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Full Achilles Tendon Rupture, what to expect in recovery.

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grussem
grussem

Hello. In March I partially tore my Achilles tendon at work but it was initially misdiagnosed as tendinitis. 6 weeks later when workers comp approved a specialist he did an ultrasound and determined it was a partial tear. He shot it with cortisone. It never improved and in June he did a tecnique called a "TENOTOMY". That did not work. In July I was walking to my shower and I heard my tendon snap and pain shot up and down my foot and leg. I saw a new doctor and he immediately diagnosed me with a full rupture which an MRI confirmed.  Because workers comp took a long time to approve the surgery it was not until about 5 weeks later that I had the surgery to repair the tendon. 6 weeks later I'm still in a cast and may get it off tomorrow.

I'm 39 years old and am a police officer (10 years, 8 years Marine prior to that) so you can imagine that having to quickly chase after somebody or wrestle/struggle with somebody putting stress and strain on the Achilles tendon is a regular occurrance.  I was told it could be 6-12 months for full recovery, maybe longer.  I am wondering though, will it ever be the same again? Will I ever be able to partake in sports, sprints, biking etc... the same as before my inury? Thanks for any input have a great day all!

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • james00723
    james00723 grussem

    Posted

    Have a look at my discussion. I am just over 2 weeks out of the boot. Right now i can walk at a decent pace; bit slower than before. i get some swelling and the achilles is quite tight. if i would give you any advice it would be to get yourself a knowledge physio. i am seeing mine twice a week and he is great.

    you will be able to run again but it will take lots of rehab. around a year is the average and safe time. unless you can access major rehab technology

    • grussem
      grussem james00723

      Posted

      Thank you for your input and perspective. I'm going to check out your thread now.
    • Swampiesue
      Swampiesue james00723

      Posted

      I am recovering from an operation for tendonitis in my achelies, they detach the achelies, remove a calcified lump, a bursa, clean the tendon and stich it back on.. I am still in the boot, it's week three but I was also in plaster for six weeks befor that.. Is you tendon still painful when you walk.. I get a pulling in my calf and a pain in my heel.. 
  • ivan33501
    ivan33501 grussem

    Posted

    Hi there sounds like the same problem I had a missed complete a chillies rupture Had complete reconstruction back in early August still in moon boot till end of Oct Starting now on a very heavy Reg programme My recovery time the specialist said will be around 18 - 24 months and then probably never be able to climb mountains again though I ended up with servere nerve pain in my foot from surgery All the best with your recovery
  • grussem
    grussem

    Posted

    ***UPDATE***

    Ok, on Friday I had a follow up with my doctor. I had my cast removed after 6 weeks and I am now in my moon boot.  The doctor told me to continue with no weight bearing on my bad foot and I have a follow up in a month at which point he hopes to start physical therapy.  

    It was such a relief getting that cast off and felt great to go home and soak my foot in a tub and get it nice and clean (it was pretty rank...yuk! lol.)  I still get throbbing and stabbing pain but I suppose that is to be expected.  The instep of my foot is red but I think that is just from the cast rubbing on it for 6 weeks.  My foot and calf is very very weak still.  Anyhow, thanks for checking in.

    • james00723
      james00723 grussem

      Posted

      I would also advise you to get a private physio, as this has helped me the most. NHS just gave me the standard stretches. I found that having my calf muscle massaged really helped my muscles to come back to life.

      If its red from soreness it will be from the cast. However, my foot was reddy/purple. They will have put an iodine on you before surgery and it takes ages to scrub off. Keep going as they say. It gets easier from here.

      My doc was different and as soon as i was in the boot he wanted to weight bear on it. Basically if you keep it immobile more scar tissue builds up, but both ways work i hear

  • grussem
    grussem

    Posted

    ***UPDATE***

    I'm afraid I have some kind of nerve damage in my foot. There is about a 4" radius around the back of my heel where I have absolutely no feeling at all, like, it's dead.  I can pinch it, poke it and nothing, no feeling at all.  Has anyone else gone through this?  Take care everyone.

  • grussem
    grussem

    Posted

    ***UPDATE***

         Well the area of my foot on the back is still numb. I follow up with the doctor in about a week and a half.  In other news the air bladder in my walking boot broke...actually 2 of them.  One broke last week and I was able to get another one.  The second one broke last night so instead of having somebody take me to the doctor I cut the air bladder out, sealed the hole with silicone caulk, and when it was dried sealed it again with duct tape.  Seems to be working so far.  Have a great day everyone!

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