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Achilles Rupture for the Second Time

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LawDogg
LawDogg

Hello All-

New to the site. I came across in my search for some comfort while in recovery.

About Me

I'm 42 years old and a fairly active individual. On March 27 (roughly 2 1/2 weeks ago) I ruptured my left achilles while playing in my regular pickup basketball league.

This is the second time I've completely ruptured an achilles tendon. 13 years ago, I ruptured the achilles tendon in my right foot while playing flag football. I had surgery back then as well. It ultimately went well, and I was able to resume an active lifestyle.

This time around I think I may have to be more cautious. Although I can't imagine having a third rupture, you never know. I have a baby on the way in August, and I'm on my feet a lot for work. Needless to say this has been a pain in my rear. I am an attorney and I work for a small practice. I am the one that usually goes to court, so this has placed a strain at work.

Anyway, I had surgery 8 days ago. I was in a splint post-op. Today I went in for my first check-up. The doc said that everything looked good. So they put me in a cast and raised my foot up a bit (from I'm guessing 33 degrees up to 45).

I go back in a week. At that point they're going to try to get my foot to 90. And then I'll be in a cast for another two weeks. And then a walking boot.

My memory is a bit foggy, but the procedure seems a bit different from before. I don't know if it's just methods changing over time, or just a different doctor.

Is anyone else under the same, or similar treatment? 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • ArJr89
    ArJr89 LawDogg

    Posted

    Hello,

    The procedure is a bit different from what I had done. I tore my Achilles back in December and had surgery 2 weeks after, I was placed in a splint after surgery for 2 weeks then had a follow up appointment where the splint was removed along with my stitches and I was given a walking boot. I started physical therapy a few weeks after and have been progressing since. It's been almost 3.5 months since surgery and I just started running again, not at full speed or stride, but jogging at a good pace to get a workout.

    • LawDogg
      LawDogg ArJr89

      Posted

      Wow! So that's a pretty quick recovery. Makes me hopeful. Obviously no two injuries are alike. But that's encouraging that you're running so soon.

  • Rob9700
    Rob9700 LawDogg

    Posted

    Hello LawDogg,

    Sorry to hear about your injury. I am about 8 months post op. Like you, injury (at cross fit) rupture, 4 days later in surgery for a minimally invasive surgery.  I spent about a week in a splint, then about 7 weeks in a boot with no weight bearing. After 7, we removed one of the lifts each of the next weeks and each week increased load bearing 25% each week.

    Physical therapy started as soon as I was in the boot, and I went to the gym most days and did what I could that did not involve weight bearing.

    Now, PT is complete. Biggiest issue is some strength deficit in injured foot (heel raises, e.g.) despite working out the best I could. Nevertheless, I am back to almost all of my previous activities including downhill skiing--season is nearly at an end in Colorado.

    Good luck with your recovery. This injury really stinks and it takes quite a while to fully recover.   

  • Heck630
    Heck630 LawDogg

    Posted

    Similar procedure as ARjr89. Splint 17 days sutures removed and back in boot for about 4 weeks. Started therapy exactly 3 weeks after surgery 2x a week for about 2-3 months just started running and plan on playing softball which is how I got injured in August. All good so far but at soon to be 49 have to restrict myself. Listen to your body is all I would suggest. Goodluck.
    • LawDogg
      LawDogg Heck630

      Posted

      "Listen to your body." Amen! Good luck with the recovery.

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