Comments on Achilles Tendon Rupture Blog: How I Ruptured my Achilles Tendon

Mighty Thor.. I had my full rupture 4th of April ...

2012-02-21T13:50:51.628-05:00

Mighty Thor..

I had my full rupture 4th of April 2011. I opted the non-surgical method and casted my left leg for almost 3 1/2 month. After that i'm on boot for 1 1/2 months. The recovery is not that easy and i think you have to be tough and determine to walk again. I can wlak and jog now.

Mighty Thor.. I had my full rupture 4th of April ...

2012-02-21T13:48:41.618-05:00

Hello everyone, I am 53 years old and a life-lon...

2012-01-01T20:13:33.126-05:00

Hello everyone, I am 53 years old and a life-long athletically active male. The FIRST time I ruptured my achilles tendon was March 25, 2004. I was playing basketball and had started to back pedal when I heard and felt the "POP" sound. Surgery was performed two nights later. I was casted for 5 weeks and then placed in the adjustable boot for five more. Physical therapy was tough and frustrating. At every session the first thing my therapist wanted me to do was to attempt to do a toe raise. After five weeks I still couldn't do it! During one of my failed attempts I started to cry because I COULD NOT DO A SIMPLE TOE RAISE. What I decided to do was to do therapy at home also. At the time I lived on the eighth floor and I would walk up those stairs every night when I came from the store or therapy. Eventually rehab was successful. I decided to end my basketball activities which was very difficult for me since I had been playing since I was 10 years old. Of course I got the itch again. On June 2, 2009 I started to go after a loose ball on the court and in the classic style described by thousands of our brothers and sisters, "I thought someone had kicked me in the back of the leg". DAMN!!!!!! I knew it when it happened. This tear was not as severe as the first one so I elected not to have surgery. The therapy was intense but not as bad as my first go around. I now run on a treadmill five days a week doing 4 miles in 40 minutes. I feel great and I have no discomfort at all. Be patient and work hard at your therapy and it will work out fine. Stretch before you do your activities. GOOD LUCK.

Hello everyone, I ruptured my right achilles ten...

2012-01-01T19:22:25.094-05:00

Hello everyone, I ruptured my right achilles tendon on March 25, 2004. I was playing basketball and had started to back pedal after we lost the ball. "POP" I could hear the pop distinctively. The next time was on June 2, 2009...... again playing basketball. This time I attempted to go after a loose ball and in the classic fashion, "I thought someone had kicked me in the back of the leg". Well my basketball career is over. However I now run on the treadmill, after warming up, 5 days a week, 4 miles every session, with absolutely no discomfort. There is athletic life after not just one but two achilles tendon ruptures.

Hi,I suffered a complete rupture to my right achil...

2011-12-12T15:44:23.498-05:00

Hi,I suffered a complete rupture to my right achilles on Feb 23 2011.I am a fairly fit 35 yr od male.My only advice to anyone suffering this horrible injury is do as the doctors/physio advises you to and prepare to be very patient.It is a very long and frustrating process but manage it carefully and you`ll be just fine.I am now running regular 5k distances.Good luck and keep your chin up because it can be a very lonely process even with a good support network.

Hi Greg - This site it great. You start a long jou...

2011-10-20T08:37:27.235-04:00

Hi Greg - This site it great. You start a long journey - my advice is there is light at the end of the tunnel. Do no push yourself this is not an injury that will respond to you trying to overcome quicker than it needs and you will risk re rupture. I am 6 month post injury (conservative) back at the gym swelling started to go down but still have achey days too....nearly up on my tiptoe fully :-)

Great and Helpful site! I injured mine last night ...

2011-10-19T22:13:09.988-04:00

Great and Helpful site! I injured mine last night in a soccer game. Planted my foot behind me to burst forward and POP!!! I thought i got kicked by someone but no one was around me. I have an HMO so I went to my GP today, which took x-rays and now have an appointment with an ortho tomorrow.

I am a 50 year old woman who jogs 3-5 miles 5-7 da...

2011-10-19T12:13:39.992-04:00

I am a 50 year old woman who jogs 3-5 miles 5-7 days a week. I probably didn't stretch enough & did experience achilles pain for a few months before the rupture. The actual rupture took place while I was enthusiastically dancing at a Seether concert. I felt the pop, fell down, then got back up & continued to dance/limp for another 2 hours! I don't have ANY pain...just can't walk on that leg & have a lot of swelling. Surgery on Friday (8 days after the rupture). I am a little worried about losing my fitness level & gaining weight. I also need to get back to work. How long is the typical recovery?

I fully ruptured my AT on 9/11/2011 while playing ...

2011-10-08T03:25:18.974-04:00

I fully ruptured my AT on 9/11/2011 while playing basketball at the local gym. I had surgery on 9/16 and it has been a long three weeks. I am out of my cast and now I have a boot....but it is not the correct boot that I am supposed to have because I am still waiting on the approval by the insurance company. I was told by my doctor that I will be out of work for at least 12 weeks. It is very frustrating because I am married and have three little ones depending on me. Guess I'm going have to take up knitting...lol

Hi great blog and thanks for the useful advice. I ...

2011-09-27T18:17:03.664-04:00

Hi great blog and thanks for the useful advice. I ruptured mine mtn biking on Aug 2nd 2011 and its now Sept 27 and im free of the moon-boot, walking in skeecher shape up shoes and about to go for a bike ride.
For anyone who's ruptured theirs and mine was a full rupture some tips that helped my recovery.
I did the full nwb thing for 4 weeks but removed a wedge or two after week 3 and didnt stop till week six. I made a point to wiggle my toes and try and generate as much mobility as possible while in the air cast, (no plaster cast for me). I had surgery the day after the accident and attribute that and my surgeon to a speedy recovery.I was also back at work the following day, luckily I have a desk job and propped my leg on my desk.
One huge aid I had was a cyro cuff. This was a godsend and I had my foot wrapped and the ice pumping daily. I was off pain meds. (i only took em at nite) after day 4.
I exercised thruout my recovery, TRX bands were my saviour as im an active guy and need exercise to maintain sanity.
Also put padding on your crutches as you are going to need to save your armpits, i was doing some long trips on my crutches and using the walks as alternative ab crunches given you leg is dangling and doing nothing.
I was advised to buy Skeecher shape up shoes and these have helped with recovery as well. Super ugly but incredible effective in stretching the achilles, improving flexibility and allowing pain free mobility.
I also bought Sigvaris socks to reduce the swelling. Once i ditched the moonboot my ankle would swell up to the size of a grapefruit and these socks stopped that immediately. Expensive but super effective.
Lastly attitude. Be positive, its not the end of the world, direct those positive thoughts toward your healing efforts and do the stuff you've been putting off for ever. Its amazing what a simple mind shift will do. Its now 55 days since I had surgery and im off to celebrate my 43rd bday with a bike ride today! Good luck and healthy healing everyone.
Again what helped me.
1. Cyro cuff and lots of ice
2. Padding on crutches
3. Skeecher shoes
4. Sig Varis socks.
5. Glycosomine sulphate and MSN tabs
6. Positive attitude
7. Awesome support from many friends.

Hi great blog and thanks for the useful advice. I ...

2011-09-27T18:13:29.431-04:00

Hi great blog and thanks for the useful advice. I ruptured mine mtn biking on Aug 2nd 2011 and its now Sept 27 and im free of the moon-boot, walking in skeecher shape up shoes and about to go for a bike ride.

For anyone who's ruptured theirs and mine was a full rupture here are some tips that helped my recovery.

I did the full nwb thing for 4 weeks but removed a wedge or two after week 3 and didnt stop till week six. I made a point to wiggle my toes and try and generate as much mobility as possible while in the air cast, (no plaster cast for me). I had surgery the day after the accident and attribute that and my surgeon to a speedy recovery.

I was also back at work the following day, luckily I have a desk job and propped my leg on my desk.

One huge aid I had was a cyro cuff. This was a godsend and I had my foot wrapped and the ice pumping daily. I was off pain meds. (i only took em at nite) after day 4.
I exercised thruout my recovery, TRX bands were my saviour as im an active guy and need exercise to maintain sanity.

Also put padding on your crutches as you are going to need to save your armpits, i was doing some long trips on my crutches and using the walks as alternative ab crunches given you leg is dangling and doing nothing.

I was advised to buy Skeecher shape up shoes and these have helped with recovery as well. Super ugly but incredible effective in stretching the achilles, improving flexibility and allowing pain free mobility.

I also bought Sigvaris socks to reduce the swelling. Once i ditched the moonboot my ankle would swell up to the size of a grapefruit and these socks stopped that immediately. Expensive but super effective.

Lastly attitude. Be positive, its not the end of the world, direct those positive thoughts toward your healing efforts and do the stuff you've been putting off for ever. Its amazing what a simple mind shift will do. Its now 55 days since I had surgery and im off to celebrate my 43rd bday with a bike ride today! Good luck and healthy healing everyone.

Again what helped me.
1. Cyro cuff and lots of ice
2. Padding on crutches
3. Skeecher shoes
4. Sig Varis socks.
5. Glycosomine sulphate and MSN tabs
6. Positive attitude and awesome support from friends. Thank you everyone.

Hi everyone, I ruptured my left achilles tendon 2...

2011-09-03T01:18:31.401-04:00

Hi everyone,

I ruptured my left achilles tendon 2 weeks ago playing basketball. We were late in the third quarter so it's not like I wasn't warmed up. Went for a cut to the rim along the baseline and it blew up as I tried to push off.

I did the same injury to my right leg 3 years ago doing basically the same thing - playing basketball and went to accelerate, then felt as though someone threw a baseball into the back of my leg.

It's quite frustrating to do the same injury again because I know how long the recovery process is. Last time it took me at least 6 months before I could walk properly again and a full 12 months before I felt comfortable running and playing sports. I do think a lot of it is in the mind though and I'm sure the recovery this time around will be much faster.

My advice to those who are experiencing their first rupture is that it WILL get better. At first you feel the tightness in your ankle and you are convinced that it will NEVER get back to normal. I promise you it will - my right achilles is at least 95% of what it was prior to rupture. It will always have excess scar tissue but as for performance, the difference is negligable.

I'm hoping my left one heals just as well. Got out of cast yesterday and into a boot for 8-10 weeks. Even after 1 day I can already feel a slight improvement in the flexibility. So far so good.

Heal well everyone.

Hello, i am 30 yrs old and my foot slipped and my ...

2011-09-01T03:55:05.872-04:00

Hello, i am 30 yrs old and my foot slipped and my leg went down into an old window. My friends renovate old houses and i climbed up in the bed of the truck to help move stuff around. I was wearing flip-flops and the board i was standing on slip and my heel slipped off the back of my shoe and right down into a window. I jerked my leg back and in doing so i sliced my leg cutting the achillies and the nerve. I am so scared i will not walk again. I had the surgery the very next day, soft cast with a splint for 2 weeks. Now in a boot during the day and a wrap at night non weight baring unless in boot. But i cant feel my heel nor can i put my leg down flat when laying in bed. Is this normal? I am so scared and nervous about this. It is the worst injury i have ever had in my life. Plus i have no children

Hey, my name is Sarah. I'm a 16 year old girl ...

2011-08-19T00:53:02.949-04:00

Hey, my name is Sarah. I'm a 16 year old girl and basketball is my entire life. It's what I'm going to college for and then one day I hope to be a college coach but I partially cut my Achilles Tendon on some metal, and I had surgery on August 2nd. I've been in a cast, and of course on crutches since then and my doctor told me it's going to be 6 months before I can get back on the court and play. We are really hoping for me being back in January. It's been really hard on me not to be there considering my school basketball season starts October 1st, and in the past 6 years I haven't gone over a month without playing basketball. And I'd just really like some honesty here.. Will I be back to 100%? Does is truly take 6 months to recover? Am I going to be able to play again without being scared that it's going to re-tear? It's seriously been killing me and I'd just like to hear from people.

Suffered from constant pain at base of right achil...

2011-08-08T13:47:19.881-04:00

Suffered from constant pain at base of right achilles for several years limiting activities. My podiatrist said it was from scar tissue within the tendon and preferred to treat it with physical therapy, nsaids and open back shoes to reduce irritation rather than surgery. Never improved. On June 18 fell while hiking in Colorado, as God would have it the back of right foot came down right across a sharp rock and severely ruptured the AT. Classic initial sharp pain like being hit with a bat, but could not push off or lift on the ball of the foot. New nothing about AT ruptures and assumed just a severe bruise. Next day using two hiking poles completed a 6 mile hike flatfooted. End of the day foot was swollen and bruised from front to back. Dumbest thing I ever did and could have completely torn the rest of the way. As soon as I got home went to see an orthopaedic surgeon. Surgery was performed the next week and while he was at it removed the scar tissue that was causing so much pain before I fell. It's been four weeks since surgery and in a hard cast which comes off in another three weeks. Can't wait, so impatient. I have unfinished business in Colorado, but I know I have to be cautious and patient. Plan is to climb a fourteen thousand foot peak next summer. Wish me luck. I do not want to rerupture.

Seadrive, Rest assurred you are not alone with al...

2011-06-23T17:02:55.747-04:00

Seadrive,

Rest assurred you are not alone with all of those frustrations. My situation is just a bit different since it was my left that ruptured so I have always been able to drive. What really helped me get some form of independence and a psychological boost was purchasing a steerable knee walker- you can buy for < $300 off Amazon (I think it was about $240 with free shipping last I checked) and this will free up your arms to do things in the kitchen and around the house or even outside. I hated crutches with a passion and found them to be clumsy and downright dangerous. My other tidbit of advice which you didn't really ask for but felt I would share with you anyway is how to best keep your cast dry during bathing. I got a bathtub bench and replaced the shower head with a removable handle and began to wrap my cast with Gladwrap cling and then a plastic bag around that just to make sure. Worked like a charm. Things will turn around significantly once you are out of the cast and into a removable boot. Keep your chin up!

Tracy, I just returned from WDW. I am 9 weeks po...

2011-06-23T16:09:42.702-04:00

Tracy,

I just returned from WDW. I am 9 weeks postop and in an Aircast. I brought my own wheelchair for all the theme parks which was helpful. Make sure you go to guest relations and get a Guest Assistance Card (show up there in the wheelchair) and that will allow you and up to 5 family members get on many of the popular rides and attractions without waiting in the long lines. You will be quite the hit with your family. WDW is very accomodating for disabilities. Of course, October is still a ways off so you might be doing pretty well by then but most have indicated a 6 month recovery at the very least.

I am now at week 12 and out of air cast boot and w...

2011-06-22T02:07:25.866-04:00

I am now at week 12 and out of air cast boot and walking with a limp very slowly...its been a long process. I did not have surgery and opted for conservative which has worked for me the first 8weeks are the most frustrating but you cannot rush it....trust me. The last thing you want is a re rupture. I still have alot of swelling which the weekly physio helps with and he said it will take up to 6 months to feel normal. But don't get down you will heel it just takes a long time..the feeling helpless is normal but you need to ask ohh and get a good rucksack and flask :-) get well soon

Greetings, It's been almost 3 weeks since my ...

2011-06-21T17:55:28.723-04:00

Greetings,

It's been almost 3 weeks since my AT ruptured. I work at a Middle School and was chasing some kids down the stairs like I always do; however, this time I leaped down too many stairs for such a poor landing. Anyway, since I was in the "hunt" I didn't pay much attention to the numbness, but when leaping off 4 more stairs I collapsed and smashed my right knee. I've never been so clumsy. Students nearby thought it looked funny, but when they saw that I couldn't support my right foot and that I was hurt, they felt sorry. I didn't know it was my AT since I always assumed that my calf muscle would displace, but it didn't. So, I limped back to my classroom for the rest of the day. The first aid attendant in my school caught wind of the accident and told me to go to Emergency after school. I still thought it was just a twisted or sprained ankle, so I drove home with my standard car...could use my toes for the gas, but had a heck of a time to provide enough pressure to apply the breaks. Anyway, after 5 hours of emergency and a specialist visit the next day I got a cast without surgery. He mentioned that current research is trying to avoid surgery and that the final healed product would be comparable. I expected to go right back to work, but have been off for 3 weeks now. I get examined tomorrow and I'll know where I go from here. I can't drive, mow the lawn, or do several other independent things...I dislike having to bother people for help! The heavy use of crutches has started to irritate both old shoulder injuries and my other Achilles is quite sore from that accident as well. Pardon if I seem like a whiner, I just can't believe how easily it happened and how long it'll take to fully repair.

Hi all I fully ruptured my achilles playing round...

2011-06-19T18:34:11.250-04:00

Hi all

I fully ruptured my achilles playing rounders on 12th May 2011. I am an active 44 year old and play rounders and netball 2 x a week. I went to A&E and was put into a full cast. My appointment didn't come through until 12 days later. The consultant I saw wasn't overly helpful and didn't recommend surgery so I went for non-surgical route. I hope I will not live to regret this. I was put in a further cast for 2 weeks(no weight bearing. I found this part really hard work and extremely frustrating especially not being able to carry anything. At my next appt I was put into the aircast boot. I found this experience initially extremely painfull. My foot was having none of it. I was a challenge for the nurses. It was very painful that first night but has since eased somewhat and thankfully my foot flattened. I also had 3 wedges in and was told to take the first one out in a fortnight. So I will be able to take it out on Tuesday. I go bk to hospital the following week but to the Assessment Department. So I am now 5 wk post injury. I am interested in some of the comments which talk about still elevating the foot. I have not been doing this since my last visit. The consultant hadn't mentioned this and just said to start to weightbear with the boot on and crutches. not sure when I should be easing off using the crutches. What advice have others been given? What exercises have you begun from 5 wks?

I am wondering how long it will be before I am able to drive?

We are due to go to Florida in October and am wondering what my level of fitness is likely to be by then? Am I likely to be able to walk around the theme parks for a good few hours each day?

I have found this blog really useful. It is great sharing in others experiences. I cannot believe just how long the recovery period is though with this injury! At least it is summer. Just wish it had happened at the end of the rounders season!

I hope to hear from some of you out there.

Tracy

I had ripped my Left AT right off the bone. The s...

2011-06-02T20:17:47.273-04:00

I had ripped my Left AT right off the bone. The surgeon thought it was going to be a simple surgery. Not. He had to take a piece of my calf muscle to make a tendon. I went into an air boot right after surgery. It has been 3 1/2 weeks now almost four and still can not put weight on my foot. I had gotten an infection in the incision as well. But i am coming along pretty good.

Well unfortunately I have joined the club. Had a f...

2011-05-31T10:37:52.070-04:00

Well unfortunately I have joined the club. Had a full rupture on April 7th... stepping back on stairs. I was offered surgery or conservative treatment ( thank heavens for private health) I opted for conservative looking at the latest clinical papers there were few differences in my opinion and the surgeon said that it would heal and take the same ammount of time to recover. I was in the cast for 4 weeks and then into the aircast boot which I am currently still in - its felt like a very long journey and I am only at week 8. I can walk with one crutch ( although prefer two) at the moment and have one wedge.... but its just so stiff and the back of the heel really hurts ( I banged the great bit boot into the wall by accident).I went back to work at week 6 for 3 days a week - that again has been hard going....carrying the laptop in my rucksuck up and down steps etc etc I have also neglected to put the foot up regularly but have changed that now. Everyone is just saying dont rush things so I am trying not to but its so hard - when you just want to carry your cup of tea to the sitting room :-( PT started last week which consists of some stretching excersices with band - my leg is very week so its going to take time I need to remember to do it two or three times a day. I just keep thinking ahead that hopefully I will be back to normal in a few months - I cant remember how that feels at the moment. Thanks for this blog i have read so much of it to keep myself positive during my recovery :-)

I am 3 days out of surgery. I ruptured my achilles...

2011-05-21T15:33:59.169-04:00

I am 3 days out of surgery. I ruptured my achilles tendon playing paddleball, but I mostly play tennis.

I tore my achilles tendon in my other foot about twenty years ago.
It doesn't make it any easier, but I know you can come back and be just as competitive and active as you were before the injury.

The hardest part is the first few days after surgery, it gets much better after you have the first cast or splint removed.

Suggested supplements to look into! Cissus-not su...

2011-05-19T12:27:08.016-04:00

Suggested supplements to look into!

Cissus-not sure if 10%,40% or 50% is better, everywhere has conflicting views. Maybe by both 10% and 50% and take evenly.

Fish oils/omega 3- you should be taking 8 or so of these a day anyway, they help with recovery a lot

Vitamin C- mega dose it, you should get plenty in your diet anyway, just add in a vitamin C tablet on top or even 2

Vitmain D- you will most likely be spending a lot of time in doors, 5000iu a day will do you good

I also take ZMA, not exactly sure what it does, but it helps sleep and supposed to help healing.

If you want any more info or help just email me

mikewats86@gmail.com

I was thrown by my horse while at a full gallop. ...

2011-05-01T21:01:38.635-04:00

I was thrown by my horse while at a full gallop. I had no idea I had ruptured my achilles tendon because I hurt all over. 2 days later I went to the ER to make sure nothing was fractured. I walked in on crutches and the ER doc never considered my achilles. I went to my GP 4 days later and told him I thought I had done something to the achilles while on the crutches. Got ignored. I went to PT for a sprained ankle and mentioned each time I thought I had something wrong w/my achilles. Just got a "oh might be strained." I couldn't rise up on my toes,my toes curled under when I walked and my calf atrophied. I say my GP again 2 months later and again it was ignored. I quit the PT. I saw my GP the end of March and again asked why I was still limping, etc if I only had a sprained ankle. He said to see Ortho and a week later I had a tendon replacement. I am not 3 weeks post surgery and am afraid I have ruptured it again.
Will know tomorrow.