Simon Barratt

Ouch! I guess you're probably in for a long haul, but I do hope you at least navigate the system smoothly and get on the road to recovery.

Ow!!!!

Get well soon!

Making progress through the system now!

It appears that once you are in, you are in! Things are moving quickly now! But why it took 1 1/2 weeks to get IN, is beyond me.

Thanks for the support.

6 to 8 weeks is maybe in a cast there buddy..I did hear that same pop while playing tennis on april 30th and im still going thru the physical therapy..I had 8 weeks in a cast 4 in a walking boot and now im walking on my own but its still very tight in the morning and the stretching exercises are a bitch!!!Good luck and let me know how yours is going?

I just recently ruptured my achilles tendon. It happened exactly 5 weeks ago. I am going to be in a cast for two months and then in a walking boot for about a month or so. I am not looking forward to all the physical therapy. There is a not a day that goes by when I wish I could be playing soccer right now but I cant because of the injury. Good luck with your recovery.

Hello Simon: I totally ruptured my achilled tendon while playing basketball on (of all places)a cruise ship in October of 2005. I was in a series of plaster casts for roughly 8 weeks, followed by six weeks of rigorous physical therapy. As I sit here 10 months post-op, my tendon is still a bit tight and the amount of atrophy in my calf muscle is still discouraging. You may find that the calf on your injured leg my never be the same size as the uninjured one. You need to gauge your recovery/progress on a month to month basis as the progress you make is quite slow. I find that I am quite relectant to truly push my injured leg in any forceful way out of fear of re-rupturing it. Best of luck to you and other bloggers that are recovering from their achilles injuries.

I ruptured my right achilles playing tennis 4 years ago and had to have a flexor hallucis transfer.i now have done the same thing with the left againing requiring a flexor hallucis transfer.I lost 3 inches off the right leg so i guess iwill have a matching pair Tennis anyone?fortunately i am an avid snow skier but must really lose 20 lbs pronto before the season starts.at least i enjoyed watching the us open tennis

Wow! That sucks!

What is a flexor hallucis?

ruptured my achilles on father's day playing basketball with my son...june...because i farm for a living, icould not afford the time for healing in the middle of crop season...now the operation is scheduled for oct. 17 ( 1 month from today) i can't wait to start healing...really has been a pain due to lack of balance and awarkwardness...actually very little pain

If you have your surgery hours after the rupture, you would recover sooner than otherwise. If it gets swollen you may need to wait for a few days for the swollen to subside a little for the surgery. Waiting for weeks for the surgery may be too long. You would lose too much muscle in your calf during the waiting period.

Also don't wait for too long for a removable boot. The boot will speed up your recovery since you can exercise your foot, your tendon and your calf earlier. It is possible to make a 100% recovery if you do things right, as I was told from some readings.

i share your pain man. I injured my achilles two weeks ago, doctor said it was only swollen. two weeks later no improvement and went to accident and emergency on my birthday, only to be talled it was ruptures and either needed op or plaster. Opted for plaster as do not like idea of surgery, with all i have read it looks like i will be out for rest of football season and off work for at least 8 weeks.

Hi Simon

Looks like i have joined the gang , ruptured my achilles tendon on a boat while on holiday in mexico 4 weeks ago , classical symtoms, fely like some one had taken a hammer to my calf, carried off the boat by 4 crew members and then had a doctor on site treat me for muscle cramp by attempting to flex and extend my foot!!! am now in a cool bright purple cast,non weight bearing for 6 weeks.The hard part is being an invalid ,not being able to drive ,swim or go out for walks , hopefully will have the walking boot on with the heel raise in a few weeks , you may have already gone through this stage ?if so would love to know how you progressed. regards jillian

I am in the walking boot at the moment, but still on crutches. I had to have a second surgery due to an infection after having my stitches removed.

I was progressing well until the infection. I went straight to a boot with no heel wedges at all. I was quit good at walking the boot too.

I have another post on this blog, which has been adopted as the main thread.

You might want to check in here { Link }

and follow the contributions from everyone!

All the best.

Thanks for this site. I ruptured my achilles wed. 10/17 stund up on my toes to shoot a basket. Felt like a shoot gun hit me in the left leg and and I went down. I am 60 years old and have had 7 orthopedic procedures in the past 16 years. I thought I was bullet proof and worked out at a high level for 30 years when I was in rescue and survival, Pararescue) US Air Force. I have two full hip replacements, fused left wrist, 2 ops), left shoulder reconstructed twice. ruptured kidney, fracture left foot, and right wrist. I have been knocked out in sports about ten times. Military and police occupations took a toll. Not complaining I had some great fun too. I jumped to shoot a basket and it felt like I was hit by a shot gun in the leg. This was on Oct 10/17. Went to ER and they sent me to Orthro guy the next day who said it was a completely torn. I an having surgery in 10 hours, outpt, to repair the achilles. I have a boot they gave me, do I put that on right after surgery? Or do I get a cast and then the boot. I work out 1 to 2 hours a day on the elipitical and will try to start an upper body routine if I can.

I will let you know about how it turns out tomorrow. I have more info about how Levaquin has been know to cause achilles to rupture, (look on google) I was on levaquin for 5 days prior to the rupture. Who reallly knows.

thanks Jerry

Thankyou everyone for all of your comments. I'm going to have surgery tomorrow. It's been around a month since I fell through a deck and tore my tendon. I wasn't really sure If I tore my tendon at that time or just bruised my muscle, so instead of taking care of it right away I waited and waited, but last weeks MRI confirmed the just about complete tear. It's also interesting after reading some of the comments that around 4 months ago I was playing basketball and it felt like someone took a steel ball and threw it at me hitting me in the back of my calf. I guess thats maybe when I initially tore it.

Good luck to you all

Ron

I heard my tendon pop 3 weeks ago playing tennis. had surgery 3 days later, in a cast for 2 weeks and now in a retractable/walking boot for 2 months. My foot is allowed to move at 7.5 - 20 degrees downward. In a month the orthopedic surgeon will adjust the boot soe i will be walking flat footed/normal again

Can anyone tell me how much time they wore the boot before putting alot or full body weight on it? I'm nervous about doing too much for obvious reasons!!!

I was in my boot for about 4 weeks before I started putting weight on it.

Hop over to this thread { Link } to follow the group recovery!

i hope u will get ill intime and i wish you agood time , i'm really sorry , that i don't know that the injure is up to this extent, i pray you get well so soon

I am in my second week wearing a boot after rupturing my achilles playing in my basketball league. I am 35 and I love the sport but I may retire and just focus on being able to walk and then run again. After a left knee ACL tear and now this...the recovery time sucks...but it is nice to know that I am not alone in my struggle and frustrataion and desire to come back on it.

It seems that doctors these days prefer non surgical recovery if the patient agrees to be more patient.

Cheers.,

Seth Riebman

Boston, MA

I ruptured my achillies tendon only 24 hours ago while playing basketball. I remember running to get a rebound only to find myself clutching my right leg as if I had just suffered the worse "charlie-horse". My initial thought of someone kicking me in the back of my calf was squashed when I could not feel the cord in my lower right leg. I was suprised at how the intense pain disapated after a few minutes. My surgery is the day before Thanksgiving and I still have a solid three weeks left in the semester. Not being able to drive and maneuvering around campus will be difficult at best. I do wish all here a successful and speedy recovery. Bring on the non-impact activities!

Had surgery on my left achilles tendon on Wednesday, Nov 15th. Seem to be doing ok. I have to keep it elevated or it swells in the cast. I am going crazy not being able to move around. Any suggestions from you veterans that have had to stay quiet for 8 weeks? Any chair excercises that you suggest?

Here is my story ...

45 year old male. I ruptured my left achilles tendon on October 16 playing men's rec volleyball. I got to the gym early to stretch. It ruptured in game three - I thought I would have been warmed up by then ...

Classic symptoms. I was at the net for a block. I came dowm in pain. It felt like someone kicked me in the back of the leg. I had a friend 10 years ago describe the same injury when playing basketball so I knew right away what it was.

My treatment. I had surgery two days later. My doctor did the single opening rather than the series of smaller cuts. I was in a plaster cast for two weeks - waiting for the swelling to go down. My wife encouraged me to stay home for the two weeks. Looking back on it, I am glad I did. I was on the couch for two weeks with my foot up. I had minimal swelling.

After the two weeks in the paster cast, the doctor put me in a full fiberglass cast up to the knee. I did go back to work. I am finishing up four weeks in the fiberglass cast. It comes off on Tuesday, November 28. Then I'll be in a walking boot and on to therapy.

I am currently in my 10th week of having a cast (my third and final cast is a walking cast - changed every 4 weeks) after tearing my Achilles on 23 Sep this year playing tennis - classic scenario and symptoms - 40+ male out of condition weekend warrior suddenly decides to push the boat out !!!! It can be hard to keep positive and to exercise the rest of my body but I been driven by the knowledge that post cast rehab time will be shortened if I do.

Don't let the rest of your body go to pot out of sympathy with your injured leg ! It's amazing how many 'non-weight bearing' exercises you can do and how creative you get with a below the knee cast.

Pay attention to stomach and gluteals (eg leg raises on front, back and side). Try to keep a daily routine going if you can - it'll all help to keep self pity and frustration at bay. I discovered that it's important not just to elevate your leg but to elevate it above heart level where you can so I had it on two pillows whilst sleeping. I'm currently looking ahead to getting my final cast off after 12 long weeks (just in time for Christmas. Of course I know there's still going to be quite a bit of work involved in getting it up to its maximum strength. I've learned so much from this time....keep positive...

Hi, everyone

I am a student in my last year of school to be a teacher translating to hectic life:) I'm taking a PE class and on Oct. 26, I was playing an awesome game of tag when (classic) it felt like some stepped on my right achilles. I went to the ER and the resident said I totally ruptured it and he'd get me into surgery as soon as possible. Ended up having an MD appt. a week later which gave me time to think. I met a guy on the bus who healed his achilles injury non-surgically.(I ruptured my left achilles tendon 6 years ago - it was total, on my weaker leg, and emotionally surgery was best). This time I could still move my foot and I'm emotionally, etc. stronger so I was going to mention the non-surgical route as an option. At the MD appt., the doc said if the tear was over 1 centimeter after it was ultrasound then surgery, if under a centimeter then non-surgical route. After ultrasound, the tear was .7 of a centimeter - cool! no surgery. I joyously was casted and crutched out of the office with an appt. in 2 wks.with instructions to be non-weight bearing and come back in 2 weeks. Weeeeelllll, I have a busy life with school and all and cheated and walked to the bathroom without crutches and in a few other places too. The 2 week ultrasound showed I tore the achilles more - the tear was now 1.1 centimeters. OOOOOww- major reality check. Yeah, I'm like everyone else the hardcore type - okay I don't want to walk with a limp and surgery for an injury this far out isn't the best- okaay! no weight-bearing. I used a scooter at my job for the left achilles rupture I got a prescription for A Leg Up, the scooter for leg injuries and IT HAS GIVEN ME THE ASSURANCE AND HOPE I NEEDED TO KNOW I WILL MAKE:) The kids at school think it's cool, guys on the street stop me and want to know where to get one. So I have both- crutches and the scooter. Yeah, it may take longer to heal but I'm in it for the long haul. Gotta learn how to be 'hardcore' in new ways, slowing down and reflecting more, and above all injuries are part of being an athlete - it comes with the territory. Great to be apart of this - this is new for me. Appreciate all the support. Hang strong everyone!!!!!

heard of this rupture only after I GOT ONE!

Initially I was taken to the local man who does the emergency task of 'tying' with egg yoke mixed plaster. He told me an interesting thing: During the British colonial times, the police used to knock off Achilles tendon on many freedom fighters and keep them indoors. No wounds and no mobility! No court cases.

I am a diabetic, so it gets complicated. Ignorance was the cause. Always good to do some loosening exercises before any physical exercises.

But sincerely there seemed to be know consensus on surgery and non surgery. I consuted three doctors on a single day and given 6 differnt options! Only one gave the non surgicaloption.

This is INdia and anything goes. What happens elsewhere

Update on the non-surgical route girl:) Well, I went in for my now 7 week out injury and a month with another cast and a SCOOTER. Yaaawhooo! So I have been completely non-weight bearing for a month - I'm being so good, no cheating. I'm telling everyone- the scooter is the way to go, it's made life so much easier and I'm so thankful and gratefull to have it. My leg looked puny and felt alittle vulnerable coming out of the cast but I kept hope alive:) The physician's asst. did the ole Thompson test? where they squeeze your calf and see if your foot moves. My foot moved and I felt it move since I was on my stomach looking the opposite direction - I felt the connection:) Then the doctors had to feel all over the achilles and that has kinda hurt and felt weird since I tore it. Not this time, the doctors checked it out and it felt great - didn't hurt. It's healing. Thank you, Jesus! I have 2 more weeks in a cast and then a walking boot with risers which means I start the walking process SLOWLY, very slowly. I think I'll keep the scooter for extra time to make sure I take breaks. The non-surgical option is great- you just SERIOUSLY have to stay OFF your leg - totally non-weight bearing -no ands, ifs, or buts. Hanging in there doing well. Best of everything to all my fellow rupturers/tearers.

I can't believe all of you who have had to wear a cast! I ruptured mine 12/13/06 (out of shape 37 year old trying to play basketball - gun shot to the leg)... (should have been in a cast, because I fell and ripped it again with only a half splint). I had surgery again 12/22/06. I got a boot the second time... but after a couple weeks I take it off at night (which I'm not supposed to do). It feels fine! A little stiff... but range of motion is awesome. My physical therapist keeps asking me if it hurts when she stretches it... when I say no... she looks at me like she doesn't believe me. They won't let me put any weight on it - I'm so frustrated with these crutches. Apparently I should stop complaining - when I look at your other situations! I don't know - what do you think? Should I try walking on it - maybe with the crutches? I have stepped on it a couple times accidently and it sends an electric jolt up my leg. Kinda tingles too. It's been 4 weeks (since the second surgery) tomorrow. Does yours still hurt??

Dude Im 36 and I did the same thing, playing basketball. Just stay off of it no matter how much. You shouldnt even put a partial weight until 4 weeks post op....I hate to say it but stay the F#$% off it before, you have a permanent limp..........I would hate to see that. I look at it this way. I rather be laid up for 4 to 6 months and have a normal walk, rather then rush it and have a limp or worst rerupture it. then they have fuse your tendon and you will never be able to bend you foot again. Trust me it can happen and I dont want it to happen to you...Good luck and please be patient..later

44 years old and ruptured mine playing basketball on Christmas Eve last year, simple jumping to catch a pass. Same classic sign as everybody else, thought someone kicked in the calf and the pain was so intense. Mine was a complete rupture and had surgery on December 27. I was in a plaster cast for two weeks and then put in a fiberglass cast for another week. I received my boot on January 18th (heel wedges inside) and it has now been one month since I ruptured it. I no longer have any pain and I am able to move my ankle a little bit when I have the boot off, but it is extremely stiff. My doctor said I could start putting some light pressure on my foot, but I have no idea how much, so I really haven't. I continue to have quite a bit of swelling, so I would highly recommend to everybody with this injury to keep it elavated as much as possible. I am also getting sick and tired of the crutches, but not much else I can do. My next appointment is February 8 and they will remove some of the part of the heel wedge as they work me closer to a more normal position.

Hey guys... just an update. I quit the crutches yesterday. I'm still limping and still in my boot, but there is no pain... just a tingle when I start out. I wouldn't do it much without the boot, but it's getting stronger by the minute. Even the swelling isn't as bad as it was. I don't do anything fast and balance is still an issue. It's been six weeks since my first surgery and 5 since my second. I think I heal fast... the doc put me on an "accellerated" physical therapy program I think because of the healing he saw in the second surgery. Anyway... I'm very excited to be free of the crutches and not in pain. I'll keep you updated!

Hi Fellow ATR survivors,

I ruptured my AT the exact same way as Lisa,I'm glad I'm not alone.I've spent the entire morning reading, what an amazing bunch of people you all are! I had surgery on 11/21/07 pretty standard rehab,except my dissolvable circumferal stitch (the big one) did'nt dissolve and eventually worked it's way out causing infection and swelling. Antibiotics cleared it up and a 2nd course weeks later helped with what the MD thought was another type of infection. Problem is, after 4 months I still have an enormous amount of swelling about the ankle and foot. The scar site is fine. The Md says I may have dependent venous insufficiency. Blood tests confirmed I have no underlying infection. The PT says capillaries may have been crushed during the casting phase (it was pretty tight) and it may take awhile to repair themselves. I am to continue with compression stocking and baby aspirin and home PT and check back wtih MD in 6 weeks. The only real pain I have is from the increased swelling especially in the PM.

Has anybody experienced this amount of swelling? IF so what did you do about it?

I look forward to your response and would appreciate any comments. Thanks for listening.

Lynette

Hi, Everyone

Well, I went to my last doctor's appt. on March 28th - I've graduated!!!! I'm walking fine - no limp, no soreness, no pangs, just getter stronger and stronger. Yes! I owe it all to staying completely OFF my leg for 7 weeks and letting it heal. Yes, I used the bus lift, I humbled myself and got rides from friends, and I rode around on that scooter as a proud gimp. I'm healing and I'll show you in a few months I'll be walking like everyone else. No pity for me! My achilles ruptured 10/27/06, the tear was small enough for the doc to ok it to heal on its own. I was in a cast for 7 wks, cheated too much on crutches so I traded them in for a scooter for 7-8 wks. Then a walking boot with risers in it for abt. a month with crutches - weaning slowly from both throughout the month of January. In Feb. started wearing shoes and had alittle limp as I adjusted. Only bad thing that happened was I started wearing soft soled and soft mesh material shoes - wrong. As soon as I wore hard soled shoes with firm leather support for my whole foot I was just fine - pretty much immediately. I'm doing great!!! Don't rush the healing process like everyone is saying - Think big picture - alittle inconvenience now for a lifetime painfree, normal use of your legs.

Hang strong! Rosemary

I can't believe a lot of you folks! Pain, can't walk, 3 months, stay off of the foot, blah blah, blah. Maybe I'm a freak, I don't know. I know everyone heals differently but a lot of you guys should be ashamed! First, here's my story. I guess I fit the typical weekend warrior bill. I used to be a great athlete, but that was 17 years ago, 50lbs lighter. I'm 35 years old now roughly 225lbs. It happened on Superbowl Sunday and I'll let you guys guess what I was playing. Yup, a pick up football game with friends and others I didn't know. I'm on offense and I'm split right (WR). The ball is snapped and I make a quick explosive move off of the line of scrimmage to beat the defender. Right then and there "SNAP"! I'm on the ground the defender is looking at me like what the heck? I thought a buddy of mine who was suppossed to run a crossing route in motion behind me kicked me as a joke. I was pissed. I turn around to cuss him out and realize there's nobody there. That's when it hit me, I knew at that moment my achilles ruptured. There was no pain, just shock of absorbing the moment. Pain? C'mon you guys, what pain? Either some of you are a bunch of sissies or I really am a freak, I don't know. Anyway, two buddies help me off to the sideline and I watch them play for 30 minutes or so. Meanwhile in between I try to walk it off (in denial) but I can't move the foot. Then I figured I better check myself into an ER. I drive myself with the ruptured achilles tendon, yes it's my right foot (driving foot). Still no pain. I walk into Cedar's Hospital in Beverly Hills, CA too many, I mean way too many people there, then I leave and drive home. My wife then drives me to St. John's in Santa Monica. Long story short complete rupture. MRI few days later revealed a complete tear. 10 days later, I had surgery. The next day I went to work. Slight pain after surgery, I'm not going to deny that (but bearable). 10 days after surgery I took off annoying splint and put some weight on it. I walked around or shall I say limped around the house. My wife thought I was nuts and my doctor probably would have killed me had he known but It felt ok. I still used crutches for the most part to get around. By week 2 I was in a walking boot but doc recommended I stay on crutches still and NOT bear weight. Sorry but I lost the crutches between week 2-3! I limped around and I felt the tightness in the tendon loosen up somewhat. No pain, just tightness. I was VERY cautious. I became a pro walker in the boot, I could almost run. LOL This week Monday I decided I'm done with the boot and started wearing shoes. I still feel tightness, that's normal but my range of motion is getting a LOT better. I can attribute the quick healing to number 1: Brain Power! For the most part it's psycological. Listen to your body, not the doctor. number 2: The quicker you begin rehabilitation the better! Definately wait 10 days before you attempt to put any weight on it. Test it out (move your toes up and down, eventually this will get you to move the foot somewhat). The doctor uses protocal. But for whom? Everybody responds different. Why should the doctor tell you what's best for you? Listen to your body and let your instincts take over and tell you what is best for you. Muscle atrophy? Sure everyone will see a difference but if you look at my calves I guarantee you on't see much because I started rehab early. Anyway, my 2 cents. I'll say it again. Listen to your body, not the doctor! Good Luck All!

Robert

Hi Fellow ATR survivors,

I ruptured my AT on the 24/03/06, I’m 38 and a retired elite netballer (basketball without the dribbling)for those USA friends out there. Had not played for 3 years, but have kept active and fit with Gym and runs and walking. Participated in a Corporate Games Event, only into the second half of the first game - BANG!!! was like a shot gun had gone off. Initially like others I thought I was kicked by my opponent. Glad I'm not alone. I’ve spent the entire morning reading, what an amazing bunch of people you all are! I had surgery on 02/04/07 pretty fresh and I do hope to have a smooth recovery over the next few months. I must say I am a little concerned hearing about the post op removal of stitches and possibility of infections. Can anyone share some in-sight on best care to avoid this? IF you did experience infections, would appreciate as much info in post care.

I look forward to your response and would appreciate any comments. Thanks for listening.

Sonya

Oooops - ATR on the 24/03/07 just two weeks!

My achilles ruptured on March 9th, 2007. My dad did the same thing a few months before, so I knew what I did within minutes. I was playing basketball and had actually had an arguement with another player about playing. I felt I had not warmed up and stretched enough, but because of prior commitments, I could only play in the first half, so I played. BIG MISTAKE! Ran up and down the court a few times and when I went for an inbounds pass POP! Lucky for me I had very little pain. I still have a perscription for Vicodin that I never filled.

I went to the ER that night and 3 day later had the surgery by the same dude who did my dad's. My dad's recovery has been much slower than mine he's almost 30 years older. It is almost 1 month since the surgery and I initially had to wear a plaster cast for 10 days. Then they gave me a walking boot with 10 degrees of dorsiflexion. I was told to use the crutches and only put 45 lbs. of pressure on it. WTF is that? How can I tell what 45 lbs. of pressure is? Any way over the last week I have been putting more weight on it and over the last 2 days I have pretty much ditched the crutches. I can bear all my weight on the leg and it feels pretty good, but even though I feel pretty good, I'm still concerned about rerupture, so I guess I will back off a bit. I know it's early to be walking around, but I feel pretty good. I'm not going to walk a mile or anything, I'm with Robert B, the doctors go by the protocol that will work for almost 100% of people, but I feel I was in pretty good shape, just a littler older (33) and not warmed up properly. Maybe the doctors should develop a protocol that changes based on a number of factors like age and fitness level. I dunno just a thought...

Anyway, at the rate of my recovery I feel like I will be able to play again by 5-6 months. If that doesn't work I guess there is always golf!!

Good luck to all of those whose will suffer this injury. Whenever you are frustrated by the crutches or the immobility just consider the appreciation you will feel when you have recovered completly and can stand up to do something simple, like the dishes or mow your lawn. Atleast I'm not wheelchair bound.

My second complete work week wearing shoes and I'm one day shy of my 2 month anniversary since my surgery. Range of motion is getting better. I still have slight swelling in the foot after a long day walking around but no pain. I wonder how long it'll take for the darn tendon to completely stretch out so that I don't feel the tightness? My wife thinks I should still be in the walking boot especially when she sees the swelling in my foot but she did acknowledge today that it looked a lot better. I'll only wear the boot when I'm in the backyard horsing around with my dogs (4 boxers). Other than that I'm good in normal shoes. Somedays it feels better than others, especially when I'm wearing a particular pair of shoes but like I said before no pain only tightness. I'll continue with the stretching exercises. Hopefully in a couple months from now I can be on an eleptical machine!

Tore my achilles 3 weeks ago, had surgery on April 4, 2007. Was playing basketball felt like someone kicked me in the calf. Laid on the ground for a while then tried to walk it off. Wound up driving home, yes it was my right leg. Got a hold of the doc that nite and had surgery a week later.Had staples taken out last friday and tried to get the doc to put me in a boot because I felt great. When she took my cast off she was surprised at the range of motion I had even after 16 days past the surgery. I was moving my ankle as best as I could a few days after surgery while in the cast. I had spoken to my sons college trainer and he said to get that cast off and get that achilles moving asap it will heal faster and don't over due it. My doc went nuts and is keeping me in my cast one extra week. I told her if she doesn't give me the boot this friday, I am going to give her the boot. I am still moving around in my cast even if it is only about an inch or so, I have been taking supplements, vitamin A , vitamin C , ZINC , MSM AND SELENIUM nOT TO MENTION EATING FRESH PINAPPLE every day as I heard it contains BROMELAIN which is a natural anti-inflamatory. Each individual is different when it comes to healing but I agree that let your consciounce be your guide , you know your body better than anyone. I look forward to getting my boot on friday and I will definely start walking with it even though the doc say no but my leg say yes. By the way , I am 49 years old , pretty atletic look more like 39 years old. I will be back sooner rather than later.

I just ruptured my Achilles Tendon. I am fifty four years old and do martial arts ( Aikido). I had just completed one of the knife blocking techniques and was getting off the floor when someone hit me with a baseball bat ( at least I thought so) I was down on the floor and unable to get up. Thought I had pulled a muscle as usual but three days after the swelling was and pain intensified so I went to a private medical center. The doctor after running some tests diagnosed it as a ruptured tendon and informed me he would have to surgically repair the tendon. Surgery was done the next day and my left lef is encased in a fiberglass cast. It is really a bother but after reading all the comments I will keep the cast on. My left foot no longer swells up in the cast. I am moving around quite fine but very restricted. My problem is I used to exercise on a daily basis and it is torture to sit still. Any sitting exercise routines I can do?

Hello everyone, Really interesting to read all the comments. I have just ruptured my AT on 30/04/07, just like Sonya playing netball - I'm an active 41 year old, played netball and badminton all my life but on this occassion was late for a netball match and didn't have time to warm up - resulting in the injury! At the moment my injury has been casted and being a bit of a scaredy cat opted not to have an operation. But now I am thinking that maybe I should if I want to continue to play sports when recovered. I was told by the consultant that there is a 6% chance of the injury recurring with the operation and a 16% chance by just casting the injury and I didn't think this was too much difference to warrant an operation. My injury is a nearly a week old so if I do decide to go for the op I need to make the decision quick. Any advice please? Thanks

It's amazing how similar all of our stories sound. I'm 37, ran late for a softball game with no warmup, and tore my achilles going after a ball playing shortstop. I was completely convinced that a ball from an adjacent field had hit me in the ankle... it took others a while to convince me that I went down on my own! Once they did, I knew right away it was an achilles tear. I could feed the void where the tendon should be.

I opted for non-surgical, mostly because I'm a sissy and not much for doctors and surgery. It was 8 weeks of progressive casting, then a half inch heel lift for a couple weeks, skipping the walking boot step. I've been extremely active the whole time, but I did listen to the doc. I agree with the posters who said to trust their instincts... I've done a bit of that myself. You quickly learn what your body can handle, and admittedly I go too far sometimes. It's been only 13 weeks for me, and as I type it's hurting pretty bad because I was out working in the yard like a crazy man all weekend. Right now it feels like someone's sticking pins in the bottom of my heel. I'm elevating right now (I haven't been so good at doing that). Doctor said that at four months I should be able to resume normal activities... unless "normal activities" refers only to walking with a limp, I don't know how that's gonna happen. Maybe I should have gone with the surgery.

I ruptured my right achilles 2 weeks ago playing soccer and had surgery 1 week ago..... Of course, not being able to drive has been a major issue. Has anyone here tried to drive with their left foot? If so, how is that going? I can't decide if I should try it or keep asking people for rides everywhere.

Well, I'm about one week shy of my three month mark since my surgery. The swelling has gone down tremendously, unless of course I have an extremely active day. It's been almost a month and a half since I decided to lose the boot and wear regular shoes. I think the early start on rehabilitation is paying dividends! Yesterday I took my 23 month old son out with his car and pushed him around the neighborhood. I felt so good I began to jog and then I ran a short distance to give the old achilles a test. I was astonished at how well it stood up and how well I responded. I think I'm right around the corner from complete recovery. I hope a lot of you are experiencing the same success. Good Luck All!

Hello All. I am 3 weeks post-op after surgical repair to a complete achilles rupture. I got a fibreglass cast and crutches, which, of course suck. My cast is on my right foot, but I find I can drive (in response to Mark) - I use my casted foot on the accelerator and brake with my left foot - seems to work fine.

I am hoping to get into a boot, splint or whatever so I can take the damn thing off once in a while, so I might actually be able to take a bath. It does seem rehab strategies are all over the map after reading the above.

Good luck to all of you!

Ruptured my achilles on March 13th, 2007. I was playing a pick-up game of football with some friends, running away from someone and just felt a pop. Didn't personally hear it, but people standing thirty yards away said it sounded like a twig snapping. Went to the hospital the next day, did the Thompsons test, and was told it was completely torn. Opted for the surgery, figured less chance of re-rupture and quicker healing. I am self-employed, deliver furniture. Was in the cast for two weeks, then given a walking boot to wear. Once those stitches were out, I started stretching as much as possible. Would walk without the boot around the house. Started lifting furniture 3 weeks ago, 6 weeks post-op. Really not too much problems, still tight and sore, but have come to find out that if you push yourself, can actually do a lot more than the doctors say you can. I know it's gonna take a while to be back to 100%, but almost able to stand on my toes with that foot. My advice is to push yourself as much as you can, just know your limits.

Hey All. I am 24 days PO. I am an active 23 year old male. I am anxious to get back to some resemblance of an active life. I was just wondering what other peoples experiences have been as far as a timeline. I go in to the Dr this week and hope to get a walking boot. I have been able to walk on the current cast, albeit against Drs orders. Any information or suggestions would be appreciated

Wow, what a great blog, I have a similar story to Matt C.

I just ruptured my left Achilles trying to get an extra base on a line drive to right field on Friday night (May 14, 2007). After rounding second, I thought the ball being thrown in hit me in the ankle, as I heard a 'pop', and felt a stabbing pain, the next step I took however, I went down (6'4", 300lb, 32 years, acting like I was still 240lbs and 18). I was able to limp off the field and after taking my cleat off, I noticed that I could no longer angle my foot down and the back of my ankle was soft where the Achilles tendon should have been. I went to the ER and still wasn't in any severe pain, they gave me a splint, Norco, and Valium and sent me on my way. Well, the pain set in and I went through 20 Norco over the weekend, and had to have a refill called in today because the Orthopedist couldn't get me in. (Bastard!) So, I go in tomorrow to find out the fate of me and my Achilles. Looks like I may get some time off of work, but at this point, I'd much rather be there than lounging around the house in pain. At least the Red Sox are on a pretty good run for my entertainment.

I'll check back in after my Dr's appt for an update. Take care everyone, Joe

Edit above: Friday night was May 11, 2007.

I just ruptured my Achilles in yesterday Monday 14 May. I am in good shape and would run 3.5 miles 2 to 3 times a week. However I was playing tennis, served and volley game. I rushed to the net after serving and thought I had hit myself in the calf with my racquet with my serving motion.

Afterwards I was like impossible. I stood up and tried to walk back to the service line and felt back to the ground again due the slight pain and I could tell something was missing as if there was a gap or link missing.

Anyways I have my appointment tomorrow morning at 10:00 to find out what I already know. Actually I just want to know if it is a complete rupture or a partial. I believe it does make a difference with recovery right???

Height: 6'5

Weight: 215

Physical Condition: Athletic

Age: 37

Hello everyone... i ruptured my tendon (achilles) on 5/15/07 due for surgery next tue, i'm really afraid of this process (first time operated) but reading everyones expierienc makes this a little bit better 4 me knowning what to expect after tue.

Thanks all for posting you'r comments.

I am at 10 days after surgery. I just got my splint or half cast off and a full cast on. They pulled the foot up about as far as it can go before casting. I will go in next week for another cast a try to acheive 90 degrees. I had waited for 4 days before getting it looked at and my surgery was 12 days after injuring it. It was my left achilles while playing badminton in the club championships.

It has certainly been intersting getting around and staying of the foot. Fortunately many friends have helped as my wife has MS and is in a wheel chair herself. All the best to everyone. Trevor Kitchener, Ontario

hey people...

i ruptured my achilles saturday just gone.....happened during playing football( some of u may call soccer). i heard a pop as i went to accelerate for the ball and fell instantly to the ground. had to be taken away by ambulance, then the doc said i had ruptured my achilles tendon. am in a cast now, duration is to be about 4 wks foot pointing down. its only my 4 th day and i feel no pain and i could take the cast off and walk again. am i thinking to much about it...maybe dats y? or may be am a quick healer?

I ruptured my achillies last saturday playing rugby, was not even offered surgery, 8 weeks cast.I find that this first week my toes are always cold is this common, capiliry reflex seems to be fine, Is this common?

Back here in the UK surgery seems to be second option.

My ATR also happened playing rugby - last Monday night, sprinting (!!) to the try line when the sniper struck. surgery planned for Tuesday 29th May.

I blew out my Achille's on Monday, had the surgery on Saturday and am now post-op day 2. I hurt it playing soccer and I'm sure you've all heard or lived through the same story...It felt like someone kicked me. Hard. I heard a big "pop" and went down. I turned around to cuss out the fricker that kicked me and no one was there. So now it's gimp-ville. Anyway, my question is, I would like to resume bike training as soon as possible as I have a big bike event planned for the end of July (RAGBRAI), and I was wondering if anyone has tried to bike one-legged or have rigged something up to enable you to peddle with the boot on. Also, does anyone know what stage of rehab I'll be in about 8 weeks post-op? Is biking a realistic goal?

I ruptured my achilles May 1, had surgery 10 days later. I was in a cast for two weeks, and I am now in a walking boot since last friday-nonweight bearing though. I will be in this for three weeks. My doctor has told me that he will have me active in sports in 12 weeks post-op. Has anyone else received news like this? Everywhere I read it seems like 6 months to a year, find it odd that my doctor says 3 months.

I jumped on a shovel in hard dirt, hit a buried rock, heard a snap and that was August of 2006. After visiting a Podiatrist who mistakenly diagnosed me with plantar fascitis and put me on an excercise program and expensive arched orthodics, I still have pain in the lower part of my Achilles tendon 10 months later. It always heals until I start running again. I am 61 and have been running for 35 years and have never experienced such pain. I am sick of this and wish I could find a doctor who will know what to do.

John

Is there any one who could advise, I am 34 and for the first time since school decided to play netball and ruptured a full my achilles. I decided not to opt for surgery as I am black and i didn't want the scar. One week in a cast and i am now not sure wether i made the right decision. As i do want to play sports now and again and enjoy my life. Is it inevitable that it will rerupture. Can any one offer advice.

thanks

Jacky D

I ruptured my achilles of November first and had the surgery on November 13th. Thanks you all for the support.. LD

Hey Guys,

I joined the group b/c I ruptured my achilles 7 days ago playing in the annual post Thanksgiving Cranapple Bowl. I was a competitive Div. III football player in college and have remained very active training with weights, kettlebells, rock climbing, snow shoeing, steep hiking and scrambling, ect. I'm so bummed and worried that this will be a life changing injury.

I went to a sports medicine doctor and he went with the non-surgical approach b/c he said he's had great success with it. I'm hopeful I can hear from some people who have recovered fully or almost fully going with the non-surgical approach (which I've been wondering if it was the best approach).

The thought of not being able to throw around a 70 lb kettlebell and hike a steep scramble bums me out... Any words of wisdom out there?

All things equal...I know it can always be worse though.

Thanks

These posts are very supportive and helpful so thanks to all. I am 46 and played in a basketball game on Oct. 13..and yes, felt like someone took a golf club to my foot. Had surgery on Oct 18th, 2007 and here I am still on crutches, still with swelling and still very sore where the surgical hole was made. Started physical therapy this past week and it has made a difference. Doc told me to start putting 50 percent pressure with the boot and I've tried but it is not quite ready. Did anyone else have this experience? And, does ice or heat work best? Hope everyone has a healthier 2008!

Rich:

Two things you might try -- simple flexing exercises at home and elevating the foot when you sleep at night.

I had my torn AT repaired on Oct 3 and am still in a boot, but the Dr. has me doing flexing exercises (rotate foot in a circle) daily when my boot is off (I take it off to wash the foot & leg, & to apply lotion to relieve the dry skin problem). I've found this strengthens the calf & ankle muscles and helps stop the muscle atropy from inactivity. I'm hoping it'll also make things easier when I start therapy.

As for elevating -- I tried sleeping normally when I first got the boot (six weeks after surgery) but found my leg was sore in the mornings. While I had the cast on, I slept with my injured leg propped on a folded quilt and had no pain. Went back to sleeping that way and -- voila! -- aches are gone, I sleep better, and my leg feels stronger because there is no more inflammation or swelling from being immobile most of the day.

Also if you have irritation at the incision site, try putting some SteriTape strips over it. (The dr. will have them if you can't buy them in a local store or online.) They're great for keeping the incision sealed and protecting it from rubbing caused by the boot.

Good luck to you -- the recovery is a long process, but you'll make it!

I ruptured my Achilles tendon on Oct 24 after leaving a doctor's office where I had a procedure done. I had been given demerol so I did not feel much pain when I stepped real hard off the curb. The next day my left leg felt numb and I could not feel my foot. I shaked my left leg and jump around till I got back some feeling. I stayed home the next day called the doctors office but could not get in until the following Monday. The doctor did not examine my foot ordered C which is so harsh on the stomach I felt as if my stomach was comming out about 2 hours after taking the C pill. He did not tell me to stay off my foot he ordered ultra sound which was negative and by this time 7 days are gone I went to get the results to tell the other doctor who was there that the pain got worse and I heard a pop when I was walking at work and almost fell. He ordered MRI which I got done on 11/21/07 almost a month after the whole incident started. It was totally torn off with a large space. Did not get results until the 11/27/07. This is now one month and three days I am walking around on this torn achilles tendon, now they are all acting as if I did something wrong when they are the doctors. They said surgery, I am ready but the hospital won't allow me to get surgery unless I pay $1350 which I don't have. What should I really do? I am now in a Cam Walker what are my chance for a good recovery? Does anyone know what to expect?

I'm a healthy active 29 year old male and just like everyone else, ruptured my achilles in a fluke accident. I was a former college athlete and have stayed active since competing in triatholons, bike races,mountaineering, etc. My life will be severely changed if I don't heel properly. Surgery is coming in 3 days. My goal is to climb Rainier (again) in June. Any advice? Right now I'm just sitting around the house with the leg elevated. The doc gave me a walking boot (no weight bearing though) and crutches and I don't like to wear it. I will wear it when I sleep and when I leave the house. If I can move my ankle a bit not should I or should I put the boot back on and no movement?

I am a healthy active 38 year old female who loves to play softball. It has been a passion of mine my entire life. Well you guessed it. The loud pop and excruciating pain. I had a complete tendon rupture about one inch seperated and torn diagnonally. I had surgery about 10 days after the injury. Lots of pain. The surgery went well and I came out of the soft cast into the walking boot. Began therapy. However, I had been so stir crazy in being limited in my activities that once I felt better I had to get out and do something. So, foolishly I rode a horse. Just some pressure (not bearing all weight) has torn my tendon again. Doc's guessing at least 70% of the way. The problem now is that my tendon is so damaged that he does not think that he can sew it together again. His recommendation is to take a tendon from the upper part of my like and re-work my achilles tendon. This is frightening to me. I am now wearing a support hose on that leg and have been fitted for a plastic cast to be worn on my leg and into my tennis shoe. Yuk. There has been no signicant improvement in the past 3 weeks. He will give me another month hoping that we will see some positive change. Have any of you heard of such? I have trying to research information on re-tears but not a lot available. Anyone had this happen to them? If so, what is the prognosis.

Had surgery December 6, complete tear. Supposed to have cast for 2 weeks then boot. First follow up tomorrow. I had surgery on Thursday and went back to work on Monday. Is this bad? Everything I have read it seems all of you took 6 weeks off work? I couldn't do that. I feel fine other than the swelling. Am i damaging my leg because I'm moving around. I sit at a desk for most of the day so I dont see the difference between that and staying at home bored. Also has anyone had surgery and felt completely normal a year later? Are you able to jog and do everything you use to? Can you walk without a limp?

I am 3 days post-op. The throbbing is starting to go away, unless I get on crutches and don't elevate the leg. I can move my ankle a bit inside my cast and I can feel my calf muscle engaging which feels good but if I overdo it, it starts to hurt a bit. I am visiting the ortho next week, 8 days post-op, and he told me to bring the cam walker I had pre-surgery back. Only 8 days in a cast seems faster then anyone else on this site. I am 29 and in great shape but does that sound too fast?

Hi everyone! Your posts have really been helpful to me, although my achilles issues seem so much more difficult. I am an active 39 year old. While walking(hills)and doing alot of stairs in my line of work, I heard/felt a pop in my left foot, I shook the discomfort/pain off, and continued my walk, although cutting it short due to a limp developing. The next day there was alot of swelling, horrendous amounts of pain but still no bruising not only in that leg/foot but the other as well and I could not stand up or walk at all! Just having a lite blanket touch my toes about sent me through the roof. I went to my local clinic the following day, they said it was a sprain and sent me on to another doctor for exrays (he said that I had Plantar Fasciitis- he was a sports rehabilitation specialist) and that it was a simple fix and that he could help me in no time. After two visits with him rubbing my legs and me in excruciating pain I decided to go to a Podiatrist - he too treated me with everything under the sun for P.F. (night splints, orthodics, exrays, cortisone shots) for 6 months, nothing worked ... he said time and time again, you need surgery for your P.F. Feeling like none of my questions were being asnwered I found another Podiatrist and got another opinion - two MRI's later- I have Posterior Tibial Tendonitis on my inner ankle, which is contributing to the Plantar Fasciitis - I still feel like something was missed. I have asked him if it could possibly be a ruptured tendon, his answer is always the same ... "I don't think so." After 10 months of pain and still wearing a walking boot - I am not so sure? I wonder now if it could have been a rupture and it was missed by not just one doctor but the 4 that I have been too now. With still being "house-bound" unable to walk or stand more then 30 minutes at a time without alot of pain, I have to wonder? Please, any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated! Thanks and I wish you all wellness in the New Year!

Misti

Hi Folks, this site is great for support and information on the variety of conditions and protocols out there. Here’s my story.

49yrs old. Fairly active not hard core athlete. Ruptured playing soccer on Haloween. Did a spin move then a plant of rear foot (left) and heard the snap while pushing off. Took a split second to figure out what caused the sound. Was hoping against hope and in denial but limped/drove home then worst fears realized after feeling tendon area and calling Dr. Pain wasn’t much surprisingly, just felt weird. Area more sensitive as hours went on. Realized in ER I was having a little trouble concentration so some affect.

Surgery 2 wks post injury. Post op pain worse than injury. A few Tylenol daily and 1 vicadin each of first 3 nights. Walking boot 2 wks post op and allowed moderate flexing (~ 90 degrees), no wt bearing. Finally got cleared to weigh bearing/walking today. Yay! (6wks post Op)

I’ve been stretching more than the Dr. allowed and slight tension exercises (which felt OK but told I shouldn’t do)

Perhaps it’s my age but I think my Dr. is conservative. Seems recovery protocols vary among doctors. I’ll abide with his general directives (after all, he’s a Pro) but take a slightly more active tact if the tendon doesn’t protest. Trouble is unlike bone injuries sensory feedback isn’t great I’m learning so have to exercise some restraint. Thoughts?

Misti, sorry yours is a tough one. Would expect they would have caught an Achilles rupture with the MRI. Get another opinion. Note I'm not a Dr but if it was a full or near complete rupture I think it would have been caught.

With foot flexed around 90 run your fingers along the A. tendon of both feet and see if you feel a difference. There was quite an indentation with my ruptured tendon.

Julius,

I just saw your post from a couple of weeks ago... thought I'd answer your question about whether to expect full "normalcy" a year later. I ruptured mine on 2/1/07, didn't have surgery, just progressive casting, and I'd say that I'm very, very close to full recovery, so with surgery you should definitely be ahead of my schedule. Not yet comfortable breaking into a full sprint (though I'm pretty confident I could, just a brisk jog for now) or making quick stop and start moves, but pretty much everything else is back to normal. I didn't really take any time off work... biggest difficulty I had was getting my morning cups of coffee across the room while I was on crutches!

Kevin, thanks for your 'words of wisdom' on my Achilles tendon issues. I never did have an MRI done for the achilles tendon area - this doctor only did the bottom of the foot (due to obvious P.F.) & the inner ankles (for tendonitis). I have been taking anti-inflammatory medication for 3 months and now that the swelling has gone down in my calf/feet, there is a very noticable knot, right on my achilles tendon. There is severe pain in this location as well and a burning sensation or a ripping feeling when I am on my feet too long. I go back for another visit this week, I will ask about another MRI for the achilles tendon area then, for my own peace of mind.

Thanks again! Misti

Hi all i ruptured my achilles playing tennis with my 12 year old I am 39 opted for non surgical plaster cast for 6-8 weeks in my third week at the moment just wondering if anyone can describe how they felt while in the cast ? i feel like I have a cramp in my calf most of the time and I just want to stretch my leg out anyone else feel like this ? its interesting reading everyones stories thanks it is helpful

Ladies and gentlemen, i first posted in may(post #58). I am 99% back to doing everything that I have done in the past. My advice is while in therapy to do everything in a pool.It is less painful, and you can tolerate longer sessions. Like anything , the more you put into it, the quicker it will heal. My doctor had me playing sports 12 weeks post op. I was not able to go full speed, but just the fact I was able to get out there and move around helped in the mental recovery process. I am playing all my favorite sports again, and besides wearing an ankle support brace, I feel stronger then ever.

Bottom line- Don't sweat the small stuff. It happened and just do work and get yourself better. Also, try to stay away from the sweets while you are laid up on the couch. You will gain weight, but if you can keep it to the minimum you will be better off.

Peace

Hey JC, thanks for that update. How many weeks post op did you have to wear the walking boot?

Kevin

Cheryl, I think the 'cramping' is fairy typical. I found this tightness or discomfort especially if I kept my legs vertical over the first several weeks. It'll get better.

Kevin

hey guys i ruptured mine as well playing football i'm (33) in good shape,did it Thanksgiving day it's now January 14th get boot off the 25th in massachusetts we have some good DR's my surgeon told me a few interesting things, NOT having surgery will raise the chances of rerupture SIGNIFICANTLY and u won't gain the range of motion, the only time they do not suggest surgery is when people are old and do not have an active lifestyle anyways, then they will just cast them up..the other thing they told me was SOME PEOPLE have serious pain and some people have NO PAIN at all no pain meds etc..POST OP i had a TON of pain (after the nerve block wore off) percocet wouldn't touch the pain i took them 4 at a time on an empty stomach every 2-3 hours for 2 days and then stopped the pain meds because they didn't do a thing...now I don't think i'm a baby i played hockey for 20 yrs in college as well, also rugby, broken nose hands teeth knocked out pucks to the face...the pain after surgery was tough post op. but it varies from person to person as we see above...POST op was 10 days in a splint then u go in so they can check yer incision for infection then a solid cast for 2 weeks both splint and cast are at 20degrees toes down nobody flexed my freaking foot at this time nor would i let them. then ya go in for the cast removal and ya get a boot that adjusts every couple of weeks to finally flat footed position which is where i'm at now the DR SAID to take the boot off if i want to shower or for BED which is sweet, he also said i can put weight on it just don't walk on it...I have a landscape business so hopefully i will get full motion back i plan on working my butt off to get there...

I'm 33, and ruptured mine on July 1. I had absolutely zero pain, which I don't think is the norm. I was misdiagnosed by my GP, and I wasn't all that concerned because it didn't hurt. Other than a limp, and being unable to push up on my toes (or go down stairs properly), I had no problems. Anyway, it ended up being 2 months before I had surgery (September 5). Again, zero pain...didn't use the first pain pill. I'm beginning to think I'm a freak. :)

I was supposed to be in fiberglass casts and on crutches for 6 - 8 weeks, but at 4 weeks post-op, he was pleased enough with my progress that he allowed me to graduate to a walking boot, with the stipulation I wear it all the time except in bed and while bathing. I used the heel inserts for a week or so, gradually removing them. I was in the boot for a total of 10 weeks, 8 of which I had to wear it all the time. The last 2 weeks, I was working my way out of the boot, wearing it a little less each day. So, all told, I was in a cast and/or boot for 14 weeks. It was my right leg, so I couldn't drive. I wasn't allowed to drive until around week 8, when the doc deemed I was strong enough, and there was no real danger of re-injury from slamming on the brakes.I started physical therapy mid-November, and have about 2 weeks left as of now.

I know some people here have said not to listen to the doctor, listen to your body, you know best, blah blah blah. Well, my body never told me anything was wrong, so it apparently doesn't know what it's talking about! I followed my doc's instructions to the letter, and have healed well. In my estimation, the doctors are the experts, so THEY know best. Doing things like walking on it early might not cause pain, per se, but it's very possible it prevents proper and complete healing. You could be left with a permanent limp, or other complications. No thanks!

Hello everyone, i'm 32yrs old and just ruptured my achilles on mon,1-21-08 playing basketball. I was going for a loose ball and felt as if i was shot in the achilles. I then thought someone threw something at me and looked around to see who it was. Nobody around me and I was in extreme pain for around 45 seconds and then it subsided greatly. Went to the ER and was diagnosed as a tear. Next morning met with the orthodedic and he said it was probably completley torn.

I am now scheduled for the surgery on Mon,1-28. Never had surgery and don't know what to expect. Dr. says its a pretty simple surgery that lasts about an hour.

Does anyone have good advice for post surgery activity? How much does the leg have to be elevated? How is the pain right after the surgery?

First off all. What a great site. I'm a 30 year old. Tore mine last Sunday, playing flag football out in the 9 degree weather. Saw the doctor Thursday, and am having the surgery next Wednesday (30th). Injury occurred while in the process of rushing the passer trying to time the snap count. Went down on the first step, with a pop. I like everyone else, I thought someone kicked me, Wish someone who have. They have put me in a cast before the surgery, not to bad IMO.

What actives are people doing, one year later. I think I'm done with Football, this was the last straw, but I hope to contue playing Softball, and Skiing.

Hello All.

I am 32 years old and tore my Achilles on Dec.31 2007 playing basketball and had surgery a few days later. I have been in a cast for about 3 weeks do not feel any significant pain except in the morning when i get out of bed. I got back to the doctors on monday to get the cast off and xrays and hope i can get into a walking boot. Is that too early? I feel really good but who know how it will feel when the cast is off.

i am a triathlete and want to know how long until i can run? Does anyone know or have any personal experiences they can share? It seems now that i am worries about my good food now and tearing that one.

Great stories - thanks

Hello everyone,

Wow, this site is great. I think I'm the youngest one here with this type of injury. I'm 20 years old and just starting my second semester of junior year in college. Yesterday (Mon. 1/28) I was playing basketball in the school gym when all of a sudden I felt like someone kicked me in the back of my ankle. It didn't hurt much and I limped off the court but something felt peculiar so I felt around and freaked out when I didn't feel the achilles tendon right above the heel of my right foot. Went to ER and they gave me a splint and sent me to the orthopedist today. They confirmed the achilles tendon rupture and I'm scheduled to have surgery on friday. I do feel like I am in good shape and hopefully can make a quick recovery.

It can be pretty discouraging when thinking about the recovery time and the grueling process that we all have to go through, but it's good to know that I'm not alone. I'll pray for you guys who are in the recovery process right now like I am.

PS. I live off campus and it would be really inconvenient for me to go to class by bus or otherwise. Yes, my rupture is on my right foot. What do you guys think about driving in this condition? Or maybe driving with the left foot? haha, just wondering.

Hello Everyone

This site has been a great help to me. I ruptured my achilles on 11 Jan. 31 years old playing five a side football. Usual "pop" and look round to see who did it. No one in this case!

Everything i have been through has been mentioned above. Although i would like to make 2 points:

1. The consultant in trauma unit decided that i should not have operative treatment. I took this as good advice, until i spoke with sports physios and came on the net. I got a second opinion off a foot and ankle specialist who said i should have surgery. He felt i had been badly advised so much that he put me in his clinic and operated on it last friday. This was on the NHS as well. He more or less said that the first consultant was not a specialist and just wanted to see as many patients as possible in the day. I therefore think if you are unhappy with the first opinion you get ask around.

2. I didnt want surgery. I was scared to death about being put to sleep. I suppose that is why i researched it so much (in the hope that someone said enough positives about non surgery to justify not having it done).

I elected for surgery and was worried about the putting to sleep bit for days. I was on my way into theatre and met the anethetist (sp) who asked "do you want to be put to sleep or stay awake". I didnt know i had the option and was delighted to hear this!

I therefore had an injection in my spine that numbed me from the waste down. I was awake throughout the op and was even talking to the surgeon as he went through the operation! I felt more in control and was hapy with everything.

Only downfall was that i could not move my legs for about 8 hours afterwards. However, if you are the same as me, this might be an option...

I am a 40 year old fairly athletic female and on Sat. Jan 12th while playing in a racquetball tournament I felt "the kick in the ankle area" upon stepping off to return the serve. I went down and the pain was intense for about 3-5 minutes and then my foot went numb The Urgent Care Dr put me on cruthces and on Monday the Othopedic Surgeon did the Thompson test and confirmed the rupture. He suggested surgery and explained that without it I may walk with a limp, I would have a higher chance of rerupture and my level of activity would be diminished. He scheduled surgery for Wed. Jan 16th. I was extremely nervous about first time surgery and decided to seek a second opinion from a Foot and Ankle Dr that I had seen in the past. He confirmed the orthopedic's diagnosis and recommneded surgery and assured me that the ortho surgeon was one of the best in the area. Yesterday was 2 wks post op, the stitches were removed and I was taken out of my splint and put into a fiber glass cast with my toes pointed downward. I will remain in this cast for 4 weeks then my foot will be repositioned and another cast will be applied. I take an aspirin daily as instrusted, sleep with my foot elevated to reduce swelling and take Ibprofen to ease pain and reduce swelling as needed. I have found that cruthces are absolutely necessary for navigating stairs, but I urge you to look into the Free Spirit Knee and Leg Walker for the ultimate ease of mobility during your recovery. It's like a scooter and it has made a huge difference in the things I can do for myself. It frees up your hands and allows you to get around quickly and with confidence. It also helps with getting in some exercise since you push off with your good leg to move around. If your insurance won't pay look into renting it. I will pray for all of you and wish everyone a speedy recovery.

Hello all,

I am a 34 year old male ...I did stumble upon this site a few days ago and wanted to add my 2 cents. Well...count me in too : ( on Jan 18th I was goofing off wrestling with a co-worker(fun) and felt the pop in my Left Achilles(NOT fun) A brief moment of moderate pain then just real numb feeling. I had surgery on Jan 24th awaiting my Ortho visit Feb 5th..have been splinted since ...I concur with Stephen's email above and would recommend getting a spinal vs general. Both have pros and cons.I have had a spinal before no issue...wanted to try General anesthesia but didn't agree with me it takes an awful long time to leave the body. I was still groggy 8hrs plus post op. 1st day post op mostly slept. My family and friends have been real helpful and supportive. Looks like I have some work ahead of me !

I am glad for everyone sharing their experiences so we can all benefit from them I wish all you folks a speedy recovery and Godbless.

My first post was #82. Well its 3 days post surgery, so far so good. Got the General anesthesia, and choose not to get a blocker, glad I didn't pain was very manageable. The only issue I had with the anesthesia is food that night tasted like crap. I guess I'm in a splint until my 2 week post OP, this splint makes me nervous, I'd rather be in a cast.

Well, guess I might as well join the club, on 1-31-08. I was playing basketball, trying to regain my six pack, which I lost many moons ago. Wasn't really playing too much or hard. On one end of the court awaiting a rebound, when boom someone ran into the back of my leg. I heard like a rubber band vibration thought it was my shoe, but it was my leg because i couldn't walk on it. What pisses me off the most the guy that stomped on my leg didn't even apologize. I was just standing there so, I know it wasn't my imagination that someone hit me. After reading some of these, I was getting a little doubtful in my recollection. Well getting an MRI on 2-4 to see the amount of damage and surgery later, if needed. Right now I have it in a splint.

Hello everyone, my first post was #81. Had surgery this past monday. After reading the above posts kinda wish I woulda had the spinal shot instead of being put under. Seems as if that way is a little easier. One thing I would reccomend is having a MRI done before sugery. My DR. didn't have me get one and because of that I have a 6 inch incision instead of the normal 3 inch or so. He assumed my tear was closer to the heal bone(which is more common)but it was actually up my leg closer to the calf muscle. This required the bigger incision and more staples(18) to close it up. It will also leave a much more noticeable scar.

good luck to everyone, we will get better in time!

Hi,I am new to this feeds, not sure how to use it.

I am 65 years old and retired. I ruptured my right ACT on the Christmas Eve 2007 in a badminton game. I found this feeds very informative. From the comments here, evrybody said it was very painful after the rupture, I was completely different, it was not painful at all, I was able to stand and move slowly, walk down a 20 steps staircase after the incident.I got my tendon sew back the next day in a private hospital by a ankle specialist surgeon, costed me about US$3000. My Dr found a big penut size of borne at the joint of the tendon and foot calcaneum, suspected this borne rubbing the tendon end for the past 30 years of playing badbinton games 3 times a week till a complete rupture finally. Dr sew my tendon to the calcaneum directly, so it is not as firm as a joint between 2 tendon ends, and is a more difficult operation, the Dr said.

I have the stitches removed end of 3rd week on a temporary cast(L-shape plaster splint} walking with crutches. As I found I was able to walk with my injured foot pointing sideway without pain at 3.5 weeks, I remove the splint and I walked in to have my Dr review at the end of 4th week, My Dr was very shocked and said he didn't dare to look at me to walk in without a cast and crutches.Said it is very risky to walk in such a way.He finally dicharged me and told me need not see him anymore if I am fine during the course of recovery, Dr said I should not try to walk within the first 3 months and I can do walking after 3 months and play game after 6 months.

I am now on my 7th wk after surgery. I managed to drive auto-car with right foot for accellerator and left foot for brake at reduced speed. What I cannot understand is: since walking is not painful to me, why should not I walk a little at home to speed up recover? Got to wait till my injured leg muscles wasted then start learning to walk? I sincerely hope taht experts or experienced guys here can enlighten me.

Another point I want to confirm is: A complete rupture of a partially ruptured( may be 80% in my case)achillies tendon will not be painful at all when it ruptures. As I heard only a soft 'pop' sound when rupture.

Since lower end of my tendon was sewn to my calcaneum directly, will the ACT re-rupture easily in future? Giving out my addicted badminton game completely? Go swiming, walking only? I am very sad.

I did mine in Dec 16 playing field hockey, the ball was passed to me and I pushed off on my right leg, thwip! Knew right away what it was. It had been sore for a few months. I also play a lot of badminton which is really hard on the achilles. I'm too thick to listen to my body, apparently. I'm 50, hate how I have to slow down, and will miss baseball this spring. The best thing I did was purchase a hands free crutch called the I Walk Free. It is basically a strap on peg leg, and allows you to stump around. I own a coffee bar and could make lattes no problem, try doing that with regular crutches! I got the walking boot a month after surgery and I have to say I hate it. The doctor gave me shims to remove every week or so, but the pressure they put on my heel is excruciating, so I removed half of them and it is at least tolerable now. I also am walking around the house and in the snow outside (I live in Vancouver BC, not supposed to get much snow here!)with shoes only. Hopefully I won't be doing more damage. I'm not starting physio until March, which seems like a long time, so I might start my own program of flexing and mild stretching. I presume it is supposed to hurt a bit while stretching. Just don't want anything to pop! Gaining weight I can see is a problem, but i am catching up on paper work! Good luck all.

Unfortunately I'm in the same boat as the rest. I'm 3 weeks post op and I'm currently in a boot and instructed not to bear any weight. I was in a splint/cast for the first two weeks. Anyway, my doctor has given me permission to remove the boot to shower and to perform an exercise he showed me. It basically consists of letting your injured leg dangle while you attempt to raise and lower your foot. At first I couldn't move my foot at all, now I can raise and lower it 1/2" to maybe and 1". Not very encouraging. I still have swelling and the ankle feels extremely tight. This tightness has me concerned that if I stumble it will retear. I too was very active and in terrific shape when this happened. I'm really afraid to go anywhere or do anything. Not to mention the depression that I feel not being able to do the things I use to enjoy. Anyone else have these fears/feelings.

Best of luck to all.

I'm being obsessive about posting about knee walkers, because I want everyone to know that they aren't just limited to crutches, which are dreadful things to be avoided whenever possible! I rented a knee walker scooter on line, and I'm resuming my normal life [somewhat] and love it. I got mine at kneewalkerrental.com, but if you google knee walker rental, you'll find tons of options wherever you are. Be sure to get one that has front legs that swivel or you can't turn it around easily. I love the Invacare model, which is well-priced and easy to fold and throw in a car [take off the basket to fold more easily]. I'm in week 3 post-op and my knee walker has been a lifesaver.

Robert, you will find it easier to point and flex your foot every day. Making circles with your foot, wiggling your toes gently is also good, and making the "picking up marbles w/your toes" motion is good, too. You won't be able to do much of any at first, but try gently every day and I promise you'll see progress! I also massage my whole calf and foot 3 or 4 times a day, too.

Now that my incision has completely closed, I'm rubbing 100% cocoa butter [it comes in a stick, next to the lotions at the drug store] on it 5 or 6 times a day, too, to help the skin heal more quickly and leave a prettier scar.

Just thought I'd post a quick follow-up for anyone who might be considering how to treat... I'm one year post-injury now, did NOT have surgery, and had a good result. I'm fully functional now, and was about 90% functional 4 months or so after injury. I can sprint pretty much the same speed as before... I honestly never think about the achilles except when playing a sport, and those thoughts dwindle by the day.

Everyone heals differently, but since it appears that about 90% of the folks on this site opted for surgical, I thought I'd put a different perspective out there. I don't think I'd have healed any more quickly with surgery. jmho

Oh, and Elaine above mentioned making the circles with your foot... I catch myself doing that all the time... it's become subconscious. Good luck to everyone.

Hello again friends

Went back to the surgeon on Wednesday, 6th- Yet another cast. (This makes #4 post-op) I am running out of color choices!! Go back on the 20th. Hopefully I will be put in "the boot". I have taken it with me for every appt. hoping.... What can I expect with "the boot"? I am about to go stir crazy. The worst part for me is not being able to do things for myself. (like drive) Will be glad when this madness is over.

Lisa

Thanks for the advice Elaine. I have found that my range of motion is slowly increasing. I've been moving my toes and making circles with my foot and it seems to help. I've also been lightly massaging my lower leg and foot to help with circulation......anyone else have purple toes? I also have been placing a cold pack on top of my ankle/foot and this really seems to help with swelling and makes it feel better.

Lisa, based on the input from others it is appearant that every surgeon handles these injuries a bit different. I went into a boot 2 weeks post op. Its still a little heavy and cumbersome, but at least you can remove it. I take mine off a couple of times a day to work on my range of motion. Trust me, I feel your pain. Its a terrible feeling being dependent on others. I'm gratefull that there are blogs like this where we all can share our experiences and help get each other through these trying times. I hope you get your boot.

What kind of surgery did you guys have? I had the "new" surgery...1" incision and several needle holes. It is my understanding that the old surgery invovles a 7" incision. My surgery was perfromed at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC. I had a toe-down boot for 2 weeks, now I have been in the walking boot for 2 weeks. I have been walking with the boot for about 8 days no problem. Full weight bearing and no pain. Flexibility is good. I can move the foot around a lot with the boot off. I have had little pain. I am typical...35, basketball, felt like I was kicked in the back of the leg. I played D1 basketball, and it is really the only exercise that I enjoy, but after 2 ACLs and now this I think it is time to hang it up.

Sorry, I typed toe-down boot for the first 2 weeks, it was actually a cast for the fist two weeks then I went to a boot.

Hello Guys

I am amazed at how many folks suffer this injury. And that is not counting the ones who don't know about this site. Everyone has a different story, but as i have said before the same goal. At 59 i don't think a non surgical approach would have worked for me. But i think it is great that some folks can get it back that way. I went the long route(6 weeks on cruthes, 5 more weeks in a boot. And i beleive by taking that much time to heal, i am much stronger. Did my 2nd show sat. night and my ROM was much better this week.

I almost beleive that i am back(almost)smile. But i will never take anything for granted again. For those of you that worry about rerupture that is normal, b/c i still do. You just have to be mindful of the situation and go on with your life the best you can. Big show this weekend, Feel like i will make James Brown proud(smile) Good luck to all. Where are all my 2007 class members at. I guess you are enjoying this part of the recovery. MICHAEL H.

Well, a short follow up to my 1/31 injury. I had surgery on 2/7, I believe a Thursday with the follow up on the next Wed. Doctor gave me the option on a boot or splint I opted for the boot with the wedges, all the had in my size. I think the doc gave the old way of surgery 3in cut I believe. I get the stitches out Friday the 22nd. I am flexing and circling my foot, slight pressure on it. I can point my toes all the way down easy, but have a lil pain with 90 degrees. Still learning how to maneuver with the boot. My routine consists of icing the lower calf and foot and just random movements. I fear tearing the mended tendon, but I know its just in my mind. I try to balance on the edge of not babying the injury and letting it heal. My goal is to give it just enough stress to allow it to heal quicker.

Plan to be back to 85% by May, if not more.

A speedy recovery to the rest of you.

Hello, this is a great website. I really enjoy the insight and many questions I have had have been answered. I injured myself in a freak accident on 2/03 and dr. stated initially it was a strain muscle but MRI results revealed it was and ruptured achilles. I will be having surgery this saturday 2/23. I am concerned because I live in an apartment and have to go up stairs following the surgery. Did anyone have to go up stairs immadiately following there surgery?

Sherika:

My leg was absolutely dead when I returned home from the surgery (nerve block). I went up about 5 steps with help from my wife. More than that would have been difficult. After the nerve block wore off I could have gone up or down steps fairly well on crutches I think....I did not try. I am now 5 week post-op and still wearing the boot. I have walked a little inside my house without the boot, but I feel much safer with the boot on. I get the boot off in 9 days. Basically I am back to normal every-day activities, and have been for a while, I am just slow. I am looking forward to getting started with rehab.

Hi all, your posts have been great support for me. I am a 40 year old female and while not in top athletic condition, I was doing step aerobics when it happened which I do and have done regulary for many, many years.

I tore my Achilles Tendon on 1/11, was misdiagnosed in the Emergency Rm and walked on it with the help of a crutch for a week, then correctly diagnosed and had surgery on 1/29.

I had almost no pain other than bad bruising and swelling before the surgery, and very little pain after the surgery. I had general anesthesia without any issues. 2 weeks in a hard cast and now in the boot which I can remove and do a little exercising several times a day. The pain I have now is mostly from the pressure of the base of this boot on my heel. Anyone else have this problem and found a solution? I can't even imagine putting any weight on it for a long time. I feel fearful that it will tear again.

So my story in terms of the injury is common, but here's where my situation is different. I had quit my job and was going into my last two weeks of work when this happened. My plans were to spend some time in New York (where I was living and working) working out and just hanging out, then go to Peru and hike the Inca trail, then do a volunteer vacation in South America. Well, so much for my big plans! I am back in Chicago to be nearer to my family but have to go back to NY to clean out my apt. Now I will be spending my "sabbatical" recovering. But, I feel it was a wake up call telling me to simplify my life as I am forced to just relax and heal, and do all those things that are so easily neglected in the course of doing what we all have to do to live on a daily basis.

I look to your posts both for reassurance and inspiration. Best of luck to everyone.

Thanks Wes. For the advice. I have about 12-15 stairs in my apartment. I pray that I can make it up the stairs, my husband will just have to help me. Well keep me updated on your progess. I will keep you up to date on mine. Thanks again

It amazes me to hear that some of you are walking 5 weeks post op. Did your doctors give you the ok, or are you just doing it on your own. I'm going to see my doctor next week for a follow up and I'm wondering if I should question him on being too conservative?

Anyway, just to let all you know I'm now one day shy of 5 weeks post op and I'm still in this dreaded boot. I've yet to bear any weight on it nor have I been giving the ok to. I'm too afraid of rerupture to even try. But I am so hating these crutches! My swelling is much better but still present, and my range of motion is minimal. I'll update this site next week after my doctor visit.

Keep posting your progress everyone. Its been helpful to me and others I'm sure. Good luck all.

I first (yes first) snapped my AT in June 2006 playing netball. All I did was move into position and wham, felt like someone had kicked mein the back of the leg.

Well, emergency doc suggested no surgery approach and put my leg in a splint. MRI showed that I had snapped the AT up high, near the calf muscle and specialist confirmed no surgery approach, citing lack of purchase for suturing as part of the reason.

Ended up in plaster with toe pointing down for a few weeks - as a recently separated mum with young children, can tell you this was a challenge!

Next step was the 'moon' boot with wedges in it - was pretty much allowed to walk on it immediately once in the boot. About 3 weeks into this phase, boot got caught on a cord and retore - resulted in an extra few weeks in the boot. Wedges were slowly dropped down.

Once boot removed I was sent off to physio - which I did as instructed.

3 weeks after boot was removed, walking on flat paving in flatish shoes (slight heel as advised) when ankle rolled and AT resnapped completely which was confirmed with another MRI. This time snap came complete with a large lump at my ankle - looks like the tendon had literally fallen down. Doc however said this would go away(?).

Doc put me straight back in the boot where I remained for another couple of months - was in the boot for over 5 months in the end - taken off on 17 December 2006!

Now, it is February 2008 and I walk with a limp, cannot run or stand on tip toe, and suffer cramps whenever I try to exercise my leg.

I am trying to strengthen the muscles, etc using an exercise bike (hard to get out of the house with kids in tow), but was wondering if anyone here who can advise on different exercises they did to help strengthen the muscle and tendon.

.....am starting to think I should head back to see a different specialist.....not sure if they can do anything about it now though....very frustrating. Miss running something chronic! Loved turning the iPod up fall blast and going for it! And damn, the weight gain is a killer too!!!

I ruptured my achilles tendon 9 and a half weeks ago whilst dancing at an xmas do. (I'm one of the over 50's women) I wore a heavy cast for 1 week, then a lighter one for 4 weeks and then a walking boot for 4 weeks. I'm out of the boot now but find it quite painful to walk or drive, although I am trying to do both. I started Physio therapy last week (my nineth week). I find that my ankle swells quite badly and I need to apply ice packs to it every night. I intend to keep on with the physio for another few weeks to see if it improves. I try to visualise myself without a limp but its difficult.

Robert:

I do not know what the typical protocol for weight bearing is, but I can tell you that after my cast was removed (2 wks after surgery) and I was put in a boot with wedges and my doctor told me to use pain as my guide. I began weight bearing at about 2 weeks and 2 days, and full weight bearing at about 2 weeks and 3 days. Now, 5 weeks and 1 day post op my range of motion is about the same as my good foot and I am gingerly walking around my house without the boot. 95% of the time I keep the boot on though just to protect against making a wrong move that could cause reinjury. I don't sleep with the boot on though. I exercise the achilles a lot as per my doctor's advice....just a lot of moving my foot up and down as far as I can without touching it.. I can tell that the exercise helps. You know, when you think about the anatomy of the achilles and how it works, you really cannot re-rupture by just standing as long as your heal is elevated enough. I find that standing and walking in the boot doesn't cause any pain, and I only have a small amount of discomfort when I caustiously walk without the boot.

Hey Guys

Thought i would check in. I am now 4 months post opt, I was supposed to wear the boot until mon feb. 25, but stop using it aabout three weeks ago. Not sure this was the right move or not. Being i walked on the bad leg 5 weeks pre opt. I do feel good with my progress. My James Brown is real close(smile)But i also take a lot of caution in my getting around. b/c I know what a hassel this injury is. I don't see many post from the class of 2007. So there must be life after injury. Monica,Tracey,Paula,Mark,Sung,Loudres, I must belive you guys are all doing well(no time to post) I also think the guys behind us should know that the fact most of us don't post as often means things do get better and you do get your james brown back. Just beleive in yourself and set your milestones and time will take care of the rest. Some of you guys were talking about steps. I went up and down 22 stairs in my home everyday for 7 weeks on cruthes. Pure hell, But now i walk up and down them almost as good as before the injury. So hang in there guys. Sure would like to hear from some of my 2007 buddies. Good luck to all. God Bless MICHAEL H.

Hi,

I ruptured (fully tore) my achilles tendon playing basketball on 02/08/2008.

After the surgery, I googled to find other people who are recovering from their achilles injury as well, and I found lots of blogs here and there, including yours.

It’s been helpful reading about other people’s experiences with the same injury, especially those further along on the road to recovery. It’s good to know that I am not the only one making sure to keep my leg elevated, using a shower chair, and limping around on crutches.

I’ve created a community site so that people who injure their achilles tendon can create their own blogs and share their experiences as they progress toward full recovery.

My AchillesBlog is: { Link }

You can create your own there too. Please give it a try and join the Achilles community. I am constantly working on the site, so any feedback will be great.

I’ve also been gathering and posting a list of external blogs related to achilles injury there, as well as other useful resources. If you find some other good links, feel free to email them to me, and I’ll add to the list.

Dennis

Hello all,

Wes, thanks for the input. Thats amazing. We're about the same post op and not only am I not walking but I have very limited range of motion. You know you're the envy of this blog don't you?

Well I'm 2 days shy of 6wks post op. Physically the injured leg is doing well. The scar looks clean, and I have little swelling. I've got some problems with my boot that make it uncomfortable to wear. It appears that atrophy has made the boot too large for my leg now. Anyway, I've been taking it on and off throughout the day when I'm not moving about.

Does anyone know if this is a bad idea?

Is the boot mainly to protect you when moving about or is it meant to keep your foot in a fixed position during the healing phase?

Also, does anyone have the sensation of "pins" being stuck in your foot when you touch it? Whats up with that? Will it subside?

Thats my story physically. Mentally I'm freak'n losing it! I can't stand being a prisoner of this injury. I hate the effects its having on my entire body. I'm a gym rat who "was" in incredible shape. It took alot of effort to get that way and 5wks to lose it all! Sorry about the rant, I just really need some encouragement here.

Well Thursday, I get to see the doc again. I will post any meaningful or encouraging info I receive. Hang in there everyone.

p.s. Dennis, thanks for the posting your blog.

Hello again friends,

I GOT MY BOOT last week!!! It has been 7 weeks since I had surgery. Unfortunately I have developed an open sore next to my incision. The surgeon put me on 2000mg a day of antibiotic (Which all of us ladies know just causes more problems!) I have to go back to the surgeon tomorrow. He wants to keep a close watch on my sore. Have any of you developed an open sore? Should I be alarmed? I too am also losing my mind. I am a 5th grade teacher and have spent the last 7 weeks teaching in a cast from a wheelchair. My dad takes me to work and my husband picks me up as I am not allowed to drive. I also have a 6yr old and a 9 yr old at home. My husband spent 15 months in Iraq in 2004-2005 and I became very independent. So,it is so frustrating now having to depend upon others to do things for me. Thanks for letting me rant and rave.

Lisa

Hello all,

I said I would post after my 6wk follow up with the doctor so here's what he had to say. First he told me to "lose" the crutches! No argument here. I'm now in an aircast that I'm to use for the next 6wks with a stack of heal lifts that I'm to remove one at a time every 2wks. Way more comfortable than the boot I was in. No physical therapy at this time, we'll start that after another 6wks. Although he did say I could ride a stationary bike....makes me happy.

Here are some other things he told me. The tendon takes about 3months to fully heal. Taking antibiotics can interfere with the healing process....Lisa, you might want to ask you doctor about that? The "pins" feeling in my foot are from swelling and lack of use....that has subsided a bit. There is no nutrition/supplement regimen that would promote faster healing. The boot is just to protect you. It doesn't need to be worn 24/7 just when you are up and about. Wish I had asked about that earlier. I've been sleeping in the rediculous thing.

Anyway, telling me to now walk was easier said than done. I stood up and had little confidence that I cculd put full weight on my injured leg and take a step without falling over. So I'm going to use these crutches to walk until I can build some strength and believe nothing bad is going to happen.....hopefully in a couple of days. I just put as much weight on it with each step that I feel I can comfortably handle. Wes, how long did it take you to feel confident enough to dump the crutches?

All in all, a great day and milestone in this long journey. To all of you out there that haven't been giving the ok to walk, you are going to feel so much better when you hear those words. I'm so excited. I feel as though the worst is now behind me. Hang in there, we're going to make it.

I think I see some light, the end of the tunnel?

Peace

Hello everyone, 4.5 weeks post op and got my "Bledsoe" boot on today. The boot comes with 4 wedges but doc only put 3 into the boot. I'm suppose to start putting some weight on foot gradually and start to walk with it very soon. kinda afraid to put too much weight on it right now. Unlike Robert, my doc said he wants me sleeping with the boot. He said not to risk "jerking" the foot while dreaming.Did anyone else use the Bledsoe boot and did you start with 3 or 4 wedges? good luck to all

Marc, your foot will gain strength weekly. Well, at least mine did. I had to get the wedges as well because, the dial version they didn't have in my size. I am what...3 weeks after op. Will be 4 on the seventh. After op 1 wk splint, 1 week 2 wedges, week2 1 wedge. Going flat this week end. I can stand easy, walk painfully, so I still use crutches without the boot. I finally got the hang of the boot, I am a little faster with it now.

I don't fear re-tearing it now. My tear was high, but my pain is in the heal. If a tendon heals faster than a bone I am ok. I like to push myself, but just to the edge. I sustain a painful stretch to break that scar tissue gradually.

I am going on the fact that your body will react to the added weight. Therefore heal a little faster. So far it seems to show merit.

Went to the doc this past Wedneday at 6 weeks post op. He took me out of the boot and gave me wedges to put in my regular shoes and advised me to be careful not to step in any holes. I can walk fine in regular shoes or barefooted (around home) with very little pain, but my ankle and leg tires quickly. The doctor did and ultrasound on my tendon and found that everything looked great. He was really excited about the unltrasound....said it is new technology pioneered there (Duke University). He told me that bike riding is fine for exercise. Also he said that I cannot rise up on my toes yet, but we will start that in 3 weeks.

Robert: I used crutches for almost 3 weeks post op. After that I just used the boot when walking until 6 weeks post op then I ditched the boot. Tomorrow is 7 weeks post op for me and I now just have a 1" wedge in the injured leg shoe.

Well... I got to wear my boot for a whole whopping ONE WEEK! I had to have surgery AGAIN. This time it was because I developed a soft tissue wound that would not close. I had surgery on Thursday. The surgeon closed the wound and removed some sutures from my tendon that he thought might be aggrevating it. He said my tendon looked like a horse's tail. Nice analogy huh? Now I am back in a cast. I go back to the surgeon on Wednesday. Has anyone else had this happen to them? I am just wondering how far this latest surgery set me back.

Lisa, I hate the be the bearer of bad news, but this is what happened to me, and put me back about 2 months...

{ Link }

Hi all,

Ok, its been 4 days since I've been told I could walk without the crutches and I'm terrified over every sensation that I have in that leg. I've only walked around the house without them and only occasionally. I am trying to put as much weight into each step as I feel comfortable/confident. Its not that its painful, I just fear any kind of a setback. This injury is messing with my head as much as my leg. Anyone else go through this? Should I just suck it up and go for it? How much discomfort is normal? I guess I should call my doctor for an answer.

Lisa,

Really sorry to hear about your set back. Keep your head up.

Peace

Marc,

I've got an AirCast with 4 wedges. I'm to remove one wedge every 2 weeks. Doc did tell me if I was uncomfortable with the 4 I could remove one right away. I'm not so I'll do the 2 weeks with 4.

Im at 3.5 weeks post Op, and in the boot with crutches. I started rehab last week(week 2). All non weightbearing excercises to de-atrophy (is that a word ?). My surgery was different from most of you. My tear was off the calcanus and they had to drill into the heal...suture the tendon thru the bone to the bottom of my foot. Anyone else had this type surgery (approx 4 inch incision to the tendon area.)

My Doctor is telling me 4 months ...back to full duty at the Fire Dept. ???

Had this injury to my other foot 20 years ago...and back then it was 8 months to return to full duty. (and I was slightly younger then).

The difference now is the materials used to suture the tendon togeather and the early movement and rehab.

20 years ago I was in a cast for 6 weeks at least (if I remeber correctly).

One thing that is much different is the pain to the "bottom" of my foot where the sutures are tied off to 2 buttons on the bottom of my foot.

20 years ago I didnt have the pain that Im having with this post OP. ( but then again that tear was in the middle of the tendon and I guess I was tougher back in the day).

Anyone had this type of surgery ???

Side note: I chose to go with a Podiatrist this time (He came highly recommended from two Doctors I know from the hospital we transport patients too.

Last A.T. rupture ,I went with an Ortho (who retired since then).

Anyone have any thoughts on this ?

Get Well everyone

steve

I am 10 days post op. Just went into a cast yesterday. From other blogs I decided to use neutral color of black for my cas. Dr. said I was healing fine. I had no swelling so I go back on March 21st to the boot. I am early in the process and not a day goes by in which I wish I could just walk around effortlessly.

Get Well Everyone

Sherikia

I am a 45 yr old female, fit and healthy (play tennis 3 times a week) and I ruptured my AT playing tennis on 18 Feb after an hour and a half of play. Like many of you I experienced a severe pain in my ankle which I thought was my partner hitting me with her racket(some friend) and turned round to shout at her and found nobody there. Simultaneously I heard a snap and realised then what I had done.I went straight to A&E (I'm in the UK) and was seen immediately and a diagnosis made from clinical signs and my account of what happened so I didn't have an MRI.

I was then given the choice about whether or not I had surgery and as I knew of a couple of people who had ruptured their AT and had been treated conservatively I opted for this.

I am now 2 weeks on into my recovery with my foot pointing down and a light cast on below knee. I have another OP appointment in a couple of weeks when I will be able to ask about the length of time I am likely to be in plaster as it seems to vary from 8-12 weeks depending on the Doctor. It was interesting to read Matt Coker's post (96) as he seems to have had the conservative treatment and is doing well. I was beginning to think that Ishould have opted for the surgical approach if only to reduce the time I will be incapacitated. I have 3 children and run my own business so I am finding it very difficult as I can't work as I need to drive and walk in my job, so the financial side is affecting me quite badly as well as the boredom and frustration.

Has anyone else out there gone down the conservative approach? It would be good to hear from them.

This site has been great for finding out useful tips so thanks to everyone. Only another 8 weeks of plaster to go or maybe more...?

Anne

I ruptured my Achilles Tendon out of town skiing on Feb 2nd and had surgery on the 4th. I am almost 52 and active. I think my surgeon is definitely taking the SLOW route! Initially, post-surgery, I was in a back half cast held in place with ace bandages. I returned to the hospital on Feb 20th to have the stitches removed and a fibreglass cast put on. They moved my foot ever so slightly upwards before applying it. My next appointment is March 26th when they will remove the cast and I will move to a boot, with the heel wedges that will be removed every 2 weeks. The surgeon indicated that I will have the boot for 6 weeks, and that I will not be fully weight bearing until the end of the 6 weeks, which will be 13 wks post-surgery.

Have any of you who have had surgery been this long??

Yup, got the AT rupture about three weeks ago, March 10th will be a month, my next Drs appointment. Supposedly, it was a complete rupture? I can move my toes quiet well, with no pain, just have not put any pressure on the base. When I did loose my balance, it felt like I was being shocked or being stuck with fish hooks and pulled. Going to graduate to the boot hopefully on the 10th, not sure though most of the posts I have been reading state case is about two months, then the boot? Never felt pain like this before, new definition of pain for me. Not even when I had fractured a bone did it feel like this. Your going to love this, it happened when I was helping push a truck stuck in the middle of the street on my way to play golf one Saturday morning. Guess going to have to invest in more lessons to get my swing back after all those past lessons.

Wish everyone a speedy recovery, slow down = everyone else can wait.

In response to Nick's post I was in the fiberglass cast for 4 weeks. Then into the boot and told to start putting weight on it right away and begin walking with the assistance of crutches. It's gotten a lot easier and am walking around the house with just one crutch(with boot) and am riding an exercise bike daily with no pain. That feels really good as it is quickly erasing the atrophy in my quad and calf. Roger, any problems with removing the boot at night? I am doing the same.Boot was cutting circulation during sleep(very bulky and heavy).

Marc,

I think your post #130 was intended for me. No, I've had no problem sleeping without the boot. I was a bit nervous about it at first but not anymore. I keep it elevated on some pillows. I'v been stationary biking as well. It really feels good to be doing something.

Its really interesting to hear how other Drs. are treating this injury. Mine originally told me I would be nonweight bearing for 12wks, but has me walking in this boot at 6wks. I was so happy to get the ok, I never questioned it. I hope he knows what he's doing. Anyway it feels alright. I've got a slight scratch like sensation almost like when a scab is healing. Scar tissue breaking up perhaps?

Peace

Robert, I apoligize for the srew up with the name. It seems as if we are in very similar stages of recovery. I know the feeling with finally getting some exercise in, feels great. Keep us posted on your progress. Every Doc is different and it helps to hear what other people are doing. we'll be out of the boot before we know it.

Listen everyone.....The main problem with removing the boot at nite when your sleeping is not for protection....Its to keep your foot at the proper angle that they want it at ....to promote the tendon to attach properly.

Also Susan, I ruptured both tendons (10 years apart) .....and they were both handled differently as far as healing time , casts , boot, weightbearing.....pretty much everything. Not sure if its because of different technology or theory on how they should be treated.

This tendon I ruptured on 2/2 (surgery 2/8)....I was out of the cast and in a boot after 10 days...and started therapy 2 days after that (non-weightbearing).....just getting the foot moving/stretching....and some muscle De-atrophy excercises.

My Question to everyone is this.

Did any of you (PRIOR to your injury) experience pain or tendonitis in your heal area.

That pain/tendonitis from what Im told......weakens the tendon to the point of a rupture.

.....possibly caused by heal spurs.

Now I did Not have this pain ....however in my first rupture of the other foot,years ago.... I did.

Everyone get well soon

In reply to Steve's question(133) about having any pain before the injury I did not have any pain but was getting up in the morning and both ankles were very stiff but would loosen up after 10mins or so. I had put this down to my age (45) and the fact I was playing more tennis. Maybe this was a sign they were being over stretched?

Anne...... That was the sport (Tennis- Hard court) I was playing daily, years ago , that caused my tendonitis and eventual rupture. My tendon would loosen up while playing...and then when I cooled down ,after going home, it would tighten up to the point where I had trouble walking....the next day would start the same chain of events all over again.(as I played pretty much everyday)

When you return to playing make sure you stretch everytime , before and after. ....and if your on Hard courts you may want to consider switching to Clay Ct. Tennis ....its much easier on your feet.

No - no prior heel pain for me.

Steve, good point with the boot while sleeping issue. I had thought about this but that is not what my doc cited as why to wear it. I am going to make another attempt to wear it while sleeping.

My pain was not in the heal or achilles area but in my calves. I remember stretching my calves several times before the ATR. Felt like I was having bad calf cramps. My ATR occurred while playing basketball.

Steve thanks for that. Did you get back to playing tennis after your injury? I must admit that rupturing my AT has made me think twice about whether or not to resume any sport once I'm out of plaster as the thought of going through this all over again would be awful. I play on a hard court in the winter indoors and clay during the summer outside. Playing on clay during the Scottish winter is not an option so I'll maybe just have to stick to summer time.The other thing I thought about was wearing an Achilles splint for sport once I'm back - has anyone used one and if so are they any help?

The Achilles splint, also called an Achilles Tendon Strap - anyone used/using one for support during sport after this injury?

Anne, in answer to your Question on sports activity. I went back to full sports after the injury. At 9 months post Op I was snow skiing. Basketball ,cut back on the hardcourt tennis though. My repaired tendon (left) has been better and stronger than the right The only diiference in the two was my right was slightly more flexibile.

.....and now Ive ruptured the right one at work. (maybe a genetic issue or the wrong athletic shoes ....who knows??)

Its discouraging for sure.... But I would say dont let it ruin your quality of life....even if you start playing doubles (tennis) instead of singles (less running).

For certain if you feel ANY pain in the heel area (after your full recovery).... check with your Doctor just in case your developing any tendonitis ....dont let that go unchecked.

The difference with mine is that I didn't opt for surgery so the incidence of rerupture for me is nearly twice that of surgical repair. I only play doubles now anyway, not as young and athletic as I used to be!! Interesting that you were back skiing so soon. I ruptured my achilles the day after I got back from my skiing trip and thought that might be something else I'd have to give up in future.

Thanks for the advice I think there may be sport at the end of the tunnel!

My thoughts are that if you are active....no matter what age.....The Surgical procedure is probably the best way to go.(If thats the direction your Doctor is leading you) There are inherent risks (as with any surgery)....but I want the upside of pretty much 100 percent recovery to normal, and less risk of re-rupture.

I know that nobody wants to have any surgery (myself included). But the day you go in ....the next thing you know ...your waking up and its over. My 4 weeks since then have gone by pretty fast. The crutches experience is not fun....but your using crutches with the Non-surgery as well....and probably for a longer period of time.

Besides ....Im doing alot more reading than Ive ever done

...and my Online Poker skills have skyrocketed ...LOL

Everyone have a good weekend....we will be back to normal soon

The UK seem to have a much more conservative approach. Of all the people I know and who know someone who has had this injury then they have been treated conservatively too, all with good outcomes fortunately, but with longer recovery time.

So here's to the next 2 months whichever route you are taking.

Hello all,

I recently Ruptured my A.T.. Im a ballet dancer and i was in a class and did a small jump and when i landed i heard a snap but i did not have much pain. I tried to walk a bit after and the floor felt a bit shaky(kinda like i was standing on jello) I was taken to the hospital in france and the initial doctor did the Thompson test(hope thats right spelling) and said there was no contact at all, but i had to wait fo rthe surgen and once he came down he said i only tore it about80% but that surgery was not a option due to the fact the muscle was in the way(or something like that) so shortly after he put a hard cast on my foot(from bottom of my knee to begining of my toes)

So here i am back in the states now after 9hrs of flight and going in to the end of week 4 in the hard cast.Seeing a doctor here in the next few days but thinking about continuing the non surgey route but i hear it is just a slow process.

I think this blog is great i found it as i was googling ruptured a.t and it is very heapful to read all the stories here.

Going to a doctor on monday and will see what he suggests.Must say going from someone very active to crutch world is a bit rough but all the doctors and nurses i france say it is deffinetly possible for a full recovery but this way is just a slow method and as im findng out requires alot of patience.

I was suggested in starting rehab in water is very good has anyone had experience with this?

In the end i was told by doctor in france i have the hard cast on for 1 more month and after that a diffrent one with a small heel which will be changed every 2 weeks for 6 weeks.

does this method sound simmilar to what some of the other non-surgery people have delt with?

Robert .....my 1st tendon snap (left) ...I used the pool alot. Kick board swimming, and during the partial weightbearing phase ....They had me walking in water (neck deep initially) then the following week maybe chest deep....and then gradually walking in less and less water until full weightbearing was advised by the doctor. But,yes the pool is an excellent source of therapy from my past reference. Just listen to what your Doctor allows and dont try to overdue it to soon. Let the tendon heal properly 1st.

My recent rupture (right tendon) ....The Doc has not mentioned the pool .....But I did start rehab (non Wt bearing) alot sooner than last time.

Ok, 1/31 AT rupture, update for myself. I went to the doc last month wont be back to see him until the end of this one. Asked him how bad was it he said it was a pretty good one. High tear closer to the calf, but he was able to get a good mend. People going into surgery, post of concentrate on regaining that ROM. Its the toughest to get back once all that scar tissue sets in. I can feel it right under my scar on my heel. The tendon will heel faster than i can get rid of that stuff.

I can limp without the boot but I prefer not to.

The positive thing about crutches....upper body work out. Oh, and extended reach. Those are all I can think of.

I am thinking about getting one of those sleeves that is suppose to help the AT, runs about $80. Not sure I'll ask the doc what he thinks about them. My cut has healed so I'll try and get some ultrasound therapy for this damned scar tissue. I remember now when I broke my arm that stuff needed to be massaged around too. It helped break it up as well. So I look forward to beating this thing.

Happy recovery.

I slipped and fell on a dance floor and was misdiagnosed by three doctors within 2 days. I limped and crutched around for 4 weeks an ultra sound confirmed yes I had a rupture. After limping for another 2 weeks I had surgery. I had to have a graft because it was left too long. I am now post op and it is week 5 in a cast. I have had it reposition twice and next week position in a walking cast and that will be 8 weeks. After that it is physiotherapy. Thanks for the pool advice. I am still on crutches and have gained weight from sitting. Makes you be grateful for everything.

I ruptured my achilles tendon on 22 Febuary 2008 whilst playing. I am male, 52 years old, living in small town 30 miles north west of London, I cycle to work and play tennis at least once a week.

I had surgery 6 days after injury - the orthopedic gave me the choice of surgery or cast. I choice the former because I had read that all athletes elect for surgery, the chances of rerupture are lower and the road to recovery quicker. In Britain if you are over a certain age the national health service will steer you to the non surgical route because it is medically less complicated and more cost effective. I chose to have spinal block rather than a full general anesthetic as it allows you to stay conscious througout the procedure and is far less traumatic on the body. Regarding damage my surgeon advised that this injury does not result in the tendon being severed, the tendon is torn and therefore it is partially together and the process of repair is for the tendon to regrow and ultimately to strenghen. I was put in a plaster cast for up to 8 weeks and will return to the hospital each fortnight for a check up. The spinal block is an injection into the spine which numbs the whole lower half of your body. The numbness lifts fully after about 7 hours.

I have purchased a waterproof plaster protector from www.limboproducts.co.uk - this allows me to shower which has been very reviving.

I have also adapted the handle grip of my crutches by covering them with the tape used on tennis rackets handles. This is available from sports stores and cost about £5. This tape has made the crutches much safer to use as it provides a much more sucure grip than the slippery plastic that it covers.

Hope this is informative and helpful

Johny

Johny,welcome to the blog. I was injured the same week(18.02.08) so it will be interesting to see how you get on - surgery v conservative. It appears we will be in plaster about the same length of time which is different from the USA as having read many of these blogs they tend to go into this walking boot about 4-6 weeks after surgery. The treatment does seem to vary dramatically between countries and also between states.

I also got a waterproof cast protector from www.protectacast.com and this has been useful (if tight which I realise it has to be!)and may take your advice about taping the handles of the crutches because they are slippery as you mention.Good luck with your treatment and keep us posted about your treatment as you recover.

Anne

Anyone at the 4 week Post OP point .....still having general soreness in the heel??? .....Just curious

Doc did an Ultra sound test Friday and said everything looked good. (Not sure how much they can see with that ...it looked limited to me) But still concerned..........Dont remember all this soreness with my first rupture (years back). But this one came off the heel ....the first one separated in the mid tendon area.

Crutches bite

Hello Gang! Popped my tendon last night 3/8/08 playing basketball. Same story as everyone else. Thought I was hit in the back of the calf by the ball and down I went. Went to HMO for the Thompson Test (saturday evening) no response whatever. Will hopefully see the surgeons tomorrow to assess the extent of the damage and determine which way to go. No real pain and little swelling- it feels high up on the ankle not the heel. I'm in a fiberglass splint and yes these crutches do suck. (I may get my kids razor scooter out and rig something up) I'm not one to exercise much and always felt like my job kept me fairly well fit as well as golf, motorcycling, yard and auto work, but yes I was playing like a kid again and this just came as a real surprise.

I am 48 years old, 180 lbs, a 20 year letter carrier for the US Postal Service and luckily have 1400 hours of sick leave saved and available. After reading all of this, I'm thinking it best to get into surgery fast and save as much of that leave as possible for when I really need it. (that's a joke!) I am very happy to find all of this experience posted here, thank you all. It really gives me better perspective, and I hope, god-willing, to have nothing but good news to report in my case.

Any other newbies... lets compare notes as we go.

We have nothing but down-time for a while, right!?

Paul

Paul, you will definitely have plenty of time on your hands while you recover. I also ruptured mine playing basketball, 6 weeks post-op today.My rupture was up the tendon a bit closer to the calf. I had extreme pain when it ruptured for a minute then little pain after that. Like you I Also had very little swelling which is good for surgery, less swelling the better. good luck

Marc, i am just over 6 weeks post op. Still in cast but am allowed to fully weightbear on it (although i am still using the crutches at present)and am putting more weight on it with every day that goes by. I have physio appt a week on Thursday to start weaning me out of the cast.

Where you at with it at the moment?

Hi everyone! Keep a positive frame of mind and you'll heal quicker than the average. I ruptured/severed mine on 10/14/07 while getting ready to take a step playing softball. I am 52 and always been in great shape while using my legs extensively on a daily basis. We are just the "lucky" ones I have been told. I was in a boot non weight bearing for six weeks, then was able to walk on it for another five before therapy started. Twice a week extensive therapy for another six weeks until the middle of February. I now can walk without a limp but my heal does get sore if I over do it. Still have a lot of numbness on one side of my foot where I am told a major nerve was cut I guess but it will go away over time. It does not impede my ability to walk normal. I can still feel on a daily basis the tendons stretching at times, and do a daily regiment of ROM to keep at it and keep progressing. Therapy is not fun, but a lot better than letting it heal on its own or with minimal ROM work. I was able to get 80-85% of my calf muscle strength back in the six weeks of therapy. The key is not to do more than is needed as the achillies needs to rest some in between therapy depending on how extensive you go at it. It has been a struggle to get back to where I was before, but when you put your mind to it amazing results can follow. I wish everyone nothing but the best in your respective recovery and am very gratefull the honesty and dedication I have been given by my surgeon and therapist. Stay positive and time passes faster.

Steven M., I had the fiberglass cast on for 4 weeks. Then into the walking boot(with wedges)1.5 weeks ago.I have been walking using one crutch around the house but use both if walking any kind of distance.I started using a exercise bike and lifting upper body weights as soon as I went into boot.I also take the boot off for a bit at night and stretch the tendon and also rotate my foot in circles as much as I can.I take a wedge out this fri and then 2 weeks after that see the doc again. If everything looks good I will then go into a sneaker with heel lift and start actual rehab at a facility. The only discomfort I have is sleeping at night with this boot on.For some reason every night about four hours into my sleep I have extreme pain and have to take the boot off for the rest of the night. It feels like it is hitting a nerve and causing pain.I didn't have this when the cast was on, just the boot. Keep me up to date on your progress and where your at as well.

Hello all,

Wow, lots of new people in here since I last visited .... really sorry to see that.

Marc,

I was wondering how you felt walking? I've been walking without crutches for 5 days now and the tendon/incision aches a bit. Nothing major but enough to make me aware. How are you feeling? Can anyone else tell me how they felt the first week of walking? Don't want to over do at this stage.

Just to update you, I'm now 2 days shy of 8wks post op. I've been riding a stationary bike an hour a day, and doing moderate upper body weight lifting. Pretty much the same training regimen that I would normally follow minus any leg work and not quite as heavy. My calf muscle has seriously atrophied and I don't think I can do anything about it at this stage? Other than that I feel fine, just not so patiently waiting to close out this chapter of my life.

Keep the posts coming, they're encouraging.

Best of luck to all,

Robert

Hi all,

I ruptured my right AT playing basketball about 6-7 weeks ago. Had surgery a few days after, and I am now in my 6th week post-surgery. Got out of the cast last week and have been walking around in a boot. Doctor said partial weight-bearing but I get around without crutches just fine.

I've been reading up on a lot of forums and, at 20 years of age, I think I hold the dubious title of "youngest AT rupturee." Hopefully it also means I'll heal a bit quicker, but this past month and a half has not been fun. Don't know how much longer I'm going to be in this boot but I can't wait to start rehab.

Well, for everyone here going through the same process, just wanted to offer some encouragement. Really, a good mindset is half the battle. Plus, this road to recovery really develops patience and character. =). Just keep truckin' and, God-willing, we'll all be back on our feet in no time.

Hello all, Met with the surgeon today. He started with a very even handed description of the cast-it or cut-it choice I had to make. We wasn't actually winking as he described the surgery method, but did seem noticably relieved when I promptly chirped, "Surgery Please, the faster the better, Thank You!" Impressive guy. Went on to relate his experiences and opinions of many of the new and different techniques I've read about here. The rupture isn't high up the ankle as I thought, it is about an inch above the heel. His recommendation was to simply go with a verticle incision on the inside of the ankle only as large as needed, a month or so in cast, a month in boot, and on to physical therapy. Sounded like just the kind of a plan I was hoping for, so surgery will be day after tomorrow. One hitch, though. He ends his rotation this week here in Tacoma, WA so I will have to do all the follow ups with one of his consulting partners. (Hmmmmm, hope all goes reeeeaaaly well in that O.R.) He also arranged for a knee scooter to be delivered to my home tomorrow, that was very cool. Life is good. (or at least, not bad...considering) One last aside... my 84 year old mother came to spend a few months with us last week. She has two new knees, a roller walker, a folding walker which I've already grown kinda fond of, and a wheelchair we prefer to roll her around in when we go out on the town. With the addition now of my stuff, the amount of hardware around here is about to become absolutely incredible.

LOL Paul, we have an 18 month old baby, when we went shopping a few weeks ago we had a wheelchair and push chair to take with us. In the end we just bput the baby on me in the wheelchair. Was fun for both of us!

Hi All,

Well got back from the Drs office yesterday, graduated to the boot. So, was in the cast for a month, now the boot for 4 to 6 weeks, re-evaluate in one month. Then, off to PT. I did not go through the cutting scenario don't like knives much but if it re-ruptures, then, yes I will go that route. One thing I have to say is the tendon was definitely stiff - ouch. The pain is still there when I apply a lot of weight on the foot but the good thing is the pain only goes up about a quarter of the foot compared to the toes as when I was first injured- there is light at the end of the tunnel. Also, for some individuals previously speaking about if one should sleep with the boot, my Drs stated nope, that is just to keep your foot stabilized in the day, if you need to you can but would not recommend it. Kind of feels funny getting used to walking with a boot - getting used to walking all over again.

Ready to get out to the golf course at least I can swing without crutches now.

Be safe wish everyone a speedy recovery whichever way you go.

Be safe.

Robert, I have not done much walking with just the boot yet. I still use one crutch most of the time. I'm going to wait until I take the wedge out this friday to go to that level. My foot will be about a 90 degree angle then. I will let you know how it feels.

For anyone who is in the non-weight bearing rehab at home stage, a friend of mine gave me a good exercise to perform. My buddy is a physician assistant for a orthopaedic surgeon group and has assisted in numerous ATR surgeries. He said taking the boot off and simulating the alphabet with you foot is a really good exercise. Sounds simple, but it's something my doc never told me. Seems to help with range of motion. Like Nick, I am really looking forward to getting out on that golf course this summer!

Good luck to all

Marc,

Thanks for responding. I look forward to hearing how you feel. I too get a wedge out this friday. I'm looking forward to that. I've got 4 in this boot right now, really makes it difficult to take normal strides. I'm guessing that its going to stretch the tendon further so I'm expecting some increased discomfort. Sounds like you're a bit ahead of me as far as degree of flex. I probably won't be 90 for another 4wks.

Thanks for the "alphabet" suggestion. I remember someone else suggesting that. By the way, how much biking have you been doing?

Nick,

I know what you mean about it being difficult to walk in these boots. I've been walking for almost a week now trying to figure it out. One thing I figured out rather quickly is wearing a thick soled shoe on your good leg helps even you out. I wished I had asked for some additional wedges from my doctor for my shoe to try and equal the length of my good leg to that of my bad. I also found it easier to walk as if you've been riding a horse all day, if that makes any sense...lol! Doesn't look so cool, but I found that I have less of a limp.

I too am missing the game of golf. Maybe when this is over we should have an ATR survivors tournament....lol!

peace

Hey Robert, I'm up to 30 min. at a time now. Started off slow with just 15min a session. I too am a little nervous about taking a wedge out and stretching that tendon even more. I'm sure it will be a little sore for a day or so.

Ruptured my AT on 3/5, playing basketball. Really weird, I went up for a jump shot, came down and heard it pop. No pain though. I actually thought I had slipped on something on the court.

Went to Emergency that night and they said everyting is fine, take some Motrin. I knew that couldn't be right, so I went to my doctor in the morning (3/6). He said, no way you tore it, just take some Motrin and I will refer you to an orthapedic Surgeon.......But he is away, you can't see him until a next Monday (yesterday).

Luckily some friends refereed me to an orthapedic surgeon that I saw on Friday (3/7). Diagnosed me with a ruptured AT with the Thompson test. Dr. wanted to schedule surgery for Tuesday (3/11), but I was very nervous (looking for non-surgical solutions). Talk to another Dr. over the phone and realized that if I want to continue playing sports, surgery must be the soultion. Still very nervous!!!!

Had pre-opt test yesterday, scheduled for surgery today at 4:00 PM. Help me out guys! Reading your experiences have helped me alot!

NERVOUS about surgery and recovery

EricY, excellent! Hey Buddy, I've been waiting for someone to join me. I'll race Ya! I'm scheduled for 4 pm today too. I have no qualms about surgery. I need this healed well, and soon, so the obvious choice is to go for it. I look at it this way. They put you out, you wake up, you make sure to take your pills to keep one step ahead of the pain for the first week, and before you know it all that is left is wondering how small your calf will be when you finally get to take that evil tight cast off. I broke a nose and wrist 16 years ago on a motorcycle and was very worried about rehab. It was a very bad break. The little bones in the wrist were shattered and had to be pinned back together. Even the doctors said I'd have to probably have it "scoped out" in about five years. Then one day an old man walked up to me on the street and asked about my casted arm, I told him the story, and told me that he once did the same kind of thing. He then said with a big smile and a laugh and in the most encouraging way I'd ever heard, "Don't worry you'll get that all back, trust me. If you work it, it'll all come back". I just kept that in mind while rehabing. I would bend and manipulate my wrist every day till it got really warm and sore, and then one afternoon it just kinda made a click and I got about a 25% jump in range of motion in one shot. It's been all these years now, and even though I can sometimes tell you when it's gonna rain, I don 't arm wrestle anymore, and flipping a handfull of sunflower seeds in my mouth ain't quite perfect, I'd say I've got better than 95% back.

Continued......... Sure, I don't arm wrestle anymore, and I can sometimes feel rain coming in the fall, but it's just determination and mind over matter... and maybe a little help from an angel on the street. (wink)

So let's just set our minds to it, bite the bullet on pain, get in there today and calmly start to get this all back, eh!

God bless us both, Paul

SteveM, Marc,PaulL (20 years old huh? that sucks) Nice to meet you guys

Oh yeah, CRUTCHES still suck! They didn't come with the knee walker today like I'd hoped, so I've been rolling around the house kneeling on my computer chair. YeeeHaww!!!!!!!!

Eric and Paul .....dont sweat it....Most of us have had the surgery. The rehab time is shorter with surgery.

Make sure to tell the Doc ...If anything happens ...to take that stupid shower cap off your head (LOL). Oh yea ,make sure they cut on the Bad leg.

Before you know it ....you'll be waking up and they will be pushing you out the door.

Piece of cake.

Get back with us in a day or two, and let us know how your doing. The worst part for me is the crutches for weeks on end.

Keep in touch.

I am 7 weeks post op tomorrow. Am still in a cast (no boot for me :0( although i can bear weight with crutches and have even taken tiny steps whilst just holding on to the chair. Everyday since last thursday i have felt stronger and hope by this time next week i can walk without the crutches (even if only little shuffles!).

I have been to the gym and am going to pump some upper body iron! I have learnt a lot about myself during this period and am starting to see the light which only a few weeks back seemed miles away! Keeping believing!!!

Thanks SteveM....Im at 4.5 weeks out, and still on crutches (w/ boot) non-weightbearing. Glad to hear about that light at the end of tunnel, we've heard so darn much about. I forgot what fun it was to just go outside and do some yard work or even walk my dogs. (or just take a normal shower).

Good luck to everyone

Steve, Yard work? You must not live in the North. Yard work here(Erie,PA.) consists of shovelling about 3ft of snow from your driveway. Walking in the snow and ice on crutches is a royal pain in the ASS. Enjoy the nice weather!!

Marc - I hear you about walking with crutches in the snow/ice. I live up in Ottawa, Canada, and man, do we have snow!!!!!!! I haven't been able to get out in a week and a half due to 2 major snowstorms and icy sidewalks.

I am now 5 weeks and 2 days post-surgery. Still non-weight bearing with my second cast. Get it off on the 26th and will be 6 wks in a boot...and surgeon says at the end of that time (in May) I will be fully weight bearing. Seems long compared to the vast majority of you guys!

Steve...send some warm air up here! We need it desperately! We are just around 30 cms away from having the snowiest winter on record. Spring (if it EVER comes) should be interesting...flooding will be a real concern.

Hang in there everyone!

Eric and Paul,

Welcome to the blog. Hope your surgeries went smooth. Trust me thats going to be the easy part. The first 4 to 6wks following the surgery is going to be the hardest. There is just not a whole lot that you are going to be able to do during that stretch. I got really depressed during that span. To me it felt like an eternity. But once you get that ok to start walking you'll feel like you've turned the corner. My best advice, keep your foot elevated above your heart as much as possible. If you don't swelling is going to slow your recovery. Thats what I did for the first 6wks and I heeled great. I was told I wouldn't be weight bearing for 12wks but at my 6wk follow up doctor told me I could walk on it. I'm now 8wks post op and I've been walking with no crutches for almost a week. Best of luck guys.

Peace

Susan,

I too was told that I would be nonweight bearing for 12wks. But at my 6wk follow up the Doc told be I could lose the crutches. Was he originally giving me worse case, I don't know? I was just so happy to hear him say that I could walk I never questioned him why. I plan on asking him next time I see him. Anyway, maybe you will get to walk/bear weight sooner as well. Take care of yourself and keep your fingers crossed.

p.s. are you a Sens fan?

Hi all, Well that went very well. No pain to speak of; though I'm going to take one oxycodone evey 4 hours no matter what for the next day or so. I went into sugery at about 5pm, woke up in recovery about 7:15, home by 8, belly full of tater tot casserole and leg up and on the couch here at 10 watching "Hot Fuzz" a very poor movie from Blockbuster- the first of many bad movies in my future I suppose. I'm in a fiberglass splint wrapped in ACE bandages at only about a 15 degree downward angle. So, my biggest fear, the dreaded cast, isn't even a factor. I didn't see him post-op but my wife said the surgeon was happy, told her it would be two months before getting the boot. I guess I got that wrong cuz I really though he said one month the other day, but we shall see how it goes. I'm in no rush just wanting a good result. Thanks for the encouragement guys... looking to hear from EricY here soon, curious how his went.

Paul

Susan , your right .....its 65 degrees this morning in S. Fla (Ft Lauderdale area)....Cant take that severe cold weather that you guys deal with for 4 months every year.

I go to the Doctor Tues (3/18) ....will be 5.5 weeks post op at that point.....hope to start some form of weight bearing.

Stay warm

Robert - I would be delirious if my surgeon said I could lose the crutches at 6 weeks!! I won't count on it - will keep focused on my original timeframe (so I won't end up being disappointed) but will take any good news that comes along with a smile! Unfortunately (or probably fortunately given the last several weeks) I am not a hockey fan - but just about every one I know is!! Where are you located?

Paul - glad to hear your surgery went well. Just remember to keep your foot above your heart - it makes a real difference. Keep us posted on how you are making out - and fire away any questions you may have as we have all been through it.

steve - that is just plain mean telling me it is 65 deg (and in the morning, to boot!)!! :-) When I download my snow pictures (from our big storm last weekend) I should send you a couple..that should put a real smile on your face! We must have had our surgeries around the same time - my injury was Feb 2nd and my surgery was the 4th. How about you?

Keep your chin up everyone! Every day we are one day closer to full mobility...

Update - 7 weeks today. I am now weightbearing in the cast without my crutches. Only a few small steps at a time and then back to my crutches. I could probably do more but just taking it steady at the moment.

At least now i am a little more mobile and able to pounce on my 18 month old baby when trying to get her ready for bed. Up to now she has worked out how close she can get to me without me being able to catch her. I previously had to resort to sweetie bribery in order to get her near enough!

Glad the surgery went well Paul and hope your recovery is quick.

I am in that boring phase, coming up for four weeks in plaster now and still using crutches. I now manage to get up stairs upright by putting my toes on bad leg on step first and then jumping up with my good leg, still using crutches for balancing.It beats going up on my bum. Anyone else doing this? Don't think I'm putting any pressure on my achilles as I don't feel it at all at the back of my leg. I only use the toes for balancing. Not sure if I should be doing this but takes too long otherwise.

Have a Hospital appointment next week when I hope they will bring my foot to a more normal position but as I didn't have surgery I probably wont get a boot and will stay in a cast but I'll post my news as it happens. Good luck to all whatever stage you are at.

Susan ....feel free to email your pics....my email is listed by my name. and your right...My rupture was 2/2 , and had surgery on 2/8. Guess we're twins .... lol

Paul ...hope your feeling OK. Theres light at the end of the tunnel .....I'm told

Susan,

That's a good approach. I found myself looking forward to any changes no matter how small or follow up visits to the Doc...etc. To me each represented a step closer to full recovery. Well, I hope you get your boot sooner than later. Don't try and do too much right now, just take it easy and let it heal, you just may.

I'm in S. California. I love hockey, play in rec leagues and have season seats to Anaheim.

Steve,

It took me about 5 to 7 days to get comfortable walking without the crutches. More than anything I think I was too afraid to put all my weight on it. But each day that passes I feel more and more sure that its ok.

Paul,

Glad to hear surgery went well. Yeah, going to be surprised at what you'll actually watch on tv before this is over. Also, smart move taking pain meds even though you're not feeling pain. I went to bed one of my first nights feeling fine and didn't take any. About half way through the night I woke up in alot of pain. I only took meds for like the first 3 or 4 days and I was fine after that.

Peace

Robert, in responce to post#156. I have been walking quite a bit aroung my house w/o the crutches for about two days now. Have not had any pain at all so far but really havn't gone any great distance. I think it helped easing into it by just using one crutch for a week or so. Let me know how the wedge removal goes on fri and I will do the same.

Hi all,

I woke up early feeling just great today. Had some more tater tot casserole for breakfast (yeah I know, I know), nice pot of tea. By noon I'd convinced the wife she could go to work,no worries. What, with a happy pill every 4 hours it'll be a piece of cake. "Grandma and I will be just fine taking care of each other." We played cards, had more tea, watched a movie, took a nap, played more cards. No problem. Wrong.... right after dinner I hopped up and kinda tweaked my toe on the floor and it then occured to me that perhaps I better cool the Tarzan act a bit and lay down. An hour later I am totally sore. Seems like all those muscles that have been working above and beyond to keep me moving these past few days screamed all at once, "We gonna get you sucka!" I went totally sore. Chest, arms, my good calf, even my neck muscles were mumbling sweet nothings in my ear. My leg swelled a bit under the wrap. What a dork I am! So now it's around midnight. I feel better and I've got the leg up, swellings down. I've stopped my little shivering chihuahua imitation (although there's probably a little wet puddle somewhere under the couch) and I promise to be a good boy tomorrow, take it easier, and ELEVATE all day.

Learning lessons the hard way for 48 years now...... Paul

Hi Susan, Anne, Robert.

OK ....today is my new tendons 5 week birthday (since surgery - 2/8).

Will I start walking soon .....or is it gonna be like when a newborn starts walking ......in a year or two ????

What the .....

Just been out for lunch with a friend to a local cafe and after 5 mins in the cafe in walked another girl in plaster who it turns out ruptured her achilles at the same time as me. Anyway,to make this even more unbelievable about 10 minutes later in walked another girl in plaster who ruptured hers 2 weeks ago.Spooky... How coincidental is that?

We are all being treated conservatively at 3 different hospitals and each one of us is following a different regime. There really doesn't seem to be any protocol for this injury at all. We are all in our mid 40's and play sport, two of us did it playing tennis and one in the gym.

So the conclusion is - all this sport, it's just not good for you!!

Hey all I'm back!

Paul I'm glad to see your surgery went well. Mine started out very well. When I woke up, I had very little pain. Since they didn't get started until 5:15 PM i stayed in the hospital overnight. Not bad right......

Wrong. In the early morning and late afternoon. major pain (had to go to morhpine). Around 2:00 I was all set and ready to go home. Wrong again. I tried to walk on the crutches and couldn't. Needed a wheel chair to get me back to my room. Also had a slight fever (probably becuase of the morphine). They had me stay for a second night, to monitor the fever and to make sure everything else was ok. I didn't want to, but I knew it was for the best.

I stayed for another night and I woke up this morning feeling great. Very little, almost no pain and I was able to get around without problems. Doctor came in and saw me and said I was free to go.

So, I'm back and ready to start the hard part (recovery).

Doctor says crutches non weight bearing for 5-6 weeks and then I get the boot.

Paul hang in there with me buddy. I guess it will be me and you for at least the next six weeks.

Hey Eric,

Damn, Son. You're getting your moneys worth there. It also sounds like you're two up on me already... Pulling overnighters and a sampling morphine.

Glad you're over the pain hump though; me too, it's been no biggie. I've only doubled up the dose once so far; last night about 4 am. Otherwise one every four hours is just fine for now. I may switch to ibprophen soon to get the swelling down asap.

I have a fiberglass formed "Jones Splint" not a cast. It runs under the toes, heel and calf holding the foot at a downward angle and all wrapped tight with an ACE bandage. I questioned the surgeon about keeping the cast from being set too tight and I guess this is his solution/gift. Last night I had a dream about running and woke up jerking my leg around, it hurt like hell but I figure it'd take an awful lot to pull the sutures free; just don't bend the ankle. The skin on my heel felt really tightly pressed too so I loosened the whole thing up, lathered some vaseline under the heel and let it rest till my wife woke up. She chewed me out for a while about it, but upon reading the home care instructions it says it's ok the loosen the ACE bandage.

The nurse said that's what the jones splint is good for, "It can swell all it wants."

So now I am comfortable and content, ready to spend the whole day elevated and flat on my back. Oh joy!!!

(Can't wait to catch up on what Britney and that naughty little Elliot are up to next... tv is such a wasteland)

Anne- I agree. What protocol? A mortgage solicitor told me she slid into third base, hit a hole, broke both her tibia and tore the AT. After a month in a cast, her doctor removed the area of the cast immediately over her foot and told her to excercise her toes, up and down, three times a day. After 6 weeks she claimed she went went directly into her shoes and on to physical therapy. Big-time sports doctor. Go figure. (course, she was trying to sell me a mortgage, and ya' know those darn people will say anything, right!?)

Meanwhile, everyone feast your eyes on this little baby. www.iwalk-free.com New toys. I want, I want, I want! I'm still on these damn crutches, no knee walker yet.

Something to look forward to. Later, Paul

Eric Y, glad your feeling better. I went through a very similar experience after my surgery.My surgery was around 4:30pm and I also had to stay a night in hosp. Also had a slight fever and had a bad reaction to the morphine or anestetic or something. I felt kinda nauseated when I left the next afternoon. They also wheeled me to the car in a wheelchair and I threw up on the way home. Some people just don't react well to the morphine and anestesia. Nothing to worry about in the long run. Just be real strict on keeping that leg elevated above the heart for 2-3 weeks.

Good luck

Robert, looking forward to hearing from you on how the wedge removal went. Just took mine out. Definitely felt the stretch but no pain. I think I will wait until at least tomorrow to walk on it without the crutches. I think I will use one crutch around the house until I feel comfortable.

Later, Marc

Marc,

Took the wedge out and I really don't notice much of a difference. The wedge is only approximately 1/8" so its not like a radical change. Not to mention, I still have 3 more in there. Then again, I haven't been on my feet that much today so I'll reserve finally judgement.

I'm still having some minor discomfort. Its really hard to describe. Its not an ache, but a sharp, scratchy like feeling. I thing it might be scar tissue trying to break up? But, it really is minor. It doesn't have me wanting to medicate or anything like that. Its just got my attention. Of course anything I feel in either of my achilles concerns me now.....and probably for the rest of my life, lol!

Anyway, I haven't touched a crutch in 8days now, and I've been cycling 1hr daily....could be why I feel the way I do? I'm curious to see how you feel when you ditch that crutch. Be sure and let me know.

Peace

Can anybody tell me if they've figured out a good way to actually walk in this boot?.....PLEASE! I thought I had it figured out, walking like you've been riding a horse all day but thats not working. Its stressing other parts of my body like my knees and hips. I don't know if its possible to take a normal stride in this thing.

It makes my leg longer than the other

It restricts any kind of movement below the knee

And its packed full of wedges

Any suggestions?

p.s. sorry about the rant

Eric and Paul,

Marc is right, keep it elevated as much as possible....above the heart. Its going to take some time for the area to quiet down. It took me about 4wks before it didn't annoyingly swell when I didn't have it elevated.

Hang in there.

Robert, Our boots must be totally different. The wedge I took out is 1-1/8" at the heel. My foot is really close to 90 degrees if not at 90. It's funny you said that about the achilles pain in the "good" leg. Every little ache or pain i'm nervous as hell that it' gonna blow. I guess that's normal seeing everything we've gone through. Keep up the good work and i'll keep you updated.

Later, Marc

Paul, stay off the damn thing or your swelling will never go down and I will win this race very easily. Me, I am following the plan. Elevate Elevate Elevate - You heard everyone.

Thanks Marc, I'm glad to know I wasnt' the only one to have that experience. I felt really bad and I was a little dissapointed. But I am home and now trying trying to move forward.

Thanks for the advice Marc, Steve , Robert and everyone else. I intend to Elevate Elevate Elevate.......

One other thing - Anne, no protocol is right. I think it really depends on each individual. Some doctors are probably more conservative then other becuase they don't know how you are going to heal. I guess they would rather error on the side of caution.

Paul - another reminder to elevate! It really, really makes a difference! Watch those casseroles...with all that lying and elevating they might start adding up! :-)

Eric - I stayed overnight for mine too (only one night though) and then had to wait for a physio consult the next day before they would discharge me.

Robert - sorry to hear about your issues with your boot! I get mine in a week and a half and I have been counting the days until I can get out of this cast. It was originally supposed to be this coming Wednesday but it was changed to the 26th because my surgeon is having a baby! The nerve of him - having a baby just when I need him - so as I result I get another week in a cast! An anaheim fan eh! Hey, the Sens won last night - about time they started winning again. I don't know...hockey without snow just doesn't seem right! :-)

Anne - that is amazing about seeing other Achilles "victims". You know, I had never even heard of an ATR before I had mine!

Steve - I will send you pics when I download them (probably Sunday). I had really hoped to get out tomorrow (will be two weeks on Sunday since I have left the house due to snowstorms, and just heard on the news that we might get freezing rain overnight)! Can I come and stay with you until spring??? :-)

Marc/Robert - what are the wedges made of? Did you have to buy them or were they provided?

to all those who think walking in a boot is the greatest thing you will soon find out that it is a challenge.i am at my 6 month and the boot has made my knees week and the boot not being level to my shoe has still given me a sore back at times.i really dont think that you get to the point where you are not afraid of retear.i was back to a full time job as a delivery driver in 14 weeks.i just went through an ohio winter with a large amount of snow and ice this year.the warmer days cant get here soon enough.

Hi Fellow ATR survivors!

Ruptured my AT on May 27 2007, had surgery on June 3 2007

Started skiing on Dec 26 2007 and has been skking ever since. One complication in my recovery. A blood clot in July 2007! My fault. Did not elevate my foot after surgery.

If I can help any one with recovery tips free feel to contact me.

Happy healing

B. Toth

Marc,

Thats a big lift you had in there. I have whats called an AirCast. When I'm in it, I can inflate/deflate for a custom fit. As far as fit, it is so much better than the first boot they gave me. That thing hurt just having it on. I got the AirCast after complaining about the first boot. I would suggest everyone going into the boot request the AirCast.

As for blowing out another tendon, hopefully someday we'll get over that fear. Don't know about you, but its gonna take some time for me.

Eric,

I'm glad to hear you're doing the right thing, elevating, elevating, elevating. Lay low my friend, you'll thank yourself for it later.

Susan,

Yeah, walking in the boot is better than crutching but don't get too excited about it. Its really difficult. One thing that seems to work is wearing as thick of a soled shoe on your good foot to try and even it out. Unfortunately for me, women have more options when it comes to shoes. I dont'care how hard it is to walk in this thing, you won't catch me in a pump....lol!

As for the wedges, I got them when I was given the boot. I'm not sure what they are made of but they're soft with a self adhesive on one side. They stuck 4 together for me and instructed me to remove one every 2weeks. From what I read everyone seems to have them so I'm pretty certain you will too. You never know though, like everyone has been saying, seems to be no protocol when it comes to treatment. And yes I'm sure I over paid for them, my bills have been insane!

Yeah, winters are kind of strange aroung here. I'm from the North East originally. I would really like to leave this place but I've got a family now with roots here.

Peace

I definitely agree with Robert with the aircast.I have the "Bledsoe Boot" which isn't that comfy.I was told by my Doc to keep the boot on while sleeping but I can't. This thing is so big and bulky that I have to take it off or it causes some(circulation) pain at night. It's not too bad during the day though. If you have a choice in boots I would look into the aircast. Based on Robert and others opinions it seems to be very comfy. I would also look into switching mine but hopefully I'll be out of the boot in two weeks.

Eric Y and Paul, if you guys havn't seen the "Sopranos" series you may want to rent it while your laid up. You can knock out the whole series in a few days while elevating and it pretty good.

Susan, Whatever boot you get they will come with the wedges. It's the natural way of gradually stretching/strengthening the tendon as you take them out. Mine are made of a hard rubber type material and they stack on top of each other.

Later, Marc

Hey Susan,

I gotta ask you about the health care system in Canada. Is everything really free? We here stories of canadians waiting extremely long periods of time to get treatment by doctors. Then other stories how great the system works. I am fortunate to have very good insurance which covered everything regarding my ATR(except some co-pays). I wonder how people with no insurance pay for the ridiculous bills that pile up. The system here definitely sucks. Just wanted to get your opinion on the Canadian system and how it works.

thanks, Marc

Well it's been a week since the big break. I've been just sleeping relaxing and elevating for two days straight. Was planning on going to church tomorrow but figured it would be more tiring than beneficial so instead I'm going to take the splint off, air this mess out real well, and literally offer it up to the Lord here on the couch. We were praying for some guidance before this happened on how we could get Grandma more involved with our daily routine around here. Her days were spent idling around while we were all off being busy till 5pm every day. Well, trust me. Gods works in mysterious ways! And for those who don't believe in that sort of thing . . . careful what you wish for! In either case, Grandma's spirits are soaring as she is having a good time caring for her baby, and I'm happy to have it. She's darn tough on me at cards though.

Marc--- good idea on the Sopranos series and all the rest of them at Blockbuster. We have that monthly membership deal already and like it a lot. I also just realized

it's perfect timing to enjoy MARCH MADNESS !

(don't think grandma's gonna appreciate basketball all day. I'll have to get her into popcorn popping mode)

Eric- I'll be checking out the swelling tomorrow. Does anyone actually use ice? Seems with so much wrapping a waste of time. I haven't done any. Pain is pretty much gone so I only took a 600mg Motrine(ibprofen) twice today. Gonna try nothing tomorrow.

Life is good. Paul

Paul - glad to hear that you are doing okay and that you have given new meaning to Grandma's life! I actually not long before the accident had hoped for some time off work, so yes, be careful what you wish for! LOL

Robert, Marc - thanks for the info on the boots. I should get one at my next appointment (the 26th). Cannot wait to get this cast off. Were you able to take the boot off for bath/showers as soon as you got it? I peek down into my cast and all I see is a hairy, dead skin toothpick of a lower leg.

Marc - your question about the health care system here in Canada. Well, my answer is going to be mixed. Any other Canadians have a different opinion that the one I am going to present? Not everything is free - certainly whenever you go into the hospital (whether in Emergency or whether you are actually admitted) is free for all services you receive there. This includes consultations, xrays, medications, doctor fees, surgery, anesthesia, etc etc. It does not cover crutches, and covers a regular cast only. I opted for a fibreglas cast instead, since it is lighter and I am a small woman, and I will be getting billed for $50 since the provincial coverage is for the lowest price solution. The wait times in Emergency rooms varies, but can be very lengthy, but of course all patients are prioritized, so it depends on what you go in for. When we have medical appointments (eg: annual physical) or tests/xrays/bloodwork ordered by our doctor it is all free. I think the only thing I have actually paid for in the last several years with my family physician are necessary notes (eg: sick note for work, forms for insurance companies, etc). There is a severe shortage of family doctors, at least here in Ontario. It is almost impossible now to find a family doctor here in Ottawa who is accepting new patients. What is not free globally is prescriptions. There is a drug plan for seniors and low income folks that partially pays for prescriptions (I don't know how much it covers...am not in either category). I believe that our medical system is reaching a crisis. Lots of money has been pumped into the system here in Ontario in the last few years to try to bring down wait times for certain procedures. There is a shortage in Ottawa of orthopedic surgeons, so people can have quite a wait here for knee/hip replacements, etc. I hear that the wait time is decreasing, but have no recent first hand knowledge of that. Oddly, which I never understood, if you call and have an ambulance transport you to the hospital, you will get a bil in the mail for $45 in a few weeks. Actually I feel by the medical system being "free" it is abused. Walk into an Emergency room at any hospital and you can see people who could just as well be seen at a clinic, or wait until the next day to see their own doctor. The one good side of it is that you don't have to remortgage your house to pay for medical bills, and we don't have the huge medical insurance costs there. I hate to think what my injury would have cost if I lived in the States and had no insurance. I am also, once I start, going to get my physio appointments at the hospital, and they will be covered 100%. If I choose to go to a private physio clinic, then I would have to pay out of pocket, but I do have additional medical insurance through work which covers things that our system doesn't (including physio up to $1K/year - not much for physio but better than nothing), but the coverage cost is peanuts compared to what I have heard people pay there. My medical insurance would cover the cost of crutches, prescriptions (with a $7 co-payment), ambulance services, orthotics, and numerous other medical requirements. Dental services are not "free" - you either have dental insurance or pay (my last dental checkup was $110). I also have dental insurance through work. I believe I pay out of pocket about $50 a month for medical and dental coverage for me, my husband and 19 year old daughter, but I work for a large corporation and some of my benefit coverage is part of my benefit package. My dental plan pays 100% of the cost of checkups, 90% for fillings and root canals, 50% for crowns and 50% for orthodontics.

So, all in all, my injury has so far cost me $50 for the fibreglass cast, and the $7 co-payment for my Percocet prescription. I was very surprised at the ski hill - I got assistance from 4 ski patrols who tobagganed me to first aid, saw an actual doctor there, after only a 10 minute wait, she called an orthopedic surgeon on my behalf (as I was away from home and wanted his/her opinion on whether I should get treated in Quebec or return to Ottawa, Ontario for treatment), gave me meds, and splinted me - and all for no cost!! I thought I might have to pay since I was out of province, but nadda - nothing! I was in First Aid almost all day too.

I have been meaning to watch Sicko - have heard mixed reviews about it. Have you seen it? Thoughts/Feedback?

Sorry for the lengthy post, but you did ask! :-)

ATTENTION / NEWSFLASH! 4 DAYS AFTER SURGERY, DO NOT STOP ALL PAIN MEDS! Gosh, I am such a Dork!

LOVE (my pills) Paul

ATTENTION / NEWSFLASH! 4 DAYS AFTER SURGERY, DO NOT STOP ALL PAIN MEDS! Gosh, I am such a Dork!

LOVE (my pills) Paul

it was worth repeating

62 year old teenage wanabee.TORE AT playing dodge ball. Surgery 2 weeks ago 3/3/08. Go to DOCTOR tomorrow , noticed most if not all of you are younger than me,any suggestions

on my rehab

Just thought i would warn everyone of something i dont think has been mentioned on here.

I am nearly 8 weeks post op. Feeling good, decided to book a personal trainer to get me back in the swing in the gym. Did a bit of cardio and then on to weights. 10 weeks of pent up frustration / aggression taken out on the machines. Pumping just like (or even harder than before). Felt good for 2 days afterwards then BOOOM muscles stiffer than ever before!! This morning (4 days post weights) i still could hardly get out of bed. My good leg is no longer any support, my forearms are so stiff i could hardly put my clothes on, my aching abs meant i had to role out of bed onto my knees before attempting to push myself up with my weakened arms!

More pain than i have felt since doing this ATR!

Take it easy when going back to the gym!

Just thought i would warn everyone of something i dont think has been mentioned on here.

I am nearly 8 weeks post op. Feeling good, decided to book a personal trainer to get me back in the swing in the gym. Did a bit of cardio and then on to weights. 10 weeks of pent up frustration / aggression taken out on the machines. Pumping just like (or even harder than before). Felt good for 2 days afterwards then BOOOM muscles stiffer than ever before!! This morning (4 days post weights) i still could hardly get out of bed. My good leg is no longer any support, my forearms are so stiff i could hardly put my clothes on, my aching abs meant i had to role out of bed onto my knees before attempting to push myself up with my weakened arms!

More pain than i have felt since doing this ATR!

Take it easy when going back to the gym!

test

Hello everyone i am about 4 weeks post op. have you guys still been elevating a lot even in the hard cast? When I first went to the doctor to get my post op cast removed I had no swelling. And Know I am thinking I have no swelling as well. I go to the Dr. Friday to upgrade from the cast to the orthapedic boot.

Paul,

I did use one of those refreezable cold compresses. I wrapped it on top of my ankle. I didn't want to put it directly on the tendon. I wasn't sure that would be a good idea. It definitley helped with swelling.

Side note, I was never told to ice it, and kept forgetting to ask. So I don't know if its necessary or even advisable.

Which leads me to one more thought. I'm sure you're going to have lots of questions for your doctor before you visit him next, I know I always did. I found it helpful to write them down as I thought of them and I brought them with me so I wouldn't forget to ask him anything the next time I saw him.

Peace

Susan,

I was given the ok to remove the boot whenever I wasn't up and about, including showers which I've been taking seated. Funny thing, I designed my home with an architect and had a bench installed in our shower/steam room. I never really used it except for a handful of times to take a steam. Paul's right God works in mysterious ways. That bench, which was almost an after thought, has made showering soooo much easier.

I'm just curious, being an avid skier myself, how did you injure yourself skiing? You're the only skier I've heard of doing that.

Peace

Hey Eldon,

Welcome to the blog. Sorry to hear about your injury, but really Dodgeball! And I was embarassed to tell I did mine shooting basketball with my 10yr old son.....lol!

Anyway, check out some of the previous posts, they should answer most of your questions.

Best of luck.

Excellent point Steven, I too have been sore since resuming my weight training. I expected this and started out lightly and have gradually increased resistance each wk.....this is the start of my 4th wk back to working out.

Trust us, go easy everyone.

Sherikia,

I elevated consistantly for the 1rst 6wks. I still sleep with a couple of pillows under my legs but thats out of habit after a back injury many years ago. Welcome to the boot milestone.

Hey Marc,

Have you ditched that crutch yet? How are u feeling?

Peace

Hi all. I have just looked at the walker, iwalkfree, that Paul refers to, see entry 186. I was also looking into the K9 walker but that seems only to be useable indoors, wheareas the iwalkfree allows activity both outdoors as well.

I am now 18 days post op, on my 2nd cast, this one is fibreglass and is much lighter than the previous plaster cast. I have not had any pain or discomfort since the surgery just the discomfort of cast. I find it very difficult to cover any serious distance on my crutches hence my interest in the walking aids. Does anyone have any views/experience on these aids?

Anne how is your recovery progressing?

Johny

Hey Susan,

Thanks for your insight on the health care subject. I had just watched the "sicko" movie and that's why I was so curious.The movie is definitely an eye opener but is really seems to show only one side of the story. It does prove that our health care system has a ton of problems. It also points out how crooked the insurance companys are and they only care about making money.They could care less about the patients needs as long as they become millionaires.

It is good to hear a first hand point of view of how it works in Canada. Let me know what you think of the movie after you watch it.

Robert, I did ditch the crutch a couple of days ago. I did feel the stretch for a day or so after removing the wedge but it feels really good now. I still use them when I go outside and am walking quite a bit but around the house I don't use them at all. Today is 7 weeks post-op and I hope to get out of the boot altogether next friday. How much longer do you have in your boot? I can't wait to get out of this thing.

Steven M. brought up a good point when you start to work out again. Start out slow and let your body dictate how much to push it. It's amazing how sore your muscles will get after several weeks of inactivity.

On a side note, don't drink too much green beer today,crutches are a bitch when your drunk!!

Later, Marc

Hi Johny

Going to the hospital tomorrow and hope to get a plaster change with my foot more in the normal position but I'll post a note after I've been.

Although my leg doesn't hurt it gets really swollen especially if I sit for an hour or so without keeping it elevated. It's particularly bad at night.

I must remember to ask the docs about their protocol so that I've a rough idea of how long I'm going to be plastered!

Happy hobbling everyone.

Anne

5 Days Post op - Went to see the doctor today to inspect my wound. Everything looks great (no pain, swelling or infection). Only day 5, but things seem to progressing nicely. I will return next week to have the sutures removed.

Doctor has prescribed a CAM walker. Is that the boot everyone has been talkng about? Doctor says I will start with the CAM walker week 3 or 4 to start range of motion exercises on ankle. Still will be non-weight bearing for 6 weeks.

Anyone have trouble sleeping at night? It is very uncomfortbale on my back with my leg elevated. A couple of nights, I don't get to sleep until 1,2 in the morning.

Paul - Easy on the pain medicine. What happend that caused your pain? I ditched the pain medicine after day 3. But I still keep it close by (just in case).

EricY,

Yea the cam walker is the walking boot.It's comes with wedges to jack your heel up initially and gradually lower the heel by removing wedges.There is numerous different brands and styles but they all are designed to do the same thing.

As far as sleeping goes it does take some getting use to. I had the same problem for a week or so and eventually got use to it. I found sleeping on my side(with a pillow between my knees also) was the most comfortable posistion for me. I'm 7 weeks post-op and still sleep with a pillow under my bad leg.

good luck, Marc

Whew, Big Day! If I don't hurt tomorrow I'm gonna be really surprised. Had a buddy pick me up about 9:30 for the delivery of a laptop for repairs, pickup of a knee scooter from the rental dungeon. (why does the actual room where they issue you the scooter have to be a block and a half "as the crutch flys" away?) A trip back to the surgeons office to get a signature authorizing a handicap parking permit. A burger. A trip to the DMV and the obligory 1 hour wait for the handicap permit. 2 hours of giving the scooter a tuneup, brakes, tires rotation. Gee, I had no idea that much hair could get wound up in such a tiny little wheelbearing. Had my son drive me back to pickup the repaired laptop; now I have my own freshly upgraded computer. Obligatory St Paddy's Day corned beef and cabbage dinner. Couple hours of tv. A quick late night drive down the backstreets and back up the freeway in my car. Yes, I can drive fine, and in what I would call relative safety. I don't really plan on driving yet but had to see how it'd go in an emergency. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. But the wife really chewed me out for that one, eh!? Took a pill every four hours and felt fine all day, but figure now I better take tomorrow off. A rest and elevate day; all day. Besides, Grandma's not happy about my Parnelli Jones disappearing act tonight and she grounded me.

Life still good. The knee scooter is cool. It's midnight. Paul

Hi everyone, hope you're all feeling well.

I'm just back from the hospital (4 weeks since rupture). They removed my cast and I had the pleasure of being able to see my very hairy leg for 10 minutes before the next cast was put on. My leg doesn't look too bad at the moment, a bit skinnier than the other one but otherwise ok. The doc felt my tendon and said it had joined up well with a bit of a lump on it 2cm above my heel which is where I felt the pain when I ruptured. My foot now moves!!! It was quite painful and very stiff when they made me bring my foot into the semi equinus position (pointing slightly down but not as much as it was) and they reset it in that position. I'll get another cast on in two weeks when they will position my foot into a normal walking position and give me a strap on heel for some light weight bearing.That plaster will stay on for 3 weeks and then it's back to shoes, they don't use this boot that you all talk about, infact the Nurses said they had never heard of them as they have the same cast protocol for surgery as they do for conservative treatment.

So I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel and am actually going to be in plaster one week less than anticipated so that's even better. That makes me almost half way now so I just need to get on with it. My ankle is now sore and I can feel the stretch in the tendon so I think lots of TV and elevation is required today and possibly a few pain killers too.

How's your injury Johny and what has the doc said about how long you'll be in plaster etc?

Hope you're feeling ok today Paul and not too sore. I find the more I do the more it helps to keep boredom at bay and the time passes quickly but you don't have to do too much but it's difficult to tell what too much is until the next day.

I haven't been able to get access to a knee scooter or a knee crutch so I'm on ordinary crutches and I have a wheelchair which I borrowed from a friend for making trips to the shops with friends but otherwise mobility is a problem.

Marc - Crutches on my gravel drive are quite a challenge even sober but after a drink it's impossible!

Keep smiling everyone.

Im at week 5.5 today and visit the Doc at 2:00. Hope to get these buttons off the bottom of my foot. Yea, thats right... 2 buttons holding my sutured tendon to my heal. He said about 6 weeks total untill they can be removed ???

Anybody else have this type of surgery ?? ....anyone ??

My tendon separated right at the calcanus (heal itself)...and had to be sutured back to the bone and thru the bottom of my foot.

Anyway ,Its funny how differently all these experts use different protocols for casts and boots. My Doctor had me in a cast for only a week after surgery...then I went into the boot ...so that I could start rehab excercises and get the foot moving (range of motion)....I can get it to about 6 degrees past neutral now....but not weightbearing yet.

Any way ...just wondering if anyone else has had the same type of surgery as me.

see you guys and gals at the next Marathon.

No great story with me jumped up at home slipped on the rug !!!!!!!!!! Waited two days went to hospital for an xray, was told badly sprained but come back in a week, so walked around for next week, not much pain just couldn't stand on tip toes and was very stiff at back of leg. Went back to hospital, had scan full rupture, went straight to another hospital op was next day wasn't given choice of op or not. Am at week 8 now 6 in cast now in walker boot which i can take on and off am starting to put light pressure on while walking but am nervous. Good luck to all and DO REST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It helps and i believe speeds up recovery, kept mine up 90% of the time first four weeks does reduce swelling and now doesn't feel so stiff.

Marc,

I'm not scheduled to see my doctor for another 3wks.....12wks post op. I'm assuming thats when I'll lose the boot.....hopefully! I've definitely had enough of it.

Hi everyone,

I can't begin to say how much better the knee walker is compared to crutches. My body was truly getting beat to death from the one legged pelican routine. If you can get one, do it. This is the brand they gave me. www.rolleraid.com

There are a few different brands; I'm sure they all will do the job. It's just excellent. Maneuverable enough to use anywhere in the house, even the bathroom. Light enough to pick up and flip around. Setting the brake allows a pivot-in-place move that's really handy . I'm a bit peeved that it didn't get delivered a week ago like I was told but that's another story.

Susan - and those who are interested:

I honestly don't know much about health care and how it compares- single payer/universal, democrat/republican plans, USA/Canada, any of that. And I only state the following as my own experience since it's late, I'm bored, and I'm awake. I've always carried my own health care insurance, and once married, my wife kept hers separate as well since she is in the business. Granted, there are reasons why people, including my insurance broker wife, refer to my Group Health plan as "Group Death" and we've all heard stories and seen the TV doctor shows but, so far, knock on wood, my personal dealings with "American Health Care" has, in the form of Group Health Cooperative, been consistently positive.

This AT experience has cost me out of pocket co-pay amounts of:

$15 ER visit

$15 Surgeon consult

$75 Surgery

$30 Medicine (60 Motrine,50 Oxycodone,50 Hydroxyzine)

$60 Knee walker for two months. The rental company is charging $300, I pay 20% of that, and only for as long as it's needed.

Since I did have to have surgery, all subsequent visits to the Orthopedic Dept are now free for 90 days.

(I guess they don't want to nickel and dime you during recovery so you don't get pissed and sue for something,eh?)

That's $195 . . . not too bad.

I have been blessed with good health for a very long time and I have enjoyed great peace of mind knowing I've always had Group Health coverage available.

Dental and Vision are other separate monsters but partially covered as well. (I have an absolutely painless dentist that is almost fun to visit: dark glasses,laughing gas, headphones, Led Zepplin...and that's just what he wears! Rimshot!)

Adding up what has become now my $102 per month premium for the past twenty years. (I think it was about $50/month when I started) Throw in yearly physicals that I only used about every 4 years cuz I was too busy, (that's about to change now that I realize I'm no longer bullet-proof) seasonal allergy control, and the time they repaired me after a quite nasty motorcycle accident back in 1992.

All in all . . . I ain't complaining.

Life is good, g'night, Paul

Hello all

I see there is another Robert on here so i have made mine a bit different..

Well here i am i had my injury on 12.2.08 and now I'm in my 6th week in the hard cast.I did have it cut off a week ago by my doctor here in the us. and they examined me and said i should use it for 2 more weeks and then after that i should go into the walking boot(next monday. The doctor also agreed that surgery was not really an option because my tear is a bit higher and it is not the best with the muscle around and all.

So in continuing with what the doctors said in france i will keep the hard cast but from my doctor here i will take it of next week and have a walking boot for 4-6 weeks with the small heels.From then i will see when i shall begin physio. All and all i have not had too much pain the my leg but i have noticed when i have been walking or well hobbling with crutches alot i have pain at night.

Alot pf people have mentioned disconfort in wearing the walking boot are there things that can be done to minimize the disconfort?

Hey Robert D,

Robert here. I've had 2 boots. The first one was killing me! I complained about it and lucky for me they just got in a new boot called the AirCast....much, much, better. I couldn't leave the first one on because it bothered me so, but this one doesn't bother me at all.

Neither of them are fun to walk in. I think its just the nature of what it is intended to do, stablize your lower leg.....not to mention it makes one leg longer than another. Hope this helps.

Peace

Hey Robert,

Thanks for the info i will post an update once i get the boot on monday.Hard cast is a toouch unconfortable tonight i think it is the jitters in knowing that in 5 days this part of the healing should be over..

Hopefully i shall have good luck with this walking boot!

thanks again

R.D

P.S

Bit of advice to everyone if you travel get the travel insurance>I did not think i would need it but i did and glad i did because it has covered all of my medical expensives while i was away(my injury happened in France) meds,crutches,shots,visits to the doctor and nurses all will be reimburssed by insur. company..

Surgery / Non-Surgery

I'm a 38 year old active man. I played three sports in high school and baseball in college. I ruptured my AT on 2/24/08 playing in a handball tournament. My doctor strongly suggested no surgery because I had a small gap between the two ends. He only recommends surgery for pro athletes and people who are highly active. He was positive it would heal on its own. I workout out four days a week and play about fifty rounds of golf a year. I only play handball during the winter months. He told me the rerupture rate was about double for non-surgery, but that the results are very similar for surgery and non-surgery. He went on to talk about complications that can occur during and after surgery. (I have one friend that had successful surgery and is back to full strength and another friend who had complications after his first surgery and is still trying to heal from his second surgery. It's been almost two years.) He said I would be in a hard cast for four weeks, a boot for two weeks and playing golf in nine weeks whether I had surgery or not. This sounds quick after doing my own research. He stuck by his outlook when I saw him last week. It was a difficult decision, but I chose no surgery. I get my cast off on Monday, fitted with a walking boot and back to work I go on Tuesday.

The past four weeks, I have done an enormous amount of research. I found good information in a lot of different places. The best one was the medical journals on the following web site. (www.ejbjs.org) Most of them back up the information my doctor gave me about the pros and cons of surgery/non-surgery.

One other thing to consider about most doctors recommending surgery. In NY, this surgery costs about $20,000.

Hello all. Today I am 4 weeks post op. My cast was removed and I am off to the world of the orthapedic boot with crutches of course. The Dr. Said I could ditch the crutches in the next 3-10 days when ever my leg gets comfortable. I am excited I didn't like the cast very uncomfortable especially at night. I really didn't like the way my leg looked. I have to put a lot work in to get back to wear it once was. I start Physical Therapy next week 3 times a week. I thought that was a bit much but that what the doc told me. Is any one else in PT right now? and if so? How is it going? I don't go back to my surgeon until May 2nd.

I am just excited that the cast is gone.

First post #82, next #88

Holy crap, 150+/- post since my last viste wow. I'm one week outa the cast in a an aircast. Reminds me of my old reekbok insta pumps. I lost the crocthes after the first 3 days. I guess Im able to start PT in a week or so. Cast wait to start really testing the leg again. Everyone keep your heads up the time goes by fast.

Hi all,

Just need some expert advise please. In July 2007 whilst playing football(soccer) i snapped my achilles tendon, Yes the hospital said it was a complete rupture of the A Tendon. After emergency repair the following day and 16weeks in a cast i started physio. Not much workout was given to me. Now after8 months on i am just about able to jog quickly, not run and still cannot lift all my weight on my R leg. Im 90kgs. Is there any decent exercises i can do and also when i or would i be able to play soccer again??

Any reply would be greatly appreciated as im getting very frustrated with it all now.

Regards

Mark (ps im 34yrs young!!)

Surgery / Non-Surgery

Update

Today I'm 4 weeks post injury. (No surgery) I have to wear the boot for three or four weeks. (No wedges) I walked out of my doctor’s office using both crutches, but two hours later, I'm walking around my house using only one. He told me to take the boot off twice a day and do 20 toe up / toe down, non-weight bearing exercises. He said by the end of the week, I should be walking without the use of the crutches. I start PT in two weeks. Originally, he said I could play golf nine weeks post injury. Today he said, "Well see."

There is a great article about conservative treatment at the following site.

{ Link }

Try to stay positive. Good luck.

Hi Killy,

I'm 5 weeks today following conservative treatment and on my second cast - due for a change into my third cast next Tuesday when they will put my foot into a neutral position in cast for another three weeks- only minimal weight bearing. After that I get my shoes back and no boot at all. It seems the US have a much faster track than the UK.

The sooner I'm able to weight bear the better and get rid of these crutches.

Here's to the next stage.

Anne,

I'm not sure about the differences between the UK and the US in terms of the time table. I do know from research that the UK uses a lot more conservative treatment than the US. Here, surgeons are getting huge money for these ATR repairs. In the UK, it's very different. However, my doctor said he thinks that is changing. He is the CHIEF OF SPORTS MEDICINE at Westchester Medical, which is a teaching hospital. He advocates for conservative treatment of ATR in situations like ours. He told me the more I put pressure on it in the boot, the stronger it will get. The more blood to the tendons, the better they will repair themselves. You should print out the link in my previous post and show your doctor. I'm curious to see what he/she would say.

Good Luck.

Killy,

Do you have any soreness in the tendon area? I'm 10wks post op and have been walking in a boot for 2.5 weeks no crutches. I'm consistently sore/tender....scar tissue, tendon stretching, I don't know? But I'm curious how others who have recently started full weight bearing feel.

By the way, I went to the driving range last week. It wasn't pretty......everything was going right. I was playing golf every week before this injury and had my handicap down to single digits. I really miss the game and hope it doesn't take long to get back to playing the way I was.

Peace

Marc,

Are you still around? How are you doing? I pulled another wedge out of my boot over the weekend. I've got two left. I've got the hang of walking in this boot finally, but its still not pretty. I can't wait to lose it. I see my doctor on the 4th, I'm thinking/hoping thats when he'll free me from this thing. Still sore.

Hope you're progressing,

Peace

Hello all,

Well the magic day has arrived they have taken of the hard cast and now i have a the ever so fashionable walking boot.They started me off with 3 wedges and i am to take one out every 10days or so. The doctor said i should not walk too much now but that i can put my foot down and have some weight on it when im standing still.

I deffinetly feel a slight streching of my A.T but this is what the heeels are for.All in all so far it has been 6 weeks in a hard cast(injury 12.feb.08) and now i have about 4 weeks in the walking boot

I have taken the NON-Surgical route because i had no other option since my tear was a bit higher and i did not tear it all(well almmost all of it they said about %80)also this is what the original doctor who saw me in france suggested.Also having a non surgical option makes me feel better since im a very active person

Killy how much of a rupture did you have initally? and thanks for the link it was very interesting!!

RD>

Hello all, Hope everyone is feeling stronger each day. My, what a difference in times kept in hard casts you've all had. I sure hope to be golfing in June, but who knows? I expect to get my first cast in two days when the stitches are removed. So far I've been in 2 fiberglass splints wrapped in ACE bandages. I went in after one week to have the wound dressing replaced and was happy to see a very nicely healing scar which no longer needed a bandage and received the second splint. I've been keeping all weight off and just try to wiggle and stretch my toes a lot each day. I can also feel the tendon pulling on the calf muscle when I flex the ankle gently and so I am happy with the fact that all seems well. My pain is gone except for a mild evening-time scar sting which I manage with elevation and an aspirin if needed.

I can share some experience with a splint, same I imagine in properly fitting a cast, it is the need to keep the heel area large and rounded enough to avoid constant pressure in one spot, low enough on the back of the calf to not interfere with knee bending, and protruding far enough under the toes to support the pressure of heavy blankets when lying on the back. I've found each of these annoying and easily avoided by just a little pre-planning with the person applying the fiberglass and lots of manipulating the heel before it hardens up.

Taking a bath backwards in the tub in order to hang the leg out was odd, so I've devised my best method of showering. Since we already have a $5 thrift store bath seat in the tub for grandma, I just turn it sideways, kneel on it with my calf wrapped in a towel hanging out, and drape the shower curtain over the back of my knee. Good leg and body standing sideways inside, bad leg under the curtain sticking out, works fine. I use the knee walker while I shave and brush teeth, the shower seat could be used there as well. Anything to avoid standing on one leg constantly like I did for the first week. Live and learn.

Life is good. Let's all heal well. Paul

Been busied out at work these days (closing the quarter on Mar 31st) so haven't had much time to devote to my ATR buddies!

Paul - thanks for the summary of your ATR costs to date. I always thought that the health insurance premiums were much higher in the US - maybe you are just fortunate?

Tomorrow (finally!) is CAST-OFF day! :-) I had my surgery on Feb 4th and have had this particular cast on for 5 weeks. Prior to that I had one of those half plaster casts held in place with ace bandages. I am SO looking forward to getting this blue beast off and getting a look at my sad excuse for a lower right leg. I have only seen the incision briefly when the stitches came out and when this cast was put on. Tomorrow I am scheduled to move to a boot with 3 wedges...to be on a total of 6 wks with a wedge being removed every 2 weeks, and not full weight bearing until the 6 wks are up (which will put me 13.5 wks after surgery). I am really hoping to be able to get the boot off to have showers/baths! If I get the okay then that is what I will be doing tomorrow evening...until the hot water tank runs out of hot water! I seem to have the longest surgical recovery protocol on here! Oh well, another milestone will be reached tomorrow!

Will update after my appointment tomorrow. Hope everyone is having an up day! Remember, we are one day closer to "normal"!

Robert - I started walking a little with my boot on today at work. I went to the gym after work and used my crutches only a little. So far, I don't have any pain. However, this is only my second day in the boot. (Four weeks post injury.)

When did your doctor say you can go out and play golf? My doctor said the earliest is nine weeks. I thinks its going to be more like ten.

Robert D. - I had a full tear with about a 1-1.5 cm gap. However, there was a lot of junk still connected, as my doctor likes to say. I think the junk he is referring to is paretenon. Also, My tear was a little higher at the musculotendinous junction.

Killy,

I haven't ask him if I could play yet. I just figured hitting a few shots at the range wouldn't hurt since I was weight bearing and it didn't except for my bruised ego ... heh! Anyway, I read somewhere online that golf is one of the first activities one can resume, 3 months post op. For now, I'll just stick to putting till I can get this boot off.

Peace

Hello All ATR's

I am now in my 8th week in a cast does anyone get pains in the heel? I still have another 2 weeks in a walking position cast. Sometimes I get scared as I am now allowed to put a little weight on my foot using crutches. Just don't want to go through it again!

Hi to all

I am 8 days post-op and 12 days since tearing the tendon 100%. Being 60 yrs. old and a little hard headed for not listening to my wife about not playing racquetball, I guess i'm doing pretty good. The weather here in KY is warming and I'm already missing my golf.

Going back to the surgeon on Friday for removal of staples and wondering what else to expect. I now have my foot/ankle

immobilized by a brace on the back of the leg and bottom of my foot. This brace is held in place by bandaging wrapped around the leg and foot. All of this (brace and bandaging) is held in place my alot of elastic wrap. Do you think I'll get a normal cast, like would be used for broken limbs?

I've been told no weight bearing for 8 weeks, that's May 13 for me. What can I expect after that? Can I expect different casts through the 8 weeks?

Paul - my ATR happened on Feb 2nd and surgery on Feb 4th. I have a hospital appointment this afternoon to remove my cast. Here has been my situation to date: 16 days post-op had the half cast with ace bandages removed and sutures taken out. Replaced with a cast (I paid $50 extra for a fibreglas cast rather than plaster as much lighter). My foot was repositioned slightly more upright when this new cast was put on. It is 5 weeks today since I got that cast and this afternoon they should remove it and move me to a boot. The surgeon indicated at my last appt (5 wks ago) that I will switch over to a boot today for 6 more weeks. The boot will have 3 heel wedges, and I will take one out every 2 weeks, and I will not be full weight-bearing until the end of the 6 weeks. I am wondering how co-operate my ankle will be today in moving my foot slightly more upright again as it has been in the same position for 5 weeks now. Note that everyone has different recovery protocol and the length of times in casts/boots, PT, etc varies widely.

BTW - I will be 52 yrs old in a very few short weeks and did mine downhill skiing - and right at the end of my FIRST run of a weekend ski trip and right down by the very bottom of the hill where it is almost flat - go figure!!

I will update you after my appointment today. Hang in there...time does pass! It does seem endless at times, but your attitude makes a BIG difference!

Paul....had my rupture the same day as Susan 2/2 and surgery on 2/8. Below the knee hard cast for about the 1st 10 days post Op. Then placed in boot since then but non weightbearing.

Have been going 3 x a week to rehab for stretching and range of motion movement of my foot and ankle. Also strenghthening my Quad and hamstring for less atrophy ( I think). So right now Im at around 7 weeks post Op...and still waiting to get to the partial wt bearing stage.

The weightbearing stage seems to vary with different Doctors and surgery types. Mine sepaarted from the heel bone so its a little more conservative than some others that separate in the mid-tendon area from what Ive read here.

good luck

Hey Jackie,

I've also experienced heel pain but only when I'm weight bearing. I'm in a boot 10wks post op with heel wedges that I'm to remove one of every 2wks. I've noticed less heel pain now that I'm down to two wedges.

I know your fear....when I was first allowed to bear weight it took me a week to lose the crutches and at least another week to finally feel comfortable walking. Still, when ever I feel anything funny down there, I get a little freaked out...no way I want to do this ever again.

Good luck

Paul W,

Wether you get a cast or a boot seems to vary from doctor to doctor but you're sure to get one or the other. Hopefully you'll get the boot. Its removable for showers and sleeping which is a big plus. Which ever you get, you can expect to be in it for 10wks.

By the way, I was told no weight bearing for 12 weeks but at 6wks he gave me the ok to walk.....I've been in a boot 8wks, 10wks post op. Anyway, I think they give you worst case scenarios. Hope for the best and rest, rest, rest. That's all I did for the first 6wks.

Good luck

Question to all weight bearing, boot wearing ATR friends,

I've been complaining about minor tenderness/soreness since I've started weight bearing 3wks ago. I figured its just part of the healing process and getting used to weight bearing but now I've notice a small lump at the top of my incision that appears to be the source. Its not in the middle of the incision where I would expect the tendon repair to be but right at the top where the calf muscle ends/begins. I may be wearing my boot to tight? I have an AirCast with a bladder that I can inflate for a snug fit. I've been wearing it snug like a ski boot. Maybe too tight, I don't know? Anyway,.....

Anyone else have minor soreness?

Anyone else have any lumps?

Whats your tendon feel like when you run your hand along it?

I don't see my doctor until the 4th and I'm wondering if I should be concerned.

Robert

Hey Robert,

Nothing really new here until friday. I see the doc then and am still hoping to go into a sneaker with a small heel lift. Am now 8 weeks post op and almost 4 weeks in the boot. I have been walking for a couple weeks without crutches and havn't had really any pain or complications. It's a little tight at night and in the mornings but it seems to loosen up pretty quickly. Have been doing the bike for about 45 min now and still lifting upper body without any problems. I also take the boot off and do range of movement exercises at night. I started to ice the area after bike sessions and it seems to help. I am going to push my doc to have me rehab in water as I hear this is the best rehab you can do. Am also hoping I can start driving next week and get back to work(running out of sick days!).This non driving thing is killing me!

I will update you after my vistit on friday. I hope your progressing well and out of the boot soon. Keep us updated on your progress.

Later, Marc

Robert, You may want to check out posts 120 and 121. I don't know if this is what your problem is but it may be similar. It seems that you may want to have it looked at pretty quickly to make sure it's nothing serious.

Good luck

Well since we are all doing it, here is my story. I'm 31, decided it was time I get back in shape after a couple years of relative inactivity. I started by exercising on stationary bike and elliptical trainers, all low impact exercises. Then, I decided I would start playing Squash with a colleague of mine. Well, in our second game, after roughly ten minutes, I hear a pop and feel an impact in the back of my leg. I look behind thinking I collided with something, of course this is merely instinct, in reality my tendon had ruptured. I did not feel much pain, in fact there was a tingling numbness to the back of my leg. My colleague thinking it was minor, told me to walk it off. I told him that I thought it was my Achilles...he laughed and told me if it was I would be rolling around in pain. This was not the case at all. Fortunately, there is a sports clinic staffed with doctors at my gym and I was promptly diagnosed and given a prescription for an air cast. From there I was scheduled to meet with an orthopaedic surgeon 13 days later! After getting home and reading blogs about ruptures (such as this one) I became quite concerned as surgery was not so much as discussed as an option for me at the clinic. In fact, apart from 15 minutes I was in the clinic, I had no other direction; I had to wait 2 weeks for my assessment from the orthopaedic surgeon.

For the first 2 weeks I did not weight bear at all. Finally, at my appointment the doctor spent about 10 minutes telling me that he was part of a 7 year study comparing Conservative v. Operative treatment of Achilles Tendon Ruptures. Basically, if progressive (aggressive) treatment is used there is virtually no difference between the two treatments, in either re-ruptures or in function. Of course, I was encouraged by this, and then he tells me that I can begin weight bearing w/cast! Within a few days the crutches were abandoned altogether and for the next 6 weeks I was doing physiotherapy. Initially the physio only involved range of motion exercises but 4 weeks into physio I was doing resistance exercises as well. After the 8th week from injury, I was full weight bearing without cast!!! Mind you, the strength is lacking but is building each week. I am currently at 10 weeks, I was injured Jan 17th. The way things are going I hope to be fully recovered in another month or so. The point of this is that progressive therapy is the way to go in my opinion and experience. I know of two people who have gone through the same treatment and their results are compatible with my own. It seems the consensus among the doctors where I was treated is that extended immobilization can backfire if done for too long and that although operative treatment results are similar, infections and other complications make it risky. Initially I was bummed out that I would be immobile, unable to drive and inactive for 2-3 months. Well, within 2 weeks I was weight bearing and driving and now I am walking all in 10 weeks time.

Paul

Great Post!

I also did not have surgery. My ortho gave me the option and told me what the pros and cons were. (Surgery/Non-Surgery) He recommended no surgery and said I would be in a cast for four weeks, and a boot for three/four weeks. I was fitted with my boot on Monday and I was walking without crutches the next day. Check out the following link. It's a study about conservative treatment with aggressive therapy. It's the same treatment my ortho is using. Your treatment sounds even a little more aggressive. Good luck.

{ Link }

Paul

What state do you live in? Also, what is the name of the study you are involved in? Is there any research published yet?

Hello all,

Well today is day 3 with the walking boot.The doctor gave me the ok to pt weight on it while brusing my teeth and things like that but not to walk with it yet.I have the lifts in the boot which i ned to take one put every 10 days and so far i havehad some pain with the boot or well in my tendon from the streching i think and also being out of the hard cast(6 weeks) tonight less pain then yesterday but last night called for a pain pill and lets just say i have not taken many since the begining.

Killy

It sound so fast that you were walking how does everything feel?

Stitches came out and first cast went on today. I got the nice light Irish green color. Will now reposition it every two weeks.

Paul and Killy - your protocol makes a lot of sense to me.

I think since I did have surgery I'm going to make a point of flexing as much as possible inside the cast as this progresses. I think that pushing to the edge of soreness in rehab works best and don't see why the rest of the foot need sit idle and atrophy as long as movement that doesn't overly stress the AT can be practiced daily to help avoid muscle wasting.

Life is good. Paul

Hi ATR's

Just wanted to know if anyone had to have a graft and how long before you were able to work and play sports? Some of you have walking boots,I don't know what they are.

Isn't it great we will all walk again I really feel for some people who can't.

Great site.

Guess I am joining the club. After a freak accident with a martini glass dropping on a ceramic tile floor and bouncing up to stab me in the ankle on 12/25, I was FINALLY diagnosed last night with a 40-50% tear through an MRI. At the time of injury, I also had the sensation that I was shot in the ankle. I am amazed that some of you were relatively pain-free. I am really annoyed that I could have been on the mend by now had I been properly diagnosed. Anyway, surgeon said the gap is big enough for surgery, and may require a tendon graft. He says it's ok to put it off for even a couple of months. Anyone ever get the same advice? Wondering if this is due to the fact that it's a partial tear?

Nice post Paul (#252). I went the conservative way but had a few differences. I am currently at the latter part of 7 weeks and due to see the Ortho Pod visit April 7th to see if I need to keep my boot for two more weeks or can go to official PT. I started putting weight on my foot 1 week into the boot and was instructed to conduct exercises to help range of motion and keep the foot moving. Around March 16 I placed too much weight on my foot and felt a few things (lack of a better word) internally fall off my calf, still not sure what they were but within 3 days my foot was a lot stronger surprisingly. I believe it to have been the weaker mini items within around my tendon area that had not fully attached perhaps? But now, I am walking with boot and no crutches at the house while using crutches during the day at work. Still learning to maneuver the stairs without crutches. Walking on the same level is not a problem, it is when I have to go up/down stairs is when I am doubtful. Also, when walking without the boot I can feel a lot more in the boot I don’t feel any pain but it is probably because of the padding under the foot. Movement is not a problem, full range so I think, but then again I was not checking what my exact range was before this happened. I am just hoping to be allowed back to the golf range to practice my swing. Been practicing in the house, needless to say, the range of motion is limited but there is always the golf channel. Keep the faith everyone, chin -up, the light is at the end of the tunnel. Be safe.

Hey Marc,

I too am stiff in the morning but I expected that from other posts I've read. I'm still biking (min 1hr a day) and weight training. Stationary biking can be extremely boring but I've found a way to alleviate that. I'll warm up on the bike for 20-25mins and then start my lifting. Between sets I'll get back on the bike and ride for 1min. Then I'll finish up with another 20-25min. This way I can get my hour in but I'm never on the bike more than 25mins at one time. And, I can set a pace for my weight training session that keeps my heart rate elevated for maximum cardio benefit.

Well, I consulted with my doctor about the lump and soreness and he told me that it was normal. I see him again next friday and he told me I'll be able to wear shoes again with no lifts.....WooHoo! I'll also be starting PT.

Not being able to drive has been a difficult part of this whole process. But, I must confess, this past week I've taken my boot off...once I get in my vehicle, and I've driven short distances. I break with my good foot because that pedal is pretty stiff but the gas pedal is easy to depress with my healing leg. Tried using left foot only, that was a little sketchy.

The end is near my friend.

Peace

Jackie,

Good point you made about being able to walk again. Many times I've thought why me then one night I was at a hockey game in a wheel chair sitting in the wheel chair section next to someone that was also in a wheel chair. Unfortunately for that guy, he was never getting out of that thing. It was a sobering perspective.

Robert D - Today was my fourth day in a boot. I've been walking a little more each day without the crutches. Today after work I felt a little pain when walking. This is the first pain I have felt. I'm a little nervous. Maybe I'm walking and stretching too much? I'm going to email my doctor tonight.

Has anyone done the Thompson Test on themselves at the four week mark? My doctor did it and he said it has reconnected. However, when I do it at home, it doesn't look like my toes move as much as they do on my good foot.

Hey Robert,

That is good news that it was nothing serious. That is a good idea about breaking up the biking, it does get monotonous.I've been contemplating driving as well. I might have to try it now! I'll give you an update after my appt. tomorrow.

Later

I joined the club on 1-14-08. I was surprised to read so many stories, now at age 50 I don't feel alone. All I did was plant my right foot, took-off and heard a "POP". It really didn't hurt, I just couldn't move my foot up and down. I checked in for surgery at 10am, went to surgery at 12pm and was out in the recovery area about an hour later. I was on my way home be 3pm. I was given a nerve block (best thing to get) in my leg that lasted for almost 2 days. I had ZERO pain after the surgery. The most pain I had was with the rough nurse that had no mercy on me when it came time to remove the stitches, OUCH!!! This was the same nurse that put my cast on too tight and had to have it replaced the next day. I had my foot in a cast for only 4 weeks and then I talked the doctor into letting me put my boot on for the next 6 weeks. I’m currently experiencing hot flashes with my foot and some swelling. I don’t have any spacers left in my boot and my tendon is REALLY tight. I read where the total recovery time for this injury is 4-6 month. Looks like I still have a long way to go!!

Hi all,

Thanks for this helpful website! I am a 39 year old male. I thought I would share my experience and ask a question or two of those who have gone or are still going through this. I completely ruptured my achilles tendon playing basketball on March 22, and I had my surgery on March 25. I had only recently begun playing again (after about a decade long hiatus) and had felt a little pull there in the heel a couple of weeks ago when I was playing, but of course I ignored it. (The lesson is to listen to out bodies.) I've been pretty sedentary for a while at a desk job, When I was playing again on March 22, I made a slight move to change position on defense with my back to the basket, and I thought the 6-8 inch guy behind me jumped and landed on my heel. I fell and dragged myself off to the side when it happened. It was quite painful for a few minutes but then it became only moderately painful. To show you the impact I was having on the pick up game, they did not notice me down on the side and they kept playing and scored the final point on the next possession to end the game. I wondered why the 6-8 guy lacked so much concern when I went down! He never acknowledged it or apologized and I didn't make a big deal out of it. I quietly limped out and went right to the ER. It was only later that I came to realize that this is the typical sensation and that he in all likelihood did not land on me. The ER game me a Thompson test and x-ray and diagnosed me with a complete rupture. I then had the diagnosis confirmed with a surgeon at a different hospital. I had surgery on March 25, which went fine. I went home that night and have kept my foot elevated while laying on the couch for now three days straight. It's in a splint and sock-like material surrounded by ace bandages from around my toes to the top of my calf. I'm taking percocet on and off but the pain hasn't been too bad. I got the chills and had a slight fever yesterday but that passed and my doctor said on the phone it did not sound like an infection for various reasons. The most painful thing has been a sharp, hot tingling sensation in my big toe and sometimes in my heel that comes and goes, but nothing seems to help when it comes. I have not left the couch other than to go the bathroom. That leads to my question. For how long have people stayed on the couch with their foot elevated post-surgery? I would like to begin walking around on crutches and travel to work (1 hour commute by train or car), but I'm not sure if that's smart because I will not be able to elevate my foot when traveling. I could keep it elevated at work, but I would probably be getting up a lot more than at home. I would very much appreciate your thoughts and experiences. Again, how long did you basically stay bed-ridden post-op? My 1st post-op doctor's appointment is set for April 7. Thanks to all and I wish all of you a speedy and successful recovery. God bless.

Welcome and way to go, Doug! Yes, those opponents are very unsympathetic aren't they. I'm two weeks ahead of you with surgery and the exact same story. Just got the splint/bandages off and first cast put on two days ago. The splint allows your ankle to swell and for you to regulate the bandage pressure for the first two weeks. It's also nice to take the thing off completely for a while every day and have a nice elevated scratch. I assume you'll read most of this blog page and get the drift on how to handle most everything.

I was sitting up and hopping around quite a bit for the first few days and it caught up to me each evening in the form of swelling, but If you've already had three days of rest and elevation you'll be fine. Just keep the meds going for pain the first week, then as needed. Hey, on the fourth day after surgery I was on crutches in the mud at a wrecking yards most of the day looking for car parts. On the sixth day I stayed in bed and slept till 2:30pm. It's all relative. My biggest recommendation: Crutches are a real pain so try to find a knee walker and save your strength for work.

EricY . . . how you be?

Life still good, tv boring, cast is up! (and a very comfortable cast it is) Paul

Doug,

I spent the first 6wks on the couch, foot elevated above heart .... thats true elevation. I found if I didn't, I would swell....not good. My understanding is blood circulation in that area is not good to begin with thats part of the reason for the slow healing process. Anyway, I wanted to keep everything "quiet" to get a good jump on recovery. It seems to be working because I was supposed to be nonweight bearing for 12wks but was allowed to bear weight at 6wks. I'm now just past 10wks and next friday I'm told I'll be able to wear shoes with no heal lift. In my opinion if you can, lay low for at least the first 4wks. Good luck to you and a speedy recovery.

Peace

Doug, I agree with Robert and feel that elevating is very important for your long term recovery. I've read numerous comments from people who regret "rushing" back to work to quickly, which ultimatley leads to a longer overall recovery. I'm almost 9 weeks post-op and am ahead of schedule. I believe it's because of elevation and rest during the first 3 weeks or more. The last thing you want is to prolong the recovery by rushing back and having the tendon not heal properly. Remember that full recovery takes 9-12 months. It's a long slow road but in time you can be back to 100%.

Good luck, Marc

Doug,

Yikes, please don't take my previous post as thinking you should rush back to work asap. No way. I just meant that it is possible to go out on crutches if you need to. (Some of the posts of my first few days read like something of a comedy of errors...see post#202-204) Like well all know, rest and elevation (ice?) are the only way to reduce swelling. My swelling went way down later in the first week and may well have been faster if I hadn't been so active. I'm not planning on any regular daily activities for this first month, and literally all of my down time is spent well elevated.

Life is good. Chin up, leg up. Paul

One week post-rupture/four days post surgery. Thanks, Robert, Paul, and Marc. Don't worry, Paul, I understand what you're saying. It's great to get the thoughts of people who have been and are going through this; I appreciate all of you taking the time to write. My bottom line at this point is that I think I won't travel to work next week but will try to work from home and see how it goes. That would take me to the following Monday, April 7 -- my first post-operation visit. We'll see what the doctor thinks then. I had surgery only three days after the injury and have been good about keeping it elevated so hopefully those two factors will pay dividends, so long as I keep with it. It sounds like Marc and Robert have really benefited from staying on the couch and elevated early on. As to my current status, the pain has been manageable, and I only took two pills (percocet) today; I have not stopped taking them, noting Paul #202-204. I haven't noticed any swelling but I'm not sure if I would because it's wrapped up in the splint. The fit of the splint does not seem to have gotten any tighter so I guess that's a good sign. The heat sensation I was experiencing in my toe seems to have gone away for now. I did switch my base camp last night from my basement (i.e., couch, with a bunch of pillows, blankets, cushions, surrounded by remote controls, newspapers, cordless phone, cell phone, laptop, books, water, deodorant, snacks, and pills -- thank god for my wife) up to our bedroom. It gave me my best night of sleep yet, but in hindsight, I'm not sure if the switch to upstairs was necessary. The expedition up the two flights of stairs was like doing extreme rock climbing for me. I underestimated how weak and generally disoriented you can get from laying down for so long. That was rough, and a little dicey. I'm glad I did not fall. Earlier today, my six year old son had his birthday party at the house with a bunch of kindergarteners. Gratefully, none fell over or on me. I came out of that unscathed, which was not a given! I got up a little more than usual today to watch the kids playing, but I was still pretty much down with the foot elevated all day. Finally, may I ask another couple of questions? I've looked around but haven't seen much information about diet. Have you heard of any foods that are helpful or hurtful for healing, etc.? I'm trying to drink a lot of water to offset the coffee I've been inhaling. And I've stayed away from alcohol. I'm not sure how much diet matters and I could not find much information about that. Also, does anyone have any recommendations for exercises for the upper body that can be done while laying down on the couch with a leg elevated!? Is that too ridiculous? I'm not an exercise freak but I can't imagine how bad my frame is going to look after this episode. And it might help relieve some of the boredom/stress. At least more March Madness is on tonight! Good luck to all!

Doug,

Glad to hear that you're taking it easy. Anyway regarding your question about diet. I'm a total gym rat and I know the importance of a good diet so that was one of the questions I asked my doctor....if diet or supplementation could help expedite the healing. He said no. Personally, I don't think it could hurt. Daily I take a multivitamin, fish oil, and glucosamin/chondroitin. Also, a diet high in protein is vital to tissue repair. And of course drinking sufficient amounts of water has many healthful benefits.

By the way, I was wondering about the consumption of alcohol as well. My doctor wasn't concerned about that either. He told me beer was good. I agreed. Needless to say, I drank my fair share through this process.....Heh!

Peace

Robert - Beer!? That could really change my outlook! Thanks for the tip. - Doug

What? . . . Beer for health ! I'm on it!

I ruptured my achilles 30th Dec 2007, was treated conservatively, then re-ruptured 2 weeks after my last plaster came off! I have had surgery now on 24th March, and am awaiting mu firdt pot-op appointment.

This is a really useful blog - keep up with the entries!

Saif,

Sorry to hear about your re-rupture. How did you do it? How long were you in your cast? Do you think you ruptured it again because you were treated without surgery? I too was treated without surgery and am very worried about re-rupture.

Hang in there.

Killy

Killy,

I'm actually a doctor myself, and had a chat wih my orthopaedic surgeon when I first injured myself (playing football). He prefers the conservative approach, even though I tried to talk him into surgery as I wanted to minimise the risk of re-rupture!

I was in cast for 10 weeks in total (6 weeks full equinus - ie foot pointing downwards - then a further 4 weeks with my foot gradually moved into a neutral position). I was out of plaster 2 weeks, had been having regular physio with good movement returning to my ankle. I was given a moonboot which I was told just to use for a week or so.

I was stepping out of a friend's house and it went pop again - not sure if I was rushing myself.

There is definitely an increased risk of re-rupture with conservative treatment, but the studies show that over 80 percent of people treated in this way don't re-rupture - I would just advise tking it very easy.

Yikes!

Hey Saif,

Sorry to hear about your re-rupture, it must be frustrating but keep positive and best of luck in your recovery. In an earlier post#252 I detail my treatment which was conservative as well. However, I was not in a plaster cast at all, and am very thankful for it. I was placed in an aircast, it seems that 10 weeks of immobilization is simply too much, I started physio 2 weeks after the rupture, mind you it was limited to simple movements of the foot. I’m no doctor but any extended period of immobilization must weaken all the muscles and though the tendon heals the fact that it is not moving in any way makes it more prone to re-rupture, or so it would seem. A little movement while healing seems to assist the recovery as well as improve the overall strength of the tendon. I am walking around in shoes no cast nothing, i'm at 10 weeks, off the boot since week 8, the muscles in my leg are recovering well. From what I have read weak calf muscles are often a major source of Achilles tendon problems and can lead to rupture.

Killy, should your name not be AH!killy har har har, Sorry to not have answered you sooner, but to answer a couple of your questions

1) I live in Ontario Canada, free healthcare!!! Although I wasn’t operated on and spent maybe 15 minutes total with a doctor so far, er, well, it was still free :P

2) The study I described can be found at the following URL: { Link }

I don’t think that URL details the results, what I can tell you from talking with Dr. Willits is that surgical and non-operative results were identical if the conservative treatment tended towards an early movement progressive type of therapy.

Good luck to all, remember that the early going is always the most difficult. I live alone, being immobile and unable to properly care for myself was very difficult on me, physically and worst of all, mentally. Hang tough, it gets better with time. By the way, I just finished working on my kitchen, tiling the backsplash doing some trim work, going up and downstairs for all the cutting and what not, it feels great to be useful again, you will too so just hang in there and most important be POSITIVE!

Paul,

I think each orthopaedic surgeon has his own way of dealing with it - at the hospital I was teated at, I saw 6 different protocols for 6 different surgeons! I actually had 6 weeks of complete immobilisation, then the next 4 weeks in plaster I was allowed to partially weight bear with a boot.

I agree that early mobilisation is important in terms of reducing muscle weakness and also trying to prevent tendon lengthening and weakening. I think its important to take things easy and not rush it.

I have my first post op appointment next week - as long as the wound is healing I think the plan will be back in plaster with a removable boot to allow partial weightbearing.

I got my cast changed this morning(6 weeks since full rupture - conservatively treated) and have my foot in a neutral position which means I can now weight bear. I still have the cast on so I can't bend at my ankle so I tentatively left the hospital with my crutches but after 10 minutes I ditched them and can stand and walk unaided. It feels good, apart from the cast feeling very tight over my heel and I have some burning like I'm getting a blister. I think I'll keep it elevated this evening but may have to return and get another cast on as I think this one is too tight.Anyway, whilst I was waiting to be recast I could flex and extend my foot with no problem and no pain albeit it was abit stiff.

Only another 3 weeks of the cast and I'm back in shoes and then on to physio and back to normality hopefully. It can't come soon enough!

Yeh I ruptured my achillies circuit training, and I can honestly say that the initiall snap was quite painful, however after about an hour and plenty of gas & air and my leg now in a fulll leg cast I have not experienced any pain, only a slight ache now and again. Yes I'm now back at work but that was after a long lenghty conversation with my manager worrying if I would be able to cope what a farce. I am now down to 1/2 a cast after 5 wks, however doc says have another 5 wks to go in cast cant wait to have it removed. However has been unbelieveable as my husband had a motor cycle 5 wks prior to me with multiple fractures of his Tibia 5 in all, so you can imagine it has been fun and games both in a cast, very good for birth control though, no further comments.

Sorry to be so sad but just thought I let you know about my experience.

Just arrived home from the doctors and the boot is now gone!! Doc said the tendon felt strong and was happy with the progression. Am now 9 weeks post-op. Doc gave me a small heel lift to put in my sneaker which I will wear for a couple of months. He also released me back to work and gave me the o.k to drive. I actually have been driving for almost a week with the boot on. I used the boot on the gas and my left foot to brake and wished I would have done that sooner, it acutally was pretty easy. I start actual rehab on thurs and will be doing hydra therapy in a pool. I have heard this is the best rehab you can do for the achilles. I'm guessing it will take a day or two to get use to just sneakers. I'm planning on taking it slow. Right now i'm using a crutch to assist in my walking until i feel comfortable. Anyone have any advice for the first couple of days in the sneaker? For everyone in a cast or boot, hang in there, before you know it you it will be history.

good luck to all,

Marc

3 weeks post op and things seem to be going well.

Had the cast removed yesterday and got the boot. This thing is killing me. It is so uncomfortable and my foot is so stiff!

However, it is definitetly much better than the cast. At least I can take it off. Although I have the boot, I am still non-weight bearing for another 3 weeks.

Since I have the boot I want to do some ankle exercises Maybe even start my own little rehab. I am afraid to re-injure or slow the recovery process. Any thoughts?

Paul looks like you are making progress - I'm still with you!

I probably partially ruptured my achilles heal, whilst busting some moves to some great 80s music in the lounge room with my pet pug. OMG I heard and felt the ping and turned around and blasted the dog whom I thought had gone mad and taken a flying leap at my calf. Poor dog got a good telling off, no wonder he looked at me so perplexed.

Misdiagosed as calf tear. After a few weeks went to physio who was ex SS I'm sure and then completely tore it in her room whilst she pushed me into doing excercises on my toes.

Then went on European holiday with family - 5 months after initial injury have had surgery. I had a reconstruction using the tendon from my big toe, and have a incision that is about 14 inches long.

I am now week 3, and this blog is like mannor from heaven.

Am in a moonboot and on crutches for 8 weeks NWB.

The day after surgery I cam home and tripped getting into the house and landed on my bad leg. Virtually no pain only a bit of pins and needles. I am so unco and have accidently done this a couple of tmes now and the same has happened. I have taken the liberty of doing toe exercises, foot curling, with my moon boot off.

Question re the bike do people have their moon boots on when they use it????

Good healing everyone. I agree stay positive and give good messages to your leg!!

EricY,

As you know everybody treats this injury a little different and everyone responds different. I was in the cast for 4 weeks then waited another few days(until weight bearing in boot)to start any range of motion movements. Once I started these it definitely seemed to help and I got more range of movement everyday. I would say just take it easy and let your body dictate how soon to start. The boot sucks at first but you get use to it after a week or so.

Good luck,

Marc

EricY,

. Yup, I'm still trucking. No pain, no pills. Flexing every day shows attachment seems to be going well. Glad to hear all is well with you too.

I'm jealous of your getting the boot already though! My groovy green cast is very comfortable but . . . ? I kept my last splint so that when I do move into the boot I can sleep in the splint. Don't trust myself. I had a dream of lying on roof of a bus and having to lay really flat while going under an underpass. Woke up all stretching and stuff. Too weird! (2nd funny dream like this - maybe it was those pills,eh!?)

Saif- Man! Sorry to hear, but what a warning. I don't even wish your deal on my worst enemy.

Tricia- Ohhh you poor dear. That sounds like a major snafu.

I went home the evening of my rupture; Googled and self diagnosed a calf pull too, but the lack of a tendon movement to the calf scared me off to the hospital.

Welcome... I will pray for your big toe! (and Saifs' whole darn leg. ;-)

Marc- 9 weeks and sneakers. Mmmmmm Driving!

I'm getting a little cabin fever but I'm gonna give it at least a full month before getting out of this little groove I'm in. Reading and sleeping a lot; movies every evening. I feel almost guilty since it's like a mini vacation but what else can pay off better in the long run?

Life is good. Yes this blog is a daily joy and the coolest ATR thing going. All my best and thanks to all of you, Paul

Marc,

Congrats on your transition to a shoe. If you have the time let me know how it feels by friday since I too will be going into a shoe then. I'm a little nervous about it. I'm down to one heal wedge in this boot and I'm really noticing a stretch. I imagine its going to be more pronounced in a shoe.

I'll start PT next week as well. I was at my sons baseball game over the weekend and a woman asked about my injury. Turns out she is a physical therapist. I showed her my ankle and she immediately said that looks really good .... encouraging. However, she did say she would rather rehab anything but and ATR. Ughhh, I don't think she was joking. I guess thats a big part of why it takes so long to get back to 100%.

EricY,

I too had a boot that was killing me. I complained about it at my following doctors appointment and lucky for me, they had just got a new boot called an AirCast. If its really killing you, I would see what you can do to get one of these. I've had no problem wearing this boot at all and it has an inflatable bladder for a nice custom fit.

Tricia,

I've been biking alot! It feels good just to be doing something. And, I had some concern about the negative effects...weight gain, from lying on a couch 24/7. I didn't start until my doctor gave me the ok to bear weight, and yes I was told it was only ok to do it with the boot.

Note to all, I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I had a situation where I had to drive and did so. I've seen others have tried or considered driving since. I still do on occasion. Its not as hard as I thought but there is one thing to consider, if you were to get into an accident, you may be deemed driving while impaired? Maybe someone in here can shed some light on the legalities here? The last thing I or anyone of us needs is lawsuit.

Happy healing eveyone.

Peace

Robert, day two in the sneaker and a little better but not much. I've talked to a few others who have gone through this and they said it just takes time and to be very careful. I'm not working out today and am waiting until tomorrow for my physical therapy session. I walk with a very bad limp but no pain other than the tightness feeling. Let me know how you feel on friday. It's such a great feeling to give the boot the boot but a little disappointing because of the limp. It's just part of the recovery i guess. I am a police officer and your right about the driving issue. You could be liable both civily and criminally if involved in a accident, especially if it is determined it was a result of the disability. That's why it's important to wait until your doctor releases you to drive. I did drive very short distances the last few days in the boot though( probably not real smart of me). I blame you though because you gave me the idea! Keep us updated.

Later, Marc

This has been just the most enlightening thing. I have found out more from this blog than from talking to my surgeon, or GP. Many thanks Paul and Robert for your words of encouragement.

After reading your entries I'm flexing my toes like crazy. All parts working thus far. Seems to make little difference in my big toe despite the tenon being removed. Good thing I'm not a sprinter or then I really would have trouble.

Rightly or wrongly I have been weight bearing a little and have not found any pain. Would stop if there was. Will wait for the all clear to get on the bike. In the mean time I'm doing weights for my upper body and lots of situps.

Technology is amazing that you can gain support from people, you'll never meet, all over the globe - (I'm in Australia). I'm really much more prepared for the long haul of recovery than I otherwise would have been.

Seeya, Tricia

Marc,

Yeah, I expected it would be tight. I've tried just standing on mine out of the boot and I could tell it wouldn't be easy taking a step. I'm preparing myself for some nervous days like when I first got off crutches. I'll update you as to how it feels over the weekend.

Sorry I made you break the law ..... Heh! I figured people in this blog should consider the legalities, thanks for confirming that.

Hey Tricia,

So you're an Aussie. I'm from the US but I did spend some time down there in Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast and Cairns. I really enjoyed myself. Its a small world with the web.

Robert,

Just finished with my first physical therapy session. Therapist said the tendon is definitely tight but that was normal at this point. She took measurements of everything and mainly had me do stretching exercises today. I did alot in a whirlpool which really felt good. She also gave me a bunch of exercises to do at home as well. I'm approved for 52 visits and plan on using all of them. It's already seemed to help a bit with walking. I think the key is to get into your first visit asap after the boot is removed. It seems the quicker you start stretching and exercising it the more confident you feel with it.

For everyone in the boot stage the therapist said cirular movements, side to side and up and down movements are really good. She also said ice and elevation after doing these is also good.

Paul, your right..Life is good!!

good luck to all,

Marc

Marc,

Thanks for sharing that. Keep posting what they have you doing and I'll do the same. I see my doctor tomorrow and I know I'll be going into a shoe and PT. I was thinking about scheduling PT on my own for the same day or earliest possible. I don't know if they'll let me without a doctors authorization but I want to start working on it asap.

Did she happen to mention what the potential for rerupture was during this stage? I know you asked her, .... well I least thats what I'll be asking.

Peace

This is fantastic info. I know I'm not at the stage you guys are at but I'm definitely going to keep on moving my foot. I feel a definite improvement both physically in terms of flexibility and psychologically because I feel like I have some control.

Keep up the posting there are lots of us I'm sure keen to know how your going.

Good luck. I know it's going to be really scary to start with.

Robert - Sounds like you've seen a bit of Oz. I'm in Adelaide which nobody has really heard of unless your from India and love cricket. (It's really lovely here)

Here's to the far reaching power of technology.

Happy healing everyone!!!

Tricia

Hey Robert, If your process is similar to mine you probably could schedule therapy before your appt. All I had to do was take my prescription with me when I went. Since you already know your booting the boot, it should work fine. The other thing is if your insurance is like mine you might wanna check to make sure the therapy place you choose is in your doctors network.

The therapist said basically if the tendon is strong enough to weight bear in the boot then it should be strong enough for those range of movement exercises. She said do them until you feel a slight stretch but pull back if any pain at all. But I would definitely check with your doctor to confirm that it's stong enough just in case, everyone is different.

Robert, good luck tomorrow..it's a good feeling!

Tricia, Paul, EricY.. keep trucking along!

Hello all,

Saif-

Sorry to hear about the re-ruptre:-( wishing you a safe and healthl recovery!!!!!

I have been treated in the same way (non-surgery) i was in a hard cast with my foot pointed down for 6 weeks and then i went into a walking boot with the lifts in it.Today i took out the first of 3 wedges which i remove every 10days.He said i was allowed to put weight on it for example if im brushing my teeth but not yet allowed to walk on it.

All so far seems a bit fast for me but i return to the doctor the end of this month and i guess we will see what the next step is from there.

I had a higher tear and i tore about 80% of the tendon and due to the area of the tear my only option was the conservative route.

Robert glad to hear things are progressing well...

I am 10 weeks post op. My procedure was NHS and is posted elsewhere on here.

I have been signed off by the consultant today and referred back to physio to carry on the work i have been doing over the last 2 weeks.

I have had 4 physio sessions and am really pleased with the speed i have progressed. Although the achilles is stiff and the range of motion is poor i can walk ok with only a minor limp. I am still a far way off being back to "normal" but feel so much better about everything now.

In fact i would say my life got 100% easier once i could weight bear (7 weeks post op). Even with the cast on it made things manageable.

I am at a point now where i dont check this forum every day and see this as a good sign as to my progression. Although i will never forget those dark days at the beginning!

Steven M, it's good to hear from you and good to hear your progressing well.Keep up the good work and keep us updated on your progress.

Great to hear of your progress Steve. So true when you talk about the "dark days at the beginning". That's exactly how I feel now, 3.5 weeks after my op. Every night slept I think, yes, one day down and closer to walking.

I know this experience has and will continue to change me in ways I will only become aware of with the benefit of relection. I intend to make it work for me.

I have taken up drawing during my time at home; this has been really therapeutic, and I promise myself to go on to water colour painting. Sort of like a visual diary I guess.

Back at work on Monday. Yikes!!! Hope I don't fall on my face or bum (butt) and further injure my leg and pride.

Keep up with your stories. I love to hear of everyone's progress.

Happy healing

Tricia

Found this blog by looking for a knee walker (FreeSpirit). Want one that steers. Being locked up in this boot with only crutches meant I couldn't get anything for myself. The knee walker gives me some freedom with my hands. The rupture happened on April fools day,so I'm new to being inactive. (tennis) Grateful it's my left foot. Thank goodness for some good sports on the tube.

Happy Healing

Bob

Hello,

I completely ruptured my Achilles tendon. Had surgery February 18th. I was 6 weeks in a cast and now I am for 5 days in a boot at 20 degrees (7 weeks post op). As I can examine my foot better noticed that my leg at ankle is quite swollen. I was wondering if you have the same or this is something I have to be concerned?

Yuri

Hi Yuri

My boot is at 10 degrees and this is day five. My ankle was also quite swollen after putting on the boot. After the first two days, I have loosened it a little and try to keep my leg up on another chair or automon. The swelling has come down a bit.

Keep the foot elevated in bed too, if you can.

It hurts in the morning when I get up and the blood runs to it.

Good luck...

Bob

Yuri,

You're going to have some swelling for awhile. At least I have. I'm 12wks post op and if I'm too active, I always get some swelling. Just keep that thing elevated above your heart as much as possible. Of course one of those refreezable ice packs works great as well.

Peace

Marc,

Ok, I'm boot free. A great feeling psychologically but at the same time a bit scary. I feel naked and vulnerable without the boot for sure. I noticed I get nervous when anyone gets close to me. I don't want anyone to roll up on it. Anyway, I gave it a true test yesterday. I took the train into Los Angeles and hopped on the subway to catch a hockey game at the Staples Center. Needless to say, That was a lot of walking.....more like limping. I definitely had some swelling at the end of the day so I got it elevated and iced as soon as I got home. Today it feels ok, just tight.

Anyway, the doctor told me the chance of rerupture was less than 1%. That gave me some confidence. When I was leaving he said, let me see you walk. It was a pretty pronounced limp and he said, you can't go out the front like that, it would be bad for business...heh! We had a good laugh and I was on my way.

I called PT from the parking lot and they told me their first opening wasn't until the 22nd! Thats just rediculous! I'm going to look into other facilities that are approved by my insurance provider.

None the less, a great milestone but I can tell there's still much work to be done.

Peace

p.s. by the way, doc told me no chance of golfing until July :(

Congrats Robert

Good luck with the PT. What kind of exercises did you do when the boot was on?? ..... especially involving the boot leg.

Thanks Bob,

I was allowed to take the boot off when I wasn't moving about. The doctor told me to just move my foot up and let gravity bring it down. Other people have posted that they moved their foot in a circular motion or they would try and spell out the alphabet. I did some of that as well. Don't expect a lot from these exercises I think they are just to reduce or minimize the formation of scar tissue.

As for with the boot on, I did upper body weight lifting, anything I could do while seated or lying. And, once the doctor gave me the ok to bear weight, I stationary biked with the boot on.

Hope this helps....best of luck.

Robert, that's great to hear. I know exactly how you feel. I did the bike today for the first time bootless and it wasn't too bad. Although I didn't have that secure feeling of the boot, I was extra careful not to push it too much. My rehab therapist has me doing exercises at home which you could do until you get in if you wanted too. Basically the same ones we already discussed plus a towel stretch, followed by ice and elevation. It seems to help stretch that puppy out.

I havn't asked yet about golfing. I was hoping beginning of May but not sure now after hearing your news. I don't know it I can hold out until July! Keep up the good work.

Later, Marc

Thanks Bob & Robert,

Elevating leg really helps. I will try to use icepack too.

I am 20-30% weigth bearing and adding every day. In ten days will have another angle change (10 or 0 degrees). Regarding exercises - I did for two years Pilates for my lower back and it turned to be very useful in this situation. Most of the exercices can be done seated or lying.

Good luck everyone!

Hi everyone.

Just an update on my progress ( I had a re-rupture on March 22nd following conservative treatment, then had surgery on March 24th).

I saw my surgeon today for my first post-op review. I was really worried about having a wound infection, but thankfully it was clean and healing well. 'Beautiful' according to my surgeon!

I have now been re-plastered with extra padding around my heel, and have been told to try to start to weightbear. I think I would prefer a boot with wedges which some of you guys have been using, but I don't think they use those at my hospital.

I have a further appointmment in 5 weeks time.

Keep the messages coming - its good to hear how everyne is feeling and getting on!

Hey Marc,

Thanks for the info regarding the exercises your therapist is giving you. I need to be doing something. This thing is really tight and I have some swelling. I feel like it gets a bit looser later in the day but in the morning it feels like I don't have an ankle joint.

So how much pressure are you supposed to apply with the towel?

Robert, basically just a gentle pull to get a stretch (for about 30 seconds) if you pull so hard and you start feeling pain in the tendon ....just back off a little. Your just trying to increase the dorsi-flexion. Im at about 8 degrees past neutral position right now, but when I first started stretching the tendon ( at 2 weeks post Op)... I could barely get the foot to neutral. Im at 8 weeks post Op. now and still Nonweight bearing for one more probably.

Thanks Steve, thats helpful.

Hi All,

Well I am boot free now, been that way since Friday of last week. I took the conservative approach, now here I am 8 weeks later and walking. My Orthopod said to start weight training, to increase strength, for the next two months. Also, walk, walk, walk. I asked if I could play golf he said yea, just watch out for the unseen holes i.e., stay on the fairway and cart path. He showed me some stretching exercises and asked that I participate in strengthening exercises 5 of 7 days - go easy, no Mr. Muscle routine, build consistently but wisely. As for range of motion it seems to be alright, have a slight limp but will get that taken care of with continuous walking. Also, since I have a desk job, I tend to do stretching exercises with my chair when sitting down. I place my foot as far back as I can and stretch it out, it helps with the stretching.

keep the faith.

Nick,

I too took the conservative approach. I'm six weeks post injury today. I've been using the boot since the four week mark. Full weight-bearing the last week and half. I see my ortho tomorrow and start PT tomorrow night. I think I will have the boot for one or two more weeks. My ortho said I could play golf at the nine week mark. What foot did you hurt? I did my right. I wonder if it matters when swinging a club. Anyway, you said you were weight training. Did you mean with your legs or just upper body. I've been working out with upper body since the injury. Also, did your ortho say anything about re-rupture rates? Mine told me it was 8-10% with non-surgery and 4-6 with surgery.

Good luck.

Killy

Hi everyone,

Good to see some of you following conservative treatment although slightly different from mine,I was beginning to feel left out! I'm now 7 weeks after rupture, conservatively treated,still in a cast(no boot for NHS here in Scotland)and walking, though with a cast on you can't flex your ankle or your foot so there is no direct weight on the tendon so the lower leg is very rigid, but at least I get around without crutches. Two weeks left in cast and then I'm free and back to shoes.

I'm not back to work or driving yet but hope to get back at the beginning of May. Spoke to a sports physio last week who said she would have me back on the tennis courts and fit again within six months. My Consultant said to take it easy as re-rupture rates with conservative treatment are as high as 13% which is higher that your ortho said Killy. I am so keen to get back to sport but I think there will a big psychological barrier (as well as physical)as I'll be paranoid about it going again or even the other one.

Does anyone know how long after the treatment there is still a risk of re-rupture. Does the incidence of re-rupture decrease 3/6/9 months after treatment or are we all still at risk years later? Good to see that some of the names are not appearing anymore which implies they are back to health. Good luck to all of you just starting out.

Anne

I was told re-rupture rate was 1-4 conservative and 1-20 surgery. This was by the surgeon. He was very pro operation mind (as he would be i guess).

I spoke with a sports physio (who works with pro soccer players in england) and he said with surgery it is very difficult to re rupture unless you do too much. I.e. start playing football again too soon and dont warm up or go full bore in a circuit training class.

my name is jeremiah and im not an alcoholic,

but i thrashed my achilles tendon about 8 hours ago, its like early april 2008. the urgent care dr. said i need an mri but it looks like a partial or total tear. i guess its cool that other people have made it through this annoying and painfully depressing situation but after reading this stuff im sort of depressed. sports are a major part of my life and we have peoople talkng about tightness and diminished capacity years after the injury. This SUCKS. i hate basketball now

Jeremiah, you sound really down. The time does go relatively quickly but you should think about doing something to occupy your time as you're going to be sitting around for a few weeks at least. There's only so many episodes of 'House' you can watch or whatever boxed set you choose! I got friends to bring round DVDs, had a lot of coffee mornings!!! and managed to get hold of a wheelchair to go out shopping as I couldn't manage very well on crutches. In the States you can get a knee crutch which sounds good but we can't get them here in UK.

There are new posts on this site everyday and I know it's been great for me to hear how everyone has been getting on, all with different treatments. Hope you recover quickly.

Anne

yea house is my favorite show, its beyond amazing but ive already seen all the episodes. thanks for the encouragement, actually i might be able to help you, i dont know if you already know, or for anyone else facing all this time on our butts, there are tuns of websites now where you can watch movies, tv shows, anything online for free, you dont even have to download...im going to list a few for everyone, some are tricky to figure out but once you get the hang you could burn up a month in no time. im going to be alright, i have a beautiful amazing girlfriend who is gonna come visit all the time and i can always talk to God hes gotten me thru worse

www.movie6.net

www.quicksilverscreen.com

www.alluc.org

www.watchtvsitcoms.com

www.sidereel.com---this one is really good, it works like a search engine (like google) of free movie sites. sometimes you can watch movies before they even come out.

if anyone gets confused or cant really figure it out, stick with it, find the sites that work best for you becuz its a cool resource once you get the hang of it.

-jeremiah,

ps i am 100% positive these sites are all legal to view

yea house is my favorite show, its beyond amazing but ive already seen all the episodes. thanks for the encouragement, actually i might be able to help you, i dont know if you already know, or for anyone else facing all this time on our butts, there are tuns of websites now where you can watch movies, tv shows, anything online for free, you dont even have to download...im going to list a few for everyone, some are tricky to figure out but once you get the hang you could burn up a month in no time. im going to be alright, i have a beautiful amazing girlfriend who is gonna come visit all the time and i can always talk to God hes gotten me thru worse

www.movie6.net

www.quicksilverscreen.com

www.alluc.org

www.watchtvsitcoms.com

www.sidereel.com---this one is really good, it works like a search engine (like google) of free movie sites. sometimes you can watch movies before they even come out.

if anyone gets confused or cant really figure it out, stick with it, find the sites that work best for you becuz its a cool resource once you get the hang of it.

-jeremiah,

ps i am 100% positive these sites are all legal to view

Hi all,

Great to hear how everyone is going. Hang in there Jeremiah. Thanks for the sites.

Like Anne said try different things. I have read SOOOOOOOOO many books and brushed up on my spanish and drawing. Never would have done that otherwise.

Went back to work on Monday. I am driving again which is really easy as i injured my left leg and I have an automatic. Hate hopping around on these bloody crutches and moon boot. In fact I hardly leave my office. I have one guy saying he waited all day to see me hop out and I didn't. He thinks it's hilarious. Don't think I can keep that up for another 4 weeks.

I am continuing to weight bear a little and do those stretching exercises recommended on this post. No pain, and little swelling.

Good luck everyone.

Tricia

Killy,

I hurt my left leg, luckily – I guess. It will matter when swinging a club because of the pivot with the right foot, not so much the left. Yes, my orthopod stated to get to a gym and start weight training for two months, no official PT, not sure why but ok. I will be working the legs, he wants me to strengthen my ACT because I could not fully do the tip-toes test in his office, he said I needed more strength in that leg, so be it.

Re-ruptures were 4 times more likely to occur then with operative procedures. The clinical trials (CT) information I read stated pretty much the same. What I found interesting was the European CTs pushed for the conservative approach while the US CTs pushed for the surgery. But in the International Journal of Orthopedics I found 1 of a few European ACT studies that stated totally the opposite, if surgery occurs patients are more likely to re-rupture, at least with the group of patients these MDs had was the result, as opposed to the conservative approach. I remember reading that the likelihood of re-rupture was 3o to 40% but don’t quote me on that. Some of the critical complications of post-op were blood clotting, infection, anesthesiology complications, rupture of sutures and some others. The literature noted that these did happen but not that often.

Monday was my first day back at the golf range, hit a medium bucket (60 balls), feet were sore, going to get back there tomorrow, it is ugly today and will my spill this morning, the ACT is pretty sore. Going to soak it tonight and get a rubbing going to see if I can iron out some of the lingering pain. Oh yea what happened this morning - had a bit of a spill. Stepped on some glass on the foot that the ruptured, talk about double pain but to some avail, there was no re-rupture. I can still move my toes, use my feet and lift my toes from a flat stance.

Keep the faith.

Nick

it seems to hurt really bad in the morning or when i wake up from naps. any ideas on how to deal with that? am i sleepin wrong. my big toe hurts too...i think it may be due to lack of circulation...ugh

Elevation is what you need!

Question to All AT rupture Patients

Has anyone ever heard of a tendon supplement called "Super Cissus" produced by USP Labs. ???

A Body building friend at work says its been around for years and has a proven track record. Also its not synthetic.

Jeremiah,

Stay strong it will heal i myself am a dancer and all the doctor have auusred me i shall dance againim following the conservative approch and had about an 80%rupture the only thing is the doctor said i may be slightly weaker on this leg from now on but im positive that witha good pysio regime and not rushing back too soon i should feel fine.1st doctor told me 95%back to normal so im hoping for the best!

here is another site not sure if you know of it they also have movies and shows,videos,documentarys and all

www.tv-links.cc

www.wwitv.com is another one with channels from all over the world

Also keep your leg elevated it will help alot initslly after my injury i found i did sleep alot but i suppose thats the bodys way of healing a bit faster:-)I did have pain every now and then but the best thing i found was to just breath and relax and the pain would pass.DO you sleep with it on a pillow also?i did that when i was first in the hard cast.I was on blood thinners fo r6 weeks befor ei moved into the boot maybe that also helped with the pain im not really sure:-(

it will get better!!!!!

Nick--

how much of a rupture did you have? im in week 9 and in the walking boot but only allowed to weightbare a bit no walking yet.

Anne-

Im wondering does your cast a small heel on itto help you walk?Im in the boot but with small heel lifts which i remove one every 10 days my tendon is slowly streching back down not too much pain butonly allowed to weight bare a bit.

Really helps to hear lots of positive things from so many people helps to keep me positive in this slow time.......

Hi All!

I've been skimming through everyone's posts. I'm a 33 yr old female. Ruptured my ACT 1/10/08 slipping on my stairs at home. Had surgery 1/22, but surgeon could reattch. He referred me to another srugeon. Was supposed to hv 2nd surgery, but after couple mos of waiting for a wound to heal, dr recommended NO 2nd surgery. I hv a walking boot & am trying to start taking a step or two, but scared to do so! I haven't started PT yet. I see my dr again the last wk of April.

Robert d:

I had a complete rupture - 100%. I'm in week 9, as well. The Orthopod conducted the Thompson test, had me attempt to stand on my tip-toes and concluded it was a full rupture. 1 month in cast (NWB), 1 month in boot, 2 months weight training tendo w/lots of walking and then maybe rehab depending on status. Lets see. I have been told I'm luck, people have said it was not a 100% rupture, could not have been, well I participated in the tests, perhaps I'm a fast healer - not sure but we keep on going.

Peace, keep the faith.

Nick

I just posted above. Sorry, meant to say that dr #1 could NOT reattach it. He said the tendon retracted farther up than he thought.

I just want to walk normally w/o a limp. I'm not a runner or anything, but at this point, I don't care if I can ever run again.

Robert d - no I don't have a heel on my cast. My treatment has been 3 weeks in cast full equinus (foot down), 3 weeks in cast semi equinus and am now in a cast with my foot neutral. I'm weight bearing as much as I can be in the cast with an ankle and foot which are set firm but at least I don't have to use my crutches. When this cast comes off on 22nd April I go back to shoes and am supposed to walk out of the hospital. They said I could keep my crutches for a while after that if I didn't feel confident to fully weight bear straight away! There's no boots and wedges or any of that malarky here in Scotland. It's funny how everyone's treatment is so different but most of us seem to get there in the end.

Anne

Oh yes, I also have a lovely rubber soled canvas boot with velcro straps which I put on over the plaster if I'm going outside. The NHS sparesno expense!

Just wanted to give a quick update. Am just over 10 weeks post op and have gone through 4 rehab sessions. I go three days a week and also do home stretching and strengthening exercises everyday. Still walking with a limp but it has greatly improved since the rehab. The tendon gets stronger and more range of movement after every session. The information I get from my rehab therapist and others who have gone through all say the same thing, extensive rehab is a must to a full recovery. She said sometimes people feel that it is progressing enough with walking and neglect actual rehab therapy. My Father is a perfect example of this. He ruptured his 12 years ago and because of his age(51), went the conservative route(no surgery). He did physical therapy for a couple of months but slacked off because he thought he had done enough. He now walks very slowly and still uses a cane.He now wishes he would have done more rehab and feels if he did, he would be walking much better today.

Good luck to all

Update and Info

6 weeks after injury

Conservative treatment with early motion and weight-bearing

(4 weeks cast - non weight-bearing; so far two and a half weeks boot - full weight-bearing - walked with a cane for the first couple of days)

I just started pool therapy last night. I was in the pool for a little over an hour. (Walking, squats, toes raises -20% bad foot and 80% good foot, 20 minutes of jogging and various other exercises)

I found a great article in favor of early motion - for surgery or non-surgery.

{ Link }

Any golfers?

My doctor said I can play golf 10 weeks post injury. I've hit some balls in my basement with my boot on. Felt great. I feel like I could play 18 holes right now with my boot. I think I'll play it safe and wait another four weeks.

Good luck everybody.

Killy

Hi Gang,

I'm today back from my one month checkup. They've put me in a walking cast with a built up heel and that same little treaded sandal thingy with wedges like Anne described above. It's at a semi-equinus angle and I've been given instructions to go from partial weight bearing to as much as full weight bearing over the next month; whatever feels right.

So for comparisons sake, my doctors' routine after a full AT tear surgery calls for 2 weeks of swelling relief in a splint, 2 weeks full equine in a cast, one month semi-equine in a walking cast with gradually increasing weight bearing, then a removable boot with wedges and the beginning of physical therapy.

I figure it's gonna be SNEAKERS and GOLF and MOTORCYCLING by JUNE, by GOLLY!!!! (yeahright!!?? but it is very possible and I sure hope so)

One thing is for sure though, I will never again take two legged mobility for granted. It really doesn't put one out that much to help the afflicted, even if only for a few seconds, and I plan on holding a lot more doors and hands in the future. This little episode has really driven home my appreciation of the simple kind word or helpful gesture.

Life is good. Hey, we are the lucky ones . . . we will all recover from this. So why not spread some love, eh?

Paul

I agree Paul I can't see that I will ever take walking for granted again. Nothing like feeling like a fragile old person before your time.

Blue - you poor thing!!! Good luck with the visit at the end of April. I had a 6 cm gap, and in total waited 5 months for surgery, but it was reattached and he threw in the tendon from my big toe for good measure. Feels really strong (although I haven't started walking yet), little pain, little swelling, good healing of my scar which is about 14 inches long.

Do you know how big the gap between your tendon ends is? My surgeon told me that my gap was too great to ever heal with conservative treatment. Really shows you how different each Dr is.

Good luck

Tricia

Hi all - had my injury, full rupture, on 22 February 2008 whilst playing tennis and was operated on 6 days later. I am now just over 6 weeks post op and told I could get rid of my splint and crutches when I visited my surgeon last week . Was surprised about this because I thought I would be in a splint for another two weeks. Very pleased but quite nervous trying to walk again.

I was given some rubberised wedges to place in my shoes and referred to the physios for rehabilitation. Appointment with NHS PT delayed so I went for a private consultation today. Physio advised about taking it easy until I have reached full strength - he says this will be 12 weeks post op. He gave me some strenghing exercises and guided me about walking because at first the tendency is to drag your bad foot.

During the 6 weeks that my foot was immobilised I was in a plaster cast for the first 4 weeks and an adjustable splint for the final 2 weeks. The splint which is from a company called Vacoped was really comfortable and removable. I took the splint off at whilst sleeping and when it was off I used the opportunity to gently move my foot and ankle joint. My surgeon prefers this splint to the plaster cast because it aids recovery and allows this movement.

Hope this information is helpful

Johny

fully severed had surgery saturday...went well pains bette now than be4

fully severed had surgery saturday...went well pains bette now than be4

Jeremiah

Glad to hear pain is better

A friend of mine had the same surgery and he is fine now just let yourself heal well

Keep your spirits up!!!!!!!

Rob D

So, I'm starting to stand up in my sneakers without crutches. I'm trying to take a step or two (with & without crutches), but I can't bring myself to do it! It feels like so much weight is being put on my ankle. I've tried slowly spinning around in one place & I can literally only put my body weight on my ankle for less than a second.

It's been 3 mos since I ruptured my AT & I've still got a LONG way to go!

Hope everyone's improving more each day!

Tricia - Thanks for your reply! No, my dr never told me how far apart my gap is. I'm definitely going to bring up starting physical therapy when I see him. I'm also going to get a handicapped placard for my car.

I'M ON TWO FEET!!!!

Well, sort of... two feet and a crutch, but it sure is nice to get around upright again and not lurching around like some kind of animal. All you first steppers out there I agree with you, initial weight bearing even with this "walking cast" is very scary. I had that "pins and needles" feeling with each step but I figured as long as the tendon is not getting flexed everything else is actually fully functional; waking the foot back up after a month and then overcoming the psychological hurdle of actually taking a step is the big challenge. It took a couple days but I put all the heel wedges they gave me in the "cast sandal" and I've developed a limp ankle method of placing the weight throughout the cast and heel as I go and then rolling it toward the toe with a crutch under the opposite arm. Seems safe enough and not bothering the AT. I tried doing it with a cane but that wasn't cool. I keep most of the weight off as I go but have taken a few steps without crutches and near full weight a few times without any problems. I'm not trying to be superman about it though.

Life is good. "Look Ma, I'm just like Long John Silver now." Best to all, Paul

Hi all,

Same story...47, playing basketball with 25 somethings...they above the rim, me below, but playing well..good passes, good shots, hanging in there...then Bammm to the leg. Yeah, i was thinking...why the F did you just run up the back of my leg?? he didn't of course.

Anyway, i am on day 32 with Non - Surgical. No insurance, and the debate above made me go conservative. IT is a MAJOR leap of faith though! You have to believe that tendon strings will find each other...mine was a complete tear. I know it sounds crazy, but i shot the moon and I'm going with the Brits. I will let folks know if i recommend down the road. In a walking boot after 25 days in fiberglass cast (foot down). Was told to do light movement of foot and weight until tolerable(F that!!...sorry, Robert, it just don't feel right yet:) When i accidently slip and bear a little weight doesn't feel right...so i'll wait. But, i swear, when i do move foot up a few degrees...i think i feel a tendon in there...cautiously encouraged. yes, i know you need a tendon to move foot, but it's nice to feel something continuous!

Walking boot: fit carefully, or get the one with inflatable bladder. Since you have wedges, it moves your ankle in line with the steel bar recesses...for the birds, pinches ankle a bit...which we all need like a hole in the head. Good to commiserate with you all! The new golf club in my room is hoping to be swung before flippin winter!!!

H

Greetings all,

Great to hear everyone's progress. Welcome on board Harry.

Good luck Blue with your physio. I know what it's like when it's been months without any treatment. It's bloody awful. Let us know how you go.

Great to hear you're walking now Paul. I can and can't wait for it. I wonder how long the terror of re-rupture lasts.

Everything is 5 times harder on crutches and for a girl I'm sorry but there is definitely a market in stylish moon boots.

I have been cheating with weight bearing and exercising. All feels ok.

In my lunch break at the moment. Have just hopped out to the library and had staff god smacked that I'm actually upright.

Happy Healing.

Hey everyone old and new,

Those of you still in the boot/cast I thought I would give you a glimpse of the future....no worries, its bright.

I'll be 13wks post op tomorrow and I've been walking out of the boot for the past 10days. It was a difficult/scary transition from boot to shoe, but I'm quite comfortable with it now. I battled some swelling that really limited my range of motion but it is improving daily. My calf muscle is starting to firm up thankfully ...... it was pitifully limp! My ankle is really tight in the morning but improves as the day goes on. I can almost walk without a limp in the evening.

No PT yet. I made an appointment at the facility my surgeon referred me to but unfortunately the earliest I could get in is on the 22nd. I've been meaning to look into alternatives but I've been out of town the past 8days doing my own PT ..... in Maui. Can't recommend that enough! Wish I could have spent the first 6wks there.

Seriously though, if you can get into some water its a great way to start moving again and it feels good too. I spent a lot of time in the water. It made me feel 100% again. I barely noticed I had an injured ankle. Also walking in the sand seemed to help with range of motion. I'm not sure its recommended though so I'd check with your surgeon/PT first though.

Anyway, time is flying by now and I have a good feeling this will all be in the past soon so hang in there everyone good health is nearer than you may think. I know the first 6 to 8 wks seems like an eternity but you're going to get there.

Peace and good healing to all

Whats up Marc,

How about a little description of how you're doing ... swelling, range of motion, any limp? Does your PT have you doing anything new?

Anyway, I hope you're progressing well.

Peace

Hell Everyone

6 weeks post op feeling great and am not using crutches

anymore,thank god. was a little scary at first.I wonder how long in boot.I found out I can cut my lawn with the riding mower, just thankful that I can finally do something.

I want to thank all of you for your comments,I get on this sight every few days.I finally can see alittle light at the end of the tunnel. To all the new people exercise those toes with the abc's it really helped me. WELL AGAIN THANKS

AND GOD BLESS

My weekly update.

12 weeks post op. 4 physio sessions.

Still a bit of a limp although walking is improving every day. Can stationary bike and walk on treadmill.

Have been doing some contrast bathing (foot in bucket of warm water 1 minute then 2 minutes in a freezing bucket). Bit like a task in a japanese game show but the result is less swelling and better movement afterwards.

Muscle in calf is coming back nicely.

Still swollen and is more so on an evening. I do get some pain in my knee with some of the physio stretches but have been told to move the angle of my foot when doing them.

I can pick my 2 year old up and walk round with her, although have not tried taking her up the stairs yet!

Life is, slowly, getting back to normal. :0)

Steve M,

Thanks for the update. It appears we are at similar stages of recovery. Can you tell me exactly what your PT has you working on? Is it your PT that has you icing in a bucket? For how long?

Peace

Hello all,

First off great stories and info very helpfull.

Here's my story I ruptured my achilles tendon 2/29/08 playing basketball with the classic pop/snap and feeling of being kicked or shot in the achilles. I drove home and had my brother take me to the ER and they comfirmed it. Had surgery on 3/4/08. Had a splint for 10 days removed the stapels and went into a cast.I got the cast off 4/15/08 and the doc gave me a walking boot.I can now stand up on my own two feet(4/16/08),but no walking yet.I'm starting to move my foot in a circle and a up & down motion to get it loosened up. My skin and hair on my leg is peeling off and my calf muscle is weak(looks dead) and is a smaller than the other leg.I'll check in later with an update on the heeling.

What up Robert, Glad to hear your progressing well. My progress seems very similar to yours. Each day Range and tightness gets a little better. I've been to 5 or 6 rehabs and it really helps. Each day they add a new exercise or movement for strenght and stretch. Still a little tight but walking much better. The new one today was standing one legged(bad leg) on a miniature trampoline and tossing a ball for balance. Still doing the "thera bands" twice a day for strength and towel stretch. Went to a Indians game last night and moved around pretty well. Unfortunatley I had to sit through the pain of watching the Indians stink up the joint! Let us know what they have you doing when you start rehab.

Gotta say everything changed when that boot finally came off. It's so nice to be able to live a normal life again. For those of you in the early stages, hang in there, it gets better very quickly.

Good luck to all

Hello Everyone!

I'm new here (this is my 4th post). As we all know, w/ Achilles injuries comes stiff & painful ankles. I found the solution to that! I've been taking these all-natural capsules called FLEX PROTEX that makes me feel a very rapid & noticeable improvement. Since it's all-natural, if anyone's taking any prescription or OTC meds, vitamins, etc., it won't interfere w/ that. Check out & order from www.ITVventures.com/staywell

Remember, to add the words staywell at the end!

So I had one surgery, which my complete rupture wasn't able to be fixed & now a 2nd surgery isn't recommended to me. Today, I was able to take 2-3 quick, short steps at a time in my sneakers w/o crutches.

BTW, thanks Tricia!

Marc,

Thanks for responding and keeping me up on what your PT has you doing. I've been using the exercises you've been posting until I can get into to see mine next tuesday. I'll post what they have me doing.

I'm biking much easier now and I feel considerably less tight afterwards. I also made up my own movement sitting on a exercise ball. I start off rolling forward and back to get a stretch and then I finish with some calf raises. Yesterday, I put some 5pound plates under my feet for greater range of motion. I've been getting a nice stretch doing this.

Don't worry about your Indians, they've been picked by many so called "experts" to win the central.....season's still early.

Peace

Hi all,

well, I've been trying to take good notes and love this vehicle for 2nd opinions...and more. And they all fall along consistent lines and are very helpful.

A few questions to the Non-surgical route folks or knowledgable.

I am at week 5 on a complete tear or rupture

No real weight bearing yet...very light

3-4 times per day, move foot in circular and i believe dorsoflex up and hold 3-5 seconds.

Foot comes up a good inch or so...almost to neutral.

Question: Should I go towell on this thing and pull a bit harder, short of pain, but past neutral...

or am i getting ahead of myself...don't want to push. Encouraged by any movement at this point.

Thanks and have a good weekend comrades!

btw: Could it be that we are all getting a bit smarter during this period? I have become much more very crafty...to get around, getting laundry up stairs, using crutches like giant chopsticks, etc... I also am becoming much more process oriented...planning every trip up stairs (with bag of course full of books, glasses, chapstick, wallet...etc.). I think I will finally be able to claim I am "Process oriented" in my upcoming job interviews...with true conviction!

Hi Everyone!

Even though I had one surgery, it didn't fix my complete rupture & I won't be having a 2nd surgery (not recommended anymore). I'm on my 3rd MONTH after my injury & I've just started standing on both ft & trying to walk since a few days ago. I'll walk about 10 steps 5-6 times/day, but I can't flex at all & walk like Igor. I need to do more of those exercises Harry stated.

My main concern is that I don't want to walk w/ a limp.

I get an MRI done next Fri & then dr visit wk after next.

How often do you guys see your doctors? I've been seeing mine on a wkly basis. Since March, it's been 2x/mo.

I wish you all improvement each day!

Hey Blue,

No expert, but obviously MRI will tell you a lot. I think Ultra sound view is also good...seems to show if fibers grew back together nicely...from inet photos at least.

Heard of this semi-conflict between a naturally conservative doctor and the PT that pushes for more movement.

Like all nagging injuries (backs especially), things may not get fully back to normal for a year...but, i can fully relate on limp concern. With consistent effort and minimal screw ups, seems they iron these limps out. But, i talked with a guy who is 8 months out (similar conservative surgeon with movement) He is very optimistic, but still working out slight limp and getting calf strength back. he was younger, so i gave him my sage...some of these things take longer then 4 months in total speech.

Harry

Greetings everyone, hope you're getting stronger and stronger.

Sounds like you're getting there Blue, slow and steady. Yes the MRI will give you a much clearer picture. Is amazing technology. Gee I would hate to have had this injury in poor country, you would really be stuffed.

I agree Harry I am much smarter about processes. None of this runnig around from one room to another getting side tracked and having to go back and forward. No siree, I am absolutley sure about what I need each time I exit and enter a room. Toilet breaks at work too have become a very strategic approach.

I have also become really good at bossing my family around. Just lovely watching my kids do all the chores they should have been doing before anyway. Will have to make sure that doesn't change when I'm better!

To answer your question about how often we see our Doctors Blue, I have seen my doctor once since he operated nearly 6 weeks ago.The last time being 4 weeks ago and wont see him for another 2. Not sure what his plans are for me so have been taking bits and pieces from this blog and putting a regime together for myself. Not sure what he will say but my leg feels strong, and the calf atrophy isn't a bad as I expected. I am taking baby steps with crutches, and will hope on the exercise bike this week. He'll probably kill me if he knows I am doing this, but gee it feels good.

Good luck everyone, here's lots of positive thoughts to all of your achilles!!!

Tricia

Injury on 2-10-08 with surgury on 3-19-08. 8 days later due to me complaining about swelling & tightness doc changed cast.April 14 staples removed and foot position a little with another cast for 4 to 6 more weeks. Having a difficult time with swelling (PM) and toes turning blue when I get up.I elevate all the time and ice down when I feel swelling. Now I am experiencing more hot and cold sensation in my toes. Ready to cut cast off myself.

Gene

Hi Guys!

Thank you for your info Harry & Tricia! Gene, I understand your frustration!

The last time I took any kind of x-ray was the wk after my injury. I had an ultrasound in mid-Jan. So, an ultrasound is better than an MRI for this type of injury? I should have asked my dr for that instead then. It shouldn't be too late to change it.

Ever since the day I actually ruptured my AT, I've never been in pain & I'm so glad of that!

These days, I soak my foot in warm water once a day for 10-15 min, then rub my ankle/foot w/ this good muscle cream, & take these capsules called Flex Protex amongst other vitamins. I try to drink as much water as possible.

For the most part, I stay at home, but yeterday, I went outdoors (I didn't drive) & it felt nice! The weather's gorgeous here in southern California!

I can't wait to walk my dog again, drive, & go to the gym!

Do you guys have the handicapped placard for your cars? I'm getting one the next time I see my dr.

Bye for now! May you all improve each day!

Blue

WOW!!! So many of us.

Anyway, I'm 41 in good shape work out 5 days a week, active on the weekends, soccer, softball, paintball, etc.

3/15/08---While coaching my 10 yr old son's soccer team and running drills with them POP!! Yes i thought one of the kids kicked me and I turned around to see and what do know nobody around me. Ambulance ride to the ER people love to overreact.

3/25/08---Had surgery, in and out in 3.5 hours, took a vik and went to bed, drove to work the next day, yes it's my right foot, and it swelled up...not a good idea to be acting like nothing happened, but just uncomfortable.

4/7/08--- Scar looks good, healing nicely. Doc said no more cast, which wasn't really a cast anyway more of a splint and bandages. Got the walking boot, he said "partial" pressure for two weeks...What?? In two days I lost the crutches, I figured no pain I should be ok...Now two weeks later I'm a dynamo in the boot, and lost the heel risers. I have been exercising my foot (online exercises) and have great flexibility...

4/20/08---going to the gym tomorrow...RELAX I will wear my boot and wont do calf raises. Wish me luck.

PS...I plan to lose the boot this week, I am walking around the house without it...shhhhh don't tell the doc.

PPS....a little FYI my own doc told me his partner had surgery and NEVER had the cast or a boot AND went to work right away....and he is a Doctor!!!!

Just another thought.....

Reading some of the posts, I noticed a lot of you needing pain pills....BS!!!

Get off that crap, you don't need it for "the pain" Rush. Don't make an unfortunate injury turn into another problem.

I know exactly what it feels like and I know it's uncomfortable at best.

Please stop

Hello Everyone!

Doug, you're recovering at a good rate. I was immobile for an extra month (waiting to be given a 2nd surgery date, then told it wasn't recommended anymore. 1st surgery done for nothing). It's now my 3rd month after the full rupture & I've just started walking on my feet a wk ago. I don't know when I'll start PT.

I'm glad I never needed to tk pain pills. I've never been in pain at all.

For those of you who didn't have surgery, I'd like to hear how you're progress is going!

Blue

Full rupture on 2/24. No surgery was recommended. Cast for four weeks. (No weight) Boot for three and a half weeks. (Full weight) I'm now in my eighth week and walking without the boot with a limp. I started pool therapy at week six. I start land therapy next week. (Week 9) I can start playing golf at week ten. I was never in any pain except for a few seconds after the pop. My ortho believes in no surgery with early motion and weight bearing for ATR with a small gap. Check out the link below.

{ Link }

Good luck.

Killy

Hi all ATR'S

I am now in my 12th wk and getting physio. Whowl!! alot of pain. Just got in the hydro pool today and that was beautiful. Still very painful after and need to elevate my leg. Still using 2 crutches and down to one next week. Don't know if the pain is worse because of my tendon graft but I am now moving around better that 12 wks ago. Waiting to walk again was like waking up christmas morning as a child.

Hi everyone - I'M FREE!!! No cast. 9 weeks of conservative treatment and it feels fine.... at the moment. My ankle feels a little bit stiff and I managed to walk out of the treatment room unaided,not really limping too much.The consultant told me to use the crutches for support but I've not really needed to use them and have a far greater range of movemment than I thought I would have. Physio starts next week.

I've had a bath and it felt so good. I hope things will just carry on improving.

Good luck to all of you and I'll keep checking in for a while to hear how you're all progressing.Happy healing.

Anne

Hi Guys!

Thank you Killy for sharing your experience & the link!

I can walk w/o crutches, but the limp is pretty severe, it's better w/ one crutch. I see dr next wk to discuss MRI results & starting PT, etc.

I'd like to hear the progress of more who've NEVER had surgery. If you know of any links that pertain to no surgery, please post them!

I wish you all improvement each day!

Blue

Oh Yeah, It's crazy how each step along the way becomes a major joy. I've been hobbling around with one crutch and partial weight bearing for over a week now and loving it. Started driving too. I had to go to jury duty yesterday. I told them I'd been flat on my back for most of a month, that tv was an absolute wasteland, and that I was bored to death so please pick me. I must have looked just good (or pathetic) enough that I was in fact selected to sit in on my first trial ever. I've scoped out the logistics and parking situation now so with my temporary handicap permit and knee roller I'm going to glide in today as "Juror #11" . . . crime fighter.

With all the early mobility input from people I'm itching to have the cast angle moved to 90 degrees and just start walking as well. Not sure if I can talk them into the boot yet. I hate to defy their diabolical plans for me but I'm really wondering if it's overkill to stay immobile at this point. Everything feels connected well and flexing nicely so I'd really like to get on with it. Question is... how bad was the rupture and long does it really take for a surgically repaired tendon to make firm enough attachment to allow light activity? ...oh, Doctor!!??

Best to you all in therapy. I'm thinking range of motion is critical. Progress may be painful and slow now but there's a big payoff in the long run and we don't want to end up with limps in our later years. Gotta bite the bullet.

(easily said from a guy who's had very little pain so far, huh)

Life is good. Praying for you all. Paul

Greetings fellow rupturees! A special group we are indeed.

A good question Paul (alias Juror #11, great story) re the uncertainty of light activity after surgery. So many different opinions. I do think you have to go with how your leg feels; what your body tells you.

My doctor told me only partial WB at 6 weeks, because my tear was so great and he had to use the tendon in my toe to assist the repair. But he also said in terms of what I can do, "you're limited in so far as how much pain you experience" I haven't had any pain so far. I started weight bearing (with an aircast boot with 3 wedges) and exercising probably around week 3. Started driving at week 4.

Feel very encouraged by Doug's progress, and the Drs maverick approach not that I'd ever think about going that far.

I am amazed by the number of people who tell me they know someone whom this has happened to. I had no idea it was such a popular injury!! Some horror stories for sure and I wish to goodness people didn't delight in telling them to me.

Happy healing everyone!!

Tricia

Hello Again!

How long have you all been off your jobs due to your injury? I'm a teacher who's been off work since mid-Jan. I'm not returning this school year. I should (hope to) be alright to return to work in August.

I better be, because I'm planning on returning to college to work on my 2nd Masters degree!

I any of you know of any sites showing videos of ankle exercises, please post them. I'll be doing them before my PT starts. Thanks.

Wishes for improvement!

Blue

{ Link }

There are other videos on there with achilles exercices.

OK Im one day shy of 11 weeks post OP and just got the go-ahead to start weight bearing (partial / crutch assisted) today. Then next week start full wt bearing (in boot).

I believe things will start moving along ...at a snails pace depending on how fast my muscle recovery takes.

All you guys and gals that started wt bearing at 3 to 6 weeks are lucky bast&%$ haa .....my tendon had to be reattached to the heal bone so it took a lot longer than most I guess. Either that or my Doctor was just ultra conservative. Which is fine .....better that than risking a re-rupture I suppose.

I would like to have the last 3 months of my life back though.

Back to rehab this week. he stopped me about 3 weeks ago....So my calf muscle is just a rumor at this point....12 total weeks on crutches will do that to you.

Heads up everyone ... stay positive

Marc,

Finally got into the PT this week and this is what they have me doing. They warm me up on a stationary bike and then they massage my lower leg and tendon. Then they do some stretching of the tendon. While lying down they place my foot against their body and they lean on it pretty hard. It doesn't hurt, it actually gives me a nice stretch and I feel a greater range of motion afterward.

Next, they have me do some standing calf raises alternated with the "runners stretch" where you place one foot in front of the other and lean against a wall while keep the back leg straight and heel on the floor.

Lastly, they have me doing machine leg presses.

They also gave me exercises to do at home. Not much new here. Basically the same things you've mentioned like the towel stretch etc...

Anyway I'm 3 weeks out of the boot and each week seems to get better. Sometimes it gets tight like when I first wake or if I've been sitting for a stretch, but other than that I can walk pretty much limp free.

Well, I hope you're progressing well. When you get a chance let me know.

A sincere best of luck to everyone else. I know it feels like an eternity but trust me, you're going to wonder where the past 3 months went

Peace

p.s. Marc, I hit the driving range yesterday and surprisingly was striking the ball like my old self. I'm going to take it to the course one day next week :)

Hi everyone, I am 43 years old and I am an active adult, walking, running, biking and playing. I ruptured 4/5 playing hoop, and I had surgery 4/10. My doctor put me into a removable cast 10 days after surgery so that I can do baby rehab exercises (lie down, bend ankle towards my head, hold for 30 seconds and release, 5 times, 3 times a day). I am already moving my foot better, but still very cautious. I wear the removable cast for 5 weeks, and then I see the doctor again. Most likely into a boot at that point.

Keep you legs up!

Hey everyone!

I had my MRI (at my request) yesterday & see my dr Wed to talk about the results.

Robert, I'm glad you explained what your PT has you doing. Since I didn't have surgery & my tendon isn't connected together, I don't know how well I could do those exercises.

Question for everyone: When you sleep at night, is your foot in a boot or just free w/ nothing on it or something else? I'd say for a total of 2 mos out of the 3 mos I've been injured, I've slept in my boot, so it's not so stiff in the morning.

Improvement wishes for you all!

Hey Blue,

I slept in the boot for the first 6wks and then at one of my follow up visits to my surgeon I asked if it was necessary. He told me that it wasn't, that the boot was to protect me when I was moving about and that I could sleep without it.

I should mention that another person on this blog was told to sleep in it in case he moved suddenly or jerked in his sleep.

Once again, no protocol here so you may want to ask your doctor.

Hope this helps. Happy Healing.

Peace

Hi everyone - I am now 8 weeks post op and have been free to exercise fully for the last 2 weeks. Physio has given me stretching exercises which have helped. Best exercise I have found is swimming, which I do daily and gentle cycling. Both these formats allow plenty of movement without putting the tendon under too much weight pressure. Good to hear Anne that you are out of your cast early.

I have found that any period of walking causes swelling so have avoided this by not walking very much and using an ice pack to reduce swelling.

Happy healing I am just off for a quick bike ride.

Johny

First time posting here.

I got my case of ATR on Feb. 23rd, 2008 during a badminton game. I heard a snap in the back of my right calf, and thought someone hit me with a gun shot, and quickly realized that something seriously wrong because I found myself on the floor and could not stand on my right foot. However I managed to drive home with my right foot. And checked into an emergency room in Long Island next day morning, and was diagnosed as a complete ATR, doctor recommended a surgery to repair it.

Had to wait 10 days of hospital/insurance/ beaurocracy and had surgery done on March 3rd, due to the long wait, my torn tendon rolled up much farther than normally would have, and surgery took 2 hours instead of the normal one hour mark.

Was told I would have a good recovery and was put in splint for 4 weeks.

Starting on the fifth week, I started walking/stretching a little, and my doctor never gave me any boots, but rather only a heel lift to put inside my shoes, and started PT on the sixth week.

And now I am on the seventh week, though feeling still weak on the right foot, now I can walk/limp pretty good. However, long walk will make my right foot pretty tired/sore and uncomfortable.

The lesson that I got from this injury is that we (I am 40 years old man) are no longer at our 20s, so we need to stretch more and doing as much warm-up exercise as we could before the hard playing. I am going to opt for swimming for a while before I'd attempt to play badminton again.

Happy healing!

Greatings all old and new.

For those of you who are ahead and posting back keep it up!! Encouraging to know that it will be us one day. Chins up those in the early stages. I'm 7 weeks post op (6.5 months post injury) now and am doing quasimodo impersonations with my boot around my office, (without the crutches).

Starting to go out more and feel like a human being again. Much more confident than before. This really does strike ones confidence that's for sure.

Love the bike Robert!!! Great to get some aerobic fitness.

Good luck with the visit on Wed Blue, very interesting to know how it goes.

Happy healing everyone and lots of positive power to your legs!!!

Hi everyone, just checking in after nearly a week out of plaster.(9 weeks conservative treatment in cast).I am feeling great.I had my first PT session last week and I just had to do some simple stretches using a piece of Theraband (wide elasticated band) and have been instructed to do circling movements and lots of pointing toes etc. My physio gave me a very deep calf muscle massage to stimulate the blood flow to my muscle and although it hurt at the time it felt great afterwards.

I am now driving (manual car) just for short distances and am managing to change gear (it's my left achilles I ruptured)by using my knee and calf muscle and it has been so good to get out.

So my conservative treatment seems to have been good. I have a slight limp but it's improving daily and I am prone to swelling in the evening so keep an ice pack ready and keep it elevated. The temptation is for me to do too much too soon and I'm acutely aware of the higher risk of rerupture as I didn't get an op, but now 10weeks from rupture and I'm walking and driving and go back to work next week so I'm happy with that. I see some of you have been back to work in offices but I'm a self employed garden designer and out all the time driving and seeing gardens where the ground is quite treacherous so I'm trying to be sensible.

Retrospectively the time has gone quickly. I read a lot but I never did learn to speak French as planned but I did clear out my filing cabinet which was very cathartic!

You all sound positive at the moment - it's the only way to be. Take care.

Hi Guys!

Thanks for your info Robert. Thanks Tricia for your concern & your ankle update. I'll keep you posted.

I can walk in my sneakers & even barefoot w/o crutches w/ the Quasimoto/Igor limp. I've even gone up/down my stairs holding onto the railing of course. I haven't driven yet. I'm more comfortable driving w/ both feet, so I guess I'll have to drive w/ one foot.

I can't wait to see what dr says on Wed.

QUESTIONS: What's the best heel height we should wear? Is it 1-2 inches or a little more? I'm not a sneaker person, except when I went to the gym. I hate the idea of wearing some hot, sweaty sneaks all summer! What other types of shoes can we wear? Is it alright to walk barefoot at all?

Improvement for All!

Blue

Hey Blue,

Your thinking is correct, a little heel height definetly makes it easier to walk. Lately I've been wearing Van skater stlye shoes and they've been quite comfortable. But the first couple of weeks walking in shoes I opted for something with a good size heel on it. My experience has been any shoe is better than barefoot. I do walk around barefoot in the house however. My surgeon didn't put any kind of foot wear restrictions on me but if you're concerned about it, I would ask yours. Anyway, happy to see you're out of that boot.

Yeah Tricia, the bike is great! I've been wearing it out. I think its really helped with my range of motion. Keep pedaling!

Peace

Whats up everyone,

Robert...very happy to hear about your progress. I'm now at week 13 post-op. Sounds very similar to what I'm doing at rehab. Pretty much doing the same types of things. Still doing the trampolene stand with a 15lb ball throw standing on the bad leg and also the "baps" device. Everything else is very similar.I also hit the driving range last week to try out my new Taylor made "burner" driver!Also no pain or problems. Going out this week on thurs and Fri. to play a couple of rounds,can't wait. Keep us updated on your progress and your golf game!

Unfortunatley some bad news from today..I've been working light duty in the training unit at the police dept. until I can hit the street again. During a training session today one of my fellow officers(Christian) was performing a drill where he was throwing some knees at a training bag another guy was holding.We were working on some self defense/striking drills. All of a sudden the typical "pop" was heard and he stopped dead in his tracks and looked around with a stunned look on his face. Having just gone through this I knew right away what had happened, but was hoping it was a minor tear. We immediately sat him down and had him transported to the E.R. He called me later and sure enough it was a ATR. He is having surgery on Fri.

The whole situation is very bizarre. Just minutes before Christians ATR, he was asking me about how i did mine and all the details about it. I showed him the scar and told him all about it. He cringed and said that it sounded terrible and he didn't even want to think about it. No more than two minutes later his tore. They also occurred at the same place, a vacant middle school that was built in the 1930's that will be torn down soon. Mine happened while playing basketball in the gym and his in the cafeteria where we had the wrestling mats set up for training. To top it off the city we live in is ERIE,PA. Very crazy...

I gave him this site to peruse so hopefully he will be joining us soon. I wish him and everyone else the best of luck in recovery.

Marc

Hello Marc

My heart sinks hearing about others doing the same thing! However, i am sure he will be in the best place for advice and support how to get over it. I think about stopping anyone i see when out shopping who is on crutches with foot pointed down, just to say "it will get better!".

I am nearly 14 weeks post op now and not seeing physio for 3 weeks. He has said i have good "spring" in my ankle and was happy with the scar tissue etc.

I can now use the cross trainer as well as the bike and walking on treadmill. Although i only went on level 1. Physio said it would be good as it puts force through the leg.

Only problem at moment is some knee pain when walking. Physio said this should hopefully subside.

Hi All!

I'm now 3 mos & 3 wks since my ATR injury w/o surgery (had surgery to attempt to repair, but it was unsuccessful). Had dr visit today to go over MRI results. I have a 2 cm gap, but dr said it's healing & he could feel the tissues starting to connect the tendon back together. He wants me to stay in the walking boot w/ the 1/2 inch heel raise. When I sleep at night, my foot can be bare. He says no PT yet. I see dr again in a month.

I'm so glad it's healing! I've NEVER ever been in any pain since the injury itself happened. Since I didn't have surgery, dr said there's a 17% of re-rupture (after it's healed). When I'm completely healed, I shouldn't walk w/ a limp!

Happy progression to you all!

Blue

Hi All!

I'm now 3 mos & 3 wks since my ATR injury w/o surgery (had surgery to attempt to repair, but it was unsuccessful). Had dr visit today to go over MRI results. I have a 2 cm gap, but dr said it's healing & he could feel the tissues starting to connect the tendon back together. He wants me to stay in the walking boot w/ the 1/2 inch heel raise. When I sleep at night, my foot can be bare. He says no PT yet. I see dr again in a month.

I'm so glad it's healing! I've NEVER ever been in any pain since the injury itself happened. Since I didn't have surgery, dr said there's a 17% of re-rupture (after it's healed). When I'm completely healed, I shouldn't walk w/ a limp!

Happy progression to you all!

Blue

Greetings everyone!!!!

Great news Blue! Must be such a relief for you. You don't end up with a scar either which is an incredible bonus.

How spooky (or EARIE) Marc!! You must have thought you were dreaming when this happened, and so must have he. Would have been strange to hear the pop from someone else!! OMG what a sinking sensation. I never want to hear that sound again.

Yesterday was the first time I met someone who is a fellow rupturee. Had only heard about people third hand previously,(and boy haven't I). She did hers 9 years ago, was in a cast for 6 weeks and when her surgeon took off the cast he bent her foot right back and said "there you go". OUCH!! No moon boot and gentle stretching!!

She doesn't walk with a limp, but did say that because she didn't do the P/T exercises her leg is not as flexible as it should be. I think Marc said this before about his father, or was it someone else??? Strangely, I am interviewing her for a job on Friday.

I will definitley heed the warning about PT and probably become obsessive compulsive about it. And after what Robert wrote about the increased flexibility because of the bike I am so on it.

Thanks again to everyone posting their progress. Great to share in others milestones, and pick up tips along the way. This is such a good recovery tool. I bet Simon never would have thought it would become such an incredilby popular medium.

Good luck everyone.

Tricia

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for your reply Robert. That is some ironic story Marc! Thanks Tricia for your reply. Actually, since I did have a surgery (that was unsuccessful), I DO have a 4 1/2 inch scar. Oh well! At least it's in a rather inconspicuous place.

So, Tricia, I guess we can't wear all those cute high heeled shoes anymore huh?!

Before I injured myself, I used to go to the gym, I loved the elliptical crosstrainer. It works the entire body at once. I guess I won't be on that machine for a while!

Doctor doesn't want me to start PT just yet because PT tends to be kind of rigorous & I tend to agree w/ that since reading you guys' posts explaining the exercises they have you doing! I'll have to make sure that the therapists all know that my surgery DID NOT fix my injury, so they have to really be careful w/ the exercises they have me doing. Don't want to reinjure myself while doing PT!

QUESTION: So, what are all the lifelong effects that us ATR sufferers will have to endure?

I'm assuming swollen & stiff ankle/foot at times, not beling able to walk for too long, always having to be extra careful how we walk & making sure we don't slip, (hopefully no limp), anything else???

Happy Healing!

Blue

Last weekend i met a fellow ATR sufferrer. He was 32 when he did his playing football. Did not have surgery. Now 2 years down the line he is back playing football (at 34) and has no ill effects from it.

Hey Blue, You dont have to worry about any of that..... once your healed up and have your leg muscles back to normal.... you wont think about how you walk or swollen ankles and feet. You will be back to doing Everything you did before the injury.

Question for you ? What happened with the surgery you had?? and why not a second surgery ???

You may have explained that in an earlier post that I missed.

Hi guys!

Steve M, well that's great to know!

steve, that's great to know as well! To answer your questions. My 1st surgery was a one day procedure. After it was over, the dr said he couldn't fix it because the one side of the ruptured tendon retracted farther up in the leg than what he could fix at the time. He then referred me to another orthopedic surgeon. I expected to have a 2nd surgery (which would have been more complicated than the 1st one), but there was a skin wound on a delicate part of my ankle (from the surgery) that we were waiting on to heal. My 2nd surgery date was postponsed 4 times & then dr #2 said that he no longer recommends a 2nd because infection could occur & cause more problems. I was relieved that I didn't have to undergo another & with yesterday's visit, everything's healing well.

I used to see dr #2 on a weekly basis, but since 2nd surgery wasn't recommended & everything seems to be healing fine, I see him about once a month.

That's why I particularly would like to know how others who didn't have surgery are recovering & progressing. When I 1st injured my ankle, I had no idea how severe the injury was. I never knew anyone who's ruptured their AT before.

I'm glad I found this site, so I can read others' experiences!

Take care,

Blue

Hi guys!

Steve M, well that's great to know!

steve, that's great to know as well! To answer your questions. My 1st surgery was a one day procedure. After it was over, the dr said he couldn't fix it because the one side of the ruptured tendon retracted farther up in the leg than what he could fix at the time. He then referred me to another orthopedic surgeon. I expected to have a 2nd surgery (which would have been more complicated than the 1st one), but there was a skin wound on a delicate part of my ankle (from the surgery) that we were waiting on to heal. My 2nd surgery date was postponsed 4 times & then dr #2 said that he no longer recommends a 2nd because infection could occur & cause more problems. I was relieved that I didn't have to undergo another & with yesterday's visit, everything's healing well.

I used to see dr #2 on a weekly basis, but since 2nd surgery wasn't recommended & everything seems to be healing fine, I see him about once a month.

That's why I particularly would like to know how others who didn't have surgery are recovering & progressing. When I 1st injured my ankle, I had no idea how severe the injury was. I never knew anyone who's ruptured their AT before.

I'm glad I found this site, so I can read others' experiences!

Take care,

Blue

I don't know why lately, my posts are posting twice!

Wow Blue! It's great to hear that you are hanging in there...the back and forth with docs is tough to handle and you did...good job.

I am at 7 weeks ...cautiously optimistic. Non-surgery healing well. i do flexibility exercises, but did not push weight bearing as much as doc suggested. now, i will try to get more aggeessive with that.

The Towell - my doc is against artificial help as you are trying to flex your foot to neutral position. Apparently, the towell help can create a counter reaction in the calf and may be somewhat risky. he said, at my stage flex in the air to up position...and that it's hard to damage anything on that action alone.

No one asked this question, but i thought i'd throw in the mix if useful.

Harry

Hello!

Thanks Harry! Since I injured my ankle on Jan 10th, , I've had 16 dr visits so far, including the surgery I had (that was unsuccessful).

I've never heard of the Towell. Hopefully no one brings that up to me when I start PT.

Blue

Marc,

Glad to hear you're progressing. Thats definetly freaky that you witnessed someone else suffering an ATR. Your coworkers might start to avoid you .... heh!

Well, I've been seeing the PT twice a week and I'm starting to notice a trend, he's getting more aggressive with his treatment. Today was the first time he actually had me in some pain, mainly stretching me. I'm ok with it as long as he doesn't do me further harm. My range of flexion increases with each visit. When I first started, I was -4 degrees neutral. Now I am +8. Very encouraging and noticable I might add.

Anyway, I played my first round of golf in 4months yesterday. I scored a 93 ..... not even close to what I used to score but I was just so appreciative to be able to go out and play. I struck the ball well but I had some difficulties with my play inside of 100yds. I was playing every shot one extra club so I would swing easier in an attempt to not over stress my AT. Needless to say I got a bit deep into the green quite a few times and ended up 3putting 6 times....ughhh!! I started to feel a little fatigue about 8holes in but never felt like I couldn't play through. Let me know how it goes for you.

Glad to hear everyone else is progressing. Stay positive, it definety gets better.

Peace

Steven M., good to hear from you and keep up the good work.

Robert, I played just 9 holes today and also took the extra club approach. Not use to my new driver yet and it showed. Definitely gonna have to make a few adjustments and swing a little easier for awhile. On hole 9 I tried to crush my drive and stretched the AT a bit on my follow through. Gotta remember to take it easy. It's actually pretty sore right now. Felt great just to be out on the course though. Rehab is going well and along with the different stregth and range exercises it seem they are really concentrating on the stretching aspect. When I leave there I basically walk limp free for a while until it starts to tighten up a bit. Still a long way to go but were getting there.

Later, Marc

Hi all. Just found this sight and went through most of the comments. I am 8 days in. I am going non surgical as the ultra sound showed a few strands left. My doc who said he'd love to operate (I iced it immiediately and kept it elevated until I saw him, thus keeping the swelling way down) actually conceeded in this case that it was probably better not to.

I'd like to ask if anyone has dug up anything on diet effecting recovery time. Also any vitamins recomended. I am looking into acupuncture as a way of increasing the healing process as well.

Couple of tips for any newbies to crutches.

I have found I can carry food from one room to another by putting it in an oversized bowl and then placing it in a plastic bag. then hang it along side my crutches clutched in one hand.

I also went to Golftown and bought one of those drink caddies that you attach to the arm of your cart. Just attached to the front of one crutch (c clamp) and then bought a thermos that fits in. Coffee, juice or even the occasional cold beer travel quite nicely.

Thanks in advance to any advice on the diet thing and thanks to everyone for posting. Somehow it makes me feel better knowing I'm not alone.

Glenn, sorry to hear about your AT...It has been discussed a few times in other posts. I take a herbal supplement called "Ginkgo Biloba", which is for cognitive function, which is suppose to help memory function. I have read studies that suggest marginal results for that aspect but it did show good results for circulation. Circulation in the achilles area is generally very poor, thus slowing the healing process. Not sure if has helped me or not but I figure it doesn't hurt.

They also say a healthy diet(lots of protein) along with plenty of rest and sleep help the healing process, also watching your weight while laid up. Good luck in your recovery.

Marc

Hi everyone!

glen, as you may have read from my posts above, I didn't have surgery to fix my rupture either. although I haven't specifically found anything regarding the correlation between diet & AT recovery, it's safe to say that when recovering from any injury, try to eat as healthy as possible & drink tons of water. And I know we tend to not be nearly as physically active in our condition, but try your best no to gain weight, after all, that's more weight you're putting on your weak ankle/foot. I have to eat very lightly because I'm not able to exercise like I like.

These days, I can walk well w/ one crutch, so I have a free hand to hold things!

I take vitamins daily. One great one I take is this all-natural supplement called FLEX PROTEX to help w/ stiff ankles & any pain if you're in pain at all. You can purchase online by going to www.ITVventures.com/staywell (mk sure to add the words "staywell" at the end) OR you can call toll free 877-ITV-WELL (877-488-9355) to order. This stuff really works!!!

Blue

Hi everyone.

Welcome aboard Glen. It's a very comforting site I agree, particularly after you first do it and feel so alone. Certainly lots of us out there. I agree with all of the above comments about diet etc. I also have made a point of drinking lots of green tea and taking an asprin a day to reduce the likelihood of DVT.

Lots of vegetables and protien has got to be good for you. I think I'm healthier now than I was before the injury!!

Must check out that FLEX PROTEX Blue!

Good luck and hang in there. It feels like forever but it isn't.

Happy Healing

Tricia

Thanks so much for the quick posts. I have been doing situps on the couch and leg raises to keep the muscles toned. Just getting around on crutches seems to be fairly good exercise on its own. Will keep you posted

Question Blue and everyone , I started partial weight bearing 10 days ago...using 2 crutches for 1 week...then I called the Dr (on thursday) and he said lose the crutches but keep wearing the boot.

When I got to the therapist the next day for my workout , they didnt like the way I was attempting to walk with no crutches (this past friday)...they said use one crutch. So Ive been using one crutch all weekend, and still quite a bit of pain.

Does anyone know the standard progression from 2 crutches (partial wt bearing)....down to one crutch ....then no crutches but still in the boot .....then finally No boot at all) ?????

Anyone .....

Anyone ....

lol

Hi everyone!

I hope you had a good, pain-free weekend.

steve, to answer your question, I honestly don't know the normal average time frame from 2 crutches to 1, to none, & then the boot. I know for me personally, everything is taking longer because unlike most people, I never had a surgery that connected my tendon back together. I've NEVER once been in pain either. But, since your dr & PT appear to have differing opinions, I'd tend to listen to what the dr says & you should tell the dr what the PT says. The main issue here is that you're in pain, so ask your dr what to do since you're in pain. Tell him/her how severe the pain is. But I think if you still need 2 crutches to not be in pain, then by all means use both crutches.

Don't worry about the timeline of what should be happening by a certain time. Your health & being pain-free is much more important. You certainly dont' want to push too hard & set yourself back.

RECOVERY IS SIGNIFICANTLY SLOWER IF YOU DIDN'T HAVE SURGERY TO FIX IT LIKE ME: I'm not worried about my situation, especially now that my MRI says that it's progressing well. I'm almost on MONTH 4 since my injury. My dr told me to walk in the boot & I can walk w/ 1 or no crutches. I still haven't started PT yet.

If I really had to, I could walk in my regular shoes w/o any crutches & not be in pain, but I'm going to push it that much.

Blue

Correction: In that last sentence above, I meant to say that I'm NOT going to push it that much.

Blue

I partially ruptured my AT Dec. 30 non-surgical. Just started walking with a walker, but can't put full weight, bec. my heel hurts. My foot is still reddish, motion is good, but Achilles is tight. Starting therapy tomorrow. This seems to be taking a long time. Anyone with a similar experience. I'm very nervous I may have a limp, and the Ortho. says it's a possibility because the tendon will be weak.

Blue-

I thought you would be interested to know that even when surgery is performed, the tendon stumps move apart after surgery. Check out the link below.

{ Link }

Maybe your tendons are stronger than you think. I've been walking without my boot since the 7 1/2 week mark. (No surgery) I played 18 holes of golf and mowed the lawn without the boot. I still walk with a slight limp. It does get a little sore by the end of the day. Each day it feels a little better. I'm currently 10 weeks post rupture.

Good luck.

I think the the best advice is a balance of listening to your doctor and listening to your body. The doc is basing his opinion on other peoples injuries. Try to establish where your body is in accordance with other peoples progress rather than their timelines.

Hi Gang, Been almost two weeks; I'm seeing some new names.

I got into a 90 degree cast 11 days ago and almost immediately went to full weight bearing and no crutches. Things have been progressing fine. I must warn you though of the possible fun you will get to have as soreness moves about your body from day to day. Face it, we are all so out of whack with this thing it's gonna take a while even after recovery for the body to get back into fighting trim. My calf muscle is disgustingly small. Anyway, so since going to FWB and no crutch I've been busily working my way through initial soreness in the heal on the injured leg, then it became the other foot from favoring the heal. Then it was the knee, then the other hip. Best of all is the sciatic pain in my butt from when I end up sitting to long. Just one stupid thing after another. Not that I'm complaining mind you, it's just been the normal course of things. I haven't exactly been laying dormant, what with jury duty, getting back to church duties, auto repairs, garage cleaning, being out on my neighbors boat shrimping on the Puget Sound, etc. I'm losing this last cast and moving into the boot later this week and I plan on being really sore after that. I figure all these pains are a small price to pay for being able to get out and do things again. (I'm also gonna hate having to go back to work after all this time off)

Life is good. Never fear, you TOO will recover! Paul

ring and getting back to It's getting better and stronger but with the way the heal lifts and hobbl

ve been walking full weight bearing for over a week now and will get the boot in a couple of days.

I had an excellent jury duty experience. It really is true when they say, "cops catch 'em and juries let them go." But not when "Juror #11" is on guard. It took two days of intense deliberation but when the smoke finally cleared we'd reached the proper conclusion and helped a nice young burglar get his life back on track and eventually he'll be returning to the country of his natural origin...nuff said.

During all that excitement I did get a new cast at very close to 90 degrees put on. I began immediately weaning off of the one crutch and have been walking without it for over a week.

Ooops, I wasn't going to include the jury duty story but there it is....poor editing.

OK....2 hour stint at therapy yesterday...that wasnt fun. But they had me in sneakers for the first time in 12 weeks (that was a strange feeling) Had trouble with balancing on the repaired foot (using some piece of rubber to balance on). Is that normal ?? I think it is until I regain some strength there.

After therapy it was back in the boot. He said I could use sneakers around the house ....in a controlled environment.

Anyway ....did all kinds of different calf and Quad excersizes. The therapist said I would be cursing him when I got home. But it wasnt that bad. Took a couple of motrin.

Today , I seemed to have a little less pain early on ....walking around with no crutches untill about 11:00 am....then started using 1 crutch for awhile after. I guess Im weening myself off of them. Things are starting to shape up slowly.

Heres to better days everyone.

Steve,

6wks post op my doc told me to lose the crutches. It wasn't easy. First off it was a bit scary and 2nd my leg was obviously weak. I opted to ween myself off over a period of like 5 days. I started by making small trips inside the house and before I knew it I wasn't reaching for them anymore. I never tried the one crutch method.

I think the biggest think for me was trusting that I wasn't going to reinjure myself. That is still somewhat of a concern as I work my way through PT. Anyway, I'm sure if your doctor felt good enough to give you the ok, then it probably is fine. Trust yourself and enjoy your new found freedom.

Just an update here: I'm 16 weeks post op. I was placed in a boot wk2 which I wore till week 12. Full weight bearing wk6. Went into shoes wk12 and started PT. Still in PT. Can walk without a limp most times although I get stiff when resting for periods of time. Calf muscle is still not firing like it should and my range of motion is still limited although improving weekly.

I was told this was a 6month injury. I thought I would get it back sooner since I was in healthy shape to start. Well I can now tell that it will probably take that long or close to it anyway.

Happy healing everyone,

Peace

p.s. good news/bad news? A PT told me that it would be more likely for me to tear my healthy achilles than the repaired one....hmmm, thats a scary thought.

Hello!

Pam, I didn't have surgery to fix mine either. You can read my previous posts.

Killy, thanks for the link. I've actually already read that one. I had gone under Google & typed phrases such as non-surgical achilles tendon rupture treatment, etc. to find as many aritcles as I could. But feel free to post more links if you want! I'm always interested.

glen, I agree!

Paul, exactly a yr ago, I was a juror on a 2 month case. I loved it. Jury duty is interesting to me. I was an alternate juror several yrs before that.

steve & Robert, keep up the good work w/ your recovery!

Tricia, I hope you're doing well. I read above that you have a Pug. Pugs are so cute! I have a Boston Terrier & I love him too! Wow, you have a pretty long scar on your leg from the surgery!

So, this month, I'll continue to walk in my walking boot w/ a 1/2 inch heel lift. I can walk pretty well w/ either 1 crutch or no crutches. I haven't driven since before my injury in Dec. I don't really need to drive these days. I'm off from work for the next few mos & my parents or boyfrend are always able to take me where I need to go. I see my dr again on the 30th.

Continued Improvement!

Blue

Steve, regarding your p.s., well a rerupture is very bad either way. You don't want to rerupture your previously ruptured ankle, but you don't want to rupture the good ankle yopu have left either!

Hi All,

I have been reading this blog with much interest over the past week and thought it was time to join you all. I did a complete Achilles Tendon Rupture on 15/4 playing basketball. All very textbook like, snap, ping, gunshot sound etc. Went to Emergency and was reviewed by Orthopaedic Registrar, he contacted Surgeon who advised cast overnight and surgery the following day. I am now 3 weeks post op and was out of cast and put into CamWalker boot last week at 20 degrees flexion. Today I have my first "ratchet" where they move the boot a further few degrees. Somewhat apprehensive as I have had no pain for last 10 days and don't want to go back there! I am feeling quite stressed by the whole rehab thing, mainly because this CAN'T not work. I have 2 young children (2 yo and a 3 month old) and require constant help at home from the in-laws and parents to deal with the kids. It's been a huge strain on everyone and I can't have the rehab time extended by anything going wrong. I used to work at a PT Clinic as Practice Manager for 7 years before kids and have good relationship with them, but the 1 PT that I trust is currently on long-service leave. I'm not sure I want anyone else to touch me for fear of them just going through the motions and not knowing what they really should be doing for best outcome. I realise no-one can help me with this issue but feels good to get it out! Amk very interested to hear from those who had quick post-injury surgery and into boot at 2 weeks regarding their outcomes. I beleive I will be in boot for a total of 10-12 weeks, but partial WB by 8 weeks and PT startinig at around 6-7 weeks. Anyone else have this type of rehab? And did anyone have a surgical graft or just surgucal stitch repair?

Cheers and thanks for all the interesting info.

Kylie

Kylie,

Welcome to this site. I think everyone would agree that it has been an amazing resource for information. I found it really helpful to hear how others were progressing. Today I recapped my progress, see post #409, I think it will answer your questions. I hope it helps.

I feel your stress, I have 4 children, an 11yr old and triplet 8yr olds. Its been really difficult not being able to contribute to daily activities. Hang in there, time will eventually start to pass quickly.

Peace

Greetings all,

Welcome old and new and fellow Aussie Kylie. It must be hard with young kids. Hang in there Kylie.

I agree this is a fascinating blog and I try and read it every day. So much info that I have used, it has given me confidence and insight that I would never have had otherwise.

Went to my surgeon yesterday for the second time in 8 weeks since my surgery. He said I could start walking with 2 crutches, then 1 and then without and then ditch my aircast boot. He said there was no particular schedule it was up to me and how much pain I felt. He said to expect discomfort - it was going to happen, but if something was really painful to stop doing it. He also said that if I planned to go for a bit of walk or push myself physically in any way, not be afraid of taking pain relief before hand.

I had already being doing all of the above so I thought what the heck let's ditch the lot and go straight for the normal boot. It's great to get my life back, have quite a limp now which I fully expect. Can't wait to go SHOPPING!!!

I have discomfort but I wouldn't call it pain. I start PT tomorrow so that will help w