achilles tendon surgery recovery

[raw23]

Is there any studies or anything to suggest that the faster you can get back to full weight bearing, the better your recovery will be. I've been in a immobilising boot for about eight weeks, and have gotten the ok from the doctor to ditch my crutches and use a walking stick. Will this help my recovery as far as muscle strength? Does anyone have any more info on this topic in general as well?

[injuryupdate]

Not a lot of research on best times to incorporate activity after surgery, so it is based on experience and gut feel.

Best rule for tendons is that they improve their strength better with moderate loading than low loading, but are prone to breaking down when the load increases too fast.

Therefore, as soon as you are out of crutches, get moving a bit, but walk before you can run, use heels before flat shoes, and do stuff on the flat before going up stairs or hills. Don't push through the pain barrier, and expect 2-5% improvement per week, not doubling what you can do in a short space of time.