Achilles Tendon Rupture Recovery
Posted , 32 users are following.
Ruptured my achilles and had operation 17weeks ago. Still limping a fair amount with some pain despite gradually developing strength in the calf. Single heel raises limited but I can take weight whilst walking on my toes. Physio seems to think I should be further ahead and walking without limp or pain. In other's experience how long might I be in pain walking and limping?
0 likes, 62 replies
Ness123 david92021
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david92021 Ness123
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himanshu83248 Ness123
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what should i do now ? continue physio therapy or go for surgery?or it is normal to get streched in walking.. i m also not able to stand on my toes or normal running ?
danny25168 david92021
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You sound like your alright. Just keep plugging along consistently, and don't strain that tendon too much.
david92021 danny25168
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danny25168 david92021
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If you can find a good calf machine at a gym, you could work the max weight you can handle with with the entire range of motion on that leg and throw out the restrictions of either one legged our two legged calf lift or heel drop using body weight.
Jordidude01 david92021
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My doctor hasnt explained much regarding time and the "open cast / moon boot" he called it. Do you know how long you have that on for? i dont really no what else to expect.
Whilst at hospital yesterday, for my new cast i asked the doctor the next step but he said he doesn't have the "file notes" as it wasn't the doctor who performed the surgery. Thought i was meant to have my new cast on for another 4 weeks and i know its only two. (ridicous or what).
david92021 Jordidude01
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We are far too conservative in this country and total immobilisation for what will be eight weeks causes significant muscle loss and while it does protect the tendon most research now indicates this is well over the top. I was lucky to some extent and went to Italy and saw a othorpedic surgeon there and I started physio, allbeit in a pool, at beginning week 6 where as in this country they often don't suggest physio until week 8. In Italy it can be after week 2 which just goes to show what is possible if you get a fairly aggressive surgeon. If you look at the research it indicates that the tendon is well over 50% healed at end of week 4 so gentle non- weight bearing stretches are perfectly safe.
Jordidude01 david92021
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Yes i meant the solid cast excuses my use of words.
Ok thank you for the information very helpful.
How far are you into your recovery now david? I heard stories of people walking with no problems 4 months after surgery? (praying i am one of them haha)
odette06380 david92021
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Jordidude01 odette06380
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May i ask how old you are odette. I had also ruptured my Achillies, since then i have had surgery and just under 2 weeks away from getting my cast off.
odette06380 Jordidude01
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Jordidude01 odette06380
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I have been told by my doctor 4 in 100 will ret-ear but he claims i have youth on my side being only 24 and may be up and walking normally again in about 3-4 months after my cast is removed thats why i was curious in your age.
odette06380 Jordidude01
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Jordidude01 odette06380
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I will let you know and everyone else following this discussion how i get on!
Jordidude01
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I still have my crutches (for balance) but walking home from the hospital lucky for me its around the corner from my house. (7 min walk) took me about 25 minutes as its rather difficult to get used to walking with the moon boot. I began my walk with my crutches just for balanced incase i fell by the end of the walk i was not even using my crutches to balance. 4 more weeks of this and phyiso begins.
Odette whilst in the boot did you do any extra activies to help strenghen your leg? i been told swimming is a good thing.
odette06380 Jordidude01
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Jordidude01 odette06380
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odette06380 Jordidude01
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Jordidude01 odette06380
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odette06380 Jordidude01
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tim50stroud odette06380
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Jordidude01 odette06380
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Good news about not using your crutch, that is a massive improvment already. My leg also feels stronger and i am moving about at a decent pace now. my calf muscle still looks "weak" but i guess that will take time to get back to normal.
odette06380 Jordidude01
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odette06380 tim50stroud
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odette06380 tim50stroud
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tim50stroud odette06380
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Jordidude01 odette06380
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I have an excise bike at home, hopefully i can use that once the open cast is off and I been giving the all clear to use it to help strengthen my calf again.
I was flexing my calf last night and i can actually start to feel muscle again compared the small wobbling fat that has become my leg!
Progress!
tim50stroud
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Jordidude01 tim50stroud
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My boot is off in a couple weeks, leg is getting stronger already even in the boot i see it muscle! I am looking forward to renewing my gym membership next year.
tim50stroud Jordidude01
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odette06380 tim50stroud
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kay03765 odette06380
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tammy58520 odette06380
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Is it true then that if u don't have surgery within a week of tearing your Achilles' tendon then u can't get surgery? What else can be done to help with pain and limping?
ben03699 tim50stroud
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Tim, how long did the swelling last after you initially ruptured your tendon? I'm having trouble separating swelling due to the rupture from swelling due to gout that erupted from wearing an immobilization boot. I didn't have much pain from the rupture, but the boot sent me to the emergency room. Thanks!
tim50stroud tammy58520
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tim50stroud ben03699
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To be honest the foot is still slightly swolen, 2 years down the line. I've gone up a size in shoe. Walking is not a problem, though I still have some loss of feeling in the ball of the foot due to nerve damage? I did a 12 mile charity walk a couple of weeks ago, so its not that debiltating!
tim50stroud tammy58520
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