After diagnosing the Achilles tendon rupture, my doctor gave me a CAM Walker, an adjustable boot with metal rods on the sides and Velcro straps to ensure a tight fit to the leg. This is how it looks like. Since this device immobilizes the foot and ankle, it prevents any pressure or strain on the broken tendon and the surrounding muscles, and allows you to walk safely.The doctor told me that I would also use the same CAM Walker after the surgery, instead of a regular cast. Some people don’t like this, because the CAM Walker is very heavy. However, since you can control the pressure with the Velcro straps, it is a better option than the cast while you still have a fresh scar with stitches.
My boot didn’t have angle settings; it was just fixed at 90 degrees. Some doctors like to use an adjustable boot that allows the foot to be positioned at different angles so that they can start by placing the patient’s foot pointing slightly down, and move gradually to 90 degrees (see picture to the left). Supposedly, this allows for a more gradual healing of the tendon.My doctor didn’t think that was necessary and gave me a boot that would position my foot at 90 degrees immediately after the surgery.
82 comments:
Hi - ruptured my achilles on 6th Dec and have been in a cast since. Due to go into the boot on 7th Jan 09, can't wait. My consultant is using the conservation method for healing ie NO surgery, not even for full ruptures (which mine isn't, but my cousin's is and he is on same 'treatment'). Interesting you were given the boot from day 1, will speak to my doc at next consultation.
Frances D
This is what I have now at 6 weeks post op. My ortho kept me in a cast with the foot slightly pointed until my foot could go into the "neutral" or 90 degrees position.
I have noticed that the thing is REALLY heavy and I still have to use two crutches. Even though I am an American, after reading several online resources, I switched from auxillary crutches to european style forearm crutches.
Hi All,
I ruptured my achilles on 23 Dec and had the repair done on 29 Dec. The surgeon had me in a split cast for three and a half weeks, and then into a walking boot. The boot I have allows for a range of motion - right now set at 15 degrees plantar-flexion and 0 degrees dorsi-flexion (neutral). Over the past two weeks with this boot, I have progressed to walking completely without my crutches (except for when I have the boot off for showering, etc) and can maintain my foot at neutral. At first I was unsure about the movement but it has turned out for the best as I feel like my ROM and strength are getting better every day, I just hope I'm not over-doing it.
James
James. Your boot sounds really good. Can you tell me the name of it? Thanks!
My treatment sounds a bit more conservative. I ruptured my AT in Dec and had surgery following day and wore three cast 2 for months in different angles. Now wearing the boot or CAM walker. I can now walk without crutches. I went swimming and couldn't wear my fins because the base of my foot is swollen. I will start PT in early March. I have a question - will physical therapy and time cause that thickness to shrink? It is not sore or painful just big.
Hey all, Jan 8 I ruptured my right AT. Am excited today as ortho will remove split cast and replace with boot cast. Was hoping that I will not need the crutches anymore. Probably not, huh? Cant wait to be on my feet. 9 years ago, I ruptured my right AT. Did not heard of boot cast then. I totally lost control of my feet with my right AT rupture, but had control for left AT rupture. Ortho explained and took a pix during surgery. It was the plantaris tendon, a very thin but strong tendon controlling movement of my feet. Good luck to all...and speedy recovery.
I ruptured march 10, surgery on march 13. I will be in 2 different casts lasting until may 11 when I go into a boot. I am trying to make a golf trip that has planned for a year. We leave on may 20th. I can play in the boot, but will I be ready and able to play? What are the odds of wearing boot at all times except when I play?
Help with thoughts??
Gary,
I am in a similar situation, I ruptured mine on 3/16, surgery on 3/19 and have a golf trip beginning of June. My doc seems confident that I can go and play. He advised that I might not be able to play to my handicap but I should be able to enjoy the game and outdoors...those are his words. Sitting on my couch today reading all these blogs it is hard to believe that I will believe that I will be ready to go. Golf does not place a lot of stress on the achilles I believe. Will you be flying to your trip? I know we are not supposed to fly for at least 6 weeks due to deap vein thrombosis. I wish you luck and hope you make your trip. I would skip my trip if I could just play golf somewhere in June. the loss or muscle and flexabilty scares the crap out of me
Mark,
Thanks for your words. My doc said I would be able to play but would lose money. My leg feels great, just trying to figure out how it will be then. I would love to visit with u. Talk golf and injuries. If u get a chance email me, we can exchange numbers. Glinville@paramountmtg.com
Hope to hear from you
Gary
I ruptured mine on 11/14/08 (complete rupture) and had surgery 10 days later. Spent 2 weeks casted after surgery with my foot pointed down. Got my CAM boot with a layered heel lift to gradually peel off the layers to bring the angle of the ankle back to 90 over the course of a week or so. 6 weeks post-op, doctor said to ditch the crutches and start walking with the boot. No boot - no walking. The boot is quite heavy, but it does become a part of you, and it really doesn't take that long to adjust your walking to account for both its weight AND the fact that your "good" leg is now quite shorter than the other. 12 weeks post-op, I was given the go-ahead to lose the boot, put my shoe on and start walking. Was assigned to physical therapy twice a week for 6 weeks. Every single little thing that you do will make you feel so triumphant - walking backwards, that's a big one... going up and down stairs... standing on your toes... getting into a car normally instead of having to sit first and swing your legs in... Just keep telling yourself that you CAN do it, because you can, you just might THINK that you can't, like I did. My ankle is still quite swollen. When you lose the boot altogether, your calf will be much smaller than the other due to the lack of muscle use (it's your thigh that carries the weight of the boot) and the pressure exerted by the velcro. A couple of days with no boot and my ankle blew up like a balloon. The swelling has gone down considerably, but is noticably still swollen when compared with the other. Massaging will help A LOT with circulation down there to get things cleared out and back to normal. Also - when you lose the boot, keep your incision moisturized. The healing, the swelling and the activity in PT will make it sore and EXTREMELY itchy is the skin starts to stretch and move the way it used to. I tried so many lotions and found that Gold Bond Anti-Itch for extremely dry skin is the BEST. Green/Tealish bottle with a red pump and red lettering. Sure, it smells a bit like Ben-Gay, but it works wonders.
Complete rupture on 3/22 with surgery on 3/24. Hard cast for 5 weeks. I'm currently in a removable air cast for three weeks. I don't sleep in the air cast. Instead, I sleep in a plantar fasciitis boot that encourages the tendon to remain flexible.
So I was at the medical supply store and the physical therapist asked me what kind of walking boot I was going to get. He said more and more docs were going with the ankle high boot instead of the one all the way over the calf. Was wondering what the people in here have to say. I get my cast off on Friday and wanted to go in "armed" with information.
Thanks...Tracer
Check out this website for even more new on achilles tendon ruptures! Help me improve me. I just ruptured mine and thought I'd make website with lots of resources.
http://www.mahalo.com/achilles-tendon-tear
Hi everyone! This website has been a real find. I'm 6 weeks post op for a total rupture (30 May 09). After 25 years playing netball, this is how my career ends. I had my tendon repaired within 48 hours from rupture, which going by other posts this is a good thing. I'm 40 and as a small business owner I had to go back to work the day after my operation. On Monday 20 July 09 I am due to get my Cam Walker which thanks to this website I know alot more about. I am a travel agent and have a holiday booked to Europe mid September. Am I going to be ok to go? There is a lot of talk about limping etc which is a little scary. I haven't been in any pain and within my fibreglass plaster I have been trying to move my foot, ankle and calf muscle as much as possible. Do you think it is feasible that I will be able to take my holiday?? Any advice or views would be much appreciated.
Hayley M
Hi everyone! I'm 2 weeks post op for a total left rupture (6 July 09). Since I do not have a health insurance, I am looking to buy a used medium size CAM Walker or Boot". Any advice or views would be much appreciated. I live in the Northern Virginia and can be reached at iqbalchowdhury@comcast.net.
Had surgery on 6/22 for an ATR.Doc says I can ditch crutches next week- which is 5wks post op......boot for 2wks,thn a sneaker without any lifts.When I'm on my crutches my foot turns,and I mean dark disgustingly blue.Just wondering if anybody else had the same issue
BC
I had a complete rupture during karate class. I had surgery 1 week later on june 19th. Right now I am in my 2nd hard cast due to go into the boot tomorrow. I am amazed how quickly some of you are walking, It seems painful to even set it down.
When I go into the boot, do I have to wear it at night?
Hi, ruptured my achilles during a lacrosse playoff game. I thought I had been kicked or slashed and didn't think much of it. 4 days later my wife forced me to go to the doctor before we went away on holidays. Well a day later I am in emergency surgery on Aug. 30th. My poor wife. She is 7 months pregnant and we have a very active 20 month old son. I am 12 days post op and feeling really frustrated that I cannot do anything for my self and my wife is having to take care of me. On top of all that the team that I help start and have been the captain for the last 7 years is finally going to nationals at the end of the month and now my career is all but done. Not the way i saw it all ending. A little depressed so trying to do some research about it. Not sure if it is helping or hurting.
Hi all from the UK.
I Ruptured my Achilles playing with the kids on 27th June. Thought it was a sprain at first but a the visit to A & E (ER) on the following Monday ended up with my lower right leg put in plaster on the the 29th. I was offered an op to repair it or the plaster option and I chose the plaster over surgery. I had the first plaster on for three weeks with my foot pointed down about 140 degrees, this was re assesed on July 14th and another plaster was fitted with my foot at about 150 degrees. On the 11th July this was replaced with another cast with my foot at a 90 degree angle and also I was given a slip on shoe to encourage me to walk but without applying too much pressure to the tendon and heel area, so i'm still using one and sometimes two forearm crutches. Due to the fact i'm going abroad this plaster will come off on the 25th Aug (2wks) not the recommended three weeks to give me a little more time for physiotherapy prior to my holiday. I'll let you know the outcome. Peace 8bb
Hi from the UK.
I ruptured my Achilles playing with the kids on 27th June. Loud pop in my head and a feeling like something had hit me on the back of my calf. Thought it was a sprain at first but a the visit to A & E (ER) on the following Monday and subsequent Thompson Test ended up with my lower right leg put in plaster on the the 29th June. I was offered an operation to repair the rupture or the plastercast option and I chose the plastercast over surgery basically as i was wary of the risk of infection and due to go abroad on the 5th September.
I had the first white A & E plastercast on for three weeks with my foot pointed down to about 140 degrees, this was quite heavy and awkward at first but it soon became a normal feeling, this was re assesed on July 14th and another black plastercast was fitted with my foot at about 150 degrees. This was lighter and smaller possibly due too calf shrinkage from lack of use.
On the 11th July this was replaced with another purple plastercast with my foot at a 90 degree angle and also I was given a slip on shoe to encourage me to walk but without applying too much pressure to the tendon and heel area. This was lighter but the walking felt funny due to the height differences.
At present i'm still using one and sometimes two forearm crutches. Due to the fact i'm going abroad this plaster will come off on the 25th Aug (2wks making a total of 8wks in plaster)after alot of coercion on my part, not the recommended three weeks they wanted or advised but to give me a little more time for physiotherapy prior to my holiday.
I'll let you know the outcome. Peace 8bb
Hello everyone,
I ruptured my left Achilles tendon 2 months ago and I'm still with cast after surgery.
I don't wear the ROBOCOP boot but the doctor placed another kind of boot which won't be taken off until another month.
I ruptured it when I played basketball. I really enjoy playing it and I'm still planning to play again next year or on November for a season league.
_I want to know if I can still have the ability I had before?
_If I can still play the way I used to play before.
_What are the important care I need to follow in order to fit back in play?
_Some people told me that it could be caused by a medication I took, because I had fever one month before the rupture and had to take a couple of week off. Is this possible that some medication may cause Achilles tendon rupture?
Thank you for answering these questions. All are welcome :)
Michaël
This blog has kept me sane! I am 3 weeks post op with 3 more to go in my fiberglass cast. I cannot wait to move into my CAM walker.
Question: Does anyone have nerve pain on the side of their foot? My little toes go numb and I have terrible pain on the outside of my foot.
Hi Kathy:
I recently ruptured my left AT, 3 weeks ago-2 days later surgery, then in a plaster cast for 2 weeks now a boot; however I experience numbness and at times pain on the outside of my left foot. PT- I cannot point my foot to the right because I get such shooting pains but once it is back at the normal position it doesnt hurt just goes numb again. I have spoken w/ my PT and she states there are 2 other tendons that run down the side of the Achilles that assist with stability and I could have some nerve damage, she has been trying to get in touch with my surgeon to perform MRI of area to see whats going on... Not sure whats going to happen???? I thought I was the only one that experienced this THANK GOD I saw your post. :)
Hi. I ruptured my left AT playing volleyball on 14 September (returning after a few years break following right knee problems, as a 43 year old trying to keep up with the young ones). It was a complete rupture and was advised to go for non-surgical option (infection rate is high and surgeon said that my rupture gave few options to find ends to suture together). I'm in Manchester, UK.
I was put in a paster cast for 2 weeks (equinus position, toes pointing down) and then in a boot (lots of velcro and dark blue padding, German-made, with graded positions, made by Medi). It is now at 30 deg (or 90 + 30). Much better and more comfortable than the cast. Next appointment is next week, Week 4. Apparently they will reduce the angle by a little each time. Total time in cast and boot expected 6-8 weeks, then PT.
I also get a sharp pain in a very specific point on my outside foot (2 inches above little toe) when my leg is in certain positions -- when leg is straightened. And sometimes it feels like my heel is on fire! I have to take the boot off and blow on it!
I try to go for walks on crutches to build up my fitness, but the pain the next day is not fun.
I need to find a happy mid-point.
I had my week 4 appointment today. Boot changed to 10 degrees. Some initial tenderness in the calf/achilles area, and short term pulling sensation, but otherwise very little pain. Weird being able to stand up straight with my legs together. Celebrated with a shower (I bought one of those giant plastic waterproof sock/sack things as soon as I had my cast).
Surgeon examined my Achilles and said that my rupture was healing over nicely with no noticeable gap.
In 2 weeks' time (Week 6) the plan is to move it to zero degrees, but allow for 10 deg of flexion. So I can get the tendon moving, but not to stretch too far.
Also told that I will be in boot until Week 10. Which I am OK with.
OK. So had my Week 6 appointment. On detailed examination it looks like my tendon is not healing properly. There is "incontinuity" -- a break in the tendon where it hasn't all met up and healed together. I am being referred for an ultrasound, with possible surgery. Sets me back a bit... a lot in fact. Next appointment is with the ankle specialist/surgeon. Problem is that my rupture is very high up, close to the muscle, so stitching will have to go into the muscle itself.
In the past 2 weeks I have also treated the Athlete's Foot (terbinafine cream)--and my whole base of the heel was seeping wit bacterial goo. That was cleared up with some tlc from the nursing staff. Hmmmm.
Chris G
I am on my 23rd day since rupturing my left AT. Doc gave me a choice of a cast for 4 weeks with my foot pointed followed by repostioning twice and 2 more casts or surgery and the same treatment. I opted for non-surgical route. The first 2 weeks I did not seem to need any pain killers however this last week I now find I am taking Ibuprofen & paracetamol & some prescription tablets at night time. Has anyone else experieneced this and how long does this pain last. From what I understand it is all part of the healing process and therefore is quite normal. Reading this blog everyone seems quite happy I am still in bed with my foot up to reduce the swelling as soon as I get out of bed it swells again. Can someone give me somthing positive to focus on. Thanks.
Hi Chris, having something "positive" to focus on is what has gotten me through thus far, so I will try to pass that along to you.
I had my surgery on 9/16/09 so I am approaching my 8th week post-op. At the six week mark, I was put back into the CAM boot after having had splints on before that. One time, the splint was positioned slightly downward and, the next time, the splint was placed in the neutral position. This would have been around the 4 week mark. I found out my tendon was somewhat shorter than average so my surgeon didn't want to put too much tension on it too fast when I was recovering.
I have to say I have had literally no pain during this recovery process, so I'm sorry to hear that you do. What I can tell you in terms of a positive focus is this: every follow-up with your surgeon should hopefully have a feeling of progression to it. If it doesn't, then ask WHY and ask pointed questions (in other words, do some research). Some surgeons are aggressive and some, like mine, are more conservative. I followed her lead though because I feel like I am in good hands. Once she got me back in to the CAM boot, there was a huge feeling of freedom again even though, of course, the boot is bulky and yes, you have to sleep with it on at night. However, after going to my physical therapist on Friday, I learned I need NOT keep it on if I am sitting still (watching TV or on the computer), only when I am on the go. I walk with one crutch supporting my affected side and have had NO pain since I started doing this.
When you get to where you can start some physical therapy, around the 6 week mark at the latest, that should also help your mood because you have an action plan in place. Those first 2-4 weeks were hard on me, having to keep the foot elevated, having to ask others to do even the simplest things for me so I wouldn't have to keep getting up. Try to hang in there. If you are having pain, then just be sure and tell someone - don't just take the pain meds and tough it out. It may be something as simple as adjusting the position your foot is now in.
Let me know how you're doing and good luck to you!
CHRIS G
Thanks ever so much for your reply it is good to talk to someone.
My first cast was a back slab - a cast with a gap at the front made of plaster of paris. This was put on ,on the day of my accident. 5 days later this was changed for a full cast. I was told it would be on for the next 4 weeks but owing to a staff shortage I have to have it on for 5 weeks. Then a 3rd one will go on with my foot in a new postion for 2 - 4 weeks then the final one will go on. So I do not think I will get any physio for some time.
I am coping with the pain but I do think that a lot of the pain is the discomfort of the cast. I feel the rest of the pain is the injury knitting its self together.
I badly bruised my knee when the accident happened and this has made it very difficult to move around. In the last 26 days I have been downstairs only twice and each time it was impossible to get comfortable and after 1 or 2 hours I had to come back to bed. For a selfemployed active person this is frustrating.
Chris, it sounds like your situation might be more involved than some talked about here, but, like you, when I incurred my injury (when I fell at work), I also badly sprained my left arm which is what I fell upon. In fact, the pain from that (which was later diagnosed as being like "tennis elbow") was more nagging than the pain from my achilles tendon surgery!
You definitely are in the hands of a conservative surgeon and, while I know it is frustrating to go at such a slow pace, I would try to follow whatever they are telling you, because there is usually a reason for it. For example, my PT person told me I could do some foot stretches that go to the left, the right and upwards but, until further notice, I am not to point my foot downward. I didn't question it, I just said okay!
Glad to be of support, just stay in touch and let me know how it's going!
chris g-
how are you doing? i have a similar situation to you in that my tear is near the top where it connects to the muscle. do you have any info on how this differs to a more "normal" tear?
i hope you are doing well. hang inthere, it gets better. i'm approaching my 8th week atm, and trying to learn how to walk in the cam boot without crutches. it's not easy and i'm tenative as i don't want to re-rupture.
r_mutt
HI ALL
WEEK 8 GOT A NEW CAST ON 8 DEC DAY 56 TODAY QUITE A LOT OF DISCOMFORT IN LAST 48 HOURS. I CAN PUT MY FOOT DOWN AT THE WEEKEND (ANOTHER 2 DAYS) QUITE APPREHENSIVE BUT MUST BE POSITIVE CANNOT SPEND THE REST OF MY LIF ON ONE LEG. MY GOOD LEG (ANKLE) SEEMS TO BE FEELING THE STRAIN HOPE TIS ONE DOES NOT GO AS WELL.
hi im done with the regular cast after having one for 3 months. now i have a camwalker starting today and i realized it is very hard for me to get the first step because it seems the mind is set to where it has to protect my foot. are there any good ways or tips on using the camwalker or does it just need practice?
did anyone develop interior knee pain on the leg they wore their boot?
Hi - ruptured my Achilles 13 days ago (2nd March 2010) i have been in plaster since it happened and im due to go back to hospital tomorrow. never heard of the Cam Walker but i will be asking about it. i need to go back to work ASAP. how long is the average time to heal?
Hi All,
I ruptured my achilles on 24th March, My consultant is using the conservation method for healing ie NO surgery, My ortho kept me in a cast with the foot slightly pointed until my foot could go into the "neutral" or 90 degrees position. What l would like to now guys when my leg is in the up position l have no issues as soon as l am using my crutches l do have a bit of pain, Back at work on Monday 29th March am l going back to early? Thought of staying at home for eight weeks will just do my head in!!
Kevin Trapp
Hi I ruptured mine on the 2nd Feb, I too chose not to have the operation, been in a cast for about eight weeks had the reposition done and now due to have the boot in the next few days. Been working from home and going crazy, hopefully the boot will give me back some mobility and freedom.
Estevan
I had a complete rupture of my right achilles 1/30/10. I had 3 choices to repair it and chose the percutaneous option. I was in 6casts for 7 weeks and now I have a boot. Its been a week with the boot and I'm still having trouble putting even 50% of my weight on that leg. I've got 2 more weeks and according to the Dr I should be w/o crutches by then. I'm working on range of motion but that seems to come and go with the swelling. Also Dr said I would have numbness on the outside of my foot and he was right. Sometimes its more than other times but definitely there. I'm hoping I will be w/o crutches in 2 weeks.
I just had surgery on my Achilles rupture on Friday April 2nd 2010 and I am due to see the doctor on Friday April 9th 2010. I have a Cam Walker, Does the Cam Walker give you back 100% Mobility?
Hey all - I ruptured my left Achilles on 2/27, and had surgery to repair it on 3/4. I spent a week post-op in a splint, and the next 3 in a cast. Hated that cast. I just got "the boot" on 3/31 with two heel wedges. I was told to remove one each week - I don't go back until 4/28. I've been stretching it with a towel, and removed one wedge yesterday as I'm at almost 90 degrees when stretching. I'm getting some swelling around the tendon - the boot is definitely stretching it some. Anybody else experience this? I want to push myself, but not be stupid about it.
Not sure when PT will start for me. I seem to be on the conservative track, but I trust my doctors.
Thanks!
Hi everyone,
I just ruptured my AT today and am quite desperate. I had a bad knee injury last year and was just coming back. I could move my foot up and down quite easily but could stand on my tip of my toes. Haven't seen a specialist yet but will do tomorrow. My foot is immobilized... any chance I had a partial rupture? Do I really have to stay 6 months without walking?
Thanks for your help.
Well I have to say I ruptured my achilles on March 14th
Thought my was a partial as well, If you cannot put weight on the ball of your foot its probably full blown rupture. You mat think otherwise but get to the doctor asap
Hi -- I broke my achilles tendon about a week ago playing tennis. Walking on crutches hurt the palm of my hands so much. I got given this metal brace that goes underneath my cast so I can "walk" or put pressure on my injured leg. However I find walking on the injured leg puts pressure on my spine in an uncomfortable way. I get a revisit with orthopedic guy in 5 weeks...so 5 weeks of walking with a twist or hopping on one leg on crutches! Not looking forward to it.
Kneal Knee Walker
I am 62 and had never had crutches. 10 days ago I ruptured my right AT playing pickleball. I am now in a plaster cast for 6 weeks post-op. I see that there is controversy in the medical world (surprise, surprise) about early weight-bearing after surgery, vs. the full 8 weeks for recovery. Any experience with starting to weight the injured leg after only 2 weeks?
A few thoughts on crutches: I use bike gloves to pad my hands. I use a elastic knee brace on my good leg to protect my left knee. I use a backpack to carry stuff from room to room. I was fortunate to have a neighbor that had a kneeling cart for her daughter who had foot surgery. This cart allows me to scoot around the house without crutches and leaves my hands free for light chores. Good luck and fast healing to all. Jim
The Kneal Knee Walker. Most Definitely better than crutches, I ruptured my achilles on March 14th and got a repair on April 2nd, I picked up the kneal knee walker right before surgery and love it
steve
www.vergonmed.com
Hi,
Jan. 25th I broke my ankle and required surgery. I have progressed from cast to air cast boot with PT. April 22 I was to have the boot changed to a small brace. 1 hour before the appointment I partially tore my AT. On Apr. 27 I will go back in a cast. We're waiting for the swelling to go down. Talk about being totally bummed out! The doctor says 2 weeks in a cast, but hasn't said what after that. You all have given me knowledge about this whole process and I thank you greatly. I'll know my options and what he is telling me. I'm 66 but seem to heal really well. I thank God for that. I was using a walker when the ankle was first broken. That kind of scooter thing sounds best now. keep up your spirits - it could have been worse.
Hi everyone!
20/03/2010, I received an injury - a complete rupture of Achilles tendon on his left leg during a game of tennis. The diagnosis was made when you contact the hospital the same day, after which I was admitted to hospital with fixing limb long splints (from hip to toes) of polyurethane bandage. 26/03/2010 I had the surgery - plastic Achilles tendon on Chernavsky. 05/04/2010 I removed the stitches and go home. 26/04/2010, I arrived at the hospital and brought me a foot in a nearly neutral position (110 - 115 degrees), and then set back a short (knee) splints made of polyurethane bandage. The doctor said that splints could be removed in 2 weeks and then begin rehabilitation. I think that this method of recovery is very long. I live in Russia and I can only buy an adjustable shoe (brace, orthosis) Orlet HAS-301 to its feet for $ 150. Can someone tell me how to use it to carry out the restoration? How often (once a week, once a day) should change the angle of flexion of the shoe?
Good luck to all and a speedy recovery!
Damir Gavrilov, Volgograd, Russia, damirng@mail.ru
Hello, I ruptured on March 14th had surgery on
April 2nd, Picked up this thing called the Kneal Knee
Walker :) Give it a try you will love it
steve
a wanderer
Hello - ruptured my Achilles 4/15/10 (as if tax day wasn't enough) doing some tennis drills.
Had surgery the following week, put in a brace (partial cast that is wrapped with Ace bandage) for 2 weeks. I am 68 and fairly active. I fell on the AT foot twice but mostly on my heel. Lucky and did no damage, per doctor.
Went to the boot. It's been great. A bit heavy but at least I can walk as much as I want and I don't need the crutches! No driving (right foot). I have several wedges which they will begin to take out one at a time beginning in 4 weeks.
Don't sleep with the boot - wrap my leg with the front part of the old cast to keep it stationary. Showers are great now. Use a stool to support my knee. I just need to be CAREFUL.
Good luck to all of you
Does anyone have swelling in there achilles and how often? I had my surgery on April the 2nd and the Doc removed the cast on april 28th, Now there is swelling mostly in the afternoons. I just wonder if that is all common?
Hello, Magazine Sales Manager!
During the first 6 weeks after surgery is an inflammation and growth of the tendon. Also, after a foot operation is located in a stationary position. Therefore, tumor leg is inevitable in every case. I recommended more often to keep my injured leg on a platform (currently, for example, when I'm sitting on a chair in front of the computer, my foot resting on a stool ;-)), and apply cryotherapy. But with cryotherapy I have not yet obtained. When I broke the other leg, swelling was for 6 months after injury and then gradually passed. So you all will be well!
Good luck to everyone and a speedy recovery!
Damir Gavrilov, Volgograd, Russia, damirng@mail.ru
http://my.mail.ru/mail/damirng/
Hey there...I tore my Achilles back in March playing netball (a little old for this at 47!!!)heard the ping, felt the pain but thought it was a torn muscle. Leg swollen but had NO pain...saw the doctor...still no torn Achilles diagnosis...eventually 2 months on after travelling and walking extensively (still NO pain...no spring either but in my mind no pain = OK) I had surgery...4 cm full tear...extensive retraction...one week after sugery...1 more week in plaster cast leg elevated, immobile (except minmal movement on crutches around home...)NO weight bearing, toes fully pointed down. The plan is 6 weeks in Cam boot still toes pointed down (due to severity of tear) then period of time in boot with graduated extension of Achilles...lots of physio... and the worst thing?? NO driving for at least 8 weeks!!!
Good place to tell your story...makes you feel better to know other people's stories are similar to yours. Thanks
Hi, I ruptured my right leg AT on Wednesday 28April '10 playing fotball, apparently that's a typical injury for 30+ year old weekend warriors. Had my operation on 4th May. Went into half cast up until 30th May, my doctor then gave me an aircast which he also calls an ankle boot. It's at a right angle and goes up to my calf muscle. I was in crutches since the operation and was too excited about the idea of walking on my injured leg again. However, I noticed that now as I'm walking "crutches-free" that I have this awkward limp and my body is twsiting with every step. There is slight doscomfort in my spine. My friend who had a similar injury advised me that I should still use the crutches along with the aircast in order to preserve my posture and to avoid joint and back injuries. Did anyone experience this? Your thoughts?
Is there a certain way I should walk without crutches which is safe or should I continue to use crutches till my leg is completely healed?
Thanks
Tareq
Hello All
I am in PT right , injured my achilles on March. 14
and had. surgery on April 2nd, I found the Kneal Knee
Walker to be very helpful, If anyone is interested
in purchasing this from me please email
me @ nrssmg@gmail.com
Steve
Hello,
I ruptured my Achilles on 7/3 and had surgery 11 days later. I wore a splint and used crutches for two weeks until I got my CAM boot. My heel is elevated by three wedges while the boot is positioned at 90 degrees.
I started work two days ago. I spend 95% of my job standing and walking. I also have to walk a short distance from home (under 10 min.) to reach the nearest bus stop. Is this level of activity healthy given my condition? I was cleared to start work roughly a week after getting my CAM.
Hi
In September 2010, I had a complete rupture of my left achilles tendon playing my regular weekly squash game. (What was I thinking!) I'm 53 years of age and the break was 1.5cm.
I had non-surgical treatement in a light weight boot with adjustable wedges in the heel. This seems to be reasonably common in Australia, particularly for oldish folk.
I was on crutches for the first week with the boot and had the boot on 24/7 for about 2 months. Started with 3 wedges and these were removed every 3-4 weeks.
3 months after the break, I'm walking fine but with some restriction. I'll be starting physio treatment next week.
All in all, it's a horrible injury but the treament has gone very well.
Chris M
Hi Folks, I feel for you all, I too ruptured my Achilles on 8th May kick starting my old Triumph Bonneville, Ouch!
The first 4 weeks i was in plaster with foot pointing down tip toe fashion to relieve any tension on the tendon. Scraping around on forearm crutches ... not fun.
Yesterday 8th June up to the hospital for a boot. When the plaster came off i was surprised to see still a lot of bruising around my foot. The boot is made by JURA. Its like a big plastic Armour plated ski boot with Velcro straps everywhere and a pump up support both sides of the ankle. I have 2 wedges under the heel. First night wearing it in bed was a nightmare got about 3 hours sleep! Maybe it was too tight and the wedges dug into the ball of my foot. Still on crutches, i can look forward to another 4 weeks of this and Physio, and having the wedges gradually removed and more weight slowly applied to that leg. Nightmare eh!
Good Luck to all you poor people suffering the same. Now I'm looking for some recommendations of a suitably armored motorcycle boot that might protect me from doing this again!!
All the Best from the UK
Steve
I was in an Aircast for a few days before surgery and placed back into it after my cast was removed. It provides a customized and more comfy fit than a standard boot I believe. Just remember to deflate the air bladders before air travel. I also hear that the mid calf boots are not quite as supportive as the full length boot. One of the problems I have yet to solve is the leg length discrepancy the boot creates.
Completely detatched my right AT running the bases in a softball game, as many have said, it sounded like a .22 gun shot and felt like I had been hit by a shot put out of a canon! I went down and immediately accused someone of tripping me but no one was around me! Had surgery 7 days later and have been in a bright pink cast for 3 weeks now. The 1st week and 1/2 were awful! Major tingling in heal and on top of my foot. Will have 3 more weeks of the pink cast say my Ortho Dr, then to the boot thing. I love this blog, it has really been an eye opener as to my possible recovery time. It has been a very trying 4 weeks for my hubby, but he has been an absolute saint and so have all of my employees. I was instructed to keep the ice behind my knee to cool the blood going to my foot, it really does feel nice...
One other thing I forgot to mention, I have been using a "Turning Leg Caddy" instead of crutches! It is an amazing little scooter, I still use my crutches to get up my few stairs at our home, but I'm not even kidding about this scooter, it makes me almost normal mobile so I can function at our business, a convenience store/gas station. I rented ours for $127 a month. Wishing you all a speedy recovery :)
Hey everyone- I ruptured my achilles about a month ago. I had surgery and have gone from a splint to a cast. In about 2 weeks I will be put into a walking boot. How comfortable are these walking boots if I were to try to stand for long periods of time? I am trying to go to a concert after about a month of being in the boot (september 12th)and would be required to stand for at least 2 hours. How is it compared to standing regularly on your own two feet?
Thanks!
-Tommy
Hi there, I ruptured my Achilles tendon about 4 weeks ago and had surgery about 2 weeks ago. After a consultation with the specialist he was able to tell me I had the option of the surgical or non-surgical healing. I had been advised by the guys in the plastering department to take the surgical option and based my decision on this. I had an epidural (numb from the waist down, spinal injection) and after the operation the surgeon said it was a good job o had the surgery as "it was a right mess in there and would never have healed by itself". Stitches out on Monday, I don't know how a specialist can give me the non-surgical option when he didn't even take the cast off to have a look. Taken me a good 8 trips to the hospital and numerous frustrating cancellations including a visit on Friday to be told I am not ready to have my stitches out and the plaster guy had gone home.
Hi, I actually am wearing the CAM walker for my bunion surgery. I have had it for 6 days, and can't figure out how the hell this thing is supposed to help me walk! It is significantly taller than my other shoe, and when I try to walk, I walk with a limp. Any advice on how to walk normally with a cam walker??
Thank you so much!
Hi from Norway, complete rupture on 7 July (first day of vacation) playing "easy" soccer with the kids. Description as most others here - felt like a brick was thrown at my heel - my brother in law said I looked dumbfounded turning around to see who was there ... Got a cast late that evening and an operation a week later. Now in first cast which will be taken off on Friday this week after three weeks of cast. I must say that so far it has all been less painful than I thought it would be, both the rupture and process after operation. We will see when recovery starts. I will keep updating as I go along.
Hi - great to find this blog. I was doing the Cape to Cairo trip on my motorbike. snapped my AT jumping across a ditch in Ethiopia- finished the last two weeks of the trip as Captain Clubfoot. Thank God for myprodol. Got back to Johannesburg - had our third baby the same day (C section) and had my op to repair the AT two days later. Now a week post op at home with two small kids and a newborn. get my second hard cast on Monday. Isn't old age a bugger....
hey,i got told by my surgeon im young to rupture/snap my Achilles at 24 years old. i ruptured it on the 11th of August at football training running in a straight line just jogging heard it snap!i had surgery on the 15th of August to re-join it now i have to have it in a cast for two weeks at 140degrees then go back get it changed to 90 degrees im told for a further four weeks then the CAM boot for six weeks hopefully. not sure how quick the recovery will be but wondering if i will be able to play again next year?? appreciate everyones blogs on here been great help!! i will be back to see other peoples opinions!! Bobby
Hi all, I ruptured my left achilles on May 12th 2011 playing rounders. I heard a loud "pop" and down I went. I decided to go the non op route due to poss complications and being a wimp! Consultant recommending non op. Sadly for me mine did not mend and after 2 months they finally did a scan and discovered I still had a 3cm gap. I then had to wait 5 weeks for the op. Finally had the op on 16th August. I was then put in a back slab for a wk. I returned this week and have been put straight in a boot with 2 wedges that I need to get down to 1 and have been told to walk on it straight away with crutches and am not due back for another 6wk. It is very painful at moment especially when I put it down tothe ground and put any weight on it. I am worried I am walking too soon and may damage it. But am keen to try and recover quickly after all this time.
TeeGee
I ruptured my LFT AT 3 years ago. It healed with therapy leaving scar tissue. I strained it again last year and nursed it on my own. Unfortunately, I ruptured it again this past June. The podiatrist said I had achilles tendenosis and there was not much to do for it! So he had sole inserts made for my shoes and made me wear a sock like brace. After 4 weeks of ultra sound and ionto (inflamation reducing patches). I was still experienceing sharp pains. So he said where a "boot." After 4 weeks now, It feels better and stronger but after 1 week of light walking etc. I'm having pain again. So he reluctanly said he could do cortizone shot or surgery where he scraps away scar tissue and adds a binding prouduct to the tendon. I was very aprehensive so I got a second opinion. This Dr. said to try this new prcedure where they inject blood platelets into the tendon to increase and speed up the healing process. It's experimental. OR he said he would do a surgery where he took a tendon from the foot and rerouted it to reinforce the achilles. WHAT SHOULD I DO??
Hi all, well I am now 5 month post original injury and 2 month post surgery. I have been back to hospital today in my boot ( been in it 7 weeks now). I saw adifferent consultant. He has advised me to start to use shoes with a wedge. Only 1 free nhs wedge permitted. He said no physio, I may not need it! I am not convinced. I am due to fly to Florida on Friday and do not feel confident yet to go without my boot. Would hate to re rupture it! Has anyone else got shoes and wedges? Any tips? How do you find them? What about physio? What exercises have you all been recommended to do?Has anyone else been told they don't need physio?
Also I have had lots of problems with sores, blisters and eczma on the underneath of my foot. Turns out I am allergic to the boot and sock.
I would love to hear from any of you about these matters. Can't wait to be walking again
You all seem to be American and post-op!
I'm from the UK, I was kicked during the first netball match of the season, the blunt trauma was directly to my achilles tendon. I went to A&E and waited hours (obviously) to be seen, to then be told that they thought it was ruptured, but that they'd make me an appointment for a few days later for an ultrasound to confirm it. I burst into tears thinking they were sending me home in that amount of pain with no treatment whatsoever! They put me in a half-cast, plastered at the front and bandaged round the back, with my foot in a nice pointed ballerina style. I went back 3 days later for my ultrasound, only to be told that one of the people that did the ultrasounds was on annual leave, and the other was at a different hospital... So they re-plastered my leg, with a half-cast again, only this time the plaster was on the back and the bandage round the front, apparently it had be done incorrectly the first time.. (way to inspire confidence in the NHS!). Eventually I had my ultrasound which confirmed my tendon had ruptured right uo the middle, I had a cast for 2 and a half weeks in total, and then I was assured that the recovery time was no different, if not shorter with no surgery (and I chose not to have surgery). I then moved on the CAM boot, as you refer to it as. Mine is a lovely shade of grey, but incredibly supportive, with 3 rock solid wedges that are different in size, created a cascading effect to position my foot into a point and slowly move it back into a normal position. Every two weeks I take a wedge out, I've just had my first one out. I'm now walking with full weight bearing and the pain has gone now that I'm using my leg again. My muscle has turned to squishy stuff but my arm muscles and pretty beasty! I had to relocate so I could start attending university again (I commute normally), I'm third year law and it's pretty important. I don't use my crutches around uni, but sadly my boot makes me walk with my legs slightly apart and it kinda looks like I've permanently had an accident! I'm only 5 foot and the length difference in my legs is so bad that I've had to order 3 and a half inch wedge heels to even out my other leg. I find in nearly impossible to sleep at night with my boot on because it's so heavy and seems to do it's own thing. I have 8 or 9 weeks in total with my boot and then there's been talk of what I'm sure will be a very flattering heeled shoe, either way it seems like forever to me, and to make matters worse... I'm getting fat, I'm not even kidding, I'm a regular porker, but hey, everybody loves a big mac, what can ya do!
The best part of my recovery so far was probably being able to bathe with both legs in the bath, it was pretty epic... took a while to get out again.. but it was so worth it! AND, my first steps with both legs and no crutches, granted, I looked like a drunk toddler, but again, definitely epic.
Wishing you all (but mostly me :P ) speedy recoveries.
Yawn, and goodnight.
Also, it is NOT 7.28pm here, it's 00.33am.... hence my lack of ability to check my spelling in the aforementioned post. For Halloween... I'm gonna dress up as an android and cover my boot in tin foil, it's going to be very attractive and it will be so cool, everyone will want a special boot.
Cher,
The procedure you're referring to are platelet rich plasma injections or PRP. It is supposed to help the healing response. I had it performed intraoperatively.
Hi all
I ruptured my right AT on October 7th, jumping down from my deck (forgetting I am an out of shape 61 year old!). Went to the ER where I was diagnosed and put in a "splint" which was fibreglass up the back and tensor bandages elsewhere. No surgery - hooray! Two weeks later back to the ortho clinic where I was put in an "air cast" or ski boot as I like to call it. At first I had excrutiating pain on my ankle bone which I finally solved by placing 2 make-up sponges between the bone and the cast.
I find the cast heavy and awkward and it gave me some knee pain because it pulled my foot to a pronated position. Learning to cope with it however. The ortho tech told me I should take the boot off everyday and change my sock. HA! Not with the ankle pain I was having.
Thanks to all - misery does indeed love company.
Nancy
Hi,
I ruptured my achilles tendon on the 8th October 2011. I was in a back slab for 2 weeks and now im in a harder cast for 3 weeks. They said its a partial tear. I'm keen to get back to work as I'm bored at home.
I've got my next appointment with the consultant tomorrow. Does anyone know if I will now be put in an aircast boot? I've had the non-surgical approach to treatment
I tripped on the stairs and fell head first - split my lip (boy lips can really bleed!) and my right leg flew back and smashed my achilles into the wooden stair post leaving a dent across the back of my ankle. Despite the fact that it hurt a lot I thought I would just bandage it up the next day and go to work. I have always had a weak ankle and have sprained it many times over the years and thought this was more of the same. This was 28th September. Still hurt 2 days later to went to see local doc who thought it was just bruised and gave me anti inflammatories.
Two weeks later - still hobbling around on it though would go and see physio who wanted me to have a scan.
Got the scan about a week later which shown a partial tear and chronic degeneration of the achilles so she said I needed to see a consultant.
Finally, 2 days ago I saw the consultant at the fracture clinic at local hospital (you can guess by now that I am from the UK and working with NHS timescales).
Was a bit shocked when he started talking about plastering it - I had driven myself there. Finally he decided to put it in an aircast with 4 wedges in it, which I need to keep on 24/7.
He wants me to have another scan before makes any further decisions - so that will be another wait!
Sadly I am on leave this week and just sitting here watching day time TV. Planning to go back to work on Monday with someone giving me a lift there and back but reading this blog not sure if this is a good idea?
Irritatingly when I was walking on a torn achilles for 6 weeks it was less painful and incapacitating than it is now with the Giant Grey Boot for Hell on!
Oh well ... happy, healthy Achilles to you all.
HELLO EVERYONE:D
i ruptured my achilles playing netball on September the 17th 2011. It was our grandfinal and in the fourth quarter i thought somone had jumped on my leg i couldnt walk properly. That night I did one of the silliest things someone could do. I went out clubbing to celebrate our granfindal win i was limping around and got drunk too. The next week i went to the doctor because my parents thought i was fine , but secretly i think they were just punishing me for going out that night. But seriously i thought i was fine to go out but i couldve only made it worse. Eventually went to the doctor they she said just to ice my foot, my leg was swollen and bruised, i got an x ray and nothing was wrong with my leg. 5.5 weeks later i got surgery . I am now 2 weeks post op and almost 8 weeks since my injury.
I am in a boot now and it hurts a bit when i walk , does anyone else feel the same thing. I am really scared to re-rupture my tendon, if i put to much weight on it too soon. The physio said i must get rid of my crutches asap its been one day since the boot and i still cant walk without it
Had surgery on nov 10 and won't be in boot or weight bearing until right about Christmas. Has anyone experienced a "panic" like feeling? I feel trapped and get to crying when I think about everyone having to do everything for me. Any thoughts?
Full tear playing basketball on right AT Nov 7. Surgery on Nov. 10. Dressing for one week, followed by cast for two weeks, followed by Aircast Robocop boot, going on day three of boot.
Was very tender at first but by day two I had no need for crutches whatsoever. Knee hurts more than anything else because of the weird uneven gate the boot forces you to adopt.
After 3 weeks in this boot I will have the heel inserts removed, then it's another 2-3 weeks in the boot, then followed by regular shoes and therapy.
All in all, we're looking at about 8 weeks from surgery all the way to wearing a regular shoe again and driving. Not bad.
Told that with therapy, sports can resume full blast at around the 5 or 6 month mark, in time for Spring.
I'm 40 with a wife and three kids and I had to use a knee scooter around the house to be useful, once the pain subsided around day 5 after surgery.
Luckily I'm self employed and I work mainly from my laptop, so working from home was never a problem.
Not being able to drive put a strain on my wife with all the kids activities, and we had to hire someone to pick kids up two days a week since my wife works.
Yes, it's a pain in the ass, but in the grand scheme this is a pretty light sentence. 2 months is nothing to cry over. Just keep your chin up and do as much as you can. It's humbling and will ultimately make you stronger and wiser, and will be over before you know it.
PS: Don't be a douche. Listen to your Dr. and be careful when you get the boot – you do NOT want to be among that 4% who re-rupture. Then we're talking a bit of life trauma. But even for those guys, that too will pass, and hey, it's not cancer or paralysis, so cheer up.
Get plenty of vitamin D and water, move around as much as possible SAFELY so you don't get depressed. Eat what you want and gain a few pounds, so what.
Achilles tendon repair on 12-21-11. It's now 1-19-11 and just got out of the cast and into a cam walker. Very, very painful! The doctor and physical therapist said recovery time would be another 2-4 months to get a shoe on and probably another 2 after that ...for a total of 6-7 months for "normal." I've heard of people who it took a year to get back to normal..hope that is not me!
Achilles boots are typically wedged in the heel causing a significant leg length discrepancy. If the boot is causing hip or back pain look into the Evenup device.
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