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I ruptured my achilles tendon 2 weeks playing 5-a-side f...

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I ruptured my achilles tendon 2 weeks playing 5-a-side football. Extremely strange sensation (like an elastic band snapping). I was immediately put in a cast at A & E until such time I could be assessed furthur.

I was then put in another cast with my foot at a downward angle after the decision not to operate was taken. My doctor was in agreement with others on this site that the risk of infection was too great and that a cast was the best option.

My first cast is to be on for 4 weeks before I return and have another cast on for 4 weeks at a right angle.

I can`t believe how difficult it is to use the crutches and how much independance I have lost! The boredom factor is also a major issue not to mention taking a shower or bath!

Does anyone else feel pain? I don`t feel pain at all at my damaged area. Only on my "good" leg due to all the hopping I do!

Also, I was curious if anyone else feels improvement after 2 weeks in plaster, as I can now comfortably wiggle my toes and move my foot within the plaster?

I believe I was told by my doctor that even when my next cast is on, it won`t allow me to put my weight on my foot. I`m I right or will I be able to support myself?

I have read other peoples experiences and wish everyone a speedy recovery and, unfortunately, it`s good to know that I`m not alone!:ok:

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0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi. I ruptured my left AT on 13 Jan, whilst running, and hitting a pothole. I left it for a few hours, but then the pain was so bad, I hopped into a taxi to go to A&E. Diagnosis then was to go home and keep it rested (no plaster), and to return to clinic in a weeks time. Very painful all week, and extreme bruising. When I went to the clinic, the consultant took one look and sent me for x-ray and ultrasound. Turns out it's ruptured where it meets the calf muscle so surgery not an option. So, downwards pointing plaster cast for 3 weeks. This week I had my next plaster on, which is slightly flatter. I wasn't prepared for the pain when they moved my foot into position! Have to go back in 2 weeks time for the next one. I'm hoping this will be the flat foot with sandle thing, so I can get the use of at least one arm back! Then after 2 weeks, it's the boot thing, so hopefully I can return to work then.

    Getting around on crutches a real problem (you not only lose use of your leg but also your arms!) but I live alone with 12 year old son, so have to get about to do most things.

    Boredom and frustration the worst part. When alone in the house, no cups of coffee unless you stand on one leg in the kitchen!

    I have found a website, www.limboproducts.co.uk, where you can buy a waterproof cover so you can have a decent wash. Should be here this week, so I'll let you know how I get on! Thank God for home shopping!

    Gill. S Wales

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  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Thanks for the website for waterproof cover - beats the blaCK bin liner and elastic bands!

    I'm a couple of weeks behind you (injured 27 Jan) so interested to hear how you get on. My cast is being changed (to boot I think) on 15th March. Just wondering how much more mobile I can expect to be after that as going to Spain at Easter for a week.

    So good to exchange experiences with people in the same boat (my kids think I'm really sad doing this!) but you do have to be in the situation to appreciate how difficult it is eg drinking coffee on one leg by the kettle! I've just spent 2 hors hopping round the kitchen from cupbaord to sink and cooker making dinner and now need to sit down for a couploe of hors with my leg up to recover! All the best with your recovery. Kee p us updated if you have time as it would be h elpful to get a feel for how things are going to progress.

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  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi. Time is all I've got at the moment! Getting on OK with the cover for the leg. I can sell it to the zoo for elephant contraception when I'm recovered!

    Having plaster changed again tomorrow, and praying for a sandle so I can start putting weight on my leg again. I've definetly noticed that I've lost weight on my good leg, all that hopping! Also seem to have lost a bit on my upper body (probably as I'm using muscles that I didn't know existed!) Going stir crazy, and need to get back to work. Never thought I'd ever say that, but 2 months is enough!

    Gill

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  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi again

    Hope you got your sandal fitted. If so, can you put weight on that foot yet? Just looking for a glimmer of hope as I'm having a particularly frustrating couple of days - trying to do too much and then wearing myself out I think! Interesting what you say about losing upper body weight - I certainly haven't put any weight on and that was one of my big worries, being fairly active and sporty. I think you use a lot of stomach muscles on crutches. Mind you, we hired a wheelchair last week so at least I can get out of the house as long as I can find someone to push me and it is really useful in the kitchen whhizzing back and forth from cupboard to cupboard/fridge etc as my good leg had been aching a lot - don;t want that one to snap too!

    All the best! Julie

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  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi

    Walking sandal and strap on shoe at last! I have been managing to walk about with no major problems, apart from blister on big toe where plaster has rubbed, and aching leg, due to weeks of not being used! I'm probably doing too much, but the freedom of having arms back is too much temptation. Fingers crossed, back to work in 2 weeks with fibreglass boot thing, then physio. I've heard horrible physio tales, so not looking forward to that.

    I know what you mean about wearing yourself out. But try and take it easy while you can. If you're lucky enough to have help in the house, take it!

    It's true that you don't know what you'v got until it's gone, I will never take my mobility for granted ever again.

    Gillian

    [i:d88c27f789]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:d88c27f789]

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