Still in pain after Achilles surgery
Posted , 44 users are following.
I had Achilles reconstruction surgery back on December 20, 2016. I'm still in pain almost 5 months later.
I'll give a little history. I started having heel pain in January 2016. Doctor told me I had tendonitis. I started with physical therapy and it unfortunately did not help. I wore a boot for 6 weeks (actually ended up being 3 months cause the Dr. told me to keep wearing it) and that didn't help either. Dr. referred me to another Dr. who does tenex procedure. I had that on August 8. While I was in therapy I ended up tearing my tendon. The Dr. referred me to a surgeon and that's when I decided on the surgery.
I was feeling great after the surgery (other than the pain that came along with it) I had my foot in a bandaged cast for 2 weeks. On New Year's Day I ended up losing my footing on crutches after a shower ( I only used crutches for showers, I had a scooter) and ended up landing on my foot and falling. I called the nurse the following day and she asked questions and said it didn't sound like I did damage. I was sore for a few days and then it seemed ok. I got my stitches out and was put in a plaster cast for 4 weeks. Most of the issue was swelling and soreness. After my cast came off I was put in a boot and told to do PT right away. I didn't get an appointment for almost 2 weeks later. I did non weight bearing exercises for a couple of weeks. My foot was so swollen I couldn't fit in my sneaker. I also couldn't walk without the use of crutches. When I could finally fit my foot in my sneaker I started weight bearing exercises and started walking without crutches about 2 weeks later. I did 8 weeks of therapy and the pain just kept getting worse. I have pain in my heel and I have pain in the tendon. It feels as it did before I had the surgery. I went back to my part time job over a month ago and went back to my full time job 2 weeks ago. Both jobs I'm on my feet. By the end of the day my foot is so swollen and bruised and I get sharp pains in my heel and in the tendon. I've been working shorter shifts and it still doesn't help. I put inserts in my shoes for heel and arch support and it helped at first withi not as much pain but I'm back to the bad pain. I've been in tears it hurts so badly. The Dr said to come back in 3 months if I'm still in pain when I went to my 3 month appointment. I'm just curious if anyone else has similar pains and symptoms. I was told I would have swelling for up to a year but I wasn't told I'd have sharp pains. I'm hoping I didn't tear it again.
0 likes, 99 replies
lur06029 cindy74895
Posted
I had a surgery similar well I should say 2, but it was the other main tendon ( posterior tibial ) The first was a repair which failed because the first doctor didn’t take the time to find the problem and was just taking my money for a year until my parents requested another doctor ( I was 16/17 at the time ) and finally we did and the MRI had shown all along that I had a tear. The second was a reconstruction and it’s been 2 years since the reconstruction and ever since I came out of the soft cast my foot has been really swollen, the specialist said it takes awhile after surgery for the swelling to go down. I was in a hard cast for 8 week NWB and in the boot for 4 weeks & 4 week FWB while in therapy ( I want to say I was in the boot longer due to the swelling and not finding shoes that fit ) I had orthotics made costed me $200 for my doctor to tell me that it wasn’t going to help me, and here I am 2 years later in and out of physical therapy. My specialist had me go for an MRI back in april due to the pain and swelling and he told my parents an I that he thinks he made a mistake during my surgery, so I went back and got my results and the tech who did the mri said every thing looked unremarkable, but when the doctor was looking for the tendon he couldn’t find it, he only saw the screw that was supposed to be holding it in place. My doctor said he may have not seen it because of all the swelling, and my heel bone that was shifted over looked great although you can still see where it was cut in half sawed down screwed back ( I had screws removed last year due to it touching tissue and possibly the tendon ) but he was referring me to another doctor because he’s afraid it needs another surgery.
A month after that appointment my foot started collapsing but what’s weird is that the side he reconstructed was okay just very painful to walk on, it was the side he took the tendons from, but that side of the foot has been swollen since the surgery happened nothings felt right since I had surgery I had even told the doctor but he had always said “ it takes time to heal “ and I always went with it, but I believe I know my own body and it was telling me that it wasn’t ok and I should’ve listened sooner.
elaine57981 cindy74895
Posted
I had my surgery (bone spur and tendon) on April 21, 2017, and was still in pain a year afterwards. My doctor literally threw his hands in the air and said he had no idea what was wrong and suggested a second surgery. I left...need I say more. If you didn't see my earlier posts I want you to know I tried everything from physical therapy to acupuncture, etc. Cortez Foot and Ankle in Bradenton, FL was recommend to me and I met with Dr. Harte who took an x-ray and found my tendon had thickened and I was starting to grow new bone spurs. He suggested I try Amniotic Tissue Injections and said his partner, Dr. Rosario, has done this procedure before with great results. I met with Dr. Rosario and had the shots on Interfyl. Since this is an experimental drug my insurance didn't cover it but it was worth the $800 try. Dr. Rosario put me in a boot again and said to keep the ankle non-weight bearing for two weeks. I went yesterday for my two week check-up and all I can say in WooHoo...NO PAIN. Still in the boot for one more week just to keep the ankle safe.
https://www.podiatric.theclinics.com/article/S0891-8422(17)30091-5/abstract
barb04956 elaine57981
Posted
Wow, that's awesome! So happy for you! I hope it's a permanent solution for you. I am almost finished with 4 mo of rehab on my foot and except for a tiny bit of swelling in ankle at end of day ( plus the fact that my heel now foretells the weather 😁 )I feel great! I'm so glad I found my new surgeon and had the 2nd surgery. Everyone's situation is different, and no one treatment works for everyone. I pray that everyone in this forum who is still suffering finds the right solution for them.
Guest cindy74895
Posted
Hi, I underwent an Achilles speedbridge operation 10 days ago, which according to my surgeon was successful. I was put in a temporary cast for week 1 and had very little issues in the way of pain or discomfort.
Last week I went for an appt where my surgeon placed a more permanent cast on. This was fine until that night where I woke with terrible aching/throbbing pain which was unbearable. Following a phone call to my surgeon he brought me in the next day and removed said cast and replaced with a bandage and large moon type boot.
Since then the deep aching has subsided in the day time where I remain none weight bearing, but for the last 3 nights I have been woken following roughly 4 hours sleep with this pain, which I cannot understand why as I'm barely moving in the daytime apart from minimal toe curl and knee bending exercises or going to the toilet on my crutches!
I was just wondering if anyone had any advice? Should I be wearing the moon boot in bed? I haven't done as of yet because of the size of the thing!
Any advice greatly appreciated
Thanks.
barb04956 Guest
Posted
I can only speak from my own experience, but when I had my 2nd Achilles surgery in January, at 10 days out I was still in compression bandages inside an Aircast CAM boot which I was required to wear 24/7, and I was also required to keep my foot elevated above my heart for minimum 22 hours a day. I bought a large foam wedge ( Amazon) to elevate my foot during the night, and I had to sleep on top of my regular covers due to the setup. I laid a flat sheet over my side of the bed and used a separate blanket to cover myself. I did this for 5 weeks and I had no pain this way.
Every doctor has a different protocol. I had a podiatrist do my first Achilles surgery Jan 26, 2017, and by 10 days post-surgery he had me walking on it. It was a dismal failure.
In November 2017 I saw an orthopedic surgeon who only does feet and ankles. It was a completely different experience, extremely thorough workup, and MRI confirmed that the tendon was still ruptured and never properly reattached to the bone ( the hardware was hanging off the tendon). Surgery was done again January 25, 2018. It included a tendon transfer and I had a very strict and lengthy recovery protocol, 3 weeks with my foot elevated, 5 weeks non -weight bearing, 14 weeks in the CAM boot, and 4 full months of physical therapy, which I just completed June 28. I was able to do a toe-stand at 4 months post-op and I am now walking pain-free for the first time in 2 years. My final appt with the ortho surgeon is in 3 weeks, at which time it will be 6 months post-op, and I will be released from his care.
You have to give it time, but not forever. If I had to do it over again, I would have sought out the new surgeon sooner, at perhaps 6 months instead of 11 months. If you are still having significant pain at 6 months I would advise asking your primary doc for a couple of names of top-notch ortho surgeons for a 2nd opinion.
I will tell you that prior to the 2nd surgery, I would wake up nightly with terrible cramps in my foot and ankle. Since having the redo 5 months ago, I have had zero cramps. Listen to your body!
amy1057 barb04956
Posted
Hi! Barb,
Don't know if u have seen any of my other replies to others, but here goes. I had bone spur and achilles tendon surgery for a slight tear in March by a poditrist. I was never quite satisfied with my treatment after the surgery. I was never in a cast or boot until the middle of July before that I was completely NWB. I was in the boot the last week of July, walking in my yard, didn't see a hole, stepped in it, heard a loud pop (completely ruptured the tendon this time). Anyway, had an mri to confirm had surgery a week later to repair the tendon and have a tendon transfer. This time an Orthopedic Surgeon (he is one of the best) did it. It has been totally different this time around. I was in a splint the first 2 weeks then had stitches taken out (previous doc left them in for 6 weeks), there was one redness or irritation as observed the 1st time. The only difference is the incision this this time is much longer. I am in a cast which I will be for about 6-8 weeks with it being changed every 2 weeks to change the position of my foot. I will be NWB for 4 1/2 -5 months. After he is done with the cast i will be in as Cam-boot and will begin physical therapy. So far other than i have pain this time, didn't have any the 1st time. Everything has been much better. I felt there was something not right from the first time from the very beginning, but my Doctor then just blew me off. Anyway, all is going great so far and jope u are still doing well.
barb04956 amy1057
Posted
Amy, I am so glad you found the right surgeon this time! I did re-read your previous posts and know how much you have been through. While going through my 2nd surgical recovery this year, I remember some days thinking it was never going to end. But hang in there because the day does come! I was able to do a toe raise at 4 months post-op, I finished physical therapy at the end of June ( 4 months total), and saw my surgeon for a 6-month follow-up about 4 weeks ago. He was extremely pleased, and told me that I can do any type of exercise I want, that the tendon is fully healed and no danger of re-injuring it now.
7 months out, and I have no swelling, and no pain! I have good range of motion, and I walk normally. I have my ankle strength and balance back, thanks to PT, and I can even go down steps like a normal person again. I do not wear high heels ( personal choice), but I can wear shoes with full backs, with straps, or slides, all with no problem. I will go back to see the surgeon al the one-year post-op point, because he likes to follow his patients for a full year.
This time around, I hope you enjoy all the success I've been lucky enough to experience since my redo surgery. Please keep in touch and let me know how you are progressing!
joan30341 cindy74895
Posted
Hi Cindy, I am new to the group. I just happened to find this site as i just recently had surgery on my ruptured achillies . I had surgery on Aug. 2, 2018. I already had my first visit back to my Dr. He says everything looks good. On Aug 29th, i go see him again to get my stiches out and i believe he's giving me a boot to wear. i still won't be able to bear
weight on it. My foot is swollen under the wrapped padding i have.i am trying to elevate it as much i can but, i can't seem to sit still.what else can you suggest i do to keep swelling down?
joan30341 cindy74895
Posted
Hi Everyone & Cindy,
I stumbled upon this site. I am also new to the group and decided to join this group. You see i just had surgery on my Achilles right foot Aug. 2, 2018. I ruptured my tendon. I just had my 2nd Dr. visit and he said everything looks good. I go back Aug 29th,,, to get my stitches out. It's been 10 days and my foot feels swollen. i have been trying to elevate my leg but, i can't seem to sit still. I am useing a knee walker at this time. on the 29th dr. will give me a boot i believe but, i still won't be able to walk. is it normal for the swelling to still be their?
joan30341
Posted
barb04956 joan30341
Posted
Hi Joan,
Have you been keeping your foot elevated higher than the level of your heart? That is crucial to minimizing your swelling. Just putting it up on an ottoman isn't going to do any good. I was on complete foot elevation 22 hrs a day for 19 days after surgery. You can put a cold pack on it (over the dressing) as well for 20 min at a time. A little swelling is normal, but if it bothers you, your dressing may be too tight. I know it's hard to be inactive, but it's really important to successful healing.
This year I wore a boot for 14 weeks and had 4 months of PT, so I know how it feels like the time will never pass. This was my second winter in a row being off my foot for Achilles tendon surgery and I can tell you I thought at times I would go nuts. My 2nd surgeon warned me in advance there were no shortcuts to the recovery, and I had to commit to it. I am so glad now that I did, because I am walking pain- free with normal gait for the first time in 2 years.
Hang in there; this too shall pass!
joan30341 barb04956
Posted
wow..thank you barb..you really encouraged me..i just had this done and it feels like forever already...we never realize what we do..i was putting a floor down in my bathroom and i have knee problems..i actrully
was going to get knee surgery before this happened. But, when i got up from the floor i couldn't use my knees to get up and i ruptured it when i got up on my feet..but, ty for the encouragement
Morne.Patterson cindy74895
Posted
Hi Guys
I ruptured my right Achilles’ tendon 11 weeks back. Doctor decided to to surgery and recover process from there has seen many ups and downs.
I was starting to experience major blood circulation restrictions in my leg causing it to discolor substantially - it was generally a purple color. My Dr got me to start walking without the boot and crutches about 2 weeks ago as he felt this would improve blood flow. It absolutely did and leg is feeling much better.
I’ve got a limp and it’s clear to me that I won’t be able to walk normally until I rebuild strength in my calf muscle. A few nights ago when I was doing semi heel raises I felt a tweak in my Achilles. It’s now painful when I walk or even move my leg into a certain straightened position. It’s a sharp shooting pain and I’ll give it a 7 out of 10 ito pain. I’ve felt the Achilles and it definitely hasn’t ruptured again as it’s still in tact.
Has anybody experienced this type of shooting pain and if so do you have any advice to share? I’m only scheduled to see my Dr again in 3 weeks time.
Regards
Morne Patterson
barb04956 cindy74895
Posted
Hi Morne, if it was me, I would give the surgeon a call instead if waiting 3 weeks. That twinge could signal a tear in the repair, or it could be nothing, but best to let him know. He might want to modify your exercises. In the meantime, don't do any exercise that causes pain. Good luck!
wendy11368 cindy74895
Edited
I had this surgery on December 18, 2018. I fell 1 1/2 weeks while still in the half cast and pulled my foot up and back. I'm in excruciating pain everyday. My surgeon wants to wait 6 more weeks to see if the pain resolves, but it's getting worse instead of better. I feel like I am crippled for life and wish I'd never had the surgery.
patrick61581 wendy11368
Posted
Vit k 2I took it along with vit d k2 will get the calcium where it belongsit helped my foot
patrick61581
Posted
If you don't mind I'll put you on my prayer list
elaine57981 wendy11368
Edited
My pain started in May 2016. I finally went to the doctor in August 2016. I had surgery in April 2017. Since then I'm on my fourth doctor. The third doctor gave me stem cell injections but it only lasted two weeks. They wanted to do surgery again but with no guarantee. A friend suggested I see his doctor and I drove 300 miles round trip to see him. He suggested not having surgery and going with Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT). Every week for four weeks, beginning January 2, 2019, I made the drive and had it done. Since the end of January 2019, I can finally say I'm pain free. The swelling is gone and I have minimal pull of the tendon. He told me continue wearing my night boot to keep stretching the tendon. I'm walking four to six miles a day, without pain, trying to get rid of all the weight I gained while I was in pain.
wendy11368 patrick61581
Posted
Than you!
wendy11368 elaine57981
Posted
Elaine, my ins wont cover that and I cant afford it.