little often is best and if it is sore then just do a little. Rest, elevate and ice if you need. Listen to your health professional. They actually do know a fair bit about medical stuff even though we all think we know more about our body, this injury and what is best for it. Some I admit are not as interested in exploring modern techniques but that is where you can be your own advocate. Like I said, read actual scientific information and learn. Ask questions and learn more.
- Look after your other AT with strengthening exercises.
- Setting goals for yourself is good but make them realistic. Take a good look at yourself and how you are defined in your life. Make a list of what is important and don’t be selfish. This injury affects others as much as you.
- Your physio can be done without a lot of fancy machines or expensive equipment.
- This race is against yourself, you are not competing with others. Do this in your own time, not mine or others. Be thoughtful of those struggling.
- Celebrate all those milestones but don’t be surprised if your friends and family don’t get it.
- There will come a time when you will have to just get on with life and put all this behind you. In the scheme of things on this road of life it is only a speed bump. Find perspective and move on when you feel ready.
- Try to find some good things that have come out of this injury.
Have read your list. I had my ATR just a week ago and now in a nard cast / splint. It does get you down when you need assistance to do the simplist things, like carry a bottle of water with these dam crutches. But as you said, I need to focus on the end game. Thanks again for the list
Got my cast off today and my foot and leg are very swollen, and my heel hurts. With the cast I used a knee walker which was wonderful. Now I’m using a walker for two weeks then. PT for how long I don’t know.
I had the cast for six weeks to see if the AT could heal it self. I have a 70 per cent tear and did not want surgery if it cold be avoided at all. Looks like it is healing/ healed , PT starts in two weeks.
Excellent post. Thanks for sharing what you learned/your perspective.
I love this post! Well said,
Hi Stuart
I have been following all your posts. I just want to say thank u for all the advice. Your very good sense and wise insights have been a constant source of support. My rehab is on the slow side though I have healed well from the op. N your list has reassured me that I shouldnt compare with others and start getting anxious. I know my ROM and flexibility have improved since my first physio session. So I must aknowledge little milestones on the way.
Know that you are leaving soon. All the best to you. May you enjoy your new house.:))
THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR WORDS OF ADVICE. I AM HAVING MY SURGERY DEC 29. THERE ARE SO MANY NEGATIVE POSTS THAT I WAS GETTING A BIT ANXIOUS.
The good thing about this site is all the positive and the negative. We who are going through this unplanned journey experience both. I had surgery Nov 10 and get my last cast off next Monday the 19th. I can’t wait to go in to a boot even though it will not be fun either. I read this site everyday and the differences will make you a little crazy but fun to read also! Good luck!
Beautifully said especially the last four.
Excellent stuff. Thanks for listing it out and sharing. Hadn’t considered heel lifts for when the time comes — still just 5 weeks from surgery — but now I will.
Janus - there are others that have not used them or recommend them but I am sold and long term there has not been any set back in recovery. My view is that it aided my recovery and got me excercising quicker. You can only try.
Love this list!!! Thank you.