Comments on Achilles Tendon Rupture Blog: Weeks 4 to 9: Waiting it Out

I am about week six post op and im itching to get ...

2011-11-28T17:35:00.800-05:00

I am about week six post op and im itching to get some carido in. would it be possible go light on a stationairy bike only putting pressure on my heel? I feel like i can but i dont want to get to eager and rush things.

I need some advice on aggressive rehab .. 43 yr ol...

2011-08-14T10:58:41.068-04:00

I need some advice on aggressive rehab .. 43 yr old ATR left leg injured playing softball, torn 7/21 surgery 7/27, hard cast removed 8/9 and now in boot, Dr. told me i cold walk in boot if i put most of weight thru the heel, so hurt like heck going into the boot on the 8/9 as only 1 inch heel pad in boot, so strecthed it right out, 2 days later (15 days post op) i felt good so have been walking no crutches, gets a little sore but try not to walk that much and elevate every night i take boot off to sleep and off when i elevate ... i mean everything feels good never needed pain meds or nothin, haven't tried flexing achilles but i know it is connected, can you tear it again? I would think it would hurt and you would no to stop .. Just wondering cuz some people stayin off of it for so long worries i am doing something wrong .. thanks everyone for this blog

Hello, I'm coming up to 4 weeks after my surg...

2011-05-28T06:39:31.716-04:00

Hello,

I'm coming up to 4 weeks after my surgery to repair my fully raptured left AT. I had no stiches (at least on the outside) and was put into a boot from the 2nd day when I left the hospital in Hong Kong. I was then flown back to UK just over a week after surgery. I had no pain at all throughout the process until 4 days ago. When I started to have pain in my lower calf. The pain only occurs when I stand up and it feels like swelling (like my calf is about to explode). Lukily, the pain unusally goes away when I elavate my foot. I have had different advice from my surgon and the UK consultant. I adviced me to start light weight baring after 2 weeks, the other adviced me not to put any weight on until week 5. His reasoning is that the surgery would have put the tendon under the right tension, too early weight baring may impact this. I'm getting a bit worried about the pain as I don't know if this is normal. It makes it worse since I had no pain until now (4 weeks post surgery).

BTW, having a great gf is a godsend, you only realise what you cannot do on your crutches once you got home. I'm getting good at "sitting" my way up the stairs and really missing being able to make my own cup of tea.

Wishing you all happy and speedy recovery.

i am at week 6 tomorrow hopefully having a cam boo...

2011-04-17T05:52:37.301-04:00

i am at week 6 tomorrow hopefully having a cam boot on the pain is not so bad at the moment and can put weight on it but i have to be very carefull because you get tempted to do to much start physio on the 28th.

Achilles Rupture Okay, well I have 2 weeks since ...

2011-04-05T02:24:34.871-04:00

Achilles Rupture
Okay, well I have 2 weeks since I got the surgery done. Today they took of the staples I had 20. He wants me on the new cast for 2 more weeks and then he said we start therapy. Every site that I have researched all the people with achilles tear, stay on the cast for longer than 4 weeks and then get that robot boot on. My DR. SAID I DONT NEED THE BOOT. That is really surprising to me and Im thinking this Dr. is speeding things up for me. Or really has my achilles healed so quick????Hit my up on my facebook Jerry Garza

Hello everyone. I had a full ATR, surgeury on 15 ...

2011-03-19T12:00:47.994-04:00

Hello everyone. I had a full ATR, surgeury on 15 Feb. I had the less intrusive one, 2 inch horizontal cut. I wore the cast/splint for 2 weeks, and then into the cam walker with crutches. Doc said once a could reach 90% angle on my own, I could ditch crutches. The three days I was in the cam walker I excercised the heck out of my foot, and attained the 90%. Two days later, I ditched the cam walker all together. I work in a production plant, and cannot work while in it. So, i cheat and wear a normal shoe, I just have to walk flat footed in a perfect tight (L) shape and be very careful, as not to flex or bend beyond that magicical pain point. I told the doc and he is not happy. I am bearing the same weight I would have with the cam walker. I try and emmulate how i would walk if I was in the cam walker. Has anyone else had to cheat like this. I am at 5 weeks post op, and have been doing this for about a week now. No pain, just a little sore at the end of the work day, and a little swelling. I elevate the leg until bed and start over in the morning. Seems to be doing good.

Hi All, I think its been a while since anyone pos...

2010-08-27T05:32:21.415-04:00

Hi All,

I think its been a while since anyone post a comment on this blog. I ruptured my Achilles 5 weeks ago, and now I am 3.5 weeks post-op. The doctor put me in cast for 2 weeks, while he didn't tell me anything about any boots, I read a lot about Achilles Tendon Rupture on the blogs, and I noticed that most of the patients were wearing those camwalker boots, so I went to another doctor (chiropractic doctor - podiatrist) to get a second opinion, and he recommended me to replace the cast to the camwalker boot. My boot is MaxTrax, the short one which is only up to the calf, while I saw a few of you were using the long one that is up to just below the knee. Anyway, wearing the boot for the first time is a bit uncomfy, I feel the tightness on the Achilles, but I got used to it in a few hours.

The only main problem I'm facing right now is the burning, numbness, and a feeling like being stabbed with hundreds needles sensations which I read, is normal on the post-op phase. But I also read that some of the patients were having nerve damage on the same symptopms. My question is, how to know wheteher you're having nerve damage or normal post-op symptomps? And how long will it take until the burning, numbness, and tingling sensations subside? It happened especially when I make my leg straight from the sit position.

Thank you - Giovanni

Hello all, I am on my 3rd post op week. Three day...

2010-06-08T07:31:07.469-04:00

Hello all,

I am on my 3rd post op week. Three days after my injury I had surgery done, I am in a full cast. Doc told me week 4 will move the postion of my foot upward a bit, then back to a cast for 2 weeks then followed by a boot for a few weeks or so and physical therapy. I dont feel any pain at all just the pressure at times, but for the last 3 weeks I have kept my foot pretty much completely up. I could move my toes really good. My doctor told me I should recover between 8 and 12 weeks with the whole process. I have not been to work at all and have the okay from my boss to take my time to completely heal...great. For sure I will take an agressive PT to get myself back in the fight.

Sailor

Hi All, Ray from Essex, England here. I found thi...

2010-05-13T06:21:41.006-04:00

Hi All,

Ray from Essex, England here. I found this site recently and find it really informative and good to see others are in the same predicament. I ruptured my right achilles playing badminton on 16th April and had the op on 22nd April. I was put in a cast for 2 weeks and had that removed and the wound checked then had a new cast fitted last Thursday, 7th May. I return to see the orthopaedic surgeon next Thursday 20th May when hopefully I will have the cast removed and the boot fitted!
No real pain so far, just twinges which seems to affect quite a lot of people. Hardest thing is filling the long days as I am normally very active.

Keep in touch
Ray

I am four weeks post-op, I ruptured mine playing b...

2010-04-23T19:35:38.287-04:00

I am four weeks post-op, I ruptured mine playing basketball at the end of march. I love lifting weights, I was wondering that if anyone trains with weights and if so how long after surgery did you start lifting and what type of exercises did you do?

i have been reading blogs every since i ruptured m...

2010-04-19T07:26:12.962-04:00

i have been reading blogs every since i ruptured my achilles playing ball. I was in the cam boot on bed rest icing for the first 2 weeks. Walking around in cam boot for a week. Started putting more pressure by taking out the support every two days and was waling full wieight bearing with 2shoes at 5weeks. I just though i should share to give hope.T nel

I am almost 4 weeks post surgery. I have a walkin...

2010-04-10T22:37:47.538-04:00

I am almost 4 weeks post surgery. I have a walking boot but still have crutches. I had a cast on for 2 weeks previously and was told that everything looks good. With that all being said, I have a lot of pain and numbness on the outside top of my foot. My heel is pretty numb as well. The doctor says this is normal, but its really uncomfortable. I am elevating my foot as often as I can without the boot on because its pretty darn heavy. Is this normal? If so, any suggestions on helping with the pain other than pain killers?
Brian

Trying the non surgical route. Looks like cast for...

2010-04-03T20:56:36.036-04:00

Trying the non surgical route. Looks like cast for 6 weeks and then evaluate healing.

So here is the skinny, 45 year old dude snaps lef...

2010-03-23T03:15:06.643-04:00

So here is the skinny,

45 year old dude snaps left tendon chasing a fuzzy little ball his wife hit low over the net. Not so much pain but instantly knew this was not so good. Good men in a storm come to my aid to carry this downed warrior off the court like a scene from Band of Brothers. Unlike David Beckham, I don't shed a tear and find myself laughing at thinking I was still 20 years old. My five year old daughter finds this humorous as well as I am hopping into the ER on one leg. Meanwhile, the Jackass doctor on staff is more interested in talking about his slip at his pool than properly diagnosing WTF just happened to me on the court.

Five days later my talented lady surgeon stitches tendon back together. Percaset for two days makes things quite all right. 1.5 weeks soft cast then (105 degree) boot for 4 weeks. I'm currently at 6.5 weeks in the boot at 90 degrees. Half the time limping around on one crutch like Tiny Tim while the other time is spent dragging my boot around like Frankenstein without the crutch sticks. Foot and ankle is swollen quite a bit but self massaging helps. Use it or lose it mentality applied to increasing range of motion of leg and foot. Little by little these non weight bearing exercises combined with increased walking with and without crutches are having a positive effect.

Very humbling how slow the heal time is but with an amazing wife to assist and good friends, it hasn't been so bad. Looking forward to more baby steps on my way to running again. A few things that have kept me sane throughout this process:

1. Make sure your boot lining is breathable and washable. I initially had a compression pump on mine and found it worthless and comparable to putting your foot in a plastic bag.
2. Order the "millennium" crutches or equivalent online asap. (amazon) if you use any other crutches you might as well be in the 19th century. always check the rubber crutch tips for any damage. Mine broke through a few times and
I had to replace them. Almost broke my arm as a result of these tip giving way.
3. Order a sturdy bath seat for your tub with rubber feet. (again, amazon) It also helps to have a shower head on a hose for easy access while on the bench and direct water pressure where needed while bathing/showering.
4. Get a chair with wheels to get around in your house. (think office chair with backrest which you can also order online and have sent to your house) the simple pleasure of getting a drink for yourself while in this wheeled chair is immensely satisfying.
5. Use a pack or shoulder bag to carry things, even in your own house. Plan ahead.
6. I wore sweat pants the first month with zippered legs. Easy to get on and off the boot.
6. Lean on your better half for assistance, but not too much

Here's to getting it going again,
Rob, Arizona

What a dufus I am there's more of you yipee!!!...

2010-02-08T16:26:00.092-05:00

What a dufus I am there's more of you yipee!!!!
My Op was 22nd Jan I had stiches out and foot elevated 45degrees on 4th Feb. Slight pain when I wake but think I'm active sleeper and playing a lot of sport unconciously.
Be honest with me I'm getting married 2nd June can I way the shoes I bought? (HEELS)

I'm gutted that you're all gone! But at th...

2010-02-08T16:20:16.047-05:00

I'm gutted that you're all gone! But at the same time happy that your gone because it means you've all healed nicely and have put your boots in the recycle bin. It's great reading your comments just wish the thread was still going Boo Hoo Michelle 33 Wales,UK.

Hi All, I am six and a half weeks post opp, had m...

2010-01-23T15:08:17.301-05:00

Hi All,

I am six and a half weeks post opp, had my cast off on the 23/01/2010, the doctor said I did not need a cam boot or any kind of support (which I found odd) it feels ok though and will enable me to get back quicker I hope, for anybody whi is interested: as soon as your cast comes off get your foot moving, this will ensure a quick return to sports etc, my physio (who treats pro soccer players) thinks I will be back playing by May 2010, don't lose faith a quick recovery is possible just do everything right. GD UK

Hi, This is a such a great blog! Very helpful ind...

2010-01-03T10:25:49.171-05:00

Hi,

This is a such a great blog! Very helpful indeed! I am Going on my fourth week. Still getting that burning sensation on the outer part of my left heel. Is that normal? Then when i twist my cast, i get a bit of a relief. I don't think it is swelling up though. Still tender.

Somewhere in this time range you should graduate t...

2009-12-26T19:36:13.326-05:00

Somewhere in this time range you should graduate to the boot. It feels so good to be rid of the cast. Your leg will be tiny and you will be horrified when you see your scar. I started moving my foot around throughout the day which isn't much but it's a start. I started by doing the alphabet & just extending and flexing my foot vs. air. I used crutches for a week or two and then felt like it was actually easier to just walk (not pretty however). I stopped using the boot exclusively around 8weeks and ditched it altogether around week 10. Somewhere in there I started doing some light isometrics. When you get the cast off I would highly recommend the following modalities:

-Massage: Do what your scar and tendon will let you for blood flow and scarring. From what I heard & read you want to go left to right and make sure you get the sides of the tendon as well as the back/top. I did mainly self massage with arnica cream and when I was ready used a chiropractor for the Grafton technique. Pretty unpleasant and involves steel tools with scraping:)
-Infrared: Again at the chiro but I also had a box with lights for a previous injury I used occasionally. Supposed to increase blood flow/healing.
-Ultrasound: At chiro. Increases blood flow and breaks up scarring.
-E stim: Chiro again. Blood flow and just feels good.
-Ice massage: At home. Decreases swelling & increases blood flow. Read up on it.

Hi all, 37/m, soccer injury. I'm six weeks, ...

2009-11-18T17:37:38.391-05:00

Hi all,

37/m, soccer injury. I'm six weeks, two days post-op (11/18 today) and see my ortho in two more days to see what is next. I'm in a boot and have one shim or wedge left, so my left foot (after full rupture on 9/30 and surgery on 10/05) is nearly at 90 deg. I'm hoping he will give me the go-ahead to go to a shoe, as I don't have a lot of swelling, and to be honest, I've been bearing some weight because it feels good to do so. At the end of the day, the achilles is sore, but after a night's rest, it is fine again.

On 11/10, I had been in the boot for five weeks, and I felt a tenderness in my upper calf. I went in for an ultrasound because I feared a DVT. Sure enough. So now I'm taking two shots per day, one in the AM, one in the PM, of Lovenox (heparin) until the Coumdin is at a good level. Partial blood clot from immobility.

So now I'm on Coumadin for at least three months and wondering if this could have been avoided if I had been on a more aggressive treatment course. If my calf had been working even a little bit, blood might have been moving better, right?

I feel like I could walk with a limp in a regualr shoe, even without a lift. I'm hoping I can do this Friday!

Good luck!
SJ

surgery was 3 weeks ago this morning, so i'm o...

2009-10-21T12:12:23.238-04:00

surgery was 3 weeks ago this morning, so i'm officially into my 4th week.
i had the cast removed at 2 weeks and was given a fancy boot - not a cam walker, but a VacoPed (i'm at either a 15-degree or a 22-degree angle. can't tell). I highly recommend it. My doc is aggressive and the surgery (repaired a full rupture, 4 weeks after the injury) went well, so he told me I could start putting weight on the bad leg WITH THE BOOT ON immediately. I walked with 2 crutches as guidance the first couple days (lots of pins and needles), then one crutch the next couple days (a few bee stings). Now, I can shuffle along with no crutches (and i only get the occasional twinge when too much weight gets toward my toes). I do take the crutches when I leave the house and of course, if the boot comes off, the leg stays off the ground.
I'm also flexing the ankle (up and down) a couple hundred times/day.
Feels great.
This injury is terrible in so many ways (mostly, not being able to drive for 6-8 weeks and the 6-9 months it takes to fully rehab) but i'm trying to be grateful for the small positives.
i'm hoping to start PT at my 6-week visit and aim to be driving by Thanksgiving.
Good luck to everyone.
-Marc

Hello all, Thank God for your comments which has r...

2009-10-11T19:25:16.779-04:00

Hello all,
Thank God for your comments which has really helped me deal with this experience. 57 ruptured AT playing b-ball. 10th week post, use removable booth but still uses crutches to walk around. I see Othr in 3 weeks. He said when he sees me most likely I won't be using crutches. (He's right)
Hey Javier, I too have a large knot where over the top on my wound. No pain but tight. Will start PT in 3 weeks. Concerned about the knot and some swelling around ankle.
Be well!
The hopper

In response to umfuzi: wow, you are on an incredib...

2009-10-06T01:27:26.165-04:00

In response to umfuzi: wow, you are on an incredibly fast track if what you are saying is true! My surgery was on 9/16 and I just had the stitches removed on 10/1/. I am in a splint with toes pointed slightly downward that is wrapped in place by a number of ace bandages. Even though the back part of this contraption is firm, the rest is soft and comfortable.

I was told that, at the 6 week mark, I probably can go into the cam boot, but by no means will I be doing any real walking or weight bearing until at least that point. I sure hope your health care professionals have good success with their care of your situation. Please let us know how things go and good luck!

I did my achilles on Sep 3rd playing basket ball a...

2009-10-05T10:54:55.515-04:00

I did my achilles on Sep 3rd playing basket ball and had surgery on the sep 7th. Full rupture. I was in a open cast for two weeks and now in a fibre cast for 3 weeks.

My doctor has told me that it comes off on Oct 13th and I go straight to walking and crutches. No boot or cast of any sort. It seems really early when I read some of the other replies on here.

Anyone seen a similar rehab program?

I did my achilles on Sep 3rd playing basket ball a...

2009-10-05T10:53:51.326-04:00