Re ruptured Achilles' tendon

Hi  i have been attending physio for the last two weeks x 2 days per week.  Initially all they are doing is helping me to mobilise the ankle.  They have given me a number of exercises/movements to do 3 -4 times a  day.  I can put more weight on my foot and with cruthces kind of move in the walking motiion but its not full weight on it.  I have been told not to walk with out a wedge ie bare foot and whilst i have a wedge in a shoe was told to keep the moon boot and use that when more active eg going to work or even if very active at home.  I must not use the moon boot all the time so i dont come to rely on it so only when moving around a lot.

I have not had surgery as 2 x partial tears and calf muscle tear.  However was told that partial tears can be more painful due to the achilles being attached and pulling with movement.

It has been recommended that i look at getting an orthotic for my shoes once i am able to walk outside etc with out crutches.  To help with maintaining the correct alignment of leg.  Also if going somewhere on uneven ground i could consider straping eg putting tape from underneath the foot and up just past the ankle so it helps keep the leg and ankle from rolling.  T

My ankle swells up alot  partly i think as its summer here and has been very hot.  When its swollen i have been advised to continue to do the exercises gently and it really does make a difference.   My ankle was so tight i didnt really want to but kept doing it and it does free it up.

Key prob is 

key prob with swelling is due to not walking on the foot fully as when you do you pushes fluid around the body. I guess lack of circulation.  

surgeon advised me early on including when in moon boot to take it off three times a day and with leg supported underneath point toes then bring back to upright position ie with toes pointed forward then pull upright toes now pointed up at the ceiling.  Gentle, fluid movement not jerky. 15 x 3 per session 3 - 4 times a day.

I typed up all the other movements im doing bu then deleted just incase someone did them when they shouldnt and i would then  feel bad if someone hurt themselves.

so short coment is highly recommend physio when you get the green light to go. Yes i still have days of swelling and aching and still cannot walk fully weight bearing but getting closer to it.

Im going to a private physio recommeded by ACC.  I am paying $20 towards it and ACC are paying the rest. When i move from mobilising to a strengthening programe ACC are going to pay for the whole cost.

cheers Denise

 

Im sorry to hear this, that is a for sure fear of mine. I opted for surgery, just because my doctor told me that with surgery, I had a higher success rate. I hope that the ortho goes well and they have some better options this time around.

Erika

Hi Tanya,

I am currently in this same boat. Had a complete tear, tried the non-operative route and at 9 weeks, I Re-ruptured. Did surgery, then at 9 weeks after surgery, I re ruptured yet again. I have 4 kids, the youngest just turned one. The surgeon says it feels like I still have some fibers intact, so he suggests just getting back into the boot with wedges to let it heal on its own. Then, in the boot at the grocery store, the bottom of the boot caught on the top of the shopping cart wheel and it dragged/pulled on the boot, yanking on my ankle. It was like pulling off tall boots, the way it just pulls on you, and I felt a stretching pain. Waiting now to find out what the next step is.

I've never found another woman/mom in this situation, so you fully understand the frustration. It's nearly impossible to recover! There's so much to do.

So, if you have a chance, please tell me how you are doing now and what you did for treatment and recovery when you re ruptured. Looking for hope. This has now been a 6 month process