Back to work after Insertional achilles surgery
Posted , 6 users are following.
Wondering if anyone went back to work at 3 weeks after insertion achilles surgery?? My Achilles completely torn off the heal bone. Had to have tendon transfer and some type of staples for lengthiness. In cast for 6 weeks then I will be in boot for 6 as well. I went back to work at 3 weeks but swelling in the afternoon is a lot-wondering if I'm over doing it-anyone else go back to work that soon?
0 likes, 8 replies
Rob9700 dee525
Posted
Hello, Dee
So sorry to hear about your injury. I ruptured Achilles about 10 months ago and had per cutaneous Achilles repair surgery a couple days later, so the detatails of the injury and treatment are somewhat different than yours.
That said, I was back at office job about a week after surgery. I certainly experienced significant discomfort, swelling, and shooters (sharp pains around heel and ankle that are intense, intermittent, and short lived).
Frequent icing was effective for me. I had a soft pouch that I could put an ice pack in. The pouch had a long wide strap that could wrap snugly around the ankle and that could be secured with Velcro. I even had a couple at work. I would put my injured foot up and wrap with ice pouch a few times a day. Didn't stop the swelling (that lasted for about 6 months before it subsided), but I believe the swelling was less bothersome.
Hooe this helps a little. Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.
dee525 Rob9700
Posted
Thanks rob9700,
its nice to hear that working didn't affect your recovery! I'm being cautious and working a desk job ab 5 hours a day and propping up while I'm there.
Glad to hear your doing well! Good luck
Sks1982 dee525
Posted
Hi Dee
I fully ruptured mine over a year ago and went back to work after 4 months!
In the nicest possible way you are absolutely nuts to go back that soon!! Although you may feel like you can go back it will only take the smallest Mis-footing to re-rupture and it will set you back a long way and go through it all again from the start which is the last thing you would want.
Unfortunately this is one of those injuries which just takes time and you absolutely MUST NOT rush. I appreciate some people may not have adequate sick pay (so therefore not sure of your individual circumstances) but my motto has always been 'Health before your Wealth' as you don't want to do any long term damage rushing or putting yourself back even further!!
Out of curiousity what kind of work do you do and are you in UK or elsewhere?
Best Wishes!!!
dee525 Sks1982
Posted
Hi! Thanks for replying-
I have a desk job so I'm propping it up while I'm there-4 months that's great -I'm feeling good except for the swelling but I'm not doing anything else but working ab 5 hours a day. I am nervous ab re rupture but trying to be positive about recovery! In the us!
Nikky8 dee525
Posted
Hi DEE
I fully agree with sks....
I've had my tendons on both feet done .....
Complex reconstruction too.
There is no way you would have been fit for normal day to day happenings nevermind work in such a short time . I guess your age may have some bearing on your recovery. I was 49 when i had my first foot done ( june 2014) n the second one November 2015. It took me 6 months with first foot n 5months second foot
The swelling took about 7 months to go !
As long as there is swelling you need to elevate n allow the area to repair .
Swelling = inability to repair so.....
Good luck n keep yr leg up!
U will get there 😊
Nikky
dee525 Nikky8
Posted
Thanks nikky8 -I'm keeping it up while I work -I'm 55 and was in fairly good shape before this -just trying to do my best to watch and be cautious-glad your recovery went well-that's encouraging!!
sandy29182 dee525
Posted
Hi Dee 525. I am more fortunate in that I did not have surgery as I had a few strands of tendon still attached. I am 63 and was on layoff when this happened, so going back to work was not an issue I had to face. Having said that, I think going back to work that early may not be wise. According to my PT, unless you are raising your injured foot above your heart, you are not assisting the swelling to go down. In addition, once the surgery part has healed, you have lots of physio ahead of you. If you have a choice, don't be reluctant to put your physical health ahead of work. It will pay off in the long run. If you do not have a choice, that is different matter. My sister had a similar injury several years ago and was told to stay off her foot for six weeks to allow it to heal. She did not have a choice; was forced back to work or lose her job and limps with pain to this day.
sanjeewa97871 dee525
Posted
i am a 59 year male 4 weeks post surgery for insertional Achilles tendanities. Part of the tendon was cleaned and repaired whilst the bone spurs were removed. I made good recovery at home. The doctor wanted me to wear a boot hence no cast was used. I was non weight bearing for 3 weeks and thereafter 10% weight bearing. When the bandage was removed after 2 weeks and thereafter had zero swelling. I had my leg elevated all the time. Went to work today which is a 100% desk bound job. I note that i have significant swelling in the evening. How did it work out for you in terms of swelling and overall recovery over the last 12 months. My doctor has told me that I should be walking without crutches after 8 weeks.
anyonelse who can share their experience please do so.