After six months of the operation, everything's going fairly well. I still have a limp when I get up from bed early in the morning, but it gradually goes away (it takes about 15 minutes). I still have to wear comfortable shoes (I still can't wear shoes that are too hard or rub the heel area). I also have to wear socks that are either very low or very high (basically, the elastic band in the socks must not fall within the scar area). Aside from the rehab excercises, I have started to swim and "jogging" inside the pool. I hope to start jogging normally soon.
228 comments:
Let us know how you continue to do . . your website contains so much good info - thank you for providing the site.
Just hit the 8 months mark today... Doing great. I'm swimming and riding bike, and walking normally. Still need to regain muscle tone in my injured calf (it's still about 1" thinner than the other one). I'm now walking normally and with very little discomfort. Things DO get better... hang in there.
Mario.
Thank you for such a comprehensive detailing of your injury and recovery. I fully ruptured my Achilles playing tennis on the morning of my 40th birthday. I am in week 7 from the injury, 6 from surgery. I had no idea of my road to recovery and I truly appreciate you chronicling yours. Now I know what's ahead! Best wishes for your return to jogging and thanks, again.
I return and read you experience from time to time and it is not only very informative but very encouraging to as I have also ruptured my Achilles. I want to thank you for taking the time to post all this useful information. It has really been a big help.
Paul G
Canada
Paul:
I'm glad this site is helping. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Hang in there and soon you will be walking again.
Thanks for this blog, very useful and reassuring. I am a 50 year old male and I fully ruptured my right tendon on Aug 6, operated on Aug 7, fitted with the "boot" on Aug 17. I removed one wedge a week from the boot and commenced physio after week 6. I did have a minor infection caused by 2 stitches not dissolving properly but this was resolved at my local doctors. Early physio involved balancing exercises, stretches and lots of massage of the tendon (this apparently encourages proper production of collagen in the scar tissue area). By week 9 I had progressed to resistance exercises using a wide rubber band and more difficult stretches and balancing etc. I was also able to walk a short distance with a pronounced limp by week 10. Week 12 saw the first calf raises and the start of swimming. I was now able to walk half a mile or so unaided. Week 15 saw attempts at calf raises using just the injured leg. I still had to choose the correct shoes and socks because of soreness around the scar area.
I then had a 2 week holiday in Cuba with lots of swimming and beach walking. I am sure the salt water has improved the scar tissue enormously. As at week 17 I can now walk the dog 4 or 5 miles a day over rough and hilly ground and I feel stronger each day. I am not at full fitness or strength and have been told that it will take up to a year - but I am very happy with my progress - the dark days of August seem a long time ago.
My main recommendations to anyone suffering this injury is have the operation rather than just a plaster cast, have the op as soon as possible, have the "boot" as this helps recovery and stay positive it does get better!!
further to my "anonymous" post a few minutes ago my "recommendations" are only based on my personal experience everyone is different and you will need to be guided by your own medical team. I am not a medical expert merely a patient !!
Hi,
I'm glad I found this blog. It's been hard finding good information regarding recovery. I ruptured my achilles on Dec. 26 while racing my bike in Belgium and had surgery on it that night. My whirlwhind tour of the Belgian medical system was interesting and a week later I flew home to California. My staples come out on Thursday. Reading about everyone's recovery and rehab is tremendously useful and gives me hope and goals for my own injury.
Josh:
Good thing you got operated soon. That sure helps. Now rest, elevate and take it easy especially the first three weeks.
Good luck!
Hi Resource Box and everyone,
I'm going to the ortho tomorrow and was feeling great about myself. My leg didn't hurt I could clear an entire flight of stairs without stopping then ten feet from my front door I slipped and fell last night. It's been raining here for the past several days and the wooden walkway to my door gets very slippery. My right foot hit the ground and pushed the toes back as far as the cast would allow, my leg is super sore and throbbing today. I'm really hoping I didn't reinjure the tendon.
Barb
This is somewhat chronicled on my own blog.
It will be chronicled in more detail in a week or two here
http://www.cyclingnews.com/riders/2007/diaries/barbarella/
Hi Barb:
The cast normally protects you against things like that. I don't think anything bad happened to your tendon. Try to slightly push with the ball of your foot against the cast; if you feel your calf muscles working and tightening up you should be OK.
My leg was fine, just a bit sore. I'm now into a walking boot and much much happier. I even rode a stationary bike one legged yesterday.
Barb
Hi,
What a fantastic site! I wish it had been available 2 years ago. I ruptured my achilles tendon in August, 2005 whilst at school (I am a High School teacher). I had just turned 40. I had surgery one week later, was in a plaster cast for 9 weeks and then walked with the use of crutches for another 4. I had regular physiotherapy for 6 months (covered by worker's compensation in Australia) and probably still go every 6 months, just to loosen it all up. It would have been 18 months to almost 2 years before I felt I had reached the best I would ever achieve from the recovery - it was a very long slow process. I hardly ever notice now, except that it is stiff first thing in the morning (so I go straight to the shower), and I need to be careful of not standing in the one spot for extended periods of time or lifting heavy objects (I pay for this the next day). It occasionally will swell and become stiff at the end of the day, but I have become used to sitting with my feet elevated when I get home from work. Focus on any exercises you are given, make sure you keep your leg elevated whenever you can during your recovery, and hang in there as it does slowly get better.
Hi former achille rupture patient,
Thanks for making this great site. It is so nice to know that one is not alone...
I ruptured my achille last saturday, and I had the surgery only 5 days ago.
When I read the comments, and your history I see that there is a far way for me to go. I really need to hear some succes stories.
And I am just so sad if I'll never play beachvolley again. It was my favorite sport...
Please let us know how you are progressing with your sport activity.
Bye bye from
Bettina, Denmark, Europe.
You have a very interesting blog...so informative! What a LONG process for you though. I can relate as I ruptured all of the lateral ligaments in my ankle in 1999 when I was 25 years old and had six subsequent surgeries to repair that damage and the resultant nerve injury that followed. My husband ruptured his achilles tendon on 12/16/08 and had open repair on 12/19/08. We were prepared for quite the long recovery. He has had an amazingly pain-free recovery. He was in his fiberglass cast for four weeks, and then placed into his Cam walker while still using crutches. At week 6 he went to weightbearing with the aid of crutches and started phyiscal therapy. Last week he stopped using his crutches altogether. He actually just called from his 8 week followup and has been cleared to lose the cam walker and use his regular shoes. AMAZING! He will continue PT for another two weeks and then be released from that as well. While he obviously won't be running until this summer, he is already walking almost normally at only 8 weeks postop. WOW!!
I am so glad i have found this site, as i am feeling pretty low, after rupturing my Achilles tendon 4 weeks ago, i had surgery a week later as the hospital said there was no beds available,
I am 47 and was helping my sons football team, when it felt like i had been kicked, however, i realised there wasn't anyone near me.
i went into work the next day, and thought the pain would go away.
When it didn't, i went to the hospital, and was diagnosed with a ruptured AT
My biggest fear now, is that it might rerupture, but reading some of the stories, i have found renewed hope.
Steve T.
Manchester
Thanks to all of you for sharing your recovering experience and I am now even better prepared for the long and slow process.
I ruptured my right Achilles tendon 4 weeks ago in a badminton game. I have been playing badminton at least 6 hours every week in the last 5 years and never thought of this would happen to me. That night I was a little late for the game so I did not have much warm-up before getting into the court as I usually did and eventually ended up with the “pop”, though I am not sure that was exactly the cause…
I had the surgery on the next day and so far it seems going well. My surgeon removed the splint (I was not put in a cast as I expected at the beginning) 16 days after the operation in the first scheduled visit, and gave me a cam walker. My next scheduled visit is in the 6th week.
My doctor seemed not really encouraging me to go through any physiotherapy, at least at this stage. Right after the surgery all he suggested me to do was to wiggle my toes in the splint and keep the leg in an elevated position. In the first scheduled visit he was quite happy with the progress and again no physiotherapy was recommended, just asked me to put a quarter of my body weight on that foot after a week and add another quarter the week after and so on. In the meantime, I should try to stretch it as much as I can, then by the seventh week I should be able to stand on my right foot alone again…, sounds in a right ball park of most of you have experienced.
In the last several days I felt some significant improvement. It gets less swelling around the ankle though it does get worse if I lower the foot for a longer period. I can place the foot on the floor with almost 90 degree ankle though does feel more pain if I try to stretch it further or bear weight through toes.
I have heard a lot about the RICE rule, ie., rest, ice, compression and elevate, and I have been following it to my best about the “rest and elevate”. Would any of you like to suggest on the best practice of the “ice” and “compression”? I have just got a cold/hot wrap and would think it may help healing process but have no idea how and what I should do with it. Is it too late to use it after 4 weeks or it will even have adverse effect? I am still having slight swollenness at the stitch area and I can feel it is “warmer” than its surrounding.
“…Early physio involved balancing exercises, stretches and lots of massage of the tendon (this apparently encourages proper production of collagen in the scar tissue area)…” By touching the stitched tendon I can also feel a lot of little “lumps”, are they common at this stage? Will massage to the tendon help to smooth them out?
I was also told that “ultrasound treatment” would help a lot. Have any of you ever tried those “portable ultrasound devices”? I did mention it to my doc in my visit, and he suggested it was too early to use it. Your opinion would be much appreciated.
Wish you all recover more quickly.
John L.
Melbourne
Thank you for creating this site. I should be having my cast removed in 2 days (36 days since the surgery). My doctor then said that he will probably have me wear the boot for 4 weeks. I know that my left calf is a lot smaller than it was normally and that I will not be able to walk for long on it. I am really looking forward to physical therapy. I see it as a great physical challenge. I will use your blog as a resource.
- Joe C.
Oakland, CA
Use ice on the heel and behind the knee as often and as long as you need. I have the gel packs you can heat and freeze. I sometimes heat it before I stretch, but ice has been very beneficial.
What a great great site. I am entering my eighth month post op and all things are going very well. I am a 46 year old male of average fitness and I was playing goalie on an over 40 indoor soccer team. We had just started the second half. I made a routine save and was simply walking forward in the box, when I heard the "POP" and felt that "kicked in the calf" feeling. I too thought that someone had kicked me but no one was there. As I moved forward I couldn't walk on my foot. I was able to put weight on my heel but was unable to make a heel toe motion. I had surgery to repair the complete tear and in my case was surprised at the lack of pain before and after surgery. My 15 staples were pulled 10 days later and I was put in a walking boot but told not to bear weight on my foot. This was my left foot so I was able to drive and return to work on the sixth day after surgery. I began my PT at about 6 weeks and this was a slow frustrating period for me. My ankle was so non-flexible and I favored it excessively not helping matters. Once you get to the toe/calf raises/lifts you can never do enough of them. I'm entering my eigth month after surgery and I too have that morning hobble that takes about 20-30 steps to go away and if I drive or sit still for extended periods of time the first couple of steps are stiff as well. I will be returning to the soccer field in the middle of my eight month and my doctor has recommended plenty of stretching prior to my games and to stay very hydrated. If I feel any twinge though he has asked that I ice the heel and put off any further competitve activity indiffinately..I already know I won't be as aggressive on the field as I was prior to the injury and am simply thankful for the chance to play again. I am nervous but excited and will keep you posted as to how things turn out. It has been what seems forever, but it does get better. The best to everyone who has become a member of the Achilles Rupture club....
I am a 47 year old woman and ruptured my achilles playing tennis. I had surgery 2 days later- cast 6 weeks then cam walker 6 weeks. Started PT @ 6 week mark once I was out of the hard cast. PT 6 months and now on my own. It has been 8 months. According to Dr & Therapist I've been 2 months ahead of most with range and walking- no problem. However, I have had constant pain, occasional burning and pins and needles in my heel or on sides of scar site. They keep saying 7mos to a year? I'm just concerned as everyone else seems to be relatively pain free?? I'm not usually wimpy- played tennis on a broken foot for 6 weeks before I realized it was broken! Any suggestions?
I just hit the 10 month mark since surgery and just found this blog..how wonderful......I am a 32 year old female and ruptured my tendon after playing tennis....My calf is still smaller than the other and I am still not running or jogging again because it has taken me a long time to gain strength to come up on the ball of my foot( I can only hold myself up for a minute) and my PT says until then I can't jump therefore can't run.....but the good news I am hiking and biking a lot and can hold myself up on the ball longer and longer....still limp first few steps in morning and after sitting awhile but am very active again....also want to share success of actual scar...I have used silicone pad on my scar and truly it works my scar is thinning out rapidly and the redness is much less(you can buy these pads at any drugstore)...also swelling and bump are completely unnoticable from front....Two things that help swelling...legs up the wall( a yoga position)...For the first 6 months I did this 3 times a day.....now once a day..helps rid body of toxins and circulate blood(very helpful)..also start massaging scar as soon as possible as much as possible....goodluck..it only gets better...hope some of this was helpful
also...I do still feel some pain and felt it throughout recovery...I am a female and it might be due to female having thinner tendons to begin with and therefore more scar tissue holding us together after surgery...that's why my doctor says I have more pain than other achilles recoveries..because when scar tissue rubs against tendon it is not a smooth sliding action..there is friction...hope that helps
Hi all,firstly fantastic site and thanx for all the effort and info you put into it. I first discovered it during my initial recovery and some of the comments did give me much needed encouragement. I am a 46yr old male Police Officer currently seconded to the United Nations and working in Kosovo in the Balkans (FRY) I would say I have allways been pretty active and enjoyed most sports, mainly football (Scottish style) now more of a golfer, but still very active. I had a full Achilles rupture while playing a game of volley ball (for the first time ever) I believe it happened as I turned up late for the game and did not stretch or warm up properly (will never not do that again) anyhow at the time I felt and heard the snapping, like most describe I was sure someone had stood on my ankle but for about 2-3 seconds I could'nt understand why as no-one was near me, anyhow I had the most intense pain I ever felt in my life, which lasted all of 60 seconds then completely dissapeared, still sitting on the floor at this point, were I had been banging on the floor and screaming in agony, it was'nt until I stood up and started to walk that I knew I had ruptured the tendon, I could walk and put full weight on it but had a very definate limp and was unable to curl my toes upward, but it still wasn't painful. The game finished some 20 mins later and I drove myself home, a bit awkward granted I just used my heel to work the clutch instead of the ball of the foot. As I said this happened when working In Kosovo I would not seek any (local)medical treatment here, but fortunately I had the opportunity (next day) to visit the nearby German Militiary hospital were I was examined by a German doctor and an ultrasound scan confirmed my fears a full rupture of my left achilles tendon. The doctor advised me on both conservative and operative treatments, I asked him if it were he, what option would he choose he told me that statistics indicated that operative provides a lesser chance of future re-rupture and the sonner the Op is done the better.Good enough for me. I was prepped and had the Op 2 hours later less than 24hrs after the injury occurred. I feel lucky on that point as no doubt if I had done this at home in Scotland I would have no doubt waited weeks as some of you had too. The Op lasted about 40 mins, not sure on this though as I was slightly out of it at the time, I opted for the spinal injection which was also a weird experience in itself, this wore off after 3-4 hours, the wound had a total of 7 stitches, scar about 8cm long,I also had a plaster cast fitted from my toes (exposed)up to above my shin bone, not a full around the leg cast just on the front of the leg which kept my foot pointed in a downward angle(plantar flexion is the medical term I believe)and held in place by a bandage,but again I had no pain and to be honest with you guys I have never had any pain since that initial 60 seconds of sheer agony. Anyhow I was fitted with crutches and told N.W.B for 6 weeks. 3 days later I flew home to Scotland to allow for wound healing (dirty environment out here so did'nt want any infection setting in) after 15 days had the stitches removed at my local hospital doctor advised the wound was healing nicely, (first hurdle crossed)I enquired at the time with the Doctor regarding the cam walker, also known as the moon boot, ski boot etc etc, but thanks to the poorly funded National Health Service in the UK this was not available, so I ended up buying my own from a UK company specialising in this type of equipment, cost £150 sterling, p&p included. The package arrived 2 days before I was due to fly back to Kosovo, yep!! back to work after 3 weeks, Doc advised me that I could perform desk duties, although I enjoyed the unexpected trip home and the 3 week break the thought of being stuck at home with my feet up any longer would have drove me crazy, I also felt guilty that my girlfriend was having to run after me all the time, although she never complained,(love her even more for that) Anyhow as I mentioned I bought my own Cam Walker which arrived two days before I was due to fly back, so I decided just to take it with me and have the German doctor fit it and set the angle etc, I returned to Kosovo on the Monday afternoon and was scheduled to visit the doctor the following day, that night I slipped on the kitchen floor on my crutches and took the full weight on the injured leg, again intense pain for approx 2 mins which then again dissapeared, I said more prayers in that 2 mins than I ever done hoping I had not re-ruptured it. Not so lucky! the next day the Doctor advised me that I had partially ruptured the tendon, felt gutted, he said I had set myself back 3-4 weeks in the recovery process (Head down!!) the boot was fitted and set at appropriate angle ( not sure what that was, sorry) If only it had been fitted when I slipped it would not have been a problem, the cam walker is truly fantastic and why I highly recommend you have one even if it means buying it yourself. After two weeks of wearing the boot, week 5 of the injury, I returned to the German hospital and had the angle adjusted up, wound had completely healed with a nice healthy pink 8cm scar. Doc advised only 20 kgs of weight, (Duh!! how do you know what is 20kgs of weight) so I decided not to put any weight on it until my next visit,( another 2 weeks) so I remained in the boot and on the crutches,But at the start of week 6 I was walking around the house without the crutches with full weight bearing, due to the support provided by the cam walker (and why you have to get one) by about 6 and half weeks I dumped the crutches and was full weight bearing, what a relief to get rid of the crutches ( hurdle number 2) As a police officer I perhaps should not say this, but by the start of week seven and 2 days before my next Doctors app I was driving, I did test myself in the carpark and found that i could just as easily work the clutch and foot brake with no problems at all, even emergency stopping was no problem and as I was only driving to and from work I felt ok to do so.(Again the benefit of having the boot,could not have done this without it) Next Doctors app, week 7 boot is adjusted to the full 90degrees plantar flexion. (hurdle number 3)I informed the doc that I had been full weight bearing for approx a week and that I had no trouble, incidentally I should have mentioned earlier that at week 4 I was removing the boot at night for bed and putting on the cast and bandage I was originally given, afraid of getting my ankle caught up in the duvet during the night, but by week 5 I stopped using the cast completely.(hurdle 4) I was advised by the Doctor to continue with the boot for another 2 weeks, this would take me to week 9, but again by the start of week 8 I started wearing my boots to work, good leather boots with a strong ankle support, I also used the silicone heel wedges provided by the german Doctor and found they did provide comfort and support, although I still was'nt in pain my heel felt hard without them. I was now walking but not as I normally did, I had a slight limp which others said was not noticable, but they were just being kind. My biggest fear in all of this is that I would not walk properly again and would be left with a permanent limp. My final hurdle number 5 was reached at week 12, I had a planned golf holiday with some friends in Tenerife which I had set as my target from day one. Played golf with no problems at all, Although I was expecting a reaction when swinging the club there was none, heck I even picked up the winners trophy so something was working ok Ha Ha. I am now comming up to week 16 and the limp although no longer visible if I say so myself, it still feels different when walking, I would say I have about 80% strenght /power in the leg I can stand feet together and and raise up on my toes but cannot do this on the injured leg alone as of yet, but every day it does feel better. I am more confident now that I will return pretty much to normal activities by Sept Oct, (although I will not take any chances by pushing to quickly, not going through that again) I am very grateful to the Surgeon who performed the Op,I believe that his skill as a surgeon is the reason why I had a pain free recovery and why I have made excellent progress til now, I am more convinced of this when I read some of your experiences especially you guys who have suffered a lot of pain. I hope that your pain eases quickly and that my experince here gives you some hope that you can and will recover. it goes without saying that we are all individuals and we all heal in different ways and at different times, such is life. But take hope in the knowledge that there is light at the end of the tunnel and YOU WILL get better. Thanks for taking the time to read this I do sincerely hope it helps.
All the best
Hello i am a 17 year old female athlete who cut my achilles completely in half. I just had surgery a week ago. I am a very big runner and missed out on my senior year in track, and i also will be in a wheelchair for graduation which is this weekend. Sometimes the pain is worst and sometimes it is bearable. I just am hoping to run again, and im worried about getting out of shape. I am a very active person who constantly worked out and my body was in good shape. Does anyone have any advice on how to stay in shape???
Email gwilson_08@hotmail.com
Thanks to u all, and i wish you all the best'
-Gabbe Wilson
Michigan
Very encouraging stories. it is great to hear all the stories. This type of injury usually evokes a pessimistic view from everyone. I am 16 weeks from surgery, I have worked very hard at the rehab and have started running again. My pace is sure slow, but it is great to be out. the scar is still red and i have to wear a slip on shoe to work. I think the most frustrating part was not being able to drive for 8 weeks. It is great to hear the positive stories, it is a horific injury, but we will all return to normal, keep up with the stories!
Brian
I agree Brian W it is a bad injury but there is hope and it will get better. It also helps you appreciate things a bit more,not take anything for granted and gives you time to reflect on the most important things.
I was walking 7 weeks after surgery and yesterday the hospital said i can return to work and start doing everything i did before my injury in a few months time, might give football (soccer) am miss though! as i am getting too old!
Good luck to everyone
Steve
Greetings fellow Achilles sufferers. Thanks very much for this post as it has helped answer a few questions I've had with regard to recovery and now I can put things into better perspective. I recently incurred my Achilles rupture on May 24 2008 and surgery was performed the same day. I'm a 39 year old male and I ruptured my Achilles while training in kick boxing (Maui Thai). I've been trying to keep my spirits high as I suddenly find myself unable to perform even the most rudimentary of tasks without an extra effort. I'm in pretty good shape and keep asking myself how this could have happened to me and what could I have done different that would have avoided it. At the end of the day what’s done is done and now I'm coming to terms with my injury and looking for any suggestions from anyone whom is an athlete and has been able to return to the same level of performance after the injury. I realize I'm not as young as I used to be but my kick boxing is what keeps me grounded I enjoy it immensely and will be crushed to think that I will not be able to continue. My doctor indicates I should be able to return but this time I will be looking for ways to protect my Achilles from re-injury. If anyone has suggestions on protective gear i.e. boots, supports, wraps etc.., I'm open to any and all advice you may offer. Once again thank you so much for your post and I speedy recovery to all...
Recovering In Bermuda...
I am 13 months out from my surgery. I ruptured my achilles while training for nationals in Taekwondo. I still notice a definite lack of strength in my leg compared to my good one, especially in explosiveness. I have an ache after walking a lot or working out, I feel that I will probably have it forever. I'm able to do everything I was doing before. Keep up your spirits and look forward to the day you can put weight on it again.
Hi *,
I'm 28 year old male and I ruptured my Achilles tendon one year ago in the Muay Thai camp. We had 3 training a day for 5 days in the row. The last day on the last training it happened. I wrote about it on my blog http://www.krajci.eu
I can see three reasons why this happened:
1) My body was tiered after one week camp
2) It was cold outside and we didn't have enough stretching
3) I was wearing shoes. Recommendation for everyone. Do not wear shoes when kicking. The upper part of the shoe is hitting your Achilles tendon.
I'm massaging every morning the tendon for 10 minutes, because when I get up it is not that flexible. After 8 month I started to train Muay Thai again, but before every training I'm massaging the tendon as well and I don't miss any stretching.
I have some questions on all of you:
1) How long does it take to fully recover from the injury. So I don't have to massage the tendon every day and I can have a day without thinking about the tendon and touching it.
2) Has anybody ruptured the tendon again?
3) How is it like to live with it after 5 years after the surgery? I heard that some minerals might settle down in the Achilles tendon after some years and it won't be so flexible. Is that true?
4) How does the scar look like. Is it getting better or is it still so red? Can you send me a picture :-)
Please post a comment or write me directly to martin.krajci@gmail.com
Thank you.
Hi all,
thankyou for this site, I am 8 months post surgery and still in pain and trying to get my balance back, I ended up having two surgeries as they grafted the first time, I got MRSA and two other infections which killed the graph. After walking around for two months with IV antibiotics and having to stop physiotherapy, I am now at a stand still. My 2nd surgeon says I am probably as good as I am going to get, which is I am grateful at walking level. Does anybody have any other ideas to improve stability while walking on complete scar tissue. I cannot wear normal shoes only clogs or backless ones as the scar tissue gets caught on the shoe back which is excrutiating. I also have a palsy in the other leg, so I am at times doubly unstable. thanks
Hello all I am a 33 year old woman who tore not her achilles but the tendon right above the achilles, I have a scar that's about 7 inches long. I did it playing football. I play women's professional football. I ahve always been active and athletic, playing basketball in college. I tore it at the end of May, got put in a cast boot 3 days later, had surgery one week after that. I am still in the process of recovering, therapy twice a week and I am walking without the cast book anymore. So this is about week 9 or so since this injury happened and surgery and healing. Hope everyone takes care of themselves and recouping goes well.
Hi people. I am a very fit athletic male who ruptured my achillies twice in 3 months. Yes, I said twice. 1st time playing a basketball league. Load pop followed by a numbing feeling. After a hospital visit, I had surgery and had set a "goal" to recover fast-bad idea- let the healing occur at its own rate. I thought-"Hey, I am in good shape I should heal fast." WRONG. Surgery went well and I was feeling good. I was in a cast for 4 weeks and a boot for 8. I followed doctor's and PT instructions. The boot was removed and I was walking-poorly, but I was walking. About 3 months to the day, I was playing whiffle ball with my daughter and lunged for a ball (dumb move) felt a little crack and thought nothing of it until I went to the Dr. and he told me the dreadful news. After a few tears and a few beers, i again went under the knife.
I am about 12 months post 2nd surgery and I am feeling great. Able to work, walk normally and jog. I have officially retired from any quick moving, explosive sports/exercises.
I never thought I would be where I am today.
If you have just ruptured your achillies-please understand-the fear,anxiety, doubt and depression are normal. Take it day by day and stay positive and take advantage of the "down" time-
Peace and a speedy recovery.
Hi all,
I am 38 and ruptured mine 9 weeks ago. After the Opp the doc said it was a mess and to expect a long and painful recovery.
I am happy to say this is far from the truth.
I had the cast off 3 weeks ago (6 weeks post op)and was put into the cam walker boot. However right from the first day (without the cast) I have taken the boot off at nights and would very carefuly try and walk around the house in my bare feet, without being silly of course. Increasing the time and weight baring over time.
My boy (16) wants to be a sports physio so has taken a real interest in the injury and massages the scar and calf each night.
Im now at a stage(9 weeks post op) where last night I went to the mall with my wife and walked around in shoes and socks (no boot or crutches)I just wanted to see how I would go. I was almost pain free, had a wee bit of a limp from a tight tendon but in the scheme of things I was happy.
I had the usual swelling in the ankle when I got home but I was very happy with the outing.
I wear the boot to work and take it off in situations I can control such as at home.
I have not even had a physio session yet they start next week.
So I hope you guys all have luck and a speedy recovery.
Shane
Melbourne
Hi Guys,
Shane from Melbourne again. Week 11 post Op, had my first cricket training of the season last night.
Had a bat in the nets and a light roll over of the arm.
Tendon a little tight but no real pain to talk of. I did all the warm up excersises pre training and got through pretty good. No more swelling than usual and the pain was no more than a slight aching tightness.
I must admit I have been quite agressive in pushin progress (within reason of course, the good old saying "if it hurst...dont do it" has been my guide)but not without the guidance of the physio.
I do al the excersises he gives me and they really do work.
I cringe at the thought of the pain and struggles some of you are going through and now apriciate how well things are going for me.
The biggest thing for me has been having the confidence in the skills of the doc's and to have faith in the repair.
I hope things goes well for you all and remember to keep the chin up.
Take care
shane
Melbourne
Awesome website! I just hit the 5 month mark. My surgeon is horrible and my PT is just okay. I am in a horrible health care state (Nevada)--your webiste is a godsend. Please keep up the good work.
-JG65
First time blogger. I had a right side tendon replacement and arch reconstruction 7 1/2 months ago. I had the fiberglass cast for 6 weeks and used a turnabout caddy after initially using a walker. I already had a painful right shoulder (probable labral tear) before the surgery and right lower lumbar pain as well and knew I wouldn't be able to use crutches or a walker for any time. Even w/ the turnabout caddy which was a lifesafer, & then when weightbearing afterwards, the pain on the right side of my body became so much more intense. I never had any post surgical pain at all; it was surprising; but the surgery has taken such a toll on the right side of my body. The lower back pain increased to being a pinched nerve. What I am so frustrated about is my rehab. The PT, more than 2 months ago, gave me the exercise of "standing on your toes" which I was doing w/ both feet at same time, but then added the exercise of standing on one foot tippie toes. I have no ability to do it; no better now than 2 months ago. The dr says the tendon replacing the torn tendon is a weaker one and it takes time; but come now, no progress? Any ideas or other exercises you've used to gain back ability to do this? Many thanks.
I'm 53 years old female, was very athletic. At 3 months post op still having pain and feeling a lot of tightness. Hope long does it take to feel "normal" again? I realize everyone is different, but it's so hard to be patient!!
Hi: I completely ruptured my achilles tendon while sparring at taekwondo. I am now 3.5 months post op and am only now able to walk (kind of) without my crutches. I have quite a bad limp but with alot of stretching and walking it is getting better. I find that I am having a difficult time bending my knee and just raising my foot up. is this just something that comes with time and exercise? ph
It's so good to find this site. There really is not much out there about the aftermath of such an injury. I am almost to the 6 month mark and am deeply disappointed. I still have significant limitation when I walk, pain most of the time and a two inch knot off the back where the repair was done. My surgeon ain't great and his aftercare hasn't been much better. My surgery wasn't until 5 days after the injury and the tendon had recoiled and left a 4 inch gap. There was a lot of trouble getting my ankle to a 90 degree point and it's not been a great ride. There was an untreated infection inside the cast on the incision which has influenced the scar to be deep red and raised. I DO get to ride my horse and can move around okay. But I have always been active and feel the cramp in my style. Anyone else out there have a knot out the back of the heel? It means I can't wear most shoes unless they are highly padded or backless. It's a problem. Hoping to hear others have had the same issue and it went away....
Thanks! Leah
Hey Gabbe Wilson again.. the 17 year old.. well not 18 who completely severed it...I am just hitting the 6.5 month mark and it still is rather painful. It always is tight when i stand up from sitting down. Running still not permitted but i could lightly jog if i wanted just the doc hasnt okayed it yet. Shoes are still a major issue.... If i want to wear a tennis shoe i have to wrap my foot very well in the back. I can say though finally that it does get better, it takes time and it feels like you will never walk again... but believe me you will. I had 3 huge surgeries and my ankle will never look the same again, but i am glad that i can finally walk and exercise.. and be normal. The best to all and hang in there.. it gets better... God doesnt throw anything at us that we cant handle. What doesnt kill us will only make us stronger!! Best of luck!!!!
email me if you wanna talk about it
wilso831@msu.edu
!!!
Gab
HI, I am a 50 year old woman, had a full ruture of my left achilles tendon on Sept 29 after playing badminton, had surgery next day, am now in my third plaster cast(walking) with instructions to only lightly put my foot on the ground for the next three weeks. Will get a walking cast(like a ski boot)in 3 weeks. I am not yet back to work as I continue to have alot of swelling if I am not elevating most of the day.(in a laying down position) Most of my job is sitting but there is some walking expected as I see clients in an out-patient clinic and have to meet them at the waiting area and then escort them out. I am not able to drive or start physio therapy yet, I am wondering what would be a reasonable time to consider returning to work. I do have a good medical plan but don't want to feel that I am being a wimp either.
Great site. It was good to hear that others were going through the same struggles and was a good pick me up while being immobile for so long.
I had surgery Feb 2008 and went through most of the same steps. I have started to play some tennis again, though not at 100%. After playing, the heel/ankle area is sore and the next day, there's a bit more pain than the norm. My doc says that it takes 12+ months post op for the pain to go away. Has anyone gone through this and is now not only walking but playing sports pain free? How long did this take?
Hey,
Im currently 8 months after my surgery. Im walking fine and I have been jogging quite a bit, but the other day i felt a sharp pain in my tendon. It wasn't very painful,but just a slight sting. Do you know if that's normal to feel once in a while or should i check it out with he doctor?
I still have sensory loss and small dark rashes that has been at the site of the surgery since then.Would that be normal too? It doesn't really bug me, but just curious. Kindest regards :-)
WOW.. I'm just a two weeks past the six month mark. The comments below from the top of the page are perfect to describe myself...
"After six months of the operation, everything's going fairly well. I still have a limp when I get up from bed early in the morning, but it gradually goes away (it takes about 15 minutes). I still have to wear comfortable shoes"
..i can't run, jump, have a tiny calve, I get just a little bit of tingle pain here and there... BUT I CAN SKATE!!!!! NO IMPACT!!!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePLI2fpcgtc
Wow Im impressed that is some skating dude.
Im 12 weeks post op and if I could skate like that at just over 6 months it would be worth the long recoveray time.
Happy Healing paul r
I'm 47 and I ruptured my right Achilles playing football in Dubai after work exactly one year ago to the day! The crazy thing is when I went to the clinic down there they mis-diagnosed it and said it was just a strain. After flying back to Egypt where I live, I had an orthopedic surgeon take a look and the very next day had a surgical repair done. Went through the whole 6 weeks in a cast business followed by one of those Robocop boots for a month or two. Anyway I just wanted to write in and say that as long as you do everything by the book that there is life after Achilles ruptures: Just yesterday I ran 10KM in the desert here and although I'm a bit slower than I used to be I am sure it will all come back with time. The important thing is to stretch everyday and do the strengthening exercises and so on (when allowed!) and that's it. Anyway to all those still on the road to recovery - keep the faith and get fit soon!, Martin.
Thank you so much for creating this blog; I read it everytime I feel like I need a helping hand. It helps to understand what's happening to me. My ankle pain began last May; first the doctor put me on bed rest for four weeks and a medical boot for four more weeks. Then after the third pop; I ruptured my achilles heel tendon, and I had surgery on August 7th. I'm in my 17 week, but I'm still having some trouble. I go to a GREAT therapist, but he told me today that I was a little behind schedule. It hurts to go down stairs and do toe lifts. Did anyone else experience this? I go back to the doctor on Dec. 26, and he is going to talk to me about being able to drive. I am so worried that I'm not ready, but i so want to drive. It's been 5 months since I've been behind the wheel. Hope you all are doing well, and are on track for recovery. Any words of wisdom would be helpful; I need some cheering up. Happy Holidays!
I am lucky to live in Canada, where we have great health care at the cost of paying our taxes. I'm a 47 year old active male who thought he was fit at the time of my injury.
I was operated on 8.5 hours post injury, and was home in my own bed about 25 hours after the injury first occurred. I am now 2.5 weeks post.
Thank you so much for this forum where we can share our experiences! It is too early to know, but I feel like I received the best in medical care. Dr. Van Sittert, Dr. Atherstone, and the medical support team, including Marvelous Marve at St Joseph's Hospital in Comox get all the credit. Thank you for a first rate job, well done!
Pete in Campbell River, BC, Canada
HI Pete in BC, It's Laura in NS. I too feel lucky re Canada(except my surgeon was terrible).My GP is great and I am in the care of a great Physio, massage therapist and NS Rehab Centrre is working with me as well as I have developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome(sometimes happens from this type of injury). I am 10 weeks, walking with 2 canes and sometimes one, am in physio daily and am pleased with the strength I have in my AT area. Am being fitted with a special "sock" because of swelling (mostly associated with the CRPS) (covered by insurance, thank god as it retails for $120.00!) I am not able to wear the Cam walker or air cast because of this condition but am still not able to wear any shoe because of swelling. I tried em all, a 6e men's sneaker with a rocker heel was too tight! I am 51, size 8 1/2 and let me tell you my vanity was a bit toppled that day! I am hopeful with the "sock" that I will be able to return to the shoe shop to be fitted with something. In the meantime, I have a cast protector(the velcro type) when I go out, otherwise wear a sock around the house. Good luck with your healing.
I was searching for anything that would reduce the chances of an asynchronous bilateral achilles rupture and found this: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/SAFETY/2004/jul04.htm
This says that the family of antibacterial agents that do the same as penicillin has the negative effect of causing tendon fragility.
I was prescribed erythromyicin, twenty years ago that might have contributed to my injury.
Cipromyicin is in the same class. Check it out.
Pete
Does anyone have any experience with surfing after an achilles rupture ?
I ruptured my achilles on the 6/12/08 playing touch football & had the operation on the 9/12/08.
I am a 46 yo male.
I have a surfing trip booked to the Maldives on the 10/07/09 & am not sure if I should cancel ?
Regarding your surfing trip, do not cancel. I am not a surfer but plan on snowboarding this winter after surgery in May 08. I just played basketball yesterday and have almost regained my vertical leap. And this is after not doing much of anything (stretching, exercise, etc) for the past two months. After 6 months, you should be able to surf no problem.
Thanks for the positive reply.
It's early days for me & difficult to gauge how the recovery will go.
Regarding the surf trip I change my mind every 5 minutes - probably need to discuss this with my surgeon & get his opinion.
Hi John, it's Laura in Canada. I have a similar dilemma as I am part of an amateur acting group that stages musicals. The cast wants me to be part of the next production that starts rehearsals and such with the date of the opening in early May. I would be required to do alot of dancing. They are willing to accomodate me re thedancing at this earlier stage(I am 12 weeks) but I woul have to pick up the pace by April. I am going to consult with my physio as I find that they are the best gauge on the progress of an injury. By the way, I am now walking with a cane and doing very well with it. Good luck with your progress.
To John F and surfing. I am a 42 year old male and avid surfer who ruptured his achilles playing tennis and had surgery on 8/15/08 and I have started surfing again this month (12/08) without much trouble. Your surf trip is a year out so I would keep it booked.
After 6 weeks and four days I had my fibreglas cast cut off today and got an aircast/walking cast. I can get around the house today and I still need to limit my range. I will try driving my standard vehicle tomorrow. I can do it. Walking with the aircast these first few days is like walking with a peg leg. I'm trying not to use my lower leg.
The physio I'll see Monday just blew his Achilles last year so I'll get the benefit of his experience.
Pete
I drove with no problem. Did six weeks worth of errands today. After an hour with my foot up I feel fine. I looked closely at the incision and am very impressed with Dr. Jakob Van Sittert's work. Ruler-straight and razor-thin...I doubt it will be visible after a few more weeks. I need my aircast pumped up when I walk, but deflate if I can sit for more than a few minutes. I use a cane and that extends the amount of time I can spend on my feet.
Good luck with your own recovery, take good care with it!
Pete
Hi all. I’d like to reiterate what a great site this is, I’ve learnt so much since I discovered it yesterday.
I’m a 33 male and I ruptured my achilles just over a week ago. At the time of doing it I was very fit and training approx. 18 hours a week. I was right at the end of one of my gym sessions on a Friday evening and doing step-up exercises. I jumped down from the apparatus and...bang, I though someone had rolled a weight into my left ankle. I looked around to give out to someone and then realised there was no one there. That’s when the pain set in, and I collapsed.
I went to hospital that night and was operated on the following morning (less than 24h after the rupture occurred). The surgeon has put me in a cast for 6 weeks, and I am meeting him next week for my first post-op consultation.
It’s been one week since the operation and so far so good, I’m not in any pain or discomfort. I try to keep my foot elevated as much as possible, especially at night and in the morning.
Can anyone who was very active before a rupture tell me how long it was before they got back to fully functional/impact exercise. I am due to compete in the world triathlon championships in September this year and really want to know if I have a realistic chance of full rehabilitaion before then, or should I just forget about it for this year?
I realise that rehabilitation varies from person to person and my gut feeling is that I have no chance of competing this year.
Hi J. I considered myself very fit before my rupture(age 51) which happened after a warm up and 2 hours of badminton. I am a runner, hiker. skater(was going to play women's ice hockey this year). I am now 3 1/2 months since my surgery and am able to walk without a cane for very short distances but am gaining more and more strength and flexibility daily. After your cast comes off, your physio and surgeon will likely be able to assist you in deciding re the September deadline. Wiggle your toes, stay positive and good luck from Laura
Hi J. I'm 47 and want to be on the safe side. I'll try to keep myself out of competing (squash, ice hockey) until I feel my leg has regained as much as it will. If I re-injure at this age, I'd be facing the possibility of no more sports. Now that I've been a few days out of the cast I feel confident of near-complete recovery.
As a high-level athlete, you have a great chance to do this. Please be careful not to re-injure it and let us know about your success!
Pete
In response to J from Jan 10, 2009: each case is different, but there is a growing movement toward early weight bearing and early physical therapy to shorten recovery time. go to achillesblog.com there are some studies showcased there supporting this approach. I would also highly recommend getting a vacoachill (vacocast.com) instead of a cast followed by camwalker. you can start PT much earlier with this product. you have to demand it, though. if you have insurance it costs you same as any other camwalker. your doc makes less profit from it, so he may discourage you, but it's worth insisting.
I'm sneaking into this section since I'm only 5 1/2 months post surgery on a complete ART on the left. I've been in PT twice a week since November 2008. I had surgery in August. Everything is going great - I'm getting stronger and my physical therapist is confident that I'll be able to "walk" a half marathon in June and hopefully run a marathon in October. I was so close last year when I injured myself. Anyhoo... I am wondering about two things. My proprioception is still a challenge. It's not uncommon for me to draw a blank about how to do an exercise unless I do it with my right side first. The other thing is the nerve sensations I experience can be pretty severe. My heel still has a lot of numbness and last night I was massaging the scar and hit a spot that sent me through the roof with pain. Now today I'm getting the "nerve zaps" constantly and I don't like it. Are these common experiences and how long until they go away?
I had a ATR about 6 weeks ago, the doctor missed it so have only just been put in a cast a week ago. I have not been offered surgery,but have been told I will be in a non weight bearing cast for 6 weeks, which will be changed twice to alter the angle of my foot, followed by a weight bearing cast for three. I can't seem to find much info from people who have had conservative treatment rather than surgery. What Can I expect when the cast is changed in two weeks and what's the recovery period likely to be.
I'm a little over two months post-op and I've been taking off the walking cast for short periods. I had a shower standing up today!
By the time I see a physiotherapist, I'll know what I can do or not. I've been sleeping without the cast for about a week now.
Pete
Hello all. Because I have found this site so useful to me, I would like to take a moment to thank all of you. I do have to make a few comments on complications related to this surgery. My surgery was performed 7 weeks and 3 days ago. I had a popliteal block performed by the anesthesiologist. Since the day of the surgery I have had increasing pain. For a 31 year old former college basketball player, who has suffered many injuries, sprains and breaks, this pain reached unbearable state at about week 4 or 5 after surgery. From day 1 of the process I have had little to no sensation to touch in my big toe, but the sharp shooting pains that occur nearly bring tears to my eyes. In the middle of the night I wake up feeling like someone just drove a bus over my foot. Needless to say I suspected nerve damage. Today, my suspicions were confirmed by my primary care physician and she has scheduled me to see a neurologist to determine who did the damage, if it is curable, how long it will take to cure and so on. My fear is that as a productive citizen, father, husband, and friend that this damage will affect me for years or a lifetime. It is important that you understand, the possibility of this scenario was never discussed with me by my ortho or the anes.. As a matter of fact, my ortho said that he has never had any significant problems with any of the procedures he had performed. He went so far as to tell me that he had a female patient that he did a repair on and at week 12, she called and asked if she could attend an alumni basketball game at her high school. He told her it would be okay, (he thought she would be a spectator) and she went out and played rupturing the opposite AT and the repaired one held up. Now, I don't sleep without 2 percocets at bedtime, and can't stay awake during the day because of the damn drugs. I am either doped out of my mind or in excruciating pain. I don't know if the block caused this or if the surgeon got into the nerve during the operation, but I intend to find out. I only post this comment because if you are reaching this blog prior to your surgery, you should be aware of my situation. I have researched peripheral neuropathy and found that at best I can probably expect months of recovery and worst case is that it is permanent. In any case, my only desire is that I can function as a Father of 2 young daughters, one 4 years and one 2 weeks old. Had I been painted a less rosie picture pre-op, I may have chosen a different approach, (casting). Or, being 31 and active, I may have elected to go on the same way. But I had no idea this could happen to me.
I am at 8 weeks post surgery.
I had no cast - straight into boot.
NWB for approx 4 weeks , then slight weight bearing for 1 week then three quarter WB for 1 wk. At 6 wks had review by the surgeon who advised to throw away the crutches & get rid of the boot.
Was reluctant at first but by week 7 walked into my first physio session with no crutches & wearing two shoes.
Next pyhsio sesion is tomorrow - wk 8 post op - am improving slighhtly every day - walking with limp but mobility is improving.
Doing basic mobility excercises & kickboard & breast stoke in the pool each day.
Really happy with recent progress.
HI it's Laura from Canada with an update and comments for Shanie20 and the person who posted on Feb3. I had my A.T. rupture and surgery on Sept30,after 2 weeks in the cast complained of burning, shooting pain in my foot, my toes would turn white and freeze, couldn't touch them, then they would turn a purple/black color, long story short, after my final cast was removed on Nov 16, it was determined I had a condition called Complex Regional Pain syndrome,(affects the nerves/bone/blood vessel/skin. I was put on a steroid for 6 weeks, a bone loss medication, and lyrica for nerve pain.(they suggested the lyrica for at least a year) It was also suggested that I take daily Vitamin D and Calcium. I also go to physio almost daily(and I have a home program that takes me almost 2 hours). The main focus on recovery or remission of the condition is LOTS of physio. I am now at 4 1/2 months and am walking mostly without a cane, have lots of mobilty, swelling is still an issue so I have to wear a compression sock for at least another 2 months. Not sure if this sounds at all what you have, but look up CRPS on line for more info.
Surgery 11/7/08 - Non-weight bearing until 10 wk and went from cast to boot. About 14 wks, in p.t. and noticed progress slowed after first 2 wks p.t. I wanted to progress faster than my tendon, strained it and had to back off, twice now. Easy does it. I was on simvastatin for 1 yr and noticed the pain started then. Anyone else made that connection yet? Lots of online talk about tendon injuries and statins, even some M.D.'s have websites on it.
Hi,
I had also snap my right tendon 3wks ago. Now is post operation 3wks. Accordingly to my Dr, at 6wks mark, you can actually step on your foot as the tendon recovery is 50%. But according to many of the post here, they need much much longer time? So, which is right?
In response to Ah Pui's question, the surgeon is likely speaking in terms of the structure of the tendon, but not the actual functionality. my physical therapist's perspective on complete ATR is that the first 8-12weeks post-op your body is in high recovery mode, indicated by swelling, etc. It's actually the period after that when reinjury often occurs because the body is no longer protecting itself, we start to move a lot more, get our mobility back, but we're not fully healed.
Hi Laura in NS here, saw surgeon last week. I am 4 months post op. He said now is a critical time to be careful because of extra movement, activity, etc. He stated that rerupture could happen still.
Today I went to see my Dr after 5wks post operation. Was in the walker boot for the past 2wks. Dr told me today to change the angle to Zero position which is 90Deg! Gosh! No Way! The tendon was so tight that I could hardly bend upwards. Accordingly to him, still need to be 2wks without weight. Shall bend slowly upward day by day hopefully will losen up the tendon... ...
I am 6 months post ATR. I had surgery in September of 2008 followed by casting for 6 weeks and a cast boot for 8 more weeks while on crutches. After coming off the crutches and out of the boot I started to experience severe pain in my heel (the bottom of the heel and the fat part of the heel). Has anyone experienced this problem? If so, how have you dealt with it? It is almost unbearable at times.
hi Tam...heel pain for me is a sign of overdoing it, also, do you have a good physio who could show you some execises to assist with this. I had my surgery Oct.
Now is 6weeks post operation. Still in walker boots. But able to adjust to 90Deg and putting into my leg without any difficulty.
Accordingly to my Dr, at 4~6wks, it should be the best time to start do some stretching by moving your ankle up and down. This will loosen up the newly repaired tendon which will helps in the therapy during the later stage.
Massaging with lotion around the wound also do helps to loosen up the tightenss you feel around that area.
Currently I am able to move my leg freely up and down. This coming sat will again be seeing my Dr.
Hopefully will have some good news on able to put some weight on my right leg.
I'm now about 12 weeks post surgery. I can walk on the injured leg with a little soreness after a few hours being on my feet. Ice and elevation relieive the discomfort. The surgeon suggests no athletics for a year, and to let the strength build up through daily use, not to work on the strength with resistance exersise. I think his advice takes my age (46) into account.
Pete
Hi Pete and all AT "healers"...I have a great exercise for mobility and strength building. It is a round plastic disc, 10-12 inches, filled with air, I stand on it(right now with my shoes on, not ready for bare feet with it) and there are several exercises that are really helpful for both stretching and strengthening. Rocking front and back/side to side/balancing on it. I have had to hold onto the back of a chair for the first couple of weeks. Five minutes a day with each of the exercises are very helpful for me. My physio has one and days I am not in therapy I work on this at home. by the way the disc is also great to sit on for balance.
Hello,
This is my first post here. I ruptured my right AT after playing basketball (12/10/08). I wasn't even moving yet, I made screen for my team mate and was about to roll when it felt like someone had stepped on my heel which prevented me from moving my foot. At the same time I heard a pop. It felt like a strain on my upper calf muscle not anywhere near the base of my AT, where I always imagined Achilles tendon problems would originate.
I'm 52 years old and feel like I have been in pretty good shape up to that point in my life. I love to ride road bikes and have avoided basketball because I have so many friends and family who have injured their knees, ankles and Achilles tendons. In the back of my mind I kept thinking "Please not my Achilles tendon." It didn't really hurt that much as I was walking around (with a limp) but decided I better be safe. My worst fears were realized my the doctor said "yup, it's ruptured."
I had surgery the following day and wore three different casts for eight weeks(2/9/09) and now have a boot/camwalker. During that time I have been going to the gym but miss cardio. I am now allowed to swim. Even after the surgery I have not had any pain. My PT starts 3/9/09 and everything I have read and heard states that is when the pain starts.
I miss being more active and look forward to the PT to continue my recovery. If that means a little pain, I think it's worth it. My biggest fear is if it happened to my right AT then it can happen to my left AT. As soon as it was a verified as my AT I immediately vowed no more basketball, ever, period. I don't want to live fear I need to figure out how to balance my concerns.
I must admit that I have indulged in self pity and I try to catch myself. Facing limits whether in our case short term or for others long term can be quite sobering and even depressing. I am happy to be getting closer to end and will want to wish everyone a good quick recovery.
Hi all. Out of self-pity and anger I stumbled on your blog. It took quite some time to read it but found myself quite enthused by the info. It's a really informative site and it has really helped.
I am 6 weeks post op and go in tomorrow to remove the cast and hopefully go into a boot. I am going nuts not being able to walk or play my sports.
I injured it playing basketball. Like most of the other stories, I heard a pop and thought someone kicked me. I turned around and saw that no one was there. I then started to go down. I was able to catch myself anf limped off the course. The following day, I heard the bad news, total rupture of the Achilles. Surgery was 6 days later due to the swelling.
I am anxious to get back to walking around, even with a limp. I am trying not to push it to avoid re-injury.
Any golfers out there? I was about a 3-handicap and want to get back into it as soon as I can. My doc is non commital. I am right handed and my weight shift would end on my left leg. This being the leg I injured. In addition, how long before I can walk a course again?
I know it's alot but I am chomping at the bit to get moving.....
Hi,
6wks in a cast? Maybe your Dr is abit too over careful. My Dr put me on spint for 2wks which after that followed by walker boots. Changing the angle once every 2wks.
Now I am in my 6wks with the ability to bend my ankle upwards and downwards without any pain but only with some tightness been felt.
Maybe next visit to your Dr, you can ask him when u able to start putting half of your weight on the ruptured leg. Note : if u pull your whole body weight on it like normal standing posture, chances of re-rupture is very high.
Let's be positive and looks forward towards fast recovery!
Just just had achilles tendon transfer surgery on 1/26/09. I had trouble with it since the summer (severe pain with walking) and had been in a camboot for three months. I finally gave up and just had surgery. I was told after the surgery that I was lucky that it didn't rupture over the last 6-8 months - especially since I only did high intensity stuff.
After six weeks (3/2), I will be 50% WB. I have no idea what to expect next. THe doctor said that a "transfer" surgery had a similar recovery as a rupture. I'm just hoping to be 100% WB by April 1.
I had a complete rupture Nov 23 and got surgery immendiately. After 6 weeks in a fibreglas cast and 6 with an aircast removable, I used my injured leg for near normal survival activities. I started going to the gym and gently using it.
I skated yesterday! A relaxed skate pushing a puck around, shooting and passing a little. It felt great. This morning I feel fatigue over my whole body, but the achilles just feels a little weak. I'm pleased.
Pete, 46
Great site thanks to all who've posted. My tendon 'exploded' rather than a regular rupture according to my surgeon, on 2 December, uneventful surgery on the 5th. This is my first visit to the site and am now in week 14. The stories above look all about the same so I'll just put a few things in this post I haven't seen on others.
#1: At around 5 or 6 weeks I was walking with full weight in the boot and had a sharp pain (very scary) while bending over to pick up something I dropped. It turned out to be 'spitting suture', which came to the surface as a sort of blood blister a week or so later. If this happens to you don't sweat it. The surface area on the scar will be very sore for a week or so, antibiotics and then you'll be back on track.
#2: My PT started massaging the site heavily at around 10 weeks The level and type of massage would be painful on my good achilles if that's where he were doing it..anyway, now in my 14th week and I notice that manipulation makes a big difference.
#3: As far as exercise, I was cleared to get on the elliptical/bike on a VERY low level at around 12 weeks. I was never really given a schedule on when I could ramp it up, so I just trusted my body and build up slowly but steadily. At week 14 I'm finally on level 6 to 8 for 30 minutes (split between the bike and elliptical), so I'm able to start rebuilding some muscle and get some cardio. It feels great in the calf, like a deep stretch after sleeping in on a Saturday morning. If you can't do it, or want to get back into cardio sooner, lots of gyms have arm bikes....where you pedal with your arms basically, so if you've gained a few pounds and have low energy like I had, that option is available.
#4: I was discouraged when at around 12 weeks the PT wanted me to do toe raises, I couldn't do ANYTHING- my brain would send the signal and my body wouldn't respond AT ALL. It was the only real pain I have in the actual tendon region (most of my pain has been in my heel and ankle with only discomfort in the tendon), but just a week later I'm starting to notice a difference on the toe raises, so don't sweat it. Pushing off is the hardest part of the recovery I'm told and it's turning out to be true. Don't forget you've lost probably an inch of muscle mass in your calf muscles, lost mobility of you ankle for 2 months and have major trauma on the most heavily loaded tendon in your entire body not to mention the tons of scar tissue from the knife. It's going to take time. Also if you're reading this and you're in the early phases, as soon as you can start to manipulate your ankle do it! I'm 43 and in good shape, but it took forever to get it to a normal level of flexibility. The ankle manipulations at the beginning of PT were by far the most painful part of the recovery, especially pulling the foot down away from the body. It sound counter-intuitive but that really hurt. To help avoiding some of that, try rolling on your stomach before getting out of bed and hooking your foot over the edge of your mattress and pulling into the mattress to work your shin muscle and stretch the calf a little without loading up on the tendon. Then after several of those, slide up and try to stretch your ankle out by putting your toes on the mattress and pointing them down with the goal of getting the top of your foot to the sheet eventually...both of those helped me out, but I was probably more cautious than I needed to be because I didn't reference any sites like this (wish I had looked earlier). You'll know when your body is ready by just sampling a little bit more everytime you try. Finally,
#5: If you're concerned about excessive swelling don't be. I'm mobilized Stateside for Iraqi Freedom right now with my Guard Unit and wear boots with my uniform. I just started putting them on this week without lacing all the way up. A military uniform with a running shoe looks ridiculous, but that's all I could manage after the ortho boot came off. My doc told me swelling up to six months is not unusual. I haven't read all the posts above mine because I started at the beginning chronologically, but if no one's suggested this, get a compression stocking like the ones nurses wear. I wear mine under my combat boot like Klinger from MASH ha ha and it makes it much better on the swelling on long office days. Good luck!
I'm at the end of week 14 post surgery. It felt so good to start going the the gym again, now that I can walk a little further. This makes everything possible. Went skating for the second time yesterday. The skating was only about 20 minutes or so but I ragged a puck around, pumped a few shots. I am so relieved that I find it a beneficial, therapuetic exersise. The skate prevents rapid flexion of my injured lower leg.
I am happy to be alive again. I do get a bit of swelling, and use ice every few hours. I can barely lace up my skate, but, taking it easy feel no pain or even discomfort while skating. It feels better than walking.
The surgeon said not to work on the strength, the physiotherapist said not to work on the flexibility. I'm just going to avoid those guys and do what I do best...go to the gym every few days and do everything I can, poach in the steam room then go for a quick skate.
Pete
Today I had my six-week post-op visit with the doctor. I was pleasantly surprised when he said I was FWB. So nice. He said that I will be very sore and have some pain, but that by my 10-week appointment, I should be doing very well. I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.
hELLO ALL I'M AT 5 1/2 MONTHS POST OP. SECOND ACHILLES TENDON SURGERY FIRST ONE WENT A WHOLE YEAR NEVER HEALED CORRECT NEVER REGAIN STRENGTH IN LEG. HAD ANOTHER SURGERY AND HAD TO WAIT BEFORE I COULD HAVE THAT ONE HAD A INFECTION IN ACHILLES FROM FIRST SURGERY A YEAR LATER NEVER SHOWED UP. bUT ANYWAY HAD A TENDON TRANSFER AS WELL WITH THIS SURGERY TO GET TOE PUSH OFF. CALF SIZE IS ALMOST BACK BUT STILL HAVING SOME PAIN AND STILL WALKING WITH A LIMP I HOPE I GETS BETTER.
Sorry to have not responded sooner, Tam. I am nearly five month post-op and 46 years old. Any discomfort can be alleviated with ice. Try making an ice pack using a wine kit plastic bag and some dried beans. Re-hydrate the beans in water brought to a simmer, then taken off the heat. This will re-hydrate the beans so they will stay frozen longer.
Ice feels good but also aids in circulation after you remove it and is beneficial.
I use the ice several times a day.
Pete
Adding my thanks for your informative blog about your experiences.
I am a long distance runner (marathons and ultras), I first had Achilles pain on the left side over a year ago, then on the right side over 6 months ago...did not slow down training and racing enough, I guess, and tendonitis/synovitis developed into ruptures on both sides. So the only solution prescribed by runner-friendly podiatric surgeon (that I finally went out of state to see) was surgery
I opted to do the right one, which although it had started later, was much more painful due to a bone spur on the heel (and came on more suddenly than the left...). I am now 4 weeks post-surgery, just out of the cast and into the boot, about to go to my first PT appointment today. We'll see...still SO stiff and sore, feel like I will never get off crutches, but know it has to happen soon.
Bad news is, I will probably need to repeat surgery on the left side...wondering if anyone else has had problems on both sides??
Thanks, and good luck to all....
Hello all. I am bearing bad news, and suggest everyone awaiting surgery pay some attention! I am 15 weeks post op now. Since the surgery I have had increasing stabbing pains in my foot. I no longer have feeling in my big toe, or 2 toes adjacent to it. I have no feeling in the top of my foot. The bottom of my foot is so sensitive that even the slightest touch sends me reeling in pain. I can't even stand to let my physical therapist massage my foot. I would try to explain the pain to you, but there is no use, I can't describe it so you could understand it. Let's just say, I have broken bones in the past, torn muscles, ruptured an achilles, and many more injuries - but this pain is worse than all of those combined, and it is there every day. Its not constant, but it occurs about 20 to 200 times a day, and it does not matter how active I am. My laziest days can be my most painful or least painful. Let's talk about what happened to me, so you will be better informed.
At my initial visit, I asked my ortho about possible complications - POINT BLANK! he said that there is always a risk of infection and then went on to give me 3 glory stories about tendons he had repaired and how well they held up.
About 2 weeks after surgery, I started to notice the nerve damage. I had of course been in a splint/walker for 2 weeks and wasn't even trying to move my toes or any other portion of the foot. I wasn't allowed to get it wet, so I just didn't touch it - never even took off the boot. But I was starting to notice intense shooting pain, and my damn toes just felt like they were curling up and cramping - but they weren't. I tried to stretch them with my hands, but it didn't give any relief to the pain.
Over the next few weeks this got increasingly worse, and eventually started to ascend from my toes to the arch, then the heel, and then to the base of the achilles. I was complaining about this all along to the surgeon, and finally he said they may have got into trouble with the nerve block! I said WTF! May have? Will it heal? His response was to hand me a script for nerve medication.
I found it unusual that there was nerve damage suspected, but I was not being referred to a neurologist. By this time, I am about 6 weeks post op. So he gave me the script and I crutched out. Got to the car and read the script, It was written to SOMEONE ELSE. I know the name, but will not state here because it's not necessary. I was wondering if he paid attention to me at all?
The next morning I called my GP and told her I needed to see her to get a referral to a neurologist. She did a preliminary test, called a monofilament test. She concluded there was damage and referred me on. The neurologist did a thorough work-up and ordered and ncv/emg.
I had to wait 5 additional weeks for the ncv/emg. All the while, we were increasing my dose of neurontin and now at 2400mg/day. ZOMBIE. Then we get to the test. The tech doing the ncv was a cool guy. We cut up a bit and I got some info from him. He said somebody screwed up. The doc doing the emg was not so talkative, but did say there was significant damage to the axons from the knee down. Now lets educate a bit. The ncv determines if the myelin is degenerated, and the emg determines if the axons are damaged. If you think of a nerve as a braided copper wire, the myelin would be the rubber insulation on the outside that insulates the wire, and the axons are the copper that conducts the signal.
By now you are probably asking how the damage starts at the knee, when the tendon is at the ankle? Well, the surgeon had the anesthesiologist perform a sciatic popliteal blockade. Think of it as an epidural in the back of the knee. I do not remember consenting to this, and am 100% positive that the possibility of me being in my current condition was ABSOLUTELY never discussed with me.
According to the ncv/emg, there is significant damage to both the myelin and the axons - which is indicative of direct trauma by the needle, and possible direct injection of the anesthetic into the nerve itself. Because I was sedated prior to the block being performed, I was unable to tell the anesthesiologist that I was in intense pain, which would have let him know that he was contacting a nerve.
The Neurologist would not put a percentage on the chance that I recover at all from this damage. She said that whatever function I had 6 months out, is very likely all I will have. I asked her if the pain would go away and her response was repeated. She told me point blank that the anesthesia procedure was to blame, and that this is not a complication that one should expect from this procedure.
Lucky for me - I did not sign a release from liability. I did sign a release to treat for the ortho, but not for the anesthesiologist. Until 3 minutes before lights out, I had never seen the anesthesiologist before in my life, and have not seen him since.
I have read online every article you can imagine regarding the procedures done, techniques used, damaged nerves and so on. I have never found one bit of literature to indicate such an injury from achilles tendon surgery. As my doctors have said - somebody screwed up. What pisses me off the most, and what I want any or all of you to understand is this;
The sciatic popliteal blockade was NOT NECESSARY to perform a successful repair on my achilles tendon, and it is not necessary to do on yours either. They will tell you that it will make you a bit more comfortable after the surgery. Bullshit. It wears off in less than 8 hours in most cases, but you are still in and out from the general anesthesia anyway, and the pain medication makes you even more sedated. Lets get real - You dont know your name for 24 hours, nerve block or no nerve block. What is evident is that if they don't perform the block, they can't bill for it! I know it sounds like I am just bashing the doctors here, but there were 2 charges from the anesthesiologist and they totalled almost as much as the surgeon got!
Make sure, before you agree to a popliteal block that you ask your surgeon if it would impact the repair of the tendon if you chose not to do the block - He will likely say that there is nothing to worry about and be reluctant to just answer the damn question yes or no. Because, the answer is no, but his anesthesiologist wants to do the procedure so they can bill for it. My thoughts are - I was a damn tough individual before this happened, and if they had told me that the block was not necessary and could potentially do significant harm to me - I would have said hell no, just fix the tendon and let's move on.
If you care about my prognosis, read on. If not, I hope you got some use out of what I said. I have another meeting with a second neurologist in 1 month. This is to determine what percent chance I have of healing. I have already been told that nerves regenerate at about 1 inch per month. Being a tall guy, my nerves have to regrow about 30 inches to reach my toes. That is obviously 30 months, but I have been told that after about 6 months, I can pretty well forget getting better. To further complicate matters, even if the nerves grow long enough, they have to grow to the correct location. There are 2 major elements working against me here - time and location. So now, I have a decision to make. I have been off work for 4 months. I have to be off 6 to be eligible for disability benefits. If I go back to work, I am starting over. But until my injury, I never missed a day of work since I started there at 20 years old. I am going back to work to see if I can push through the pain, and to see if my family can tolerate me when the days are over. I will be filing a claim against the Doctor - Anesthesiologist - and Surgery Centers malpractice insurance. I am aware that the Doctor did not directly cause the injury, but I see it like this - I went to the doctor to fix my foot and he brought someone in to do the nerve block. I did not go to the anesthesiologist and say,"do the block and then find a surgeon to fix my foot!" Whether directly or indirectly, the surgeon was in charge of me that day and one of his assistants screwed me up, so they are both responsible. The surgery center employs both of them, and I was in their building.
I will let you know how it all shakes out, but beware of letting the doctors just slip procedures in on you that may be accepted, but are not necessary. Every procedure done, increases the risk of mistakes as I now know.
Hi Folks out there,
Finally almost hit the end of the tunnel already. Below are some of my own experience to share to all the people out there.
Wk1~Wk2 : In Spint. Zero WB. Can't do much except lifting of legs to prevent swelling.
Wk3~Wk4 : Stitches been removed and in walker boots at 30Deg. Steill Zero WB but can start to do massaging of the scar area.
Wk5~wk6 : Adjust Boots to 0Deg. Still no WB and remember to massage the scar area and calf area.
Wk7: Out of boots with FWB learning how to walk again with both crutches.
Wk 8~Wk9 : Walk with only walking stick to assist and start of PT.
Wk10 : Starting walking with limp without any walking aids. And need to continue with stretching and strengthening of the tendon.
Finally, on the road to recovery. For foks that just had your operation, just have to hang on as it really need times to heal.
Morning when get out of bed, still will feel the tighness and need around 5~10mins to losen it. Accordingly to my Dr, this is caused by in-mature of the tendon. This morning tight feel will be complete gone in 6mths time after the tendon matured.
Feel so relief now. Finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Paul T from Australia here...
I'm sorry to hear here about some bad experiences in regards to surgery complications. Hope it works out better for you.
I've just reached the 5 months post op mark. Walking normally virtually without a limp now and pretty fast, climbing and descending stairs normally now but still cannot lift myself to my toes on my bad foot by itself, and too scared to try running. Time and a bit of courage will fix that. The surgeon said that in the first 14 weeks you go from 0 - 70% tendon strength, then it takes the next 12 months to achieve full strength.
Otherwise life has been completely normal for at least the last 2 months (after 3 months post op) and achilles does not dominate conversation or planning/ denial of activities anymore. Thank god - although I was enjoying the attention (and the people who believed it when I said I was attacked by a crocodile)!
Those who just did it - I feel for you, you're in for a tough month or two - but after 2 weeks every day will be an improvement. Make sure you soak up the sympathy, let people help you with shopping, transport (and sponge baths ;) ) and I'm sure when you are better you'll pass on all that help to someone else who needs it.
Oh, and get a bloody good book to read!
Golfers out there - I am 12 weeks today and doc gave me the go ahead to try and play. Played 9 holes and shot 46. I am an 8 handicap. No pain whatsoever but getting your head to allow the proper followthru was difficult. I am right handed and ruptured my right achilles. Most critical part is bieng careful where you step which is the highest chance for injury according to my doc.
cheers
To all the new ATR's out there, hang in there it seems like you will never walk again but just be patient, keep yourselves motivated and make the most of the down time.
When I first ruptured my Achilles I would spend hours reading through all the Blog sites and I found most of the information very helpful. I found that most people with the injury were only interested in getting back to running and no matter how hard it was they just had to run, but I found this not the case.
{I’m not a Physiotherapist} this is just my personal experience and it worked for me. I would advise all new ATR' s to concentrated more on range of movement, strengthening and eating healthy before you start running full steam ahead.
I found when I tried to run early on in the injury it just seemed to agrivate other parts of my body, hip, hamstrings, shins and lower back. I put this down to not running with a proper gate or stride because I was favoring my good {left} leg and not pushing off properly with my bad leg. So I decided to stop trying to run and would concentrate more on strength and range of movement. I still would go on the stationary bike and cross trainer every day just to keep my cardio up.
By the middle of month 5 I started light jogging on the tread mill. I would do 1 kilometer every other day with little or no pain at all. The Achilles felt great, strong and flexible, so I started increasing it every week. I’m now running about 5 kilometers twice a week, walking my dog 40 minutes her day. I can skip, jump, sprint, play basket ball and do weights with little or no pain.
First thing in the morning my first step feels a little strange and stiff but after a few seconds all is good. My injured ankle is still a lot thicker due to all the scar tissue, but I suppose it will improve with time.
When I think about the injury, the pain, the stress and the emotional rollercoaster I went through I start thinking about all the new ATR’s out there and the long road ahead. There is a light at the end of the tunnel just stay positive set goals and before long you will think it’s all been a bad dream.
Happy Healing Paul r
http://paulrachillesrupture.blogspot.com/
2 months yesterday, playing squash at 54 yrs. still in plaster since I can't yet fit a boot due to the angle of foot. No surgery but from everything I read on this blog that would have been preferable in terms of time-scale back to normality.
Looking ahead when things are fixed, is there any 'device' that is good as a preventative measure to minimise risk of re-rupture ? (more common when surgery has not taken place).
Great blog and thanks.
Iain
Pete said:
I'm nearly at six-months post-op, and feel I will have a complete recovery from my complete rupture.
At 46 years old I don't want a re-injury so I'm doing what the surgeon suggests and letting the strength return with regular activity. I've walked the dog at some length, run on the beach with him, and cycle a lot. I use ice after walking and try to alternate walking and biking.
I do rehab exersises throughout the day...modified calf raises and stairs, and a roller board on a piece of dowelling.
It is hard for me to measure, but I feel the strength very slowly returning. I hope to skate a few more times this year, but squash is a distant dream.
Pete
Pete,
Thanks for the update. It's encouraging ... sort of. 6 months?
Paul T here,
It's 1 week short of 6 months post rupture, and I have just run (well a slow jog) for the first time since then! It happened yesterday when I was busting to go to the loo after a long trip, and I ran to the toilet without realising it. Then today I went for a 2km slow jog, geez it felt good!
I've also (slowly) climbed a mountain over Easter, been cycling and done all sort of helicopter escape/ sea rescue training that I couldn't imagine doing 2 months ago.
For me there's never any swelling, or pain but it still feels good when someone gives me a foot massage (well, it felt good 7 before the rupture too, but now I have an excuse to get one!)
Should be up for white water kayaking this southern hemisphereian winter, my tendon is coming along whether it likes it or not.
Thanks for the site, great insightful information. I ruptured my Achilles on Mar.8/09 at volleyball. I too was just backpedalling and felt an "explosion" in the back of my foot, but I stayed on the court for probably another 5 minutes as I must have had adrenaline running through my body.
I had a good experience with the hospitals, diagnosed and released in 2 hours with a surgery set up for 4 days later.
I'm currently in the 6 and 1/2 week and am walking with no wedges in the boot and crutches. I am getting rid of the crutches hopefully within the next week and upgrading to a cane to transition to walking without the aid of something.
They say I'm healing and progressing very well but I am still struggling with the recovery time. I'm 28 and the doctors here told me that they don't usually see women of my age with this injury and as I'm quite active and independant it's been a bit of an eyeopener and a learning experience to depend on people again.
Thanks again for this blog!
I ruptured my AT on May 1st, Playing football with some friends for the first time in 4 years.
Somebody sent a through pass for me and I made an explosive start toward the opposite goal and the rest is completely similar to everybody else here, a horible snap sound and the stick hit on back of my ankle.
I was not able to walk and stand on affected foot at all. So I went to the doctor and he scheduled a surgery on May 3rd. After surgery my foot was placed into a cast from above my knee to my toes.
And I must bear with it for 3 weeks.I am so helpless right now.
I will update you regulary.
Hi Shary,
Sad to hear that you had just joined the Rupture AT club. :( Basically not much things can be done now except to wait removing of the stitches which will happens in 2wks after the operation.
Currently I am 17wks post operation. Everything seems back to normal already. Except still can't really use the strenght like before.
One advise I could give you is, try to do scar massage after you had remove your stitches. It helps. As currently I believe all your surround area near your injured AT had harden.
Hello out there it was May 21st when I had my surgery. This has been the worst incident in my life I'm a 36 yr old who was playing some basketball when I fully ruptured my AT. Then after 4 days of being in a temporary splint, the splint caused a cellulitus infection because it was rubbing on my outer ankle bone. This caused my Dr. to not cast me at the one week post OP mark and also keep my leg in a splint that only covers the back of my leg which is ace bandaged on. Today is the two week mark after surgery and I'm taking antibiotics for the infection. 4 days from know I will be back to the Dr. to hopefully get a cast. I dont like the fact that I dont really have much protection around my ankle, and at night when I am just falling a sleep I get muscle spazims which make my foot twinge. The Dr. says that is not enough to damage the tendon it still lets you know its there. I also had tenderness in my lower calf only to the touch. That led the Dr. to have me get a Dopler of my leg to rule out blood clots. To anyone out there that can answer these questions: 1.) My swelling is mostly around my ankle is that common ? 2.) How would you know if you reruptured the tendon ? 3.) Has anyone else not recieved a cast right away ? Well just to add to this misery I am a cop and an out doors type of guy and this sitting around is killing me. Hope everyone has a speedy recovery. BG.
Don't sweat it too much. I too didn't have a cast right away and I didn't have an infection. My doc used a splint for 1 week and then a cast for 2 weeks.
Most of the swelling should be in and around the surgical site. It might help if you search for video of the surgery to see what they do to fix it. It will provide insight as to why it swells a ton.
Rerupture - ask your doctor. Chances are you didnt. I fell hard on day 3 post op and it was fine.
Take a deep breath. Recovery is tough - very tough especially in the first few weeks. Be patient and do alll your PT. My doc said total recovery takes one year but back to sports/running in about 4-6 months.
Thanks for the insight, my rupture was were the tendon meets the calf muscle. The Dr. said that is a bad place to have the tear, and that it is better to have it in the middle of the tendon. Were was your rupture ? BG.
Mine was a tad different, but still pretty bad. My achilles ached for months before I did anything about it. I did karate, running, P90X etc... for 3-4 months before I finally went to the doctor. By the time I got my MRI, I could barely walk. I did PT for 2.5 months (I wore a boot and did manipulation therapy). It didn't work. Within 12 hours, I was back to not walking again.
Late January, I had my surgery. The doc went in and ended up taking the tendon that goes from the top of the calf all the way to the end of the big toe and screwing that into my heel bone. My achilles, while it didn't rupture, had disintigrated in the tendon sheath. It was a substantial part of the tendon as well. The doc actually said to my family that it should have ruptured 6-8 months ago. So technically I was lucky.
The bad thing is that my recovery was treated like a complete tear because they had to replace my tendon all together. Ick! The pain I had in the middle of the night (because pain pills don't work on me) was just amazing. I did ok most of the time because I kept my foot elevated, but I had moments that I just would sit on the couch and wince with pain.
I'm not good at sitting still. I'm a very high impact/energy gal. My kids demand it. But I have to say, this slow down has made me appreciate all of what I can do now.
Keep you chin up. It does get better. Before you know it, you'll be back on your feet and walking normally!
Hi everybody,
this blog is great and it looks as we are building a big community.
I am still in week 1 and feel very unhappy of being forced to be so passive.
I had trained a lot to run the Colgone marathon in autumn and
then had that bloody accident.
A piece of a sharpe stone cut my tendon (no joke !)
As the user in the list further above I have
also the cut where the tendon meets the muscles.
I will try to find out what others
(doctors) say about that and will keep you informed.
Take care !
Paul
Cologne, Germany
hello ive found difficulty walking since a freind stood on my achillies playing football and its hurts for 15 - 20 minuteswhen i get out of bed and every time i get up it hurts out of a seat it hurts what do u reckon ive done could you give me some advice whaht to do
I ruptured my tendon on March 5, playing basketball. I am a 33 year old female and it was my first time playing basketball in many years. I walked with my right foot turned outward for three weeks, before going to the Dr. I was given a walking boot and I was scheduled for surgery a week later.
The surgery was on on April 7, I had to stay in the hospital four days due to me having a history of DVT and pulmonary embolism last year. There was no major pain and I took hydrocodone one time, when I returned home. A week after the surgery my stitches were removed and I was placed in a cast. I received my second cast on May 19. The dr said that I am healing well and there is no swelling., this cast will not be removed until June 29. I have been walking with and without my crutches, so I do not know what will happen at the next visit. My dr said I would have to wear the cast until September. This really upsets me, especially when I read the other blogs. I cannot wait for this ordeal to end. This site has been very helpful.
BG,
The ankle swelling was pretty normal for me - I couldn't see my ankle bone for about 2 months it was so swollen. But it gradually gets better - 8 weeks post op and I reckon the swelling was minimal. As for re-rupture in the early stages, I thought I had too, as most people probably think they have at some stage, but it wasn't reruptured.
Anyways, I'm now nearly 8 months post rupture. Running slowly, but I have to stop after about 10 minutes (tendon's fine, I'm just unfit!) I was the fittest and strongest I've been for ages 7 weeks post op, when I couldn't drive anywhere and had to use crutches and a wheelechair to get everywhere and did km's worth of crutching a day.
Funny enough, I don't regret my rupture - it caused a lot of inconvenience and a bit of pain and cost at the time, but I've learnt a lot of things (mostly positive) about myself and the important people around me through this experience. I just hope I have the confidence to play soccer again in a few months time.
Good luck everyone,
Paul T
I tore my achillies 5 weeks ago...my ortho doctor confirmed this and he told me to do surgery...I said no to all treamtments and betted him it would heal on its own....so..I didnt do anything but rest no elevation, no ice, just walking with a limp..I can now almost walk normally..full weight bearing early is key...if it hurts bear the pain until it subsides..people often have sugery bcause the doctors scare them into doing so..fully knowing that the tendon can heal on its own..its a business folks..it replaces tendon with other strong materials!..dont believe me? follow the links!
http://sciencelinks.jp/j-east/article/200017/000020001700A0434295.php
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/klu/264/2004/00000028/00000006/art00013?crawler=true
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090423132910.htm
http://www.arthritis-glucosamine.net/article-detail.php?ID=154
http://www.treatingpain.com/medlibrary/Non-Surgical-Repair-Achilles-Tendon.pdf
Thankyou to everyone who has left info on the site - it has been interesting. I am 32-years old and ruptured my left achilles on April 30th this year whilst at football training (I train twice a week and also play two full matches). I was given a pass to run onto and as I pushed off I got the bang - it was not a nice feeling and I knew immediately what had happened. I was operated on the next day and put in a back-slab plaster of paris cast for the first 10 days. From there this has been the process so far:
10 day POP cast - return to surgeon for follow up
Surgeon happy with the way the scar has healed (sometimes infection can be a problem apparently but mine is clean)and he puts a lighweight cast on the leg for a further 3 weeks
Week 4.5 post surgery the specialist gives me the aircast boot and advises me to do 1 week of partial weight bearing followed by one week of full weight bearing on the boot and return to physio at week 6.5 - at this stage the aircast has 4 wedges inside
Week 6.5 - physio removes 1 wedge and it feels better. I decide to see if I can play golf with the boot on and shoot an 84 (normally an 8 handicapper) - not too bad although my leg hurts that night and for a minute i am worried I have pushed it too far.
Week 7.5 -another wedge out and I'm down to 2.
And that's where I've got to. Another 2 weeks expected and then I can get my foot back and try some unaided walking which will be great.
Hey, I ruptured my AT on May 6th. Surgery on May 12. I am now 7 weeks out and tendon feels great. Problem is that I have rubbed a large scabby blister on the very lower part of my surgery site. Feels great out of cast. No pain and rest of site is healed up. Anyone else had problems with the boot or cast rubbing the site?
I'm a 37 yr old active mom and had a full rupture playing tennis on May 21 (6 wks ago). Surgery the next day. I have a 6 month old and a 3 and a 5 yr old, so that's been a challenge, with crutches and not being able to carry the baby.
My recovery has been going well - up to neutral (0 degrees) in the boot now. Have been partial weight bearing and just got the ok to go FWB in the boot. But I am so (uncharacteristically) chicken! I would be so crushed if I reruptured - I would die. This has been such a strain on our family. Anyone else struggling with the mental aspect of rehab and pushing the AT?
Hi, I believe this had always been in everybodies mind during recovery stage. For me personaly, I felt the boot is a hinderance for FWB. As soon as u got the green light from your Dr to go on FWB, its about time to try overcome the phobia and start to walk without boot. At the initial stage, it will hurts alot. But as time pass, it will goes away. Now I am 24wks post operation. Everything has been going on very smooth and back to normal already. Hang it there. As time past, you will reach there. :O)
258 days after my operation for complete Achilles rupture I managed something that seemed undoable 8 months ago: I started mountain climbing again and managed to climb on mount Olympos of Greece!! I went from ~400 m (near the site of Dion)all the way to Skolios, 2913 m (second tallest peak, after Mytikas at 2918) and through Agios Antonios down to Vrisopoules (1750 m). My tendon did not hurt me at all and I could keep pace with the other members of the group. I think what helped me most was cycling, which i started @ ~6weeks after surgery, initially with the boot. So my fellow-sufferers dont give-up: with a little of effort you can have your leg back to support you in your loved activities..
Thanks for your thoughts and encouragement! This is a great site for those of us in this club.
To anonymous active 37 year old mom...if the boot fits you well there will be very little risk of re-injury. You need to get the use of your leg as soon as possible. I found the boot a marvellous item and felt very secure in it.
Pete
Another ray of hope for all those going through the achilles trauma.
Just got back from surfing 11 days in the Maldives - 7 months after rupturing my achilles tendon.
I am 47 years old & during my recovery process was doubtful that I would make it.
After 7 months I can say that I am almost back to 100%.
I rupture my tendent back in april. i hade it repaired on April 20th it re ruptured on june 3 due to an hospitail staff infection after having asecound surgry it apears that it is still not connected they want to go back in and fix but out me in a tomato cage for 6 months and suggestions
Hey, first of all i want to say thanks for the info.
I'm currently at 5 months mark, i had a few complications on my road to recovery. i suffered nerve damage during the sergery which put my physion back by a couple of weeks.
I have just started to jog on a treadmill - in my opinion its a little early but my therepist disagrees. after a run or more intensive exvercise than the normal calf raises etc my akilies swells up and i end up limping for a week.
is anyone else experiencing simular? or is my therepist pushing me a little to hard? I am still strugling to lift my own weight on the injured foot so the power isnt there yet and my muscle loss is approx 1 inch from the good leg.
thanks again
I injured my right achilles tendon on July 22, 2009. I went to an urgent care center the same day then to a othepidec the following day to find out the severity of damage. The doctor ordered an MRI and I just finish getting it done today. Im worried about the road to recovery and the lenth of time it takes. I know its a slow process but here I am 5 days later and still don't know how bad it is. I have 5 kids who depend on me. My work has alot to do with walking and Im wondering when will it be when I can return to work; without futher injurying my self?
Greg.
Greg,
I can relate to your worries, as I needed a fast recovery because I have a severely autistic teenager. If you are interested in how I navigated a fast recovery, see:
http://achillesblog.com/doug53/
I was walking in my own shoes by four weeks, and doing single leg calf raises by nine weeks. Try to keep from being put into a cast, if you can swing it.
Good luck,
Doug
I have been on other sites that say no surgery is the way to go. I have torn both my achilles and right now I am only on my first cast after surgery. I feel reassured everytime I think about it that my tendon will heal properly. It worked the first time. Why change what works?! Nice site. Thank god i only have two legs!
Alright, I will be 40 in a few months. I ruptured my Achilles on March 6th and had it surgically repaired the next day. Since then I have put 800 miles on my bicycle (including 210 over 3 days), another 400 (or so) miles on my trainer and I ran on the treadmill for the first time last week. This morning I ran for a 1.5 miles at just over a 10-minute mile pace. I started cycling at 6 weeks with the boot on and at 8 weeks without the boot. I am not exceptionally fit, but I am an avid cyclist. I would echo what others have said about using cyclign as a recovery mechanism. My physical therapist feels confident that my cyclign fitness has improved my recovery time dramatically. I couldn't be happier about the progress given the injury.
Best of luck to all!
I just did my second full Achillies Tendon Rupture last night playing touch football. I am male 34 yrs.
The first time I did it was to my Right Leg Playing Indoor Cricket aged 30, at the time I proped my right leg to bear weight to stop a ball with my left foot but at the same time one of my teammates caught the back of my shoe doing the same thing. I heard a pop and felt like I had a real bad sprain couldn't stand, (I know now that my teamates brush of my shoe probably was just coincidental and not the cause) This was one of the coldest nights of the year and I came straight from work onto the court without warming up.
I was walking around very painfully and still going to work for four days thinking it would just go away as although painful it wasn't that uncomfortable. I could not do a heel lift at all. On Day four I went to an Orthopedic Surgeon (on the recommendation of my dad a physician who told me it was probably a tendon) who took all of 2 secs to tell me that it was indeed a full Rupture and I needed to go in for surgery as soon as possible. It was a long slow process, all in all I spent 6weeks in a cast with crutches and a further 4 in a walking boot (still crutch assisted) then a further 3 in the boot without the crutches at which time physio began. The big thing is if you go back (assuming you have an office job) to work, is to take the time strengthen your muscle by spending your morning tea and lunch time walking around, i walked back in forth in the tea room once I was in the walking boot with and without crutches and even went for walks around the block, At the time it was Winter QLD Australia, so I could but this time around I have done it with Summer looming. I coupled this with going to Physio for a bout 6 weeks after crutches once a week, 1 hr sessions a week and they would give me little sessions to do on my own usually involving use of a rubber hose to provide resistance holding the hose with my hands and while standing or lying down flexing the heel this way, heel lifts follow on step up blocks. I didn't do any swimming as there wasn't a decent pool where i lived, so Physio is real good in that respect. Like everyone else has said my calf was noticeable smaller than the good one. From time to time you sub-consciously favour the good leg, even though this should not be the case. I pretty much made a full recovery and was eventually able to do everything as normal prior the injury.
Not sure how I'm going to now with the having ruptured the opposite side but I am more steeled from the first time and at least I know what timeframe i'm up for. Most annoying things is not being able to do the little things speedily that one takes for granted like picking up groceries bag, a cup of tea, or a plate, or going to the toilet, or having a shower as you have to use a plastic abag to keep your cast dry.
I recommend the surgery as its the quickest way to get the ruptured tendons together of course if they are stiched and the regenerative process can start in earnest.
hey guys,
About six months ago i fullt ruptured my achilles tendon. I am only 16 and when it happened i was 15. I was playing volleyball. My doctor said it would be a year before i could get back to playing. I wanted to prove him wrong and I did a whole bunch of therapy to get back. So when I went to the doctors last week, i was fully released to play. The next day i was back to full volleyball practice. A couple of days ago i played in my first volleyball in about six months. I had no pain at all.
So work hard, do therapy, and get better soon!
Just ruptured mine about 8 hrs. ago and am trying to fall asleep which is turning out to be a difficult task. This is a great resource and am inspired by your stories of recovery. My wife is 8 months pregnant and I'm concearned about about her taking care of me and our two small children. Thank God for loving grandparents! Recovery....here I come.
I am almost to the 6 month mark. I still need to wear good shoes, not the fun kind which I love so much. I am able to go to spin class while wearing the boot, I went bowling last weekend with the boot. Just this week, I have started walking, progressing to 1 mile. I still have swelling and need to ice. I do lots and lots of massage on the scar and the tendon area to work the lumps out. I really notice a difference with the massage. Some times I will get up from sitting awhile and forget all about my foot. It does get better.
I still wear the boot if I am working (I am a dog groomer) and if I go to the gym to lift weights etc. I feel that it protects and stabilizes the area better. I am starting to do calf raises, and am dilligent with my exercises.
Hang in there, I do not wish this injury on anybody, but I know things could definately be worse.
Patty
age 43
ruptured mine in karate class
I am a 71 year old male that suffered a tear of the Achilles tendon in January from being run over as a pedestrian by a vehicle. Transported to the ER on the day of the injury, processed with x-rays and advised of a strain ankle. I had uncontrollable muscle cramps for about 30 minutes while in the ER. Leg then swelled so I sought further treatment at my local medical group. Went on to vascular sonogram (check for clots) and MRI. Even through the MRI was botched, surgery was recommended. Went for second opinion, and another MRI. No surgery was recommended. Went into the boot for six weeks. Now, about 300 days out from the injury, I have nightly muscle cramps, about 3 or 4 times a night, a numbness in my toes and pain in the ball of my foot. Seeing the ortho person today for a review of current conditions and future treatment. No sure if surgery is still an option.
It saddens me to see this many people suffering like me. I first felt the slight pain of Achilles Tendonitis 14 months ago (September 08). I was 28 yrs old and very active in distance running, ultimate frisbee and basketball. Since it went away within 20 minutes I never thought anything of it. Then I went to Iraq the 2nd time. Within 30 days I went from running 6 minutes miles to barely being able to walk. Finally I went to see the dreaded military Doc. He urged the RICE formula. Well the rest is almost impossable as far as not walking or carrying anything heavy, Ice is nonexistant and compression not so much. Elevation...thats difficult when you sleep in a tent with just duffle bags. Needless to say, my tendonitis got worse. Finnally after carrying 250lbs of gear back to home station I could get some physical therapy in the US. I did PT for several weeks-- got the battery patch with the medicine which seemed to help. I went TDY to Virgina in June. I had started to run slowly (with blessing from Physical Therapist). All was going well I was Icing, stretching, and doing heel raises. I got to where I could run 2 miles straight no pain. Then one day I was standing on a small incline next to a pond feeding the ducks with my daughter and i stepped off and felt a significant POP. Well I tried to run on it, ice it, do the heel raises and it just got worse. I saw 6 differnt Doctors while in Virginia and I could not talk one of them into letting me get another MRI since I had one in March (which showed tendonitis.) So I just quit running and doing anything at all. I finnally got back to home base in October where i was able to get an MRI. Well guess what? That pop i felt was actually a partial tear of the tendon. Now i sit in that uncomfortable in between area where they dont want to do surgery until the exhaust every other option. I have been wearing a boot since Halloween, 4 weeks. My knees have never in all my life hurt before but now, they are killing me. I have 2 more weeks wearing the boot and I take it off for 1 week to walk and see whats what. After that.....shock therapy. What is that going to do?? Then 2 more months in the boot. After that maybe surgery, maybe not. I hate this boot its worse than living with a torn AT. Anybody every have shock therapy?? Anybody else ever make a full recovery after sugery? Im 29 now and have 12 more yrs Id like to spend in the Military but I havent been able to do my job for over a month, and there is no end in sight. Thanks----P
My husband ruptured his achilles tendon and he had surgery to fix it. I did not have any knowledge on it but, after reading your journey it has given me the knowledge to help him and understand what he is and will be facing. Thank you it is extremely helpful. Merry Xmas to you and yours.
Almost 6 months & walking more or less limp free depending on soreness. In addition to the usual strengthening & balance stuff I can do some agility drills (not nearly 100% however) and will progress from fast walking to some jogging here shortly. Both of these activities still cause some soreness so I usually give myself some time off or do lighter workouts between. It still wants to tighten up, especially my posterior tib so I'm still stretching a lot. My projected time frame for getting back into some less demanding competitive activities is about 3 months which will be around 8-9 months. I'm sorry we had to go through this but it is what it is. Try and keep your head up and just do what needs to be done and be patient. I had many moments where I cried and about the same where I pumped my fist for some small victory. It's an emotional roller coaster. I believe if you can afford it, try and do whatever possible if there's a chance it will help. Your "professional" health care may be highly suspect so you need to educate yourself which you are and be your own advocate. Also, realize that everybody is different. It bothered me immensely when I heard about people who recovered faster than I and I would panic if I felt like I wasn't on schedule. The norm is 12 months but there are those who recover quicker and those it takes longer for. It's also not a bad idea to improve on other areas. For instance I've always sucked at pullups. Before this I could do 6 and I can now do 12. I would like to get up to 15 in the next couple of months. Good luck to us all.
Hey all --
I just ruptured my AT last week. I elected NOT to have surgery. I am a 44 yr old male, was playing soccer and thought someone had kicked me from behind at the start of the 2nd half -- so I was well warmed up. Of course, no one was there.
I'm in a cast at full "aquinas" (sp?). My ortho said this cast for a month, a cast at partial aquinas for a month, then a month with a walking cast.
Can anyone who made the same choices as me let me know how it went or how it is going?
Thanks much - Bernie
I'm curious if you have a partial or a full tear? I don't even understand how surgery isn't an option for a full tear. Assuming it's a full, I hate to be gloomy and doomy but if being active is important to you, you probably should have gone with the surgery. I was told that not opting for surgery is ok if you're sedintary which it doesn't sound like you are. My only experience with non-surgery is a friend of mind did hers playing volleyball, opted to not have surgery, played again, tore it again and then had surgery. I really hope you know something I don't & it works out for you. Best of luck.
My ortho said the recovery time was the same, and that it a mostly partial tear, about 90-95%. The only difference he told me was the re-rupture rate, which is 3x the surgical rate. I researched it online, and it was 3.5% for surgery and about 9.8% for non-surgical.
I also am hoping, based on some of the things I read, like being anal about recovery PT, and throughout the rest of my life, can close that gap. I have that gene, so I'm thinking I can close the gap to less than 2 to 1, if I'm smart. (And a bit lucky.) And if it's that close, I'll go with non-surgical.
Plus, the infection rate during/post surgery is not a factor, and neither is the post-op scar, which, depending on the skill of the surgeon, can be problematic if you have to wear shoes at work, which I do as part of a uniform.
Thirdly, if it does re-rupture, I can always go for the surgery. I'm not playing pro ball, and if it can happen the way it happened to me, ie warmed up and no one touching me, plus all the ways I've read on this site, that it was just "one of things" that I can't control.
So, I went with the non-surgery, and like all of us, am crossing my fingers that it doesn't happen again. Maybe I'm crossing mine 3x times as hard, but it's all I can do right now.
Thanks for the answer --
Bernie
Bernie,
I would say there are likely two other advantages to surgery, although the decreased rate of rerupture is the best documented.
One is a decreased risk of "healing long," where the too-long tendon means the calf has contracted as far as it can, but the foot is not pushed all the way down. If that happens, either the calf is permanently weak, or a surgery is needed to shorten the tendon. The stitches make it more likely that the tendon will heal without lengthening.
The other is the opportunity to rehab faster. Stretching and strength work can begin sooner if those strong stitches are holding the tendon ends together.
That said, nonsurgical healing is a good option for many people, and I hope it works out well for you.
Assuming you are in a cast of some sort, be sure not to use the calf muscle to push against the bottom of the cast, so the tendon heals at the proper length.
Best wishes,
Doug
wow... i wish i had discovered this site 11 years ago. I completely ruptured my left achillies when i was 18 whilst playing basketball. I limped on it for about a week thinking it was another bad sprained ankle. After the pain became unbearable i got it checked out and it was put into a plaster cast for 6 weeks (no operation). The day the plaster came off, i slipped whilst getting out of the car and it snapped again! IT HURTS SO MUCH MORE THE SECOND TIME! I got it operated on, then it got infected. It wouldnt heal and then they had too skin graft the area and it took me 2 years before i confidently start playing basketball again. Hydro therapy is great... it helps eliminate fear. Im 29 now and i completely ruptured my right achillies whilst playing basketball 2 months ago. Both achillies/3 complete snaps = NO MORE BASKETBALL! They made me wait a week before surgery and that resulted in a DVT and PE. The blood clots became the new problem and after a IVC filter was put into me 4 weeks later, they operated on my achillies. By then scar tissue had already formed and the healing process was well under way but it had to be done. It has been 3 weeks now post op and its feeling great in the cast. No signs of an infection this time round and hopefully i can be back at work in 9-12 months. I still would have elected to have surgery, as opposed to not having it surgically repaired. The left achillies feels extremely strong and even though it occasionally aches, i feel as though its 100% and the scar tissue has strengthened/thickened the tendon.
Now its time to wait and see how the right achillies plays out with these new walking boots and more hydro therapy. Good luck peoples... will keep you all posted.
Hi Bernie
I am now 6 months post full rupture and I did not have surgery. I was treated on the NHS in the UK. I had a full equinus fibreglass cast for 3 weeks then an adjustable boot for 5 weeks after that and the angle of the foot was adjusted weekly to 45 degrees. Non weight bearing for the 8 weeks with 2 elbow crutches.
After the boot came off, I went straight into physio and am still going weekly to strenghthen the calf muscle and smooth out the tendon.
I have been wearing normal shoes since the boot came off and only have a slight limp first thing in the morning for about 5 minutes max and after sitting still for extended periods of time. I am diligent about my exercises (especially calf raises, walking on tip toe and heel walking). Fortunately, apart from the initial rupture, I have suffered no pain.
I found this site extremely useful and had more practical information from it than the hospital!
Good luck with your recovery
Serenissima, UK
I'm 37, Norwegian, male. I ruptured my AT on Dec. 3th, had surgery the next day, wore a cast for 2 weeks (toes pointing down), then had stiches removed and got a new cast (90 degree angle) which I wore for another 4 weeks. Today is the sixth day without a cast, I began physical therapy two days ago. Doctor told me that I can start jogging in three months if all goes well. It seems to me that a lot of you have much more conservative rehabilitation schedules than I have...
The day my cast was removed (Friday last week) I had very little mobility in my ankle and very little strength and I felt terrible and not very optimistic. But already Sunday I was able to "walk" without crutches - but with a limp. That is, I'm able to roll my foot thru the step from the heel to the toes but I'm not able to push off with my toes. That puts a lot of strain on the tendon/calf muscles and is painful. My therapist encouraged my to try doing it but with crutches - so that I don't place too much weight on the foot as I try to follow thru the whole walking movement.
Stupidly, today I tried to walk normally without crutches. When I tried to push off with the toes, I felt really bad pain down in the achilles, about where the tear was I think. I had pain and/or discomfort for several hours afterwards (still a little painful). I hope it will pass by tomorrow when I'm going to see the physical therapist again. But I'm going to take it easy and I won't try walking without crutches again for another couple of weeks.
Anyway, thanks for a great blog!
Hi there,
Reading about your story and the comments left here I realized that there are different methods of recuperation and response from any of us. I torn my Achilles on January 10th, went into surgery the 15th, 10 and half days later went off the caste into the boot (45 degrees angle). 15 days after the surgery I started therapy, 21 days later I started walking on regular shoes using heel pads in order to keep my foot pointing downwards and I'm driving normally. Currently I'm in my 45th day after surgery walking on my regular shoes but limping heavily, I'm swimming 2 km every day (slow pace) and doing some weights for legs and upper body. I'm able to stand on my injured foot for 1 minute (part of my therapy), do raise toes with that foot in the pool and with both feet on the surface. My motion range is limited but my goal is to be able to walk almost normally in 15 days. That's my story.
Best Regards,
Fausto.
I ruptured my Achilles on 10/22/09 playing volleyball. I simply jumped up, landed and I heard a loud pop. I thought someone had kicked me but even if they did, I had already blacked out from the sudden pain. When I came around, I could barely walk. I made it home and the first few days I crawled around in my place to do the bare minimum - bathroom, ice and snack.
I purchased crutches out of frustration but out of desperation I visited a nearby hospital on 1/4/10 and they confirmed what I already suspected. I completely ruptured my Achilles tendons. They told me surgery was necessary to re-attach it and I kept thinking 'how the heck am I gonna afford it?' Being Canadian, I've never had to think twice about a medical issue and here I am faced with the reality of what the Dr. was telling me. The emergency Doc referred me to a group of 'angels' - Dr. Harley & staff. Man oh man, talk about a real team. They walked me through all the intricate details until I was able to afford medical insurance.
Surgery was on 2/16/10 - almost 4 months later and I can feel the difference already in my spirit. I feel renewed. The surgical procedure from check-in to check-out was 3 hours. Everything went just as Dr. Harley assured me. The first few days I experienced some discomfort but nothing out of the ordinary.
Two weeks post op 3/2/10 my stitches were removed - a little uncomfortable yet tolerable pain. Dr. says I healed pretty nicely but I'll remain in my splint for another 2 weeks just to ensure I'll be up for physio.
I can't thank Dr. Harley and his staff enough. I'm on my way to a full recovery!
Saundra Hyman, Atlanta, GA
Reading through the blog I found alot of people in my situation. The only thing is the Dr. said I was a odd case because most ruptures occur in the typical middle aged "weekend warrior" genre. I was only 28 at the time and was very active in sports and the gym. August 25th of 09 changed all that. I was in my 3rd game of basketball, had an open lane and went to dunk. When I cut I felt a pop and down I went. I could tell something was different because I've sprained ankles and broken bones before and this pain was different. So I drove myself to the hospital and yup, I'm now part of the total rupture club. Of course to top it of this is only 3 weeks before my birthday and vacation to Puerto Rico!
I am now 7 months post rupture and pushed myself for a faster recovery. After 3 months I was walking and jogging by 4. I am currently working back up to sprint speed but have to get past that initail nervousness. My main problem now is getting rid of that nasty lump near where they did the surgery. I've been massaging it daily and have done the stretching and all. Hopefully someone has the answer and I look forward to learning about more of your stories.
I hit the 7 month mark next week. Completely ruptured my left achilles on August 31, 2009. Surgery on Sept. 2, 2009. No weight on the leg for 7 weeks. In week 8 I was in the "walking boot" with the 3 inch heel inserts (this was also during the 6 weeks of rehab). Reducing them by one inch per week, by late November I walked around New York City with a noticeable limp and no "walking boot."
In December, I began working out two nights a week at the gym - legs ONLY. Squats, leg press, hamstring curls, calf extensions, 20 minutes on the elliptical, light jogging. WORKING out AFTER rehab is CRITICAL.
My limp was almost gone by March and now it's just stiff in the morning, when I wake. I can jog approximately 0.25 miles but still can't sprint or jump very high.
If you've just torn your Achilles - hang in there. It's a long road to recovery. I foresee at least 2-3 more months before I can run a mile or sprint a little. The elliptical machine will become your best friend - if you're not tried it, I highly encourage it.
Here's my schedule post surgery:
Weeks 1-2: Soft cast/crutches
Weeks 3-5: Hard cast/crutches
Week 6: Walking boot with 3 inch heel/2 crutches.
Week 7: Walking boot with 2 inch heel/1 crutch
Week 8: Walking boot with 1 inch heel/no crutches! Rehab begins.
Week 9: Walking boot with 1 inch heel on unsteady surfaces/no crutches. Week 2 of rehab
Week 10: Walking boot comes off. Huge limp. Week 3 of rehab - begin walking faster (4.0 mph) on treadmill
Week 11: Week 4 of rehab. Leg strength focus.
Week 12: Week 5 of rehab.
Month 13/Month 4: Twice weekly trips to gym. Still can't jog. Noticeable limp.
Month 5: Limp is getting better. Calf is 1.5" smaller in left leg. Can jog a little - 0.25 miles at 5-6 mph.
Month 6-7: Feeling like I'm 80%. Can run at full jogging speed (no sprints) at 7 mph for a half mile. Basketball and jumping are tough. Still can't play tennis. Trying golf again soon.
Hi all,
I ruptured my right achilles on Jan 14th. I work on a Cruise Ship as a dancer! I was working out at the time and, as a lot of you, felt like someone had thrown something at the back of my ankle. As I was on a ship in the middle of nowhere....I had to have a temporary cast on and fly back home to the States. I had the surgery 6 days later. I was in a splint for 10 days, 2 weeks in a cast and 2 weeks in a boot. I am now in my own shoes, walking slowly and with a slight limp. I have physio 3 times a week. It's almost more frustrating now that I can get around easier but still cannot exercise like I want to. When will I be able to get back to the gym? I am feeling very lost without my dancing. I've never taken this much time off work and am worried that my body will get out of shape. How do you stop yourself from drowning in the depression?
Hello, wanted to share my AT experience with everyone, reading all of your stories was comforting for the most part. I am a 39 year-old male and I ruptured mine while pushing a car(by myself)in my driveway 09/09. It did feel like someone hit me on the calf or shocked it with a 110v. cord. It happened late it the evening and I elected not to go to the ER (heinsight this was a good move) waited 'til the next AM and went to a med-plus and then got the referral to the Ortho. then onward for the MRI confirming the rupture. Had the surgery a few days later was in the cast for 5 weeks and then the boot for another 5 and then 3 months of PT. So here I am 6 months after surgery, how is it? Not there quite yet, my surgeon said to go ahead and continue my PT at home so I have, but I still have this limp and my affected AT is still different feeling than the other. Although I have good days and bad days (I cannot run yet)I am hopeful of a full recovery.
I have a left foot AT rupture in plaster (and now with a metal stirrup fitted). I am combining NHS treaynent with private physio advice (although there is not much that can be done at this stage). This is an excellent blog and here are some points which might help.
1. It is not a good idea to go up and down stairs using two crutches. I am 4 weeks in to my plaster cast and was getting rather cocky. I declined the use of a lift at court and caught my foot on the last of about ten steps. Went flat on my face and suffered a big blow to the ego (even though that was the only thing that was damaged).If you follow the rule of good foot up, bad foot down, carry one crutch in the same hand as the one you are using (you can do it)and hold on to the hand rail you are home and dry (or you could use the lift!).
2. A back pack is essential on crutches.
3. A cup with a sealed lid is great (and if it is a thermos type cup the added benefit is that I get to finish a hot cuppa even if it was made an hour previously!). It is also good for carrying beer.
4. The plastic "limbo" bag with rubber seal (as marketed to all fellow sufferers at hospital) for showering and keeping the cast dry is great.
5. I have had to buy an automatic car (which was painful both in terms of money and the trade in of my beloved Golf) but the freedom it has brought has made that worth while (the one bit of fortune in this sorry saga was that it was my left achilles which went).
I admit I have some anxiety about how this is all going to turn out and realise that the next 4 weeks in plaster is only the beginning but remaining positive and trying to be independent is a great boost to the confidence.
Well, I was wondering because my recovery seems to be so different from everyone else. I`m a 41 year old female living in Japan, slightly overweight but no weekend warrior. I play competitive volleyball and I`m on the court two or three days a week as well as bicycling. On April 8th during out second set, like everyone else, felt like I has stepped on something when I pushed off on approach. I teach and since I didn`t want to miss the first week of new classes with my students, postponed my surgery until the 17th of April. I`m now two weeks past surgery, and the dr assures me it was a full rupture. He had me in a NWB cast for ten days and now has me in a walking cast for two and a half weeks. Already, I can bear full weight on my walking cast and have returned to a normal life in most respects. I have had almost no pain at all. Even when I injured it, I just felt like me world was tilted sideways when I tried to put pressure on that foot. Anyway, this is the recovery schedule and I guess I`m wondering why it is so different from everyone else??
0-10 days Non-weight bearing cast
11-29 days weight bearing cast with high heel. No changes during this time.
one month - six months rehab with no support. Regular shoe.
He says I`ll be back on the court in September, only five months after the injury. Everyone seems to be very active, so I wonder how that could be??
Hey I am 18 old teenager, still a senior in high school. I ruptured my achilles tendon on April 2nd playing deck hockey (foot hockey). I was sprinting and all of sudden I tripped and I heard a pop. I couldn't get by up and I limped all the walk to my car and drove home. I had surgery on April 14th and was in soft splint for two weeks. Now currently in a walking boot. Hoping I will be able to walk without the boot for my Senior Prom. My doctor says that I will be probably be in a walking boot for about 10 weeks, but others people have told me it should be shorter because I'm still young. Could I please get some feedback. Thanks.
I have ruptured both achilles tendons in the past three year - the latest in April, with surgery on April 26. Both playing a noderately paced basketball game. My injuries occurred in periods in my life where I was otherwise in very good health and condition and had been exercising actively. So it can happen to anyone at anytime. I have had no other injuries in my lifetime except a sprained ankle. No other tendonitis, pain, swelling etc. My first injury healed well and is now very strong. I am hoping this one heals as well and gives me strength and confidence to return to physical activities. However, in my opinion the account in this blog is way too conservative. If you carefully stabilize the injury, minimize swelling and protect the tendon you should return to some pysical activity ASAP. I returned to work for 1/2 days on the day after surgery and back to full days on day 4. I began driving myself (left footed) starting the day after surgery and spent one session on a stationary bike with the boot before surgery and began again on the bike after my cast was removed and I returned to the boot on day 10. I also lifted weights and maintained a basic exercise routine which I will ramp up now dramatically in week 2 post surgery - all without putting any weight or stress on the AC. This will accomplish several things for me. It will keep me in shape and focused on my work, family and recovery. It gives me a sense of control over my situation. And the exercise stimulates blood flow to the injury reducing swelling and accelerating recovery. I will be on crutches for 3 weeks post surgery in a boot and then will begin some weight bearing still in the boot for the next 4-6 weeks. In the meant time I will maintain a vigorous stationary bike regimen and weight training with specific focus on my thigh and buttock to prevent as much loss of strength, balance and muscle mass as possible. Just my thoughts. Good luck to you all.
Helloo! So I am 18 years old, in the last month of my freshman year of college (tri mesters stink). I reputured my achilles tendon doing gymnastics 3 weeks ago from thursday (yesterday) and had surgery 2 weeks ago from wednesday. My doctor said my rupture was tricky. Not only did I rupture my achiles, but the tendon ripped off the muscle. I have been in a soft splint since my surgery and said another 2 weeks until I get a hard cast. Reading these blogs I have only heard people talk about soft splints and a walking boot. I had the walking boot during the time before I had my surgery. Is there any hope that I will be walking with minimun wait bearing within the next month? If I have a hard cast I am still going to be on crutches?
In answer to your question about the hard cast....in my experience, you will still be on crutches whilst in the hard cast. My cast was set in a downward position, so my toes were pointing downwards. Therefore, I obviously couldn't walk on it. I was in the hard cast for three weeks. I'm almost 4 months now since my accident. I am doing so much better and am getting stronger everyday. I'm a professional dancer and I am hoping to go back to work next month. Fingers crossed!!
To the 18 year old college freshman above, if you tore your Achilles on approximately April 23, I would say the earliest you would walk, no crutches and weight-bearing in a WALKING boot, would be around June 7 (six weeks). Keep in mind, though, that everyone's injury is different. It took me approximately 8 weeks to walk with no crutches in the walking boot - but I had significant atrophy in my calf muscle.
You will not go straight from the hard cast to a regular shoe. The surgery removes about 1 to 2 inches from your old Achilles tendon - the walking boot following the hard cast gradually stretches the shortened Achilles to its previous range of motion.
Just be patient and careful - the chance for reinjury is very high if you go too fast.
You'll see what I mean when you get the hard cast off...the range of motion in your "new" Achilles will initially be about 1 inch in either direction. It's scary, but if you do rehab, full flexibility can return in 6-8 weeks. Then it's just a matter of building the muscle mass and strength back up.
This is a neat little site... I found it to be very useful since I have joined the ranks of a rupture Achilles... An awful pain was felt on May 1 when I leaped a guard rail playing paintball.. OMG, full rupture the doctor said it was... I'm almost 4 weeks post surgery and 5 since the accident, this has really brought my confidence down since I workout 3 to 4 days a week lifting weights and I like to do alot of jump rope and running... Is this injury easy to come back from... Can I get back to where I was from before...?
To the person who just posted - yes, you'll get back to full strength. It's just going to take a while. I just hit month 9 and am at about 85%.
Hang in there during the first 3 months. They are by far the worst. Be sure you spend time with friends, go outside, and do upper body exercises. It will really help.
Hi there. Great to have a place to read and share about this injury. I injured my AT two days ago while playing soccer. I've been fairly inactive for a while and then just decided I could join the soccer game half way through and without much warming up or stretching. Twenty minutes into it, I got the ball and was about to run when I heard a pop and it felt like someone hit me really hard on the back of my ankle. I felt down with a lot of pain and no one around. Fellow players took me off the field, applied ice, etc. Went to the ER that night and they did an x ray and a few tests. The x ray did not show any fracture. Then they asked me to point my toes down which I was able to do, then they asked me to stand up on both feet which I did and support my weight on the tip of my toes, which I couldn't because of pain. They also felt my ankle. Based on that I was discharged with a diagnosis of partial/incomplete tear of the AT. Next day went to see an orthopedic surgeon who heard my story and felt my ankle and pulled on my calf. He said he could feel the gap and that my foot wouldn't move when he pulled on my calf. I couldn't see too much difference between the good and bad foot. He said I had a complete rupture and when I asked why I was able to point my toes he said other muscles were doing that.He told me if I just let it heal chances of re-injury are 40% for the general population which seemed super high. He said chances with the surgery were much better. He advocates for making an incision on the side of the ankle and fixing the AT. I want a second opinion as I'm not in pain really, no swelling I can see (of course not bearing any weight) and I see that many patients from foreign countries here on this blog go the non-surgical route.
to Anonumous on June 12: the risks of surgery are those of general anesthesia, thrombosis and local infection (which is the worst fear). But if you are young and active surgery offers faster recovery. The sooner you get operated after the injury the better. There are several different kinds of surgical correction: open, minimally invasive/percutaneous, endoscopic, with or without reinforcement with accessory muscles of the foot, grafts, even Ilizarov!. I think that the best is the one that your doctor is most familiar with!! Some new methods of local injection of biologically active factors (growth factors, cytokines, even stem cells) have appeared in the literature but they seem investigational for the present.Dont underestimate this injury: unless well fixed it can leave you crippled for life.. I am now 20 months after my injury and i can do all the activities. The muscles of the calf remain a bit atrophied compared to the other leg but it is functional and that's what matters in the end. I dont participate in sports involving big accelerative/descelerative forces on my tendons any more (dont put many G's on ypur tendon), but prefer activities like cycling, swimming and trekking. This considering the risk of rerupture of the same or the opposite tendon and considering that we the unfortunate who suffered this injury may be genetically predisposed (TGF family polymorphisms, matrix metalloproteinases etc..)
HI! its been about 7 weeks since my surgery and still in my half splint. Next monday I have my doctor appointment and he has pushed me getting my cast on for about a month. So I hope I get it then, but I don't want to get my hopes up again. But once I have my cast how long does that stay on normally, I had a complete rupture so I guess that would change the length. And after that how long do I stay in the Moon Boot? Oooh and im having a really hard time with not exercising, so are there any exercise that people recommend doing and exercises to help my leg muscles from getting any smaller!? THANKS!
Hello fellow ruptured ones !!! Just reached the 15 wks post op. Into the rehab. Walk ok with slight limp, ride bike...not much toe push off yet, but working on it.
Question: I am experiencing numbness and burning sensation pain below ankle to bottom of heel...it is very irritating and impedes progress.
Great site..hope everyone fully recovers.
to the friend with "numbness and burning sensation pain below ankle to bottom of heel" : your symptoms could be caused by injury of the sural nerve. Did you get operated immediately after rupture and what kind of surgery did you have? How long have you been having these symptoms? If your symptoms are very intense talk with your doctor and physical therapist. Some times medication could help
Thanks for response to burning sensation. I had the operation 3 days after injury. Ortho doc provided open surgery to assure that sural nerve was not damaged. My son in law is an ortho. and he said it may take a year to have numbness/pain go away. I've been telling my care providers, including PT's about problem since day one. Follow up visit with Ortho Doc in 2 weeks. Thanks for your help.
I am 4 months post-op and I too have numbness in my heel. I mentioned to both the surgeon and PT and they said it's fairly normal. I guess it can take a while for it to go away. They told me not to worry.
I'm off back to work in 2 weeks. I'm a professional dancer....doing 'Broadway' type shows. I'm very nervous and hope it holds up.
I have a quick question. I'm 21 and I just got out of college and so I'm in a transition period of having health care insurance…my parents aren't too well off. I was playing basketball today and I went for a drive when I felt like someone threw a rock at the back of my right foot. Turned around to see no one behind me. Funny thing is, there was no pain, but when I moved my foot up and down, my calf muscles didn't respond. This kind of worried me so I'm wondering if anyone here has any suggestions about cost effective ways of finding out whether I need surgery or not. Thanks so much. You can email me at Frank.K.Xia@gmail.com.
Hi-
I'm male, 30 years old, fit
1. Full ruptured on 02/07/10 playing b-ball
2. Had surgery on 02/11/10
I've rehabbed pretty hard and am just about back to 100%. I've been running, jumping for the last month or so.
Question- I'm just about to get back on the b-ball court, can anyone recommend a good sports brace for post achilles rupture? Is it needed? Will it help?
Thanks in advance.
Hi all of you ATR-experienced folks. Wishing everyone a speedy recovery. I want to emphasize the advantages of staying positive with this injury and recovery process. I am 8 weeks post-surgery for a complete ATR (right leg) that happened 5/31/10 playing tennis. Playing for close to 2 hours on a hot day, just about ready to quit when, as I had bent to return a shot and plantarflexed my right leg, I heard a loud snap like a giant rubber band breaking, and felt what seemed like a kick on the back of my leg; it was brief intense pain that left me totally immobilized for a couple of minutes. Pain faded but I could not walk, only was able to shuffle, though I did manage to ride a bike home. Had surgery 4 days later. Endured the two weeks post-op laying flat on my back with leg elevated above the heart for virtually 24 hours/7 days a week. No question, this was by far the hardest part of the whole ordeal. Had no surgical complications and it healed fine. No pain at all. Staples removed after 2 weeks, followed by another 2 more weeks in a cast (four weeks total in a cast in all). Then got a Robocop boot at 4 weeks, which I am supposed to wear for 6 weeks. I have been wearing the boot for 4 weeks now; a week ago, at a day under 7 weeks post-op, I ditched the cruches and have found that walking in the boot is pretty easy and pain free and so much better than crutching around everywhere and not being able to carry anything (unless in a back pack). (With all the crutching (I was going up to a mile or more a day) you will find that eventually you become very adept at it, and you will tend to develop triceps of steel!) I have also started walking around the house and handling stairs without the boot. I have been working on flexibility for the past 4 weeks doing several hundred toe raises a day, as recommended by my surgeon, and feel this has helped my recovery. Today, 8 weeks post-op, I have been advised I can ditch the boot (most of the time) and go with a couple of heel pads in a sneaker or shoe, and just wear the boot if I feel fatigue or pain. Physical therapy is next. I am going to do the therapy for at least the next month or so and see where I am at that point. I am hoping that in another month or so, I may be able to resume some of the sports activities I enjoy. Stay positive. A Committed Weekend Warrior
my mom just had surgery 3 days ago on achiless tendon rupture.she is 69 years old and has flat feet and arthitus - we are hoping we can see her return to her previous mobility...any ideas or suggestions on recovery for senior recovery ? Thanks
I ruptured my achilles 3 days ago playing Badminton. I'm currently in a cast and waiting to see an orthopedic surgeon to find out if it's a full or partial tear... I'm 34 and would consider myself very active. I've surfed almost every day for the last 20+ years and snowboarded 2-3 weeks every year. For the last 6 months I've been working in London so I've not been surfing much, but have been swimming a couple of days a week as well as regular tennis and squash...
My main concern is that I've got a snowboarding trip booked for 5.5 months from now and not sure if I should cancel it... I've read that snowboarding is quite strenuous on the achilles tendon and I'm worried about re-rupturing it. Maybe I'm stupid for even considering still going, but I can't stand the thought of missing out on fresh powder!
Any advice or experiences are appreciated...
Hola from Puerto Rico !
Just passed 4 weeks since my total rupture and surgery,after the traditional cast I´m wearing the boot and beginning rehab.
Can somebody tell me if they have been able to down hill ski after this injury?
I´m 44 and an avid skier since childhood....
Thanks
Ana
Shouldnt be a problem. I did a complete rupture of my achilles about 18 months ago & was back surfing after 4 months & went on a surfing trip to the Maldives after 6 months.I would think snow boarding shouldnt be much different.
I am aged 48 - don't cancel you will be OK.
While it's encouraging that some of you were back surfing, snowboarding, etc after 4 to 6 months - please remember that all Achilles ruptures are different.
Blanket statements like "you'll be okay after 5 months" set newly-injured patients up for disappointment. With my injury (full rupture in September 2009), that was certainly the case. Even 11 months later, I still have minor balance problems when all of the weight goes forward on my injured leg. I would have felt comfortable skiing after around 8 months.
It can take up to one full year to regain even 95% function in the Achilles - depending on the severity of your injury, amount of atrophy in the calf/leg, your age and physical condition. Even world-class athletes like Vinny Testaverde, Taiwan Easterling, Dominique Wilkins, Ronald Curry, Elton Brand, and Gabe Kapler (with daily therapy and expensive doctors) struggled to get back to full form in 9-12 months.
The best advice I can give is that only YOU will know when YOU are ready! Be smart and patient.
Just wanted to say thanks for this blog--I am going to have surgery in the next few days and info about setting up the bathroom etc. is really useful. I ruptured mine playing indoor soccer--I blame the slippery artificial turf, horrible stuff that it is.
I went on a ski week at Whistler 17 weeks into a modern NON-operative rehab program, after rupturing my second AT in early December 2009. Everybody's different, but I had fun, no problem from the healing Achilles at all. The snow was heavy (a warm April week) and my thighs and gen'l fitness were still weak from inactivity, but everything else was wonderful.
Any recent AT-Rupture patient considering surgery should check out the 4 latest randomized studies comparing outcomes after surgery and after identical fast rehab protocols with NO surgery. The 4 are (currently) refs #4-7 in the Wikipedia article on AT-Rupture, and are also linked and discussed at bit.ly/achillesstudies .
Your grandfather's "conservative casting" produced inferior results, but the latest studies show that a good fast modern protocol -- like the one at bit.ly/UWOProtocol -- can produce excellent results with or without surgery. In fact, the results seem to be essentially identical (statistically identical in a study of 145 randomized patients, all with complete ruptures), except for higher surgical complications in the surgical group.
One of Toronto's most prominent sports-medicine surgeons (mine) told me he simply stopped doing ATR repair surgery, because he didn't become a surgeon to do surgery that conveyed no benefit. Unfortunately, many surgeons, and most patients, haven't "gotten the memo" yet. . .
For me, this injury was not nearly as bad as I had thought it would be.
I am nearly 65 and am reasonably athletic. My AT ruptured about 6 years ago. I had been (stupidly) running up a small mountain almost daily without warming up.
The surgeon told me my AT looked like "loose noodles" and was one of the worst he'd seen. Had surgery and went thru the normal recuperation - carefully following the protocol, but doing all the PT on my own.
After about 4 months, I returned to light-duty exercise then to more vigorous. Full running speed was eventually regained with nearly full calf muscle recovery. I do not engage in fast starts or stops. Aside from that, it has caused little impact on my life.
I do wish I'd had taken the time to outfit my crutches with a cup holder for my coffee. Next time I will.
Will be hitting the 6 month mark in a few days and am almost back to 100%. I am able to jog and am starting to do jumping exercise at physical therapy. I have made it a point to do everything my physical therapist requires and it is paying off. I was very depressed after the rupture thinking I would never be back to normal again but it can happen. For those of you who just ruptured there is hope for you just make sure to be careful and follow the program of your therapist.
I have a different Achilles story. My heel developed a bone spur on the back and my Achilles was moving on top of it. The MRI showed that it was like a frayed ribbon. The orthopedic took another tendon from the tip of my big toe and replaced the bottom half of my AT. So far my recovery has been much like others. Elevation, rest, and no weight bearing at all. I'm 58 and still in pretty good shape. Any pearls of wisdom? I feel that I'm in the grind of recovery - week 3 and looking at another 5 weeks of a cast and then a boot. No rehab until 3 month anniversary. Sometimes I'm very sad, mad, but very determined.
I ruptured my right achilles in february and had surgery 3 weeks later in March as I was uninsured and needed to find some before I could see a doctor. I just hit the 6 month mark and feel like I am about 100%. I keep reading all the posts that people are putting up and see that many of them are still in physical therapy up to this point. I was out of physical therapy after about the 4 month mark. I recently started to play tennis again, and have been running and biking for the last 2 months. I am nervous to start playing volleyball again as that is how I tore it. I've started jumping exercises and it feels good, but the last thing I want to happen is to rupture it again.
For people who have this surgery, when the doctor tells you that you might not ever be 100% again don't get down, as I almost fought him when he told me that. After 6 months I actually feel stronger in my legs and haven't noticed any ill effects from the surgery. If you have this surgery keep your head up through the beginning because it does stink, but it definitely gets better. Make sure you do what the therapist tells you, and don't stop working out your leg after you graduate from therapy either.
So, it's been two years. I had a complete rupture including some damage to the calf muscle. The surgeon knew it was bad when I had no pain from the injury except a little pressure from the muscle curled up my leg!
I was very fit at the time - weeks away from doing a marathon - had the ATR playing raquetball with my husband. I am back to sports, coaching soccer, etc. and although my achilles is functional, I have nerve damage so I struggle to feel parts of my foot and because the muscle was also damaged I have been unable to build it back to its original state.
I think that good recovery is a combination of time and excellant physical therapy. It's so hard to judge how long any one person's recovery will be because every injury is a little different. I found the guidance of a PT very helpful, particularly with plyometric exercises to work on nerve rebuilding.
Best of luck to everyone! And...if anyone else has had long term nerve issues, I'd love to hear what you've been doing and what's working to improve the situation.
i am just about at the six month mark now. from reading the comments here, it sounds like there's a pretty wide range of places where people are at when they get to this mark. i'm able to walk my dog 45 minutes everyday without too much stiffness or pain. i'm biking a couple of times a week (just about 5 miles at a time, not too strenuous). however, jogging is still somewhat painful, even in short spurts. also, i don't know if it's psychological, but has anyone experienced the non-injured achilles starting to get really sore when starting back up with jogging?
thanks everyone, heal well!
ener
I completely ruptured my left Achilles in September 2009. After surgery and rehab I'm now at 95% recovered. I can run, play tennis, and race 7-10 miles on my bike.
However, I'm suffering from strange cramps in my foot and toes. Has anyone else experienced this? Basically some of my toes "curl up" and go numb for 2-3 minutes. The arch of my foot also suffers from painful, intermittent cramps.
Could this be due to nerve damage in the Achilles region? Should I seek a professional medical opinion?
I had a complete rupture in January. I am a professional dancer (Broadway style) and I am happy to say that I have been back dancing now for 3 months! I still have to ice my tendon after each performance to dull the pain but...I'm back. My question is: Is anyone else experiencing pain in the big toe joint/ball of their foot? There are days that I can barely put any weight on it at all. It worries me that I have been putting too much stress on that part of my foot to avoid too much pressure on the tendon. Any ideas?
Hi - a question for all of you who have suffered an achilles rupture and had surgery to correct it.
How soon, at best (imagine awesome doctors and david beckham-like recovery), would one be able to go on a light hike/long walk after surgery. 6 weeks? 8 weeks? 12 weeks?
James, to answer your question about light hiking/long walking under the "David Beckham" scenario:
I think 8 weeks is absolutely the best case. You'll have the hard cast->walking boot->regular shoe progression for 6-7 weeks, and you'll want at least two weeks of rehab (at 3X per week for an hour).
Do not, I repeat, do NOT try to put ANY weight on the on the Achilles in the first 3-4 weeks. Small amounts of pressure can cause serious damage - plus, your foot will be prone at a 45 downward angle...making it impossible to even try to walk.
To keep your calf muscle active, try flexing it inside your cast (this will be very hard - it's going to feel "dead") and massaging it with your hands or massage tool.
Best wishes.
Its really awesome... this is a device that is really beneficial for the people who have problem with their knee...
Woah woah woah. James asked a question about light walk/hike and someone replied that best case scenario is 8 weeks.
ARE YOU OUT YOUR MIND?
James do not go walking/hiking around at 8 weeks. Give it 12 weeks (3 months) MINIMUM before any kind of excessive walking. I would even wait until AFTER physical therapy is complete before stepping up hill, etc.
Wow, who ever said 8 weeks needs a refresher of this injury..
I can't help but stress this the most. Do not rush this injury. Time may feel like forever, but in the end, being smart with rehabilitation and training will result in a much better outcome. Do not be afraid to rest your achilles as well on very sore weeks.
Heal well,
Matt Moore said...
While it's encouraging that some of you were back surfing, snowboarding, etc after 4 to 6 months - please remember that all Achilles ruptures are different.
Blanket statements like "you'll be okay after 5 months" set newly-injured patients up for disappointment. With my injury (full rupture in September 2009), that was certainly the case. Even 11 months later, I still have minor balance problems when all of the weight goes forward on my injured leg. I would have felt comfortable skiing after around 8 months.
It can take up to one full year to regain even 95% function in the Achilles - depending on the severity of your injury, amount of atrophy in the calf/leg, your age and physical condition. Even world-class athletes like Vinny Testaverde, Taiwan Easterling, Dominique Wilkins, Ronald Curry, Elton Brand, and Gabe Kapler (with daily therapy and expensive doctors) struggled to get back to full form in 9-12 months.
The best advice I can give is that only YOU will know when YOU are ready! Be smart and patient.
August 9, 2010 11:46 AM
Almost seven months.. I'm an active, healthy 47-year-old female. Partially ruptured my Achilles in April, so my doc suggested the non-surgical route. [It was still nasty - I saw the MRI!] I was in a boot and on crutches at first, then just the boot for about three months. Right leg, so no driving. Started physical therapy at about week 5 or 6 - did twice weekly then weekly then every other week for about 3-4 months total. Doctor and therapist were very happy with initial progress and range of motion, etc. I've just in the last few weeks gotten back to my "old" schedule - sometimes involving speaking and a lot of time on my feet. Driving long distances (4+ hours) has taken a while to be able to do - I used cruise control a good bit at first. I still ice my heel/calf pretty much every night; the discomfort is still "there" even if it's not screaming. I'm exercising some again but haven't done anything too strenuous. Cannot believe how fast my leg atrophied and how fast I got out of shape! There is still a visible difference between the two calves, and the injured ankle is certainly "thicker." There is still a strength discrepancy between the two. But the swelling issues are pretty much gone now. Still not comfortable in anything but supportive, flat shoes or athletic shoes, etc. To those dealing with this injury in the early stages: patience. It will take time. I was also very fatigued in the early weeks/months - still am sometimes - healing takes a lot out of you! As others have said, I do have a new appreciation for mobility - and sympathy for folks who can't get around easily. I'm thankful that after the shock of such a drastic change in my daily life, I'm now walking, driving, and pretty active again. Hoping for more improvement with each passing month, though I don't think it will ever be quite the same; more at peace with that now, though - it's MUCH better than it was a few months ago! Hang in there. RB
I ruptured my left achilles 11 years ago and the recovery was very similar to many of those described previously in this blog. I had another complete rupture of my right achilles on 11/2/10 while playing tennis and was completely bummed by what I knew was a torn achilles and the arduos task of recovery that laid before me. I then got on the internet and thoroughly researched any new advancements and then sought out an orthopedic surgeon who was experienced in these advancements.
On 11/8/10 I had surgery that utilized several small incisions as opposed the to single long incision utilized on my left achilles. After only three days in a splint I was put in a removable walking cast which I wear around the clock except hourly when I remove and raise my toes to a level position and then drop, repeating this process 20 times each hour. My walking cast has 3 layers of heel lifts and will be removing 1 lift each week. I was advised that I could resume golf in 2-3 months following surgery and assume more vigorous activities will take longer. I am a 59 year old retiree and started back with weight training on my upper body the second day in my walking cast. I don't know if my treatment will go as smoothly in the future but I can tell you that there is research that supports this treatment and I am already month ahead of where I was after my first achilles ruptured. I wish you all the best of luck and know from past experience how trying these times can be.
I just rupture my AT 5 days ago. Had surgery the next day. I am miserable. Do you think it would be ok to go to the gym and just lift for my upper body? I am craving some exercise. I am in a cast now.
Hello,
I had a partial tear in my Achilles tendon after 3 months I finally had to undergo a surgery. It has been a month and I am currently seeing a physical
Therapist twice a week and my doctor has he told me that I should expect up to 42 weeks for a complete recovery. I am a runner and will do anything to expedite my recovery. I was just doing some research and found out about ultrasound therapy and Mendme, so I guess my question is since I already had a surgery will it be still beneficial to use? Is it safe to use on my scare? Should I speak with my doctor before I order? Has anyone used it before?
Thanks
I am a 53 year old fire fighter. June 29th we were having a indoor volleyball game and I took a long stride to get the ball and felt immediate pain in my left ankle and calf muscle. I am also a paramedic. I could visually see that the achilles was no longer visible and prominent in its normal place on my ankle. The MRI and the doc confirmed a complete achilles rupture. July 7th I had the long incision to repair the rupture. I was put in a thigh high cast for 2 weeks with my foot pointed down. I was in a below the knee cast for 8 weeks. The below the knee cast was changed every two weeks angling the foot gradually upward each time the cast was changed. At the end of 8 weeks my foot was at a flat or standing position. Then I went into a support boot without any crutches. I was a little unsteady the first few days without crutches. My left calf muscle had lost some muscle mass and appeared to have atrophy. It has been a long haul with physical therapy once or twice a week and stretches on my own every day. It's almost December and I am still not back to fire fighting. The ankle is stiff in the mornings. I wear ankle high boots and have been trying to transition into my Nike's. If I wear the Nike's more than a day or two the pain becomes worse. My ankle mobility has improved. I am transitioning into a stretching/strengthing part of physical therapy. I see progress, but it is slow progress. I know I am not ready to return to firefighting. The doc does not seem to have a crystal ball of a time frame where I will be able to return to the job I love. I am on light duty and I am thankful to have a job. There are times it is depressing because the progress is so slow. I have all the faith in my surgeon. The workers comp system in general is severely lacking medical professionalism. Thank goodness workers comp sent me to a specailist for the treatment of this injury. I have no other choice but to follow Doctors and therapists instructions to completely recover from this injury. If I had fractured my leg I would be back at work by this point. An achilles injury is a whole different animal when it comes to recovery. It's slow. Get ready and be prepared for slow. A re-rupture would be a horrible set back.
Joe From Texas
This is nearly the ONE YEAR mark. I had an 85% rupture on December 29, 2009. Surgery on January 6, 2010. Was in a splint for 4 weeks and no weight bearing. The little scooter with 4 wheels was a life saver. I hated crutches. After 4 weeks I was in a cast for 4 weeks, then a boot for 4 weeks with PT and then just PT. After nearly a year I may have 80% of my strength back on toe raises, I can walk normally, but the bottom of my heal still hurts. I now have an orthotic that floats my heal. My injured leg still feels longer than my uninjured leg. I think my heal feels bigger, which makes my leg feel longer. Has anyone else felt that?
Hi
I've rupured my achilles on 18th December - dancing!!! I'm female aged 40 - I thought at my peak!!! I've been in full plaster upto my thigh since 22nd December I'm due for a below knee cast 13th Jan. I'm starting to feel the full extent of this slow recovery and can see my normal life being on hold for a bit. I've got lots of things I know i should be doing but can't. I'm frustrated that I can't just walk out my front door or go for a drive or resume my normal work/college/family life, I don't know if I will be able to finish my course as I have to stand most of the time(hairdresing)with also the added problem of getting there and back! I guess I'm just having a bad day today and things will look better tomorrow!! How long will it be before I will be able to drive again? Can I drive when I get the boot?
I am at about the 10 month mark. Can walk as long as I want with no pain and I started running and there doesn't seem to be too much soreness or stiffness the next day. My big question is what other exercises can I do now to regain my muscle tone in my leg? I can't do a one legged calf raise yet, and I do calf raise exercises using a table for balance, but would love to know other exercises I can try.
I am 51 years old and I tore my achilles tendon playing tennis. I spent 6 weeks in a cast which he changed twice and moved my foot to stretch the tendon each time. At 6 weeks I went right to my sneakers and PT. I got rid of my crutches after 2 more weeks. I spent 4 months in PT twice a week. I am now at 7 months and I am back to tennis. It feels so good to be able to run for a ball and jump up if I have to. The last thing I was able to do that I got excited about was walking down the stairs normally. I do feel a little tenderness at night if I use it alot but I can deal with that.
It takes time but eventually it will get better.
I ruptured my right AT 3 days ago, 48 yrs fit tall male. The orthpaedic surgeon who my GP consulted promoted non surgical option, stating plaster casting was most efficient mode. Looking at Wiki, it reports no major benefit from surgery, however this blog and most others Ive spoken to recommend surgery, doesanyone have any further reccomendations or information
Thanks to all for all the advice on here, as my past year had been tough. i have had 3 AT ruptures since January 17 2010. I am now at 7 months since the last time and have the last two weeks been jogging for about 30 minutes every other day.
I am 32 years old and active football player and live in Sweden. T
he first rupture was treated without operation, 4 weeks plaster and 4 weeks boot, but after 2 weeks in the boot slipped and re-ruptured.
This time operation and then 3 weeks plaster, and 3 weeks boot.
Third rupture was 3 months after op and this time treated without an operation, but 8 weeks in plaster and the 4 weeks in a boot.
My experience with operation or conseravtive is after the operation and plaster boot time my ankle felt alot more stable than the conserative approach. So I think if I was given the choice again then I would have first chosen an op and the taken it really easy during rehab.
My main problems no are with my ankle and less with the AT, but see a light at the end of a dark tunnel. Good luck everyone a listen to your physio
4 months 2 weeks after total rupture repair surgery (left achilles).=====I'm swimming (but kicking still fees a bit weird, but power is increasing), cycling (right about 75 percent pedal power), jogging on treadmill (1 minute walk, 1 minute run (no faster than 5.0 mph) with slightly varying intervals, elliptical machine is no problem------After waking up, achilles is really tight but loosens after a while. Able to wear dress shoes and boots with no real problems. ------so far so good. Brian-Austin, Texas
I recommend surgery over any other repair option, especially if you plan on being active in the future. My ortho surgeon presented the non surgical option but strongly felt that surgery was the way to go in order to get back to my physical activities....basketball, running, cycling, swimming....etc.
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for those that are curious about good rehab options. I was initially in a "rehab program" but felt the therapist/therapy was something I could do on my own. So, I just went back to my gym and hit the elliptical, and pool at first. Later I progressed to the bike. =======I feel like I've been mildly aggressive in my rehab approach===so far my ortho surgeon has not discourage any of my activities===
I strongly recommend swimming and calf raises/exercises in the water. Cycling (spin bike) is also a good one. At about 3 months I was on a bike but could not get out of the saddle. At 3.5 months I could get out of the saddle for short periods. Now at 4.5 months, I can get out of the saddle for extended periods without feeling any strain. It was really encouraging to feel the strength coming back.
===I am still cautious about riding a regular bike on the road. I will likely wait until closer to 6 months post op to try that. =====
brian from austin, texas
Hello everyone, I was wondering if any of you that suffered ruptures was on any type of antibiotic therapy prior to the rupture???
I was on Cipro for a week and had just stopped it when I ruptured my Achilles. It is known that antibiotics of that class lead to rupture especially in older people who are also taking prednisone. I did not know that at the time, but soon found that out.
Google Cipro Law Offices and you can seek compensation for damages as a result.
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