Here’s some helpful information for people who just ruptured their Achilles tendon: Should I go to the Emergency Room or instead go see my doctor (or orthopedic surgeon) as soon as possible? Here is a discussion regarding this topic: Revolutionhealth’s nice article on: How much does it cost for the entire Achilles Tendon Rupture medical care? (With or without health insurance) (Thanks Doc Ross!) How to determine if you have ruptured Achilles: Thompson’s Test: PreOp Patient Education Orthopedic: Achilles Tendon Repair: (Part 1) PreOp Patient Education Orthopedic: Achilles Tendon Repair: (Part 2) 654 Responses to “Just ruptured your Achilles?” vance, on Said: I ruptured my Archilles Tendon on Sat. playing basketball. My Group Health Ortho told me she does not believe in surgery so she casted my leg. She said it would heal the same as surgery. When I have researched online it appears that surgery is the best option. I do lead a very active life and need to return back to work as soon aspossible. My concern is that Group Health is forsaking surgery to cut costs. vance, on Said: Do you heal up quicker with surgery or the nonsurgical cast method? My treatment right now is a cast which will be changed every 4 weeks for 12 weeks, then a walking cast for 8 weeks then a boot for 6 weeks. I need to to anything I can to speed up this process. drew, on Said: Vance I think the tendon generally heals quicker with surgery. A nonsurgical approach is usually followed to avoid some of the possible complications of surgery (sural nerve damage, infection, blood clots). My understanding is that the paitient is generally able to get back to normal activity earlier following surgery. However, I’m sure that your doctor is doing what he or she feels is best for your situation. Doc ross, on Said: Vance You need to read the research on pros and cons to surgery vs. non surgery. Did you have a MRI?…that will seal the deal in my opiinion..complete rupture needs to be repaired surgically. Also Italked with a surgeon and he said if the patient is not very active than non surgical approach is fine but if the individual is young, active and wants to return to running sports than surgery is the way to go. Sounds like you need a second opinion. Sooner the better Doc Ross mbargo, on Said: Vance- I am in the hoopster group as well. I opted for the surgery and feel very confident I made the right choice. As Doc said if you want to get back to highly active life you should look hard at surgery. From everything I have read recovery time is similar if not faster…..when fully recovered chance of rerupture is much less with surgery. With no surgery your tendon works its way back together but it heals with mainly scar tissue. With surgery they use very strong sutures and many say after full healing the tendon is as strong if not stronger. While any surgery has its risks so does not having it. , on Said: vance - You’ll find relevant information here: Also: , on Said: Vance - I believe theincidence of rerupture is much higher for non-surgical patients…something like 20% versus 2-4%. There is some research on that somewhere on this site I believe. I am probably wrong on the numbers but the conclusion is the same. In terms of total time, brendan’s worksheet indicates the time immobile, in a boot, etc. johnk, on Said: Vance, I received the non-surgical treatment and the treatment for me was 10 weeks in cast ( 4, 4 and 2). I am currently at the end of the 2nd phase and due to get my final cast fitted on Thursday 24th at which time I will be able to FWB. As far as I am aware there is no speeding up of the early recovery process, it’s just a sit it out and wait scenario. , on Said: Vance.. Just watched the video of my surgery again. There was a 1-11/2 inch space between the two ends of the achilles tendon…and it was by no means a tendon, just a mess of tissue. I cannot see any way that the two ends will migrate together over that space and be anything resembling a tendon.Wish I could post it..Brendan/Dennis any ideas…its about 20 minutes long. Doc Ross , on Said: Ross - I use a free upload site called Vimeo: You could try to post it here. My guess is that it needs to be compressed a little though. I’m not a video expert, but if you sent me the DVD in the mail, I could probably figure it out….unless there is anyone else on this site who has a better idea? , on Said: Ross - What format is the video in? If it’s on a vhs tape, then it needs to be digitized. So that’s a little tricky and the process can get a bit involved. There are places where they digitize it for you. Probably some places where they develop film, etc.. (maybe some places online where you can send your tape.) If you have a DVD of the surgery, then it’s a bit easier. There’s software out there that can do it. I think VideoReDo Plus is one of them. , on Said: You Tube? , on Said: Doc Ross - If you are on a Mac and your video is on a DVD, you can use HandBrake to get it into digital format.Then you might need to compress it (I think You Tube’s size limit is around 1 gig). You can send it to me if you want, I’ve got all the software - I’m a web designer. I’m curious to see it! vance, on Said: Thank you for all the great info. I have been working with Group Health for a week now to get authorizaton for a 2nd opinion. Alan, on Said: Vance - GET THE SURGERY! I had a doctor recommend the same ot me, but he was old and I think at the end of the day just wasnt comfortable with hte procedure. Your rehab will be much shorter. Also, you’ll notice that all major athletes ge tthe surgery…there is a reas on why. good luck! , on Said: I just ruptured my achilles tendon 3 weeks ago at a gym and I opted with a sport orthopedic surgeon to go non-operative. I am a 40yr very active person myself. I don’t jog or run much but I like working out at the gym (till now of course). I’m in a airboot cast now with a heel lift. I am really bored keeping my leg up watching tv,reading, gameboy,computer, etc. I want to go back to work but I’m out for the summer. I feel so helpless can’t carry anything on crutches unless w/backpack any ideas to cover this thing up so I could swim in a pool? , on Said: april - You might want to check out this section for the cast protectors for swimming: keith, on Said: I ruptured mine two days ago playing ball with the kids. I researched it and went to the ER for verification. The doc admited that he didn’t have a ton of experience with this type of injury but after a Thompson test and an ultrasound, verified my self-diagnosis of an ATR. He then made a call and I’m scheduled for Sugery Thursday (ATR 5days). After reading some of the great posts here, I’ve decided to get a second opion re surgery. A generic diagnosis and surgery call by a doc with no real experience with this injury just doesn’t work for me! I’m sure he is a great doctor but I need to be sure for myself here. Jim, on Said: Keith, Did you ever see and orthopedist, or just theER doc? The ER doc may have called the ortho doc and scheduled your surgery, but the ER doc won’t be doing the surgery. I would want to meed the guy cutting me before I had surgery. keith, on Said: Jim, I called another emerg to see if they had an ortho on call. Spent most of Canada Day waiting but yes, I did get to speak with a specialist. he gave me some good feeback and I opted for the non-surgical approach. I left with an aircast to hold me over for a few days and I got my leg cast on yesterday. needless to say, I cancelled the schedule surgery that the first emerg booked for me. I can’t beleive that I actually miss the aircast! I see the ortho again July 14 Christine, on Said: Anyone here had a Partially ruptured achilles? Doc said it is only a partial rupture where the tendon meets the calf muscle…..No sugery….just rest and an boot cast for 3-4 weeks. He isn’t even talking about Physical Therapy yet and I am very active. I don’t want to heal so tight that I can’t get back to mysports and running soon. Jonathan, on Said: I’ve just ruptured my achilles while rugby training, no contact, just snapped. Ortho has recommended me non-surgical, 6 weeks in a cast, being changed every 2 weeks to raise my toes. Can I go back to being as active as before (rugby, squash, jogging etc, or do I have to resign myself to the rugby retirement home at 32 years old? I have come back to work as I have a desk job after 6 days. johnk, on Said: Jonathan, I personally see no reason in returning to your sport, but like us all it is down to what you put in at the PT on the return trail. The recovery time for non surgical and surgical is similar i.e. 12 months. I am currently 5 months 2 weeks after non-surgery, 10 weeks in plaster, and still to start running again, although cycling is not an issue. Log on for a blog and shre your progress/story with us all. Johnk Jonathan, on Said: Cheers johnk, I will try and sort out a blog, although gutted that I won’t be running for 6 months atleast. Ah well, nowt I can do about it now. Jon karen reynolds, on Said: Hi guys I was dancing at a friends birthday party when it felt like someone had jumped on the back of my ankle. I felp a pop and my leg just collapsed. The pain was intense. I hobbled to accident and emergency (uk) and they told me I had “probably” torn the soleus muscle and was sent home with nothing not even painkillers. I couldnt sleep for the pain. I went to my doctor two days later and she didnt examine it as she had the doctors report from the hospital, told me to elevate and rest and gave me painkillers. Now 4 weeks on the pain and swelling isnt getting any easier. I can feel a gap in the tendon just above the heel, I can flex my foot upwards with difficulty and pain. I am worried now that it may be too late for treatment and the damage will be permanent. Any advice you could give me would be grately appreciated, jacksprat, on Said: Hi Karen, you must have a test for an ATR as soon as possible. I would goto hospital and get it done now. Phone the NHS Direct helpline now (0845-4647 they diagnosed my ATR and sent me to hospital). It sounds like you have had some poor treatment. A normall achilles is well defined so the fact you can feel a gap (I assume no gap on the other?) doesnt sound good. Get an ATR inspection ASAP and let us know how it goes. Elevate your leg and put cold packs on it (ice bag/frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel can work well) and rest it. Im sorry you are having such a rough time and hope it goes well. Its never too late, so get on the phone now. Good luck! Darek, on Said: I don’t understand the non-surgical approach. How does a complete rupture heal? I had a complete rupture on APril 17th playing basketball. I am 26 years old. I had the surgery on April 24th, and had a splint on and no weight bearing for 6 weeks after surgery. I moved to a walking boot with partial weight bearing, with or without crutches. Whatever I was comfortable with. I started PT during thistime also. My range of motion was pretty good, so I primarily worked on strengthening my leg. Now a full 3 months out, on July 24th, I am walking with no pain or swelling. I am in a regular shoe. I am on target. THe doctor said it was a 4 month process. SO now its up to me to get my leg back into shape. I Darek, on Said: I also monitored NBA player Elton Brand. He ruptured his completely in August 2007. He was back to practice with his team 5 months later in late January 2008. He was cleared to play in real games in April of 2008. A total of 8 months between the injury and his return. I just don’t see how this would heal on its own without surgery. If there is a huge gap, it is not going to magically jump back together. If it does I would think it would easily rupture again! Doc Ross, on Said: Darek, I can shed some light on the nonsurgical approach. Around every tendon there is a sheath, a covering that encloses the tendon, that helps to bind the tendon. With ATRs the sheath isusually intact and lets the tendon heal within the confines of it. This apporach leads to a scar tissue formation that is haphazard in alignment, think big knot, that can lead to other problems in the future….bursitis, tendonitis. It is important with non-surgical treatment to adhere to a strick PT protocol and to continue with it for a year. I had my surgery videotaped and you can see the sheath being cut prior to repair. There was a gap of 2 inches, too long for me to allow a non-surgical approach. Let me know if you have any questions. Doc Ross , on Said: Week 9 - Non-surgurical Hello, again everyone. This site is great with so many suggestions. I am now at the point in my recovery that I am starting to take off my boot twice a day stretching and walking good foot first for about 5-8 min. each time with crutches. I’m not quit able to roll my ATR foot into walking form yet, tendon too weak feeling and shakey. So half step for now as per physio directions. Swelling down alot over theweeks. Still have to put foot up alot but normal I`ve been told. Getting around more sure helps with feeling caged. I sure would love to hear any other non-surgical recoveries. Angel, on Said: I have a huge question. I go for an MRI on Friday to find out how bad my tendon is. They think it is fully ruptured. My question though is can I move my foot or toes with it being fully ruptured? I don’t understand anything about this and I have researched it so much. All I know is my heal burns sooo bad and my calf throbs and I’m in a cast until my MRI. When I injured it I heard and felt it snap. annieh, on Said: Angel, I had a complete rupture as big as it gets said the Surgeon and I walked around for a few weeks before I had the operation. I was not and still cannot lift up onto my toes but was always able to flex the foot left, right and up and down. I have had terrible problems with heel pain right through until just recently you may have to learn to live with it. It was worse at night anddid keep me awake. Need any more information, create your own blog, you will find there is always someone on this site who is able to help and support you through the long process of healing. Good luck Annie Angel, on Said: Annie, Thank you so much for that info. That is what I was afraid of. Oh well it has been done and no reason not to still smile and get over it and learn to live with what comes. Good luck with yours and thank you again. karen reynolds, on Said: Hi Guys Thank you for your reply jacksprat. Sorry I havnt been able to get back in touch but have been through hell and back with my tendon injury. Yes!!! it was finally diagnosed exactly 4 weeks after it happened. I had to go back to A&E because the swelling and pain were inbearable. I was in fracture clinic the next day and in surgery the day after that. I am now 4 weeks post op and they are slowly bringing my foot uo to 90 degrees. Another 4 weeks and I should be in a boot. Just wanted to tell everyone that if you suspectyou have an achilles tendon rupture then please dont be fobbed off by medics who say stupid things like torn muscles etc. Leaving my injury for 4 weeks means that my recovery is going to be much longer (casted for up to 16 weeks) and more difficult. I am in the process of suing the hospital as it was clearly medical negligence and i will let you know how i get on with that and if you decide you want to do the same then feel free to e-mail me @kazbat05@hotmail.co.uk. Anyways just in case anyone is interested i will continue to post my progress. good luck every one kaz xx , on Said: Hi all, Found this site doing some research into rehab. I snapped my achilles tendon three weeks ago warming up for kendo (I was doing some small hops back and forth). Classic case - 40yo male weekend warrior, left leg, recent increase in activity, felt like bat across back of leg then “crack” everyone heard it go. I went down like a sack of spuds, screaming WTF (the three letter acronym described in FAQ).Got taken straight to ER, passed Thompson test, then decided to see my own othopod. He slotted me in next morning, confirmed the snap, explained pros and cons of surgery/nonsurgery (I focused on better quality healing outcome), put me on the end of his list and operated that afternoon so less than 24 hours after injury. I’ve had a plaster cast for a week, then replaced with a fibreglass one for the next five weeks, crutches, no weight bearing. Don’t know yet what happens after that. I have not missed a day of work, have leg propped on another chair. Its not above the heart, so swells up a bit. I put it up as soon as I get home for next 12 hours. And all weekend. Hope this is ok. Got a shower chair and camode chair. Got a watertight showerbag which has a rubber gasket seal around the thigh, its great. cheers Adrian Rovena, on Said: Hey there, I found this site looking for some info on recovery. Snapped archilles just over 12 weeks ago playing netball, but looking back I think it wasbuilding up over a few years running without warming up. Had surgery too. Looking for some excercises to get more mobile and want to know how can doctors tell it’s all fixed just by squeezing my calf!! I’m very paranoid now!! Rovena Mike, on Said: I had a chainsaw accident 3 days ago and took my achilles and the fibula out. Since i have taken about 3 cm of tendon out of my foot - is the recovery process similar to that of ATR? annieh, on Said: Oh good grief, what a horrible, horrible accident. Not sure about the time scale but I would have thought it would be about the same, but I really wish you well. Annie , on Said: Mike I am amased that its only 3 days… and you have the courage to surf the web… after such an accident….. its it like an ATR… no idea… what do the doctors say ? , on Said: Where and when do I take the club oathe? Thank you sir may I have another. I was in AZ playing pickle ball with seniors when mine snapped. Talk about embarrassing, as I’m 42yrs old. I wanted to wisheveryone a quick n speedy recovery, and to also say thanks for all the useful information as well. Cheers! Craigar Seattle, WA PaulT, on Said: Hi all, Great blog site! I ruptured by achilles tendon 1 week ago today, had surgery 2 days later and now trying to adjust to a sedentary lifestle that I’m really not used to. I am paranoid about rupturing the tendon on my other foot now - both feet have been subjected to the same activity and stresses over my life. Has anyone out there had both achilles tendons rupture? I hav a million questions but will browse off of these blogs as I’m sure the answers are in there somewhere… Cheers, Paul from Perth, Australia. jonathan9, on Said: Hi Paul, We were all in the same boat when we had out ATRs. Don’t feel that you can’t ask even stupid questions on anything on this site. Everyone on here is really supportive and will try and offer their assistance as treatments and recoveries differ from person to person. Hang in there bud. Jon Pete, on Said: Iruptured my achilles tendon on Wednesday (today is Friday). I’m 28, very active and definitely want to have this repaired surgically (I have no movement or strength in the foot). I am going to see the doc on Wednesday (one week after the trauma), and his OR day is Friday (I am hopeful he can get me in that soon). My question is this- if I have to wait longer than one week and two days for the surgery, am I increasing any risks for failure? maestro, on Said: I would guess that the sooner the better. There are several others on the site here who had their surgery delayed for one reason or another. I believe you should be okay. I had my surgery 14 days after my rupture. Check the blogs here I am sure you will get some of your questions answered. There are doctors and nurses here as well as all the others suffering from ATR. You can read my story —> JasonK, on Said: I was told by my doctor that the reason I or any of his other ATR patients are rushed into surgery (within a week of injury)is that the longer you wait the greater risk that your tendon will roll up into your calf. Consequently he would have to cut you open further to retrieve the tendon and the recovery becomes a little more difficult. PaulT, on Said: Well, nearly 2 weeks have passed since the rupture. Things I have learnt: 1. Don’t overdo things in these two weeks. I was out shopping in crowded grocery stores (in a wheelchair with a raised leg), at a Halloween party and various other social events and climbing flights of stairs in those first few days after surgery - all of which really hurt my leg and put me at risk of a fall. After taking it easy at home with my leg elevated the last 5 days the pain and swelling in my leg had improved markedly. 2. Set us the house so you can move objects around easily without using your hands. I have a trolley (an old TV stand with wheels) with two ropes tied on to it - one going to the kitchen, the other going to the couch. I make a cup of coffee, stick it on thetrolley, then crutch back to the couch, where I pull the trolley to my position via the rope. 3. Working from home (if possible) is great. I get so much more productive work done compared with going into the office, all from the comfort of my couch. If you’re an office worker all you need are a laptop computer, internet connection, a phone and an understanding boss! 4. Tighten the boot as it loosens due to calf muscle wasteage. As you don’t use your leg muscles, the calf quickly shrinks and the boot became loose, which was painful for the area of my surgery when it moved around. Tightening up the velcro straps on the boot really helped. 5. In some ways this experience has forced me to slow my life down and appreciate the family and friends around me, relax and read a book. In normal life I would have seen sitting down on the couch as a complete waste of time when I could be out there doing something. But relaxing is enjoyable. Cheers, Paul, Australia. despina, on Said: PaulT, So niceto have another aussie on board - well, as nice as it can be when we’ve all torn our achilles. To anyone worried about making a full recovery because their surgery was delayed 2, 4 weeks or even longer, I’ll just repeat the advice my surgeon gave me when he saw me for the first time, about 8 weeks after my injury: you wil get to 100% eventually; it will just take a longer than the average. Of course, while I’d really like to take his word for it, I’m going to wait a year before deciding whether or not to believe him. I really don’t like to not trust doctors 100%, but given that my general practitioner (what do you call them in the US? primary health provider?) and the physical therapist (physio to an aussie) he sent me to decided that it was just a minor tear that could be healed fully: a. without a boot (they recommended that I wear supportive, high heels - I’m not kidding); b. with physical therapy twice a week;and c. daily exercises, when in fact I was rehabilitating just a fewstrands of achilles that after 8 weeks snapped off completely when I rolled my ankle when walking across a busy New York City street, I am always, always going to seek a second opinion if I ever injure myself / have cause for health concerns, again. Also, I note that karen is in the process of suing the medical practitioners who treated her in the first instance, as her surgery was delayed 4 weeks from injury. I’m a litigator and so don’t think that the thought hasn’t crossed my mind, but, trying to focus on my recovery, I’m just so unwilling to seek advice on it. That said, I can’t say I’m not reconsidering. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Hector, on Said: Hello everyone, I ruptured my achilles playing basketball on the 19th of October. I was unable to get immediate surgery done on the injury. My surgery date was the 31st of October. I was placed in a cast till Thursday the 6th of November. After six days in a cast my doctor said I was healing nicely. Based on that and thelevel of fitness I was at previously, I was scheduled for immediate rehabilitation. Unfortunately the soonest appointment is the 12th of November. However he gave me a few simple exercises to perform till then. So far so good, my range of motion has definately improved and I feel little to no pain. I am anxiously awaiting my first day of real therapy. fleaster, on Said: Hi all, well I just ruptured my achilles tendon playing gridiron on the 8th Nov - pretty much went to the ER straight away then had surgery to reattach the next day… Now am sitting with my leg up in a Cast on day 2 after surgery Pain’s alot better, but still getting used to those Clexane/anti-clotting injections :p …something occurred to me tho as to how it all happened - I was wearing ankle braces during the game, and am wondering if they were too tight and high up, so that my calf movements were restricted (thus making my achilles overcompensate).. anyone got any thoughts? , on Said: fleaster - were you runningbackwards at all? that’s how I ruptured my achilles. fleaster, on Said: Hey Dennis, yeah I was playing cornerback at the time, so I was backpedalling, then planted a foot to stop, but when I pushed off I felt my achilles give out… Ironically i was having tedonitis in my LEFT achilles before, but had never had some much of a twinge in my RIGHT one - but this is the one that ruptured… which is scarey, cause i could never see it coming… Rerupture, on Said: I just ruptured my left leg. My first achilles rupture ocurred a year ago but to my right leg. It is hard to be patient about the recent injury! Jessica, on Said: Wow for a second I thought I was reading my own posting. I too have suffered two achilles ruptures. My right one on Oct 1/07 and the left one Oct. 25/08. Both playing basketball… I feel your pain and frustration literally! Jessica, on Said: This is so weird to read everyone’s postings because your story is SO similar to mine. My first achilles hurt before I ruptured it butthen a little over a year later I was back peddling on defense (basketball) and pushed off to go forward and POP! I ruptured the other one I’m five weeks off surgery now and not looking forward to the long road ahead, that we both know all too well. Ocall, on Said: I ruptured my AT on November 12, 2008 while playing soccer. I heard and felt the snap and I knew immediately what had happened. My surgery was on November 25, 2008. My doctor told me that my tear was not horizontal but more like diagonal - so it took him a little longer to repair it. They removed my sutures on December 11, 2008 and put me on the walking boot. I am scheduled to start my PT after my next appt. on January 8, 2008. In the meantime, I am doing exercises to get the blood flowing - moving my ankle back and forth…BTW - I admire people who decide to go back to work while recuperating from this injury. I would be affraid of a rerupture during my daily commute… michaeluk1, on Said: I ruptured my AT on 18 September, 5days before my new son was born. It was not diagnosed until 28 October! A sad reflection on the UK public health system. I had AT reconstruction on 29 November including, because of the delay, borrowing a tendon from my foot (flexor hallucis longus). Wound breakdown and infection set in around 2 weeks following surgery meaning that my cast was removed and replaced every week to change the dressing. Have been on oral anitbiotics almost constantly since then. Into walking boot on 6 January. Readmitted to hospital 15 January for intravenus anitbiotics. Infection clearing slowly. Hopefully start some physio in another 2 weeks. It has been a slow and painful journey so far! Landyzner, on Said: Surgery to repair a completely ruptured tendon took place on 12/23/08. I am a 58 year old female who has never had an injury in her life. This journey is and has been an eye opening experience. Never again will I underestimate those whose mobility is impaired in any way. I live in a home whosebedrooms are UPSTAIRS. The demands placed on my family to assist me in dressing (couldn’t get the pants over my toes while wearing the fiberglass cast which went to my upper thigh); to provide me with enough food for the day (it seems my appetite worked only too well- I will have to remedy that as well as my tendon) and bathing (from a sink) required ready supplies and towels. They have been selfless in their care. I have trouble adapting to the lack of mobility. I am now in a cam boot, 6 weeks post surgery, still no weight bearing with inflammation each evening. Anyone else inflammed at night? Also, the early exercise everyone refers to- what form of exercise do you refer to? landlockedtxn, on Said: Please tell me this gets better….I have had a problem with achilles tendonitis for about 5-6 years, kept getting worse and worse went to the ortho, he referred me to an ortho who specializes in foot/ankle/achilles tendons…scheduled an elective repair to debride the tendon and heel, and loand behold, before we could have surgery done, I tripped over an object in the floor and ruptured it. I have not ever felt such pain like this….am now 7 weeks post op, in a boot, physical therapy, one crutch, weight bear to tolerance… I am at a point where I feel this will not ever get better, but that is not the case, am better now than i was before rupture…. Any words of wisdom, advice, etc? Could really use some at this point….thx , on Said: landlockedtxn - It’ll get better, just be patient. My advice would be to read blogs of all the others who are ahead of you in the recovery to get a sense of what to expect in the future. Start a blog and share your recovery story. We all understand some of what you are going through. landlockedtxn, on Said: thanks, Dennis…. appreciate the words of wisdom….after surfing and reading this site and others, I realize how blessed I am to have two great orthopedists and that I didnt wait and see…. My main frustration is no house cleaning, no groceryshopping, hubby is doing a fine job, but I am at that point where I feel much better, just limited on motion. My surgeon is one of the let’s not let the tendon get stiff believers, while the doc i work for is one of those let’s wait til 8-12 wks are past with a cast/boot/nwb…lots of confusion abounds… However with that being said, I have noticed on other blogs, the longer you wait, it seems the harder the recovery is…so I am glad I am getting to move a little more…and I realize it depends on the injury as well. I didnt rip the tendon in two pieces, I ripped 90% of it out of the bone in one piece with the other 10%still attached…surgeon removed the bone spur, debrided the tendon, used a suture bridge to reanchor…and here we are….. jason steele, on Said: If it is torn or ruptured get the surgery and do the rehab. You will be back 100%. Rehab is just as important if not more important then the surgery. Do The Rehab! KellyU, on Said: Hey Now, I am one week post op. A complete ruptureplaying squash. I thought my playing partner had hammered me hard with his racquet. Ouch did it hurt. If anyone our there is non weight bearing, you must rent or buy a knee caddy. This device has made my life significantly easier. (and easier on my girlfriend) I was even able to grocery shop with ease. If you can find one with a basket attachment get it. These litlle buggies are a must!! Cheersand heal well KellyU Lenny, on Said: Ah Yea!!! I’m three weeks post op and doing fairly well. Yesterday I was on the knee scooter and it slipped from under me and I stupidly used my bad leg to break my fall (full weight) but with cast. It hurt like HELL and very scary. Hopefully nothing happened. I called my P.A and he said not to worry if my cast didn’t break and I’m not in pain. Reminder, take it slow and carefully. The scooter is great but almost too fun because you can cruise fast down hills and at the gym.. BE CAREFUL!!!! If anyone wants to talk one on one let me know. Good luck on theprogress, LEN Ocall, on Said: landlockedtxn, all I can tell you is to be patient. I am 13 week post-op and little by little I am starting to feel better. I wore the boot, full-weight bearing for about 8 weeks. I began wearing sneakers then and I am now starting to get used to dress shoes. I am attending PT, which I think is essential for complete recovery. I still walk with a little limp but I can feel my range of motion is improving by the day. Not everything is perfect though as I still deal with pain on occasion. Make sure you follow your doctor’s orders and make sure you go to Physical Therapy. You will be fine. landlockedtxn, on Said: Ocall, thanks for your resopnse….patience is the name of the game right now..Am glad to hear it gets better. This past weekend was very frustrating.. Am 8 weeks post op…PT is addicting cause it always feels better afterwards, and I have home exercises as well… Am in two shoes one half a day with an achillotrain brace well worth the money….It makes mefeel like I can conquer the world and then reality sets in…seems like I can only do a little then the soreness, tiredness set in…but with that said, I am at least upright, on two feet without crutches unless I have to go outside for something..am taking it day by day right now…I see a small, small, light at the end of the tunnel… How did you tear yours? , on Said: I am nearly 12 weeks post op and have just begun to wear regular sneakers. I limp when I walk too fast and heel burn/discomfort comes when on my foot for more than an hour. I would appreciate any info or past experience from anyone who has had a ruptured achilles tendon before. Ocall, on Said: landlockedtxn, Hello again. I hope everything is well with you and that you continue to feel better. I ruptured my AT playing soccer. I jumped for the ball and as soon as my left leg left the ground I heard the “pop”, sounded like a gunshot actually. I knew right away what had happened, luckily, the pain only lasted that one day. Itdidn’t hurt afterwards. You are right about PT. I do feel a lot better after my sessions. Right now I am going twice a week and I am starting to focus more on weight training to build my leg muscles back up. Make sure you keep doing your home exercises, they really help. keep us informed of how your rehab is going…just remember that there are going to be good days and bad days…don’t get depressed! , on Said: How much effect does the achilles tendon play in plantar fasciitis? My podiatrist says all the pain is caused from the tight achilles tendon, is it true. MoPo, on Said: I was playing Netball in Jersey and ruptured AT on 28th Feb, surgery was suggested, but i had to travel back home on a plane on the 2nd March. went to A & E at home and I now have to see the consultant on the 4th to see if I want the surgery, if it’s a partial rupture do i select the non operative method. I’m in a quandry? KellyU, on Said: Three weeks PO. Does anyone have input on early weight bearing? I am eager totry, but my surgeon advises not. From what I have read, all studies indicate a swifter recovery which equals better quality of life. I have heard of full weight bearing by week 3 and returning to competitve sports by month 5. Additionally, there is no evidence of higher incidence of rerupture. So why wouldn’t we all start earlier? Cathycar, on Said: I had Achilles Tendon transfer surgery on Jan 26, 2009. At week 5, I was able to puit 50% of my weight on my injured foot. My doctor is not very forthcoming with his “plan” for my recovery and I don’t feel I am getting one story from him. Can anyone tell me what I should really expect? I just want to know when I’ll be able to drop my crutches. Frustrated! creaky, on Said: I think everyone recovers at thrir own pace and Doctors take a diferrent approach. Some are more conservative than others. That being said, I had Achillies Surgery that required a tendon transfer on Jan 2, 2009. I was NWB until Feb 12. ( 6 long weeks). I transitioned toFWB (still in theboot) two weeks later Feb 26. I’ve been walking w/o the crutches since then. I don’t start PT until Mar 13. I think I should be in 2 Shoes 2 weeks from then. I’ve finally gotten over my paranoia of standing in the shower bootless and while I feel some pain in the heel it is getting better. I think we all have to get a grip on the length of time these things take to heat properly. I hope this helps. iowajim, on Said: I’m partial weight bearing(50%) at 6 weeks postop. I just take things easy and slow, but still try extra weight on the ankle, stretching, and toning on my own. Standing in the shower without a boot, walk around the house without the boot on crutches to lightly stretch the achilles. My philosopy is to listen to your body, it will tell you when you are ready for more. If it hurts back off. Remember you can’t eat an elephant in one bite. iowajim, on Said: Kelly, My best advise is listen to your body and what it’s telling you. Of course you want to try weightbearing, just remember if it hurts back off a bit. My doc hasn’t told me anything I didn’t think I wasn’t more than ready for by my own light testing etc. Listen to your body and remember you can’t eat an elephant in one bite. cathycar, on Said: Thanks for your responses - they’ve helped. I did get my PT to talk to me some about the typical protocol. He said I could be FWB at 6 weeks and get moved out of the boot by 8 weeks, or he may keep me in the boot for another 4 weeks. So he doesn’t even know. I’m going to talk to the doctor on MOnday - I hope to know what to expect. Thanks again. MoPo, on Said: I’ve chose not to have an operation. i’m in a cast and have been for two week. any advise……i have even attended work. where i get total rest for my leg all day. Lenny, on Said: MoPo, Was it a partial tear or full? If it was full then you probably should have gotten the surgery, that is if you want a strong achilles. No surgery means no true connection of the achilles and a lot of scartissue as well as longer stretched achilles (less strength). Also rerupture rates are upwards of 20% (no surgery) VS 2-4% AFTER surgery. I’m 1.5 months post op now and am starting to walk again. I’m glad I got it done. If you are active then getting surgery is the best option for optimal recovery results. It’s a no brainer MoPo, on Said: i presume it a partial tear, it was the registrar that stated that it might be better to go for the non sergical route first. he stated that we could always review this in two weeks when i have the first cast off. as he will then have a better view of how bad/good the rupture is. Does that make sense to anyone..Please let me know. if it is only a partial rupture then it should heal fast. shouldn’t it. matthew, on Said: mopo. Here’s what my doc told me. He goes the surgery route on all full 100% tears and goes non-surgical on all partial tears even if its 95% torn. that if it is partially torn most of the tendon should reconnect with full tears surgeryis the best way to go. from what i understand the conservative treatment keeps you NWB longer in he beginning but after a few months you are caught up. hope this helps Lenny, on Said: Mopo, I’m suprised you don’t know if it is partial or full rupture. Thompson test would tell you also and MRI would be a positive confirmation. You are wasting time in a cast if it is fully ruptured. I would definitely be more proactive in your care. Also, Partial ruptures don’t heal faster than surgical… and they don’t heal stronger, this is for sure…. Bestof Luck. LEN jack, on Said: Hello fellow ATRs I torn my AT on feb.14 (nice valentines….). Surgery on the 20th. Front slab till apr. 3 walking boot with wedges since. which leads me to my 2 Qs 1.when can I safely ditch my walking sticks? 2. I’ve been sleeping with my boot off (sounds creepy) is this ok? thanks and cheers fellow ATR ps sorry for any blog breeches of protocol, as I am a blogger 101 (aka newbie) Glen, on Said: Hello everyone, Surgery willdefinately speed the healing process up. I was in a cast for 4 weeks, walking cast for 2 weeks, boot for 2 weeks then back into shoes. So in two months I was back in shoes. Walked with a limp for awhile, but therapy took care of that. Just came up on 7 months post OP. All is well. Good luck Glen Glen, on Said: Jack, I slept with my boot off. If you get up in the middle of the night, make sure you put your boot on. Yes it’s a pain, but you have to do it. Makes you think a little more as you get out of bed. Take it slow. Take care Glen Glen, on Said: I’m 8 months Post OP. I’m glad I had the surgery. Seems that a non surgical process takes much longer. 2 months after surgery I was back in shoes. 4 weeks cast no weight. 2 weeks full weight bearing walking cast. 2 weeks walking boot. PT for 4 weeks. Today I feel great. ric, on Said: I’ve partially ruptured my achilles 50% torn near the top. I did it on a friday. Finally got seen at the hospital on Tuesday, they gave me a moon boot and toldbe I can go back to work today. Does this fit with what others have been told? Marianne, on Said: Ric - when I first ruptured, I was allowed to be FWB (full weight bearing) with the boot, as necessary (picking up our baby), until my surgery - my doc said I couldn’t really hurt it anymore than it was, but to use crutches and stay off of it as much as possible, Ice, evevation, etc to get swelling down prior to surgery. Are you having the surgery or going the non-operative route? ric, on Said: Hi Marianne I’m going non operative. I’ve spoke to four doctors and the only one strongly for surgery was the youngest and charging 3x the going rate for an op I wasn’t aware surgery was so common until coming on here. I have my foot on my desk at work and get a taxi home. And as far as I know I keep the air-boot on for24 hours during the next 2 weeks and then I can start taking it off at night. At 6 weeks I take the boot off. I’m using crutches and putting no weight on it during this time. Then Istart physio. It seems less complicated then anything else I’ve read on here. I hope it works Lucy, on Said: Hello all, I think I ruptured my achilles today - jumping rope for a little exerscise - HA! anyway, I felt the pop and pain, but not really like described here. I didn’t go to the ER (swine flu, no insurance due to recent job lay off), but I can drive, put weight on it and it really just feels like a sore calf, like when you work out and it’s sore. I can’t walk normally, but if I bend my knees and walk I can walk pretty normally. I’m trying to figure out if I really did rupture it or just strech/pull it because it sounds to me from these posts like if it really did rupture, I’d be pretty incapacitated. Any thoughts from anyone? Thanks, any input is greatly appreciated. annieh, on Said: Lucy, sounds like a rupture to me. Can you lift your heel off the ground onto your toes on the bad leg, if not you need to see a doctor sooner rather than later. I was able to walk on my leg fornearly 3 weeks before finally getting treatment. Don’t leave it. It will not go away on its own…. Annie Sandy, on Said: Lucy get it checked out. If it’s not bad they may be able to do therapy. But if you wait it may turn into a nightmare!!! , on Said: recovering from complete rupture and 12 weeks post op -right leg At what point can one resume driving and when does one stop using the boot Toes feel numb at times and the foot has an ‘odd feeling’ at times. pins and needles feeling and just different than the other leg. Is this a common thing? Still working with PT and the boot is at 2.5 on the plus side for position An, on Said: I just recently ruptured my achilles tendon 3 weeks ago playing basketball and had ATR surgery two days later. Currently I have been in cast (the sweetest purple cast ever) for about a week and am told I would be in a boot in the third week. I’m only 20 years old and this couldn’t have occurred at the worst time. For the entire year I have had a two monthbackpacking trip in Europe booked a week for after my college graduation this June. The ortho already said it was probably not realistic to be able to do such strenuous walking in only 6 weeks after having surgery. I figure I’m young and I would go anyways and just would be cautious and take it easy. Plus I’ve always been very active, play sports and been an avid runner. However as the time nears I’m not so sure if this would be the smartest decision. I don’t want to risk re-injuring it while abroad or risk long term complications. I already have my plane/train tickets booked. I don’t know what to do but I have to tell my travel buddy soon whether I’m canceling or not. I have my heart set on it and am pretty torn, not to mention just extremely frustrated with this injury in general. However everyone I’ve talked has stressed the fact that rehabilitation is key to an injury like this. Realistically, what would be best for me? bennet, on Said: An - Really sorry to hear about yourbackpacking trip to Europe. I would really talk to several Physical Therapists and get their take on this. Anyway you can delay for another month and go in August-September? , on Said: An - You should really speak to your doctor, but it’s probably best to postpone your trip if you plan on doing a lot of walking. 6 weeks isn’t enough time for a backpacking trip. Sorry to hear about the injury/bad timing. sarina, on Said: 50 year old active thin female.. injured achilles area playing tennis 5 weeks ago. Little to no pain, iced for 3 days, had dr. look at it.. he said nothing was broken or likely torn.. to use crutches for a few days.. I have been able to stand on foot since day one.. and after 2 days could go on toes.. just can’t balance on just that foots toes yet… no pain, just alittle swelling in foot base if I work on my feet for more than 3 hours.. but its not completely healed.. and I am going on week 6.. does it sound like if I take care for another few weeks, it is healing wellwithout surgery… or do you all suggest I get an MRI since its week 7 and I still walk with alittle bit of a limp…? thankyou chris, on Said: while at work i stepped down to a lower step on a locomotive engine when my calf gave out. the ultra sound showed no DVT, so they diagnosed me with a ruptured achilles tendon. but the pain is in my calf not my heel. i can stand on it can walk on it with pain for very short strides. i even tried to go fom flat foot to tip toes but cant even get the foot to move up. is this a problem anyone here has experinnced? ep1977, on Said: Chris I am a locomotive engineer and because of the climbing up and down and walking on uneven ground my doctor still hasen’t cleared me to work and it’s been 12 weeks. Good Luck berns, on Said: What does ‘active’ mean (in considering surgery or not?). I ruptured my achilles a week and a half ago playing netball, the doctor at A & E said that surgery wasn’t an option because I’m not an athlete. The orthopaedic guy (who spenta whole 5 mins with me) gave me surgery as an option but didn’t advise either way. The thought of surgery made me feel ill so I opted for a cast. BUT - now that I’m reading this site I’m questioning my decision. I’m 36 and fairly active (play netball, tennis, jog, gym, pilates). I intend to give up the more jarring sports after this, but what does ‘active’ mean? Am I likely to re-rupture if I plan to do more hiking, walking and gym once I’m recovered? Should I be considering the surgery option? Is the surgery really horrible? Do they tend to operate under general anaesthetic? Any advice? Thanks, Berni Allison, on Said: Hi Berni, I ruptured mine on May 21st while playing softball. ( I wanted to play like I was 12 , but my body reminded me that I am actually 34 and should know better, haha) I had my surgery on May 28. It was not bad at all. I was under general anastesia, and a bit groggy when I got home, but I am back at work (at my desk job) and now am in this cast for another 3 1/2weeks. But so far, I have had no complaints about having the surgery. I just can not wait to get off the crutches! berns, on Said: Hi Alison, hmmm - you know I never really thought that 30’s was old - but, you’re right, we’re certainly not 12 anymore I had a good chat with my orthopaedic surgeon and we’ve come to a compromise: he’s going to do an ultrasound next week, and if my tendon is knitting well, we’re going to continue with the conservative treatment, and if not, he’ll operate. I’ve done lots of research in the medical and sports science journals and it seems to be 6 of one, half a dozen of the other. I also can’t wait to get this cast off. I hate not being able to drive and having to be so dependent on other people. My friends tell me I’m learning a good lesson, ugh! Good luck, 3 weeks isn’t long to go. Berni Allison, on Said: Hi Berni, you are right, 3 weeks is not long to go, I should keep things in perspective. But as I am sure you probably understand, it seems like foreverwith a cast and crutches!!! I also do not know what is going to happen at that point, if I get another fashionable fiberglass cast, or something else. I can not wait to get this one off!! I agree it is a difficult adjustment to depend on others to do things that used to be so simple. (maybe this is a hint I need to slow down ” smell the roses” haha) Too bad that can’t be done on the beach!! lol I hope everything goes well with your ultrasound next week and everything is healing well. If you do end up having the surgery, it is a piece of cake!! I checked in an hour prior to surgery, and was home 4 hours later with a good movie! Take care. Happy Friday! Allison Ocall, on Said: Hello Berni - I was reading your story and I definitely suggest you have surgery, specially if you consider yourself an “active” person. I ruptured mine last year (11/12/08) and when it was confirmed that my AT was torn, I knew that surgery was the only way to go. I also consider myself to be a very active personand knew that surgery would give me a better chance to heal better and allow me to practice sports again. So far, no complaints, I was jogging 3 1/2 months after surgery. I am going to the gym every day now, I am increasing the speed in the treadmill little by little and somedays, I forget that I had this terrible injury. There is still some stiffness in the mornings but once I start walking, that is gone. Berni - in the end, it is your decision but I tell you, surgery I think is the best way to go. Let me know how it goes man! Good luck! Allison, on Said: Hi Berni, did you have your ultrasound yet? How did it go? Allison [WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ‘0 which is not a hashcash value. Tina, on Said: Ruptured my AT 2 weeks ago playing netball and had surgery the next day to reattach. Last Thursday the Doc put me in a walking boot as i looked “trustworthy” not to put my foot down. Have to see him in 4 weeks time but has warned me not to weight bear for that time or i willrerupture. I have read here that everyone was in a cast for approx 8 weeks before going into a walking boot. Should i still be in a cast?? Will this hamper my recovery??? SalW, on Said: Tina - that doctor’s phrasing sounds remarkably familiar - wonder if we are being treated by the same doctor…. Tina, on Said: SalW - If you’re an Aussie, we could be!! I don’t know what happens after the four weeks, what have you been told. How is your leg going in the walking boot? rho1372, on Said: I’m now at 22 weeks post-op. I’m able to walk and function however I am a bit concerned about internal scar tissue. If I plantar flex, it feels as if the tendon is still very stiff and at the junction where it meets the calf muscle I feel as if the tendon is pushing in. Visually I still see wrinkles where the scar ends. I have had some ultrasound at PT. I am in the process of decreasing PT and increasing home exercises. Has anyone experienced the same feeling as I described? How long does it take for thescar to soften up? If so what did you do? SalW, on Said: Hi Tina - I am an Aussie (yay). I ruptured mine in mid- May and I just went back to the docs and he said I could go without the boot and go onto physio. So - that was about 2 weeks in cast, and I’m just starting to partial weight bear on my foot with use of one crutch - so that’s what happens after the four weeks. But at least with the boot you can remove it to shower and do a bit of wriggling your toes and slight moving of the foot etc. Wish we could compare notes and see if it is the same doc. Tina, on Said: Hi again SalW, NSW South Coast ring any bells?? Went back to my GP today and told them my calf was aching heaps, dizzy alot with low blood pressure, (not so good when on crutches hey!!!) so now i’m getting an ultrasound to check for a blood clot!!! Other than that, i agree about the boot being better for movement and washing. Scared to use the foot again though and to start driving! Wish it was the left foot!! SalW, onSaid: Hi rho1372 - not sure about scar tissue just yet but I’d imagine that there are things your physio could do to soften it somewhat. Can’t wait to be where you are though - walking! Hi Tina. Nope - my surgeon was in Nth Sydney. Maybe they all get together and chat about what phrases to say to their patients. That’s not good about your calf aching and being dizzy - fingers crossed that there’s no clot and the symptoms will pass. I’m off to physio this week so hopefully there will be some rapid improvement - maybe driving in a month or so. Tina, on Said: Hey SalW - Found out i did have a large clot in my leg and am getting blood thinner injections. Just happened to mention the ache while at the docs with sick kids. Lucky eh!! Good luck with the physio, i hear it is going to be pretty extensive for a while. Let me know how you go driving, All the best for a speedy recovery! SalW, on Said: Sorry to hear about your blood clot but lucky that you mentioned it and got some treatment.Said: If you’ve gone non-op, are there any signs to look out for of the tendon not healing as it should? Mine was a partial rupture and I’m 6 weeks post injury, in a boot which I’m under instruction to keep on at all times except for when washing etc. For the brief periods when I’m out of the boot I slowly and gently move my foot up and down to get some circulation going in the foot and the ankle joint. There’s no pain, occasionally a bit of tightness in the tendon area but I don’t raise the joint higher than the heel insert in my boot would allow me. Unlike the first few days after the injury, my foot is no longer “floppy”, but I have to really concentrate to get a smooth motion and I although I’ve been unable to test this properly, it appears I can still only apply minimal force when pushing back. Is it standard procedure for the doc to make sure the tendon is 100% healed by means of an ultrasound or MRI before they declare you fit to try and wean yourself off the boot? I want to
