Achilles rupture - some pain during healing

Hi Davie, good to hear you're making progress and you're up and about in your boot.

Yep, I've still got an indent at 9.5 weeks and a fair amount of scar tissue build up where it ruptured. Most of the swelling has gone now and nearly all the bruising.

I'm off to the hospital this afternoon, as my knee's been playing up - it's okay during the day but suddenly goes red and really hot in the evenings - it's very strange! It goes away with ice, but they want me to go in to have it checked.

BTW I'm just about fully weight-bearing now, still not walking far, but making progress.

Yes. Surgery 9 months ago, and still have funny little indent at site of injury/incision. Pain and swelling long gone, but the injured Achilles is a bit thicker than the other. Sometimes certain of my shoes rub and irritate that did not before especially when walking a lot. Not debilitating, but can be annoying.

Good news at this point is that it has not kept me from returning to most normal activities.

Best wishes for your recovery.

Thanks guys. That is good to know. Was thinking it maybe hadn't healed to well. No doc has looked st it since initial diagnosis. Just the plaster techs who I'm sure I have mentioned before have been top class.

Sorry to hear about your knee JW. It's bad enough to contend with an Achilles rupture never mind knee pain. Fingers crossed it's just a niggle.

Great to know you are back to most normal activities Rob. Shows there is light at the end of the tunnel for all of us. What a frustrating injury this is.

Thanks.

Hi Dave,

I have been out of boot etc for just over a month and I still have two big lumps on my Achilles. It's like a figure of eight with indent in middle. Very strange. Physio has been working hard to try and reduce this and move it, but seems like it is fairly normal.

Evening, so my knee was fine, just strained from the weight bearing in the boot. I've removed the final wedge today and my ankle and calf feel a bit tight and are pulling a bit now my foot's at 90 degrees. I'm guessing that's to be expected, isn't it? Also, my calf muscle has completely wasted away and when I put my foot on the floor, I can't put any pressure on my toes to lift my heel at all. Was it the same for you? Thanks

Glad to hear your knee is ok.

Yeah all sounding very similar. I had the same pulling feeling which is just the tendon stretching back out. Mine eased in a few days.

I also have a non existent calf muscle but have noticed the strength build back up all ready with a week of full weight bearing. Will take months to get the muscle back. I had similar before with a back injury. Another story all together!

Very early days to be able to push your heel. I know people say even up to a year before doing calf raises. It's why this injury is such a slow recovery. But I feel we are maybe over the worse bit as this last week for me being back on my feet has been a big relief.

One week more in the boot then physio and hopefully return to work in about 3 weeks. If I can drive that is!

Thanks Davie, that's good to know.

I was sitting and trying to do slight calf raises without putting any weight on it, but there's just nothing there! I can't put any pressure on the ball of my foot. I also can't completely srunch my toes up

, but I guess that'll all come back in time.

I've not really sensed any strength coming back in my calf, but I haven't been walking very far, just a few laps around the house, and the rest of time resting with my leg up. How far do you walk now? I'll try and do a bit more this week before the boot comes off on Monday, but it's so difficult (mentally and physically) getting that balance between progressing and doing too much.

I wouldn't worry to much about it. I'm sure these are the issues physio will address. You are still healing so if your feeling pain then it's your body telling you to rest. Just do what you feel comfortable with. I know the frustration and how we just want to get going again.

Physically I feel good but the mental thing is getting me. Worrying about 're injury. But I've been assured that even now it would take a lot I of force to 're rupture. I am pretty much able to walk about the house no problem. Furthest has been local shop and park with the kids. 5 mins there then 5 mins back. I wouldn't say I am getting much pain it's more the boot being uncomfortable that makes me need to rest.

As I was in a cast not a boot most of the time I didn't have wedges to remove like others seem to. Six seems to be what people say. Instead my foot was ajusted 3 times with significant pain and pulling feeling each time which took about a week or two to go away.

I also get my boot off on Monday so will see how it goes. Should be running by Tuesday!!!!!!!!

Hi davie

Would you mind if i followed your progress along with that of Jw

who i have been sharing with as we all three seem to be running

parralel ,tho you seem to be a bit in front of me ,ie im.5th and final

wedge out today and see hospital friday .after complete rupture

shredded plus nr complete rupture furthur 5th april up and now

complicated by a calf tear on my other leg ,any advice would be appreciated .

Best wishes .

Hi Davie,

Just a quick update on my injury. I am now out of the aircast boot after 8 weeks. I started with 5 wedges on the first week and was full weight bearing after 2 weeks. Was great to lose the crutches after this 2 week period. Then on I reduced the wedges week by week and was wedgless for the last 2 weeks. The boot has now been removed and have so far had pretty painless physio. The physiotherapist could not locate my rupture but also said that over the last 5 years non surgical route was more common than surgery.

So I'm 5 days into physio and so far so good. The leg and ankle area feels tight but with ROM movements this is improving daily. I am happily walking 15-20 mins twice a day. I do not have much power in the ball of my foot but my partner has said theee is slight definition in my calf which has obviously deteriorated over the last 8 weeks. I have a further physio session this Friday and I am getting back to work next Monday.

This has been the most mentally challenging thing I have ever experienced and it's important to try and get out and about. The boot was great as it can be removed in the evenings but I cannot stress how important it is to keep it on through the night. It's awkward and uncomfortable but I think this def helped my recovery.

Still a way to go but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Good luck everyone

Thanks Davie, really appreciate the comments, whilst we're all following slightly different routes to recovery it's SO good to hear everyone's stories and compare similarities.

Will look forward to sharing how we both get on on Monday. I'll join you for that run on Tuesday - haha!

Welcome over to this thread, Bobbers! It's good to follow how everyone's getting along.

That's brilliant, Gavjones, so good to hear your progress. Is your physio on the NHS or have you gone private? How often do you go?

I'm absolutely with you on the mental challenge of it all. It's been - and continues to be - the toughest thing I've ever been through, and I'm normally a positive person. I'm so scared of having my boot off on Monday, even though it will also be a relief - the thought of putting my full weight on my jelly leg for the first time petrifies me! How was that for you?

Thanks .jw .i really appreciate 1st hand news

The physio is on the NHS and the guy was brilliant, seemed like he had a vast knowledge of the injury, I was given a week plan and I'm back on there again on Friday.

I was taking the boot off for very short periods during the evening which allowed the leg to breath. I slightly hobbled around the house with a heavy limp and being very cautious and yes a massive fear facture but didn't do anything to impact the injury. Having the cast is a huge safety net once back on.

To a degree it's getting over the fear but your body is a good indication of where you are so I would listen to it!

That's excellent, gavjones, I hope I get someone as good. 

I've been taking my boot off for an hour or so during the day, with my leg up on the sofa, and again in the evenings, for the last couple of weeks and it feels good to have some air around it (and in the boot - it gets so damp and stinky!)

Gosh, you were brave hobbling around the house, I think I'll pass on that until I've seen the consultant on Monday. However, I have stood up with my foot flat on the floor without putting weight on it - it feels so strange!

The plaster room guy has said all along to listen to my body - if it hurts, ease back, if it doesn't then do a little bit more.

Hey bobbers of course. It's good to hear how others are getting on.

Sorry to hear about your calf. That has been a big fear of mine injuring my good leg. Hope it heals up quick.

Hi Gav thanks for the info.

Weight bearing after 2 weeks. That's great. Wish I was given that option. 8 weeks in a cast non weight bearing wasn't the most fun I have ever had in my life. but when I eventually got the boot they plaster tech says they have had a few instances of people taking the boot off so everyone gets a cast now where I live. I must look like one of they people that doesn't listen.

Great to hear about the physio. givies us a wee insight to what is coming to us over the next few weeks. Are you back driving yet? I need to drive for work and was trying to get an idea of time out of boot to driving a manual.

Both you and Jonathan sound a bit further down the road to recovery so any pointers are great.

Thanks.

Hi All,

Good luck with the recovery.  I'm off my crutches tommorow, and into boot. Not one to wish my life away but I am sure happy the intial 2 weeks are over.

Can't wait to start the physio and active recovery period. I'm pretty lucky that I work for myself, so will have plenty of time to focus on rehab. Want to spend at least 1 hour a day in the water areobics pool at the gym.

Making it my goal to be in the best shape of my life (in the last 10 years) in 5 months time.  Would be cusrious to know exactly what physio excercises you are doing ?

All the best, good luck with it

Hi DavieC

I was told at my first physio that it would be 10 days just to gently build the strength in the ankle and through the leg. I also need to be back at work and driving is a massive part of my job. I am looking at Monday as my return to work....fingers crossed!

As I said, next physio session on Friday where I imagine there will be an increase in activities and determine I'm ok to drive.

The first session was great where they tested ROM and strength and they were positive with that so I guess it depends on each individuals recovery. I would certainly write down some questions of what you should/shouldn't be doing as I was bombarding him with questions. It just gives you insight into the recovery recovery without the boot! As we both agree though, listen to your body.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Thanks davie

Had my 5th and final wedge out yesterday eve, i will see how it

goes today .my right leg weight besring progress being impeded

by the limitations calf muscle tear in my left leg .

Best wishes

Hey Davie, looking forward to the big day tomorrow?!

I can't wait to get this boot off, but I'm also feeling pretty scared. Right now I can hobble around in my boot, but once it's off I'm frightened that my little leg won't be able to bear my weight and I'll be back on two crutches again.

Would appreciate feedback on what to expect from those who've already been through this stage. Thanks

Hey don't worry JW. Yeah can't wait to get this off my leg.

So the hospital sent my referral for physio and they couldn't understand the docs writing so booked me an appointment for Friday gone although I shouldn't have been seen till my boots off.

Seen the physio who was really good. Gave me basic stretching exercises to do to further stretch the Achilles beyond 90° and basic strength exercises for next 2 weeks. At 12 week point I have to go back for new exercises. At that point he said I can go swimming( being careful getting in and out of pool) and on an exercise bike.

Main thing I got from him was he says as a physio these are great injuries as they always heal really well and he never sees any problems other than people who don't follow the guidelines. He also said 3 to 6 weeks for driving. But the main thing was the psychological bit to get over as the physical thing should not be an issue.

Hope this info is of use to people as I know these were things I was trying to find out.

All the best for tomorrow JW

Thanks, Davie, that all sounds reassuring. Great that you've got a plan in place. The whole injury is as much a mental battle as it is physical, isn't it.

Hi all,

Had my surgery for achilles done on May 14th.

Soft cast off last week on 31st, and into boot

My stitches in for another week.

Stitches are metal staples.

Also had 1st physio session, which was very light stretching.

The physio is downstairs from the orthopaedic office,

and across road from surgery. Convenient.

5 different static exercises to be done 3 times a day.

After week of this my ROM is much better.

I have zero pain and no discomfort, with no swelling.

Have been doing two additional things.

A lot of massage, of the calf and ankle.

Using a Philips infraphil lamp,

to improve circulation in the affected area.

Have been partial weight bearing, in the boot with crutches.

Looking forward to more aggressive physio next week.

Still taking 1000mg glucosamine a day and 2000mg of vitamin C every day

Good luck with the recovery process.

Just remember that every day you are getting stronger and the recovery better

Afternoon all,

Thanks Neil, that's all good to hear. Hope you continue to move forward with your recovery.

I'm just back from the hospital and all's fine, my Achilles is back in tact as it should be and is strong enough for me to put my weight on and start to carefully walk on (with crutches for now while my calf strengthens and to balance me).

Feels VERY odd having a shoe back on my foot! I've got an insert to raise my heel to help take the full pressure off my Achilles. I've got to have physio (thankfully the request will go in locally, as the hospital is a 2+ hour round trip), but it's likely to be a couple of weeks before I get an appointment, so I'll just have to wait.

The consultant has told me strictly no passive stretching, as she's known of a couple of incidences where patiens have re-ruptured, so I'm probably not going to go to the private sports physio guy I was thinking of.

Hope you've had a positive outcome today, Davie?

Hey JW good to hear you are on the mend.

All good with me. Says it's healed really well and they don't need to see me again unless I have any issues. Just Crack on with physio and all should be good.

Left my crutches at the hospital and walked out. Felt very strange and had to go slow. Never got a wedge either as he says I don't need it as he felt my tendon had all ready stretched past 90°. Was a bit surprised but they are the experts I suppose.

I didnt tell him I had all ready started my stretches!

It's been a long 10 weeks but feels great to be back on my feet.

I have a lot of fluid round my ankle. Did others have this? Doctor says it will go whenbi start walking again.

Jw if you want me to post a link for a YouTube video of the basic stretches I was given then I can. Totally understand you may just wish to wait to see the physio.

Hello, Davie.

Yes, I had fluid around ankle for quite a while--swelling. Had to wear some different shoes. But with ice as needed, Physio, and regular exercise, I don't have the ankle swelling any more, and I am back in my "pre-injury-surgery" shoes. Sometimes ankle stiffens up a bit.

Glad you are all doing well!

Regards,

Rob

Great news Davie. Blimey, you were brave walking out without your crutches - braver than me! I've just tried a walk down the hallway without putting my crutches down, so that's my limit for now, but I'll work on it! 

I've not got any fluid around my ankle, but the consultant said to half expect it once I'm up and about more, and to elevate it as I need to (which I tend to do when I'm sitting anyway). 

It'll be interesting to see the video, even if I don't actually do any of it until I see my physio. Thanks.

 

Hi Davie,

If you can, get in the pool. On my same leg (left) I tore my posterior cruciate ligament in the knee ( about 20 years ago). Had the ligament replacement. Once in a while I get some swelling, but a session in the aerobics pool (45 minutes) of floating and kicking once a week will zap the  swelling quickly.

I got the surgeon to take a picture of my achilles, because I was'nt convinced it was torn 

Wow!! That is most definitely not intact haha!

I saw pictures of David Hayes after he did his and it was very similar to this.

Sorry been quiet recently. It's great catching up on everyone's progress.

I went back for my 6 week check up today. I was concerned about attending this as I had had a little fall on the stairs last week where my leg just gave way under me. Thankfully though, they seemed very pleased with my progress. I asked about why I am still limping when I walk, but apparently I can expect this until about the 5 to 6 month point when calf strength should have returned more. I am now trying to do toe raises on the edge of the stairs to stretch it out a little more.

Davie, I would definitely get to the swimming baths, this has helped me a lot.

Oh, ouch! I'll take their word for it. LOL. That and the stiffness and pain convince me I ruptured my Achilles.

Thanks Rob good to know.

JW I will get a link posted up for you soon. Well done on starting to use the crutches less. you definitely feel weird with out them as if they are a comforter. But once you get rid you will feel loads better. Just take your time and do what you feel comfortable with.

Thanks Neil, Jonathan my plan is to start swimming in 2 weeks. That will be my 12 week point. Although my physio warned me about getting in and out the pool. His friend who is a GP 're ruptured diving into the pool! He said he wouldn't listen and just done his own thing.

Nice picture Neil. No doubt there. Also reminded me of the David Haye picture.

This video for the first 1 min 30 secs is the stretch I am doing. Really basic. Do it twice a day 3 times for 30 seconds each time.

Also do the same stretch with knee bent as it streches the second muscle in your calf. Hope this helps.

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Good to hear from you Jonathan. Toe raises are really good progress! Slow and steady wins the race.

I was expecting a lot more pain after surgery,

but it's been minimal for me. No swelling or bruising.

Really nice to see some life in my calf muscle,

but it's only 3 weeks after surgery.

're the swimming, I don't think you have to go crazy in the pool.

Some kicking and light movement is good enough, the rest will follow.