achilles rupture [Archive] - Injury Update Forum

Dawn Melton

24-09-2005, 04:55 AM

I am a 34 year Old PE teacher who is very active and has plenty of
knowledge about prevention of injuries. Even this information was not helpful when I ruptured my achilles 4 weeks ago. Sometimes even the most active individuals are suseptable to such an injury. My doctor and I decided to go with surgery just days after the injury. He told me, if I do everything he tells me for 6 months he gives me a 98% chance of being 100%. It is hard to believe right now that things are going to get better, however, I keep high hopes. I am still in my cast from surgery and am looking forward to a walking cast so life can return to somewhat normal. My concern from my injury and then surgery is the prognosis of my healing process. From what I understand, the incision is the hardest to heal. What can I do to help the healing process so this does not become a factor in my rehabilitation? Or is it out of my control?

Thank you Dawn Melton

injuryupdate

24-09-2005, 06:26 AM

It is a good decision for someone young to get a surgical repair of a ruptured Achilles. Generally if you get the procedure done straight after the injury it goes very well in the end. You are just in the hardest stage of your rehab, but hang in there.

mesallee

21-11-2005, 12:03 PM

HI I ruptured my Achilles tendon on the 17/9/05 dancing at a party. Had surgery on the 22/09/05 and was put into a hard cast with toes pointed. Went back to hospital on 20/10/05 to have plaster removed and new one put on with foot in neutral position. During this visit they found that I had a deep vein blood clot in my calf, so they couldn't move my foot to neutral position. Plaster was put back on and medication started for the DVT. It’s now been nearly 4 weeks since then and I still have another week to go until I see ortho to get this plaster off. I have no idea what they have planned for me next and whether having the DVT is going to make recovery slower. I haven't been allowed to put weight on my foot at all and the muscles in that leg have shrunk heaps. Has anyone else had the added complication of a DVT?
I would love to hear from anyone about it.
im 41 and dr said it common to happen around this age.
Sally

Paula

09-01-2006, 04:28 PM

Hi There Gareth
I severed mine on 28 Dec 2005 whilst just playing on the surf with my 8yr old son. Was put in a back cast immediately and on 3/1/06 had surgery to repair it. One part of the tendon severed and ruptured my calf muscle and it is the worst pain I have ever experienced! I'm currently in a full boot cast and will have this (hopefully) changed on 23rd Jan with a fibreglass cast. Looking aat 12 weeks of this cast stuff and then hopefully will be walking without crutches by Mid April 06. I know just how you feel as I am a very active Mum who plays with my son, coaches baseball, runs every day so my life as it was has just been turned upside down for me. Our summer 2 week holiday has been ruined and my son hates me for this! Just managed to book a single level beach house for 24-30 Jan 06 so at least we'll get a week's holiday away at the beach - and I'll be able to make up some "what a great Mum I have" time with my son. It's so hard when you have kids. Hang in there. They tell me the first cast is the worst as its so heavy and the healing is mostly done in the first 2-3 weeks. Question for you - how far does the 2nd cast position change in the foot? Do they set the toes still pointed down or do they upright them a little? I can't even drive right now so hope I can drive an auto when I get the 2nd cast.
Keep smiling and look forward to your response.
Cheers
PK

jaycee

13-01-2006, 10:49 PM

Paula

I did something similar rupturing my achilles on 14 Dec 2005 playing football(soccer) after a break of 7 years(and about 18 pounds weight gain) I had it reconstructed the next day.
I had it in a cast at a 60 degree angle for 8 days then had it replastered at 30 degress and then went into a boot brace at 3 weeks at a 5 degree angle to allow me to plantar flex(Bend the ankle down to us no medical people and then after a further week the boot has gone to neutral. This is where I am today! in a few days I am allowed to start weight bearing and if comfortable without the crutches. With good progress after 6 weeks I will be able to walk with the aid of a crutch but with heel lifts in my footwear. I am starting physio on Monday. I am feeling very very frustrated and impatient and my danger is that I try to recover too quickly! After 4 weeks it feels very good completely pain free as good a range of movement as the brace allows although when I take it off the area around the achilles is very very hard but not much swelling. I have to gradually build it up but am not allowed to jog until the end of March at the earliest. Not that bothered to be honest just want to get to the normality of walking around. On driving it is my right one as well and i have been informed that the insurance company will not fully cover me until I have full functionality but I am certain that I will be able to drive as soon as I can wear normal shoes. I hope this helps and as I am about two weeks ahead of you if you want to know anything at all just ask.

John
ps hope you have as good a holiday as you can and I am sure your children understand that you did not want to rupture your achilles

Unregistered

31-01-2006, 03:10 PM

hi
i did the full rupture on new years eve 31/12/05 - and all i was doing was a scottish reel (where you do a "skipping" step) AND i was sober.
Had surgery on 6 Jan 06 - put into a back slab (ie 1/2 a cast on back of leg) held on with bandaging. That came off after a week, when the surgeon checked the wound site and then i was fitted with a foam boot walker - like a giant plastic boot held on with velcro, with the wedges to keep your foot in a pointed position. After 3 weeks in that, I am supposed to start having the wedges removed (one at at time) each week so the foot is moved to a more flexed position. I was able to remove it when showering/in the bath and if I'm sitting in the lound for any period of time. Was asked to wriggle my toes as much as possible. I have been led to believe that 8 weeks after surgery I will have the foam boot removed.
You've all scared me - i didn't think i was going to be on crutches for 4 months or more!!!
Send in your updates as I would love to compare notes!!
cheers

Unregistered

01-02-2006, 12:02 PM

Hi There,
I'm a 29year old female living in Canada. I ruptured my achilles 29/10/05 while playing basketball and had surgery on November 1st, 2005.

I spent 2 weeks in a back slab and then went into a walking cast with a rocking profile. The walking cast had wedges inserted, which I gradually removed one by one until I was back in a neutral foot position (the wedges kept my plantar-flexed). I had all wedges removed by 8 weeks post-surgery and went into regular shoes with wedges inserted into them. I started physiotherapy for calf strengthening at approximately my 6th week post-surg.

Now, at 12 weeks post-surg, I'm wearing regular shoes, walking without a noticeable limp, and there is barely a size difference between my calves. I'm not quite doing yoga poses, nor jogging, but I'm feeling good about the strength gains I've made and have been quite diligent about performing all prescribed strengthening exercises.

It's definitely been a frustrating process, but I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! Do everything that your physiotherapists tell you- it's important to strength your gastrocnemius and soleus muscles and work at an appropriate pace to avoid re-rupture.

Regards,
NC

chezza00

11-04-2006, 01:53 PM

Hi PK,
I'm in a walking cast, they positioned my foot to a comfortable position and stuck a heel on the arch of my foot, they call this a walking cast and I don't see myself walking on this although I have much better balance but still need crutches.
I don't mean to dampen your spirits as they say everyone is different. I wish you a speedy recovery.
Cheryl

Unregistered

20-04-2006, 01:13 PM

I did mine in July 2004. I had a boot on for 6 weeks, then gradually put weight on it after that. Toss the crutches as soon as you can - I kept them for 8 weeks, 6 would have been more advisable.
The biggest issue was muscle loss in the calf ...you lose it easily and it's tough to get it back. The trick is to get back to using the leg as soon as you are able (and allowed).
It's important to do all the exercises the physio tells you. Wiggle your toes the first week. Point foot forward the 2nd week, then use therabands as much as possible.
Do heel raises (assisted at first and then gradually put more of your weight on it) as instructed by physio. Stretch that calf AND the achilles as well ...very important.
Lots of massage on the scar (from the end of week 2) is important too. It didn't really hurt ..phew.
As far as I can remember, after about 8 weeks or so I was on a mini-trampoline. Initially, just stand on one foot (the bad one) and balance ...it'll strengthen the ankle joint.
Apart from that I found walking was the best cure. After about 3 months, I was tiring myself out by doing heel raises but progress was slow. I couldn't really step unassisted off the bad foot for about 6 months(although, by this stage I could jog - in fact, I started jogging - with a pronounced limp after 12 - 14 weeks).
I had a lot of trouble getting comfortable shoes that didn't annoy the scar and the swollen achilles. Runners were ok but I had to cut the backs out of a few other pairs to make them comfortable.
Another thing to remember is not to forget about the other foot. Keep exercising and stretching that as well.
In summary, the main two issues I had were calf muscle loss and scar tissue being annoyed by shoes. It took a year before both were "normalised" but, really, I was back to fairly normal running after 6 months. I retired from soccer (I WAS 42 so I was planning it anyway) but would probably have written off one season if I was playing on. Someone who's younger could probably play soccer after, maybe 8 months but I reckon that's pushing it. Good luck ...the good news is that normality DOES return.

Unregistered

01-05-2006, 11:02 AM

Hi everyone.
I've really appreciated reading about your experiences, a. because I'm not alone (even though I know this) and b. for encouragement.
I ruptured my achilles playing sport on 10/04/2006. I had a black slab applied at the hospital emergency room before being told to present at the main hospital in the city. I then had an examination and a front slab applied and was booked for emergency surgery the next evening 12/04/06.
I completely severed the tendon (it was also fragmented) and had the 'traditional' surgery that was done with an 8 or so inch incision in the back of the leg. I spent a couple of days in hospital and was allowed home with a full leg cast and foot in pointed position (sorry, don't know the proper terms!). I then had that cast removed on 26/04/06 and stitches removed also. I had been experiencing pain in my calf so I was sent for an ultra sound on the leg to determine if DVT was present. Thankfully there was none, but the pain was due to the bleeding between the calf muscles probably caused from the original injury. My doctors had already finished clinic by the time I was ready to have the cast redone and so an on-call ortho doctor completed my appointment. My foot was reset in exactly the same post op position in the cast and I was told to come back to outpatients in June to have the cast removed (by then I will have been 8 weeks in a cast with my foot in this pointed and fixed position) In my initial consultation I was told my cast would be removed every two weeks and my foot repositioned until I can reach a neutral position. This has not been done.
After reading about the variety of treatments you have all undergone, I'm thinking mine is somewhat lacking. Should I be insisting the angle of my foot be changed?? I wish to return to all my sports (I'm 31) and being an active mother of 4 I dont' wish to be stuck with crutches and an inability to play sport etc!
Appreciate your thoughts! Thank you!

kiamaian

01-05-2006, 04:51 PM

Hi, my name is Ian and I live in Hobart Australia.

Unfortunately, I can't give you any medical advice in relation to your injury. I guess each rupture is given appropriate treatment according to the severity of the injury. I can understand your frustration as I also ruptured my archilles tendon on 10 April 06 whilst playing tennis. I had an operation the following day and the cast changed after ten days to allow for the removal of stitches. I have had virtually no pain at all and I am keen to get the cast off to start physiotherapy and so that I can drive again. I feel like I am in jail and miss getting around and seeing and talking to people. In your instance with four children it must be very difficult for you to get your house work done.

Please keep us all informed on your progress and I will let you know how I am getting on.

Unregistered

02-05-2006, 12:35 AM

Hi
Don't think your world has come to an end because you have ruptured your achilles. I ruptured mine in feb 2004 and was told that was the end of my squash and tennis days. I was 40 at the time and had the traditional method of care. That is long incision and pkaster for 8wks with ankle angle changes. Four days after the plaster was off I went to Thialand on holiday with one crutch and hit a few tennis balls while away. When I got back from holiday I started playing squash and tennis again. I did have physio twice a week and did all the recommended exercise regularly. By the end of 16wks I was back playing sport and running. Not fast but doing it. When the squash season restarted in the september I was in the first team and played all the matches. While I was in plaster I went to the gym and did cycling. When I asked the surgeon if that was ok he honestly answered... 'I don't know. If you can do it, it can't do much harm.' guess what, I did it and it was fine. Four months may seem an eternity but in the bigger picture it is nothing. Get your mates round to take you out. When you're in the pub with plaster you loads of attention. Enjoy it.

kiamaian

02-05-2006, 08:14 PM

Thanks for the last post. It is nice to read about a quick recovery. I certainly don't want to be an invalid for the rest of my life and intend to get back to my pre-injury pursuits. I guess I have always taken my legs for granted and I never expected that I would be in this predicament. I prided myself on being able to climb stairs two steps at a time and not ever having had knee problems. Back to the drawing board now. However, I still can't understand why the tendon snapped so easily and this lack of understanding could affect my confidence when I resume sport.

Unregistered

11-05-2006, 04:44 AM

I ruptured the same tendon twice with in the span of three weeks, so i know the feeling.

chezza00

11-05-2006, 07:01 AM

Hi,
Wow how the heck did you do that? Were you in a cast when you reruptured? Quite interested to know your story. Please post.
Cheers,
Chezza

rapsson

13-05-2006, 10:04 PM

Hi -- thanks for your reply Ian (and others). My leg is coming along ok. I actually made an appointment to see the surgeon again because I came to the realisation that no one had said anything about what course of treatment we would be undertaking. I'm really glad I went back, because I'm quite clear about what is going to happen. I'm not so concerned about having the foot stuck in this fully flexed position now because I am confident the rehab will allow greater strength with a return to full pre injury sport fitness.
I'm still in cast, but am allowed to drive which makes a massive difference to life in general. I've been approved for some home help which will allow which is great because I've also started back at work. The crutches have caused a nerve in my elbow to be pinched and I've now lost the feeling in the little and ring fingers of my right hand, but I'm not overly worried about that at this point.
The cast is really frustrating, it's sooo loose, rubbing on my toes and feet but that won't be forever I guess.

Got to ask also..how the heck did you rupture the same tendon twice in three weeks

Suu

22-05-2006, 08:52 PM

Finally a site that may be able to answer some questions. :) I don't know if I'm on the right track with posting here so if it's in the wrong place could someone please show me where to ask this?

I had an achilles lengthened on 31/3, plaster off 1 and half weeks ago (Thurs 11/4), having had my toes at 30 degrees. I was told to not weight bear and remain on crutches for the next few weeks until I see the doc. I have small heel raises in my shoe but can only wear loose slippers due to the swelling and I've put the risers in them so I can put my foot on the ground when steadying myself.

Now nearly 2 weeks later my ankle is the size of a large grapefruit. My specialist hasn't returned my calls so I began a search on the computer to see if anyone else had this problem? My next appointment with him isn't until 14th June but sure would like my fears allyed if possible. If not, then at least tell it like it is.

Thanks in advance.

Suu

rapsson

22-05-2006, 10:11 PM

HI Suu,
I'm no expert at all, but the system being as it is we are often our own advocates for help. I'd keep trying to get hold of your surgeon and/or get another opinion. Make an appointment to be seen again, that is what I had to do. I left my previous appointments with so many unanswered questions and when I spoke to some friends and read messages here I decided I needed to speak face to face with my surgeon. I managed to get another orthopod and I asked him to review all my notes and he basically supported my treatment/rehab plan and explained to me why things were being done as they were. I left that appointment 2 weeks ago feeling really confident about progress. I now have a plan in writing and I'm more comfortable with how things are going.
For now make sure you keep your leg up! Keep off it as long as you can and if you have to get about (which we all do) then make sure you set aside time to rest with it elevated.
I've got my next appointment on 13th June in Melbourne. I'll have my cast off and foot moved for the first time in 8 weeks. My cast is so ridiculously loose it's causing some problems with chaffing on my toes etc. My sore leg/ankle/tendon area aches if I've been up and about for too long, good sign I guess.
Anyway, keep trying to make contact with your surgeon, sounds like you need to be rest assured at the very least!

All the best.

Suu

23-05-2006, 02:45 PM

Thanks for the quick reply. The specialist's nurse rang me today and said to remain off it, keep it elevated and see the doc next week if the swelling doesn't subside.

I didn't know all that I should have before going ahead with this op. I know it needed to be done as I was born with club feet and this needed doing 50 years ago :) Now I'm trying to get as much information as I can and this site seems to have a heck of a lot of info on ruptures but not lengthening operations.

I wish everyone the very best of luck who has to have an achilles op of any sort. It sure is draining on the moods isn't it?

Suu

Hurting in So Cal

24-05-2006, 07:43 AM

I ruptured mine playing basketball on 5/7/06. I just turned 33 so I'm still pretty young. I was fortunate that the chief of surgery was on call the day I did it. I didnt hesitate and had surgery 6 hours after I ruptured mine. They put me in a half cast for for the last two weeks. I just went yesterday to get the stitches out thinking they were going to put me a hard cast for the next four weeks. Thank God by me staying off it and keeping it elevated pretty much the whole time, the swelling went way down and the my wound healed great, they put me in a boot instead of a cast. They actually want to me start putting weight on it slowy in the next 1-1/2 to 2 weeks. I have heal inserts in the boot as well so its real hard to do anything now but the fact the want to try put some weight on it after only two weeks is awesome!!! by 4 weeks post surgery ill be walking with the inserts. six weeks post surgey I go back and should have the lifts removed and just be in the boot. And my surgeon is hopefull I'l be in physical therepy 8 weeks post surgery. One thing I'm doing and I know its helping temendously is, (My borther is a chiropractor so he knows all about physical therapy and healing) He recommended I go overboard on Carrot Juice and there is another drink called Green Machine by Naked Juice. Also I drink 4 packets of it's called ermergen-c. It's 1000 MG of Vitamin C you mix with water. I also have changed my eating habits and I'm eating way less and better. (I have lost 10 pounds in 2 weeks) Stay strong and try the natural stuff to help heal your wound and and the tendon itself it really does help!!!!!!!!!

rapsson

19-06-2006, 06:34 PM

Just wondering if anyone else has had this experience?

Earlier on a asked whether I should question my rehab. My foot has been in the same post op fully flexed position for the last 8 weeks. I went back and asked if that was right, surgeon said, yes...I went back to the hospital on Tuesday 13/6/06 to have my cast removed and a walking boot put on and the next surgeon looked at my foot and basically said "what have they done to you?" Essentially my foot was so flexed that it couldn't be easily moved to be put into the walking boot. After a bit of time at physio then I could get my foot into the boot and now have extra wedges so there is not too much constant pressure on the tendon.

I was however expecting to walk this week - or at least be weight bearing a little - but have been told unequivocally 'NO weight bearing for up to 4 weeks. By then I will be 3 months post op. I'm kinda disappointed but have to to what they suggest now.
Physio begins in earnest tomorrow morning, I'm not looking forward to it...my exercises have been painful enough, I'm dreading what they're going to try and make me do tomorrow!

Sabertooth

13-08-2006, 01:24 AM

I rupture my achilles almost 3 months ago and it was comforting to read some of the comments on this site. I thank those that had some very encouraging words, at the time it seems that you need more mental support than physical tolerance. By that I mean that the pain goes away after a few days and you learn to cope with it. But what really frustrated me and made me miserable was the fact that I couldn't even go out and fully enjoy the beautifull sunny days or simply take a walk. Although I do believe that this injury has helped me reflect on many things, as I had plenty of time to reflect on many aspects of my life. If you're just going through this injury, be patient don't rush things too fast and give it time to heel. Follow the advice from your doctor and physio. Keep strong mentally and with time you'll feel much better. I've learned to appreciate the simple and basic things in life. Even the smallest person could be of great help when you find yourself in this situations. Just keep strong mentally and with some time you'll be back to normal. One last thing, as soon as I'm walking again I'm running to the nearest non profit organization to spend some time with individuals that could need a lil helping hand.

sentence

14-08-2006, 07:32 PM

Hi,

Your words are an inspiration. On 18/7/06 I ruptured my achilles tendon in the parents race at my daughters school sports day. I was running barefoot and the ground appeared to feel uneven I carried on running until my feet fell from beneath me. I thought I had pulled a muscle and managed to scramble off the the running track. I managed to kneel up and clapped on the parents running ahead of me. I wasn't in too much pain, but when I tried to stand I could only stand on one leg. I spoke to another parent who said I should sit down and that I had probably pulled a ligament. It was all very quiet the children were not alarmed in any way and fortunately all this happened at the end of their sports day.
When I was sitting on the ground I did notice an indentation or gap just above my heel so realised it was serious and an ambulance was called. I am a 42 year old woman living in the uk and although not involved in the gymn I thought I was relatively fit and well. I have two children 18 and 5. As you can imagine my 5 yr old is very active. I work full time and have always been independent. I am not getting very much help from my family in particular my husband(Before my accident everyone relied on me) I feel like I am being blamed for getting hurt. Although aged 42 I have periods when I sob like a baby feeling completely sorry for myself,. My employers have been fantastic allowing me to work from home. Although I have not been able to do too much as it is the school holidays.
I have been told that I will be in plaster for 10 weeks. I stupidly thought 10 weeks and that would be it all the messages I have read suggest that I might not be able to walk normally for 4 months or more. I would be grateful if anyone out there can help me cope with the emotional challenge of this injury as right now I am finding this an unbelievable challenge.

Thank you

D.

beverley

19-10-2006, 04:11 AM

Hi D

I can sympathise with you, and know exactly what you are talking about. I Ruptured my Achilles tendon on 11 August 2006. I was on a boating holiday and was mooring the boat. We had only been there for an hour and a half! I ended up at the local hospital(20 miles away!) They confirmed what I had done and put me in a back slab. We stayed on the boat as it was only for a weekend. The hol was ruined. I either felt sick from all the painkillers or was asleep. On returning home, I had to go to my local hospital. They put me in a nice light blue plaster, signed me off work and sent me on my way. I had a total of 5 plasters. Altering my foot to aim towards the 90 degree angle the last few times it was changed. 10 weeks on, they have removed the plaster and I feel so vulnerable. I have waited for 20days for a physio appointment which is due next week. I still am unable to walk. They did say I could try and put some weight on the foot, but I am supposed to have a lift in my shoe, so the foot is not completely flat. Some hope! My foot is still quite swollen and I can't even get a shoe on. So have decided to wait for the physio's advise.

As far as the emotional side, I am like you. I am 42, single mum, with a long term boyfriend ( he has his own place)but stays over some of the week. As you say they are all use to me doing everything and working full time. I have been quite upset at times. Normally silly things like someone has used the last of the toilet roll, and not bothered to get another one from, the utility room. Stepping over rubbish bags that need to go outside. Leaving stuff about, knowing full well that it is difficult to carry stuff when you are on crutches. i keep threatening that I am going to just do beans on toast for tea but I don't. I have a small stall that I kneel on with my bad leg so I can balance to do stuff with both hands. I don't think they realise exactly how difficult it all is,and at times I felt quite sorry for myself, and been quite tearful. i have given my son some chores to do, and he either does them with all sweetness and light or moans through them ( teenager!) I have made my mind up that he is going to continue to do them even when I am back on my feet! Wouldn't it just be nice to be pampered and have them dance around you for a change! Probably our own fault as we do too much. I have tried to continue to keep the house tidy (mum and dad come and help) but you really need to let things go over your head other wise you wear yourself out trying to do too much.

A little white lie might not go amiss ( e.g the hospital has said i need to rest more with my foot up!) The only thing to do is to remain positive. I don't know what area you are, but it might be worth contacting your local Red Cross. they have loaned me a wheel chair (they like you to make a donation) and it is nice to get out for a while. However the pavements and roads are very uneven and it is not always a pleasure. I have come to the conclusion that to be permently in the chair would prove difficult as many shops have limited access. i keep myself positive by knowing that eventually I will be well enough to walk on my own,unaided, unlike others who may be permantly dependent on aids.

i wish you well, and hope the support improves for you.
Take Care
B

sentence

07-11-2006, 07:35 AM

Hi B,

Thanks for your kind words. After the first traumatic month I seemed to adjust to the situation with up and down days. I had my cast removed at week 10. This was great because I was able to take my daughter to University in an upright position(important when I have been hobbling on crutches or in the wheel chair from British redcross thanks for the advice the wheelchair gave me some great independence). I was given a walking boot with three wedges told to return to see consultant in two weeks. He said the tendon seemed to healing well although did caution that I could rerupture but to take each day as a bonus. I really appreciated his honesty. The support mainly took place from my daughter before she left for Uni. My husband gives me lifts to work and I relied heavily on taxis to get home(I don't like to even talk about how much that cost) However the injury has really put my relationship to the test. My husband and I have sadly but importantly agreed to sell our house and seperate. My mother has increased her support as have friends and as I improve I feel a lot happier. I'm a lot more reflective and apprecitate good health. I can now walk albeit with a bare foot in my home and have tried to climb stairs very carefully not in the conventional way(I hold on to the wall and drag my self up with partial weigt bearing) It is as funny as it reads.
My foot - I can now walk albeit with a limp as my calf is still quite tight. I have driven my manual car for half an hour twice in the last two weeks(exhilarating). I have an physio for half an hour a week and do the home excersises they give me. It is all slow but the main thing with this injury is patience and patience. How are you doing? I hope your healing is positive.
I look forward to hearing from you.

D.

beverley

08-11-2006, 12:52 AM

;) Hi D and everyone

Hope everyone is on the mend. Really glad I found this site. Had my first Physio 2 weeks ago. It went quite well. Came away with exercises to do, and advise on how to keep the swelling down. (Bag of frozen peas on the raised leg. Doesn't matter what make:)

i did the exercises, and just before i went back to the physio today, I was able to put a shoe on. Nothing glamorous! Just some walking boots. Felt strange at first.
Physio therapists said i had improved and to start putting more weight on the foot if I can. I have 2 lifts in the shoe which helps! She said I need to try and get it down to one now. I can stand alone for very short periods, and feel there has been a great improvement. Wheel chair is going back this week. I will miss that, but I have had it so long now, I feel someone else should have it now. Glad you got one. The Red Cross are really good.

Trying not to panic about Christmas shopping! Doing most of it on line where I can.

Sorry you both decided to seperate. It just goes to show what strain these things can put on a relationship. I wish you well with all that goes with that (been there too!)

Have been signed off again for another 3 weeks (Your brave going back) so hopefully be running and skipping by then!

Take care, happy exercising everyone

B
x

sentence

08-11-2006, 07:02 AM

Hi B, and other achilles rupturees(rupturees is that a word:rolleyes: )

Great to hear your progress walking boots(Low heel eh?:) I bet you feel so positive. What a long way we have come. Do you still have a limp or has the Physio ironed it out?.
I put a trainer on my healing foot and gingerly walked across my lounge floor. The trainer just about fit and I thought I might rupture. but good to try I haven't ventured outside with the trainer on but will check with physio whether I should chance it. I will also do the Christmas shop on line thank goodness for the internet.

Looking forward to the next improvement.

positive Healing

D

sentence

08-11-2006, 07:09 AM

Hi B,

I got carried away with the fact that you put walking boots on thought you must be walking :rolleyes: disregard my requests for info on whether you have a limp. I suppose any reference to walking for an achilles tendon rupturee will get us chompng at the bit to walk(well it does me) Anyway I'm sure you will be walking soon.

D. X

beverley

08-11-2006, 09:25 PM

Hi

Technically you could say I was walking. (Both crutches still, but can put both feet to the ground) However, if I don't have the boots on, I can't put the bad foot to the ground and have to walk (with crutches on tip toe) Physio said that I would be better off keeping my boots on, at least that is stretching the back out, where as when I am up on my toes, it is not stretching it at all. Told me I need to hold on to the kitchen side or chair and try and and put all my weight on the bad leg. :eek: Yeh...right! Have to work on that one!

Bet driving the car for the first time was weird. I keep looking out at the car, in hope. Hate not having the independence, and looking forward to when I can drive again.

Rupturees! Great word. Feel part of a real group now! :cool:
Are you still doing the exercises?

Look forward to the next update.

Can any one advise. Want to travel up to Covent Garden in London from Benfleet in Essex. Either by train (need easy route..less stairs the better) Looked up Coaches but can't find anything. Any ideas?
Happy exercising everyone, and try not to overdose on daytime TV!

B
x

Max

09-11-2006, 12:56 PM

I ruptured my achilles tendon on Tuesday. I have been put in a back cast by the emergency department. However, despite going privately, the earliest I can be seen by an orthopaedic surgeon is next Tuesday. Any ideas if this delay will have a really negative impact on my recovery rate?

Feeling very sorry for myself as have booked a family holiday at the beach at Christmas, and from reading the comments from all of you, I'll still be in a cast and on crutches. As I live 30kms outside of Canberra, and not being able to drive for God knows how long (it's my right leg), this is really going to impact on my family.

Great to see there are lots of others going through this, but horrified by the length of recovery quoted by all of you.

Thanks

Limster

09-11-2006, 02:36 PM

beverley

09-11-2006, 10:21 PM

Hey Max

Sorry to hear you are now a member of this club. I never had surgery on my tendon. I think all consultants do different things and what ever you decide, or they decide, I believe there are advantages and disadvantages for both. If you are very sporty, I think they offer the sugery, or if there is no chance of it knitting back together.
A and E just put my foot first in the back slap in the ballerina postion (toes pointing down. Sure there must be a technical term for that) and then the decision was made about 6 days later, not to give me the operation.
The only thing they did say was that during the recovery period, if they felt is was not mending back together, they would then do surgery and then my recovery period would start all over again! This made me feel, why didn't they just cut to the chase and do the op. My consultant said they try to avoid the operating, due infections etc, and obviously it is more intrusive.

I continued to have the plaster changed regularly, bringing the foot towards a 90 degree angle each time. I was lucky and it has knitted back together. However my chances or it going again, I believe statistically are higher as I did not have it operated on. So find out all the details from your medical people and decide together what is best for you.

i wish you well. You need a lot of patience and an understanding family behind you. I thought I would never master the crutches but I did. It's harder now I am putting the foot down now ( I got quite speedy in the end on them)

Wishing you lots of luck.:)

Bev

CanuckintheUK

10-11-2006, 11:57 PM

Hi there,

Unfortunately, I am now a member of this select club of people with AT ruptures. For me it happened while playing soccer at lunch; just standing guarding someone and turned and then felt a tremendous pain in my ankle. This went away after a few minutes but I knew I had done something bad to my ankle while trying to walk. A few minutes of Googling later and I was certain I had ruptured my AT. I went into A&E and they confirmed the diagnosis and sent me away with a cast until I could be seen in the fracture clinic. So, being a scientist by trade, I started reading papers published in scientific journals which dealt with AT ruptures. There are quite a few good ones, though in some cases you need to have access to the journals through a university library account. There was a very good review in 2002 (reference below)

Wong J, Barrass V, Maffulli N. Quantitative review of operative and nonoperative management of achilles tendon ruptures. Am J Sports Med. 2002 Jul-Aug;30(4):565-75.
PMID: 12130412

It describes in detail a review of 5300 AT ruptures, how they were treated and the outcomes. It also describes in some detail the various techniques used for treatment and the pros and cons. Having been able to read through this, I found I was much better prepared to speak to the orthopaedic surgeons at the clinic. The first doctor I spoke to (and in fact most I spoke to) said that there was no big difference between surgery and conservative treatment in terms of outcome. In fact this isn’t really true; it is quite clear that the “functional outcome” of surgery is better in terms of mobility, rate of rerupture, and duration of recover. It is true that not having surgery avoids some risks such as infections, but similar rates of wound/general complications exist for conservatively treated patients as well (clear from the review, but not from talking to the doctor). The problem is that doctors only have so much time to keep up with current research and there are so may specific problems they have to deal with on a daily basis, it’s ultimately unrealistic to expect them to know everything about every aspect of your condition. The senior registrar at the clinic did not know of a study published by his co-worker about the benefits of early weight bearing (discussed below) after AT surgery; had I not done my own research, I might have been stuck wearing a hard cast (and crutches) for 8 weeks, rather than (if all goes well) an air-cast after 10 days. It’s hard to get access to the information, but where possible, you should try and find out and understand all of your options first and then speak to a doctor about what you want to do, not just what the doctor says. As I am a physically active 34 year old, I likely would have been recommended to have surgery regardless, but the first doctor seemed keen to have me in a cast and out the door.

Anyway, having a 2 year old and a new born, I am keen to get walking as soon as possible again, so I was also interested in articles which dealt with early, weight bearing mobilization after surgery. There was recent study published (by a orthopaedic surgeon who coincidentally works at the clinic I went to!) showing that early weight bearing after surgery actually reduces the rate of rerupture and complication rate as compared to surgery and immobilization (this is also clear from the 2002 review). Presumably the increased blood/lymph flow from muscle use helps in recovery, although it’s not specially stated why this is. Although it should not have taken as much effort or convincing as it did, I was able to get the senior registrar to agree that I could follow the early weight bearing protocol; he just needed to talk to the doctor a few doors down and find out exactly what he does. So at the moment, I am 5 days post-op and waiting to get out of my current cast and starting my long road to re-hab! In summary, my advice is to try and be informed as much as possible when talking to a doctor and even then, get second/third opinions until you feel satisfied that you are getting the treatment you want. Whether you are an elite athlete or not, it is just you that has to live with the injury, not the doctor, so make sure you are happy with your decisions.

sentence

11-11-2006, 09:25 AM

Hi Max,

I know how you feel. I ruptured my left achilles three months ago. No surgery.
I believe if a rupture is repaired within two weeks it has a good chance of good recovery(well that's what my consultant told me).
I understand your feelings about your holiday but try and focus on a day by day basis starting with getting your foot repaired. I had to cancel my holiday because I was unable to fly due to the cast. I chose the conservative method but I know people who were given an air cast boot after ten days of surgery.. The boot is easier with flying as you can take it off to prevent the swelling whilst flying/travelling. Talk to your consultant
about travelling, even if he/she seems busy.
It does get better.

positive healing and looking foward to hearing how your surgery went.

D.

Chocofan

12-11-2006, 08:25 PM

I was searching for tips on how to climb stairs with only weightbearing on one leg after rupturing my achilles and I found this site. It is both depressing and reassuring... depressing to see how long the return to normal will be and reassuring to see that there are people who have actually experienced this to go to for help.

My daughter hurt her leg in September and underwent physio at a rehab - she was told to put the crutches up onto the next step first and then to hop up on her good leg.... I ruptured my achilles on 28th Oct, did not get to see the surgeon for 9 days, had surgery that same day and the next the physio at my hospital came to see me. I told her that the week before while I had been in a cast at home I had found it very difficult to get into my house because I couldnt get up the steps. They took me to the physio room and showed me the exact opposite way, i.e. leave the crutches down then hop the good leg up, then bring the crutches up to the next step.

I find both ways difficult.... crutches up first and I fell forward and hurt my arm making me conscious of how stuck I would be if I broke it!:eek: so I tried the other way but then I feel like I am falling backwards!:eek:

Help please!! How are you guys getting up the steps? Going down doesnt seem quite so scary to me, but I only have a few steps to manage - a long staircase would be a whole different thing...

beverley

12-11-2006, 10:35 PM

I too had trouble with steps. Thankfully I live in a bungalow, but had terrible trouble getting up the front step.. So I discovered the best way (also entertaining the neighbours) was to do it seating down. Going out, I would open the door then go back and sit on the settee and slide myself to the floor. Slide myself out with crutches at the side, and then grab them, hold onto the frame of the door and pull myself to standing. i would then do the reverse on the way in! Not very ladylike I know, but I was so frightened of falling and hurting myself even more, so I found this the easiest way.

However, as I am well and truly on the mend now, I tried to get in and out the normal way, and suceeded!:) I first put both crutches down on the step, and then put my bad foot out first! then followed with my good one. Same going back up. Crutches up followed by bad foot then good. I think it is a matter of choice. The physio said I should lead with the good leg, but I then found that really difficult, so I did what worked for me.

I have ventured out the last couple of days for my first long walk in 3 mths (to the top of my avenue and back) Felt quite proud of myself!

Hope you work out a way to get in and out, and don't worry about looking stupid as you are the one that is in the pain.

Remember, what works for some may not be right for you.

lots of luck and try not to fall :)

Bev

Chocofan

13-11-2006, 07:23 PM

As Bev said
I too had trouble with steps. Thankfully I live in a bungalow, but had terrible trouble getting up the front step.. So I discovered the best way (also entertaining the neighbours) was to do it seating down. Going out, I would open the door then go back and sit on the settee and slide myself to the floor. Slide myself out with crutches at the side, and then grab them, hold onto the frame of the door and pull myself to standing. i would then do the reverse on the way in! Not very ladylike I know, but I was so frightened of falling and hurting myself even more, so I found this the easiest way.

Bev

I thought of that, but I am not sure if I can get up off the ground - so I was too nervous to get down and then find that the steps were mastered but I was stranded down there.... I might give it a try when there is someone here, just to be on the safe side.

Thanks

Max

16-11-2006, 11:33 AM

Here is an update to my situation:

Saw the specialist on Tuesday morning and was operated on that afternoon. My specialist seems to be quite progressive in his treatment in that I will be in a cast for 10 days, after which he will have me in a walking boot and bearing some weight gradually. He says I should be driving in 6 weeks. This is all much quicker than I had anticipated (especially from reading about some of the different treatments on this site).

He did say that it will take a long time to get it better again, but the thought that I may get my independence back a little earlier and not have to rely on my husband and family for everything has really boosted my spirits. I hate how my injury stuffs everyone else up.

I will let you know how my treatment goes. I'm not sure when I'll start physio etc - should find out all about that next Thursday when I go back to see the specialist.

Thanks for all the replies to my last post - it's great having others to talk to who are going through / have gone through the same thing.

Cheers

Max :)

sentence

30-11-2006, 07:23 AM

Hi Chocofan,

By now you have probably got loads of info about the stairs . My docs advice was whilst on crutches go up and down on your bottom(yeah i was shocked too) but it was the safest way.
If i was out and there was no elevator I still went up on my bottom. I use to take a towel with me and wrapped it around my clothes to prevent them from getting dirty. One thing about this injury it really makes you humble. I'm pleased to see you are on the mend.

Good luck:)

S.

beverley

30-11-2006, 11:58 PM

Hi everyone
How you all doin? I'm down to one crutch now, and no longer have to go up my front step on my bottem:D (think the neighbours are a bit upset about that one!)
Still having physio, and doing the exercises at home. I can take some steps without the crutch, but I end up walking awkwardly! The ankle is still so stiff, and is taking it's time to stretch out. Still not driving yet , and therapist said we can discuss that at my next session, as I should have improved even more by then. Getting use to being at home, and not looking forward to the mad rat race of returning to work, although I do miss my colleagues. Son and boyfriend have improved no end, and everyone came to terms with what I could and couldn't do (although it took long enough)
I would be interested in all your progress, and any other ideas I could try to get my ankle not to be so stiff. It is now over 3mths since I ruptured the tendon, and I know the physio says to be patient, so trying hard at that.
Take care
Bev;)

roundtwo

05-12-2006, 03:54 AM

Nice to here that most of you have made progress. I have found reading your blogs interesting and in lighting to know that there are other people out there going thought the same as what I am dealing with. Although my ego and stubbiness has not allowed me to circum to sliding up stairs on my backside. I did this injury for the first time in Aug 06 just playing a friendly game of squash, I had the surgery, spent 8 weeks in plaster, than into a walking boot for a couple of weeks, than had the awesome feeling of wearing matching shoes. Rehab was progressing nicely and at the 12 week stage I was standing on a jelly disc (like a wobble board) on one foot balancing. Things were looking great and I could see the light at the end of the tunnel, feeling closer to getting back into some good level training again. When luck turned against me. I was doing my rehab exercise like I had been doing for the past 4 weeks, when suddenly I heard a massive POP. After being rushed to A & E I had realised my worst fears. I had re ruptured my Achilles. So have had surgery again and I am now 4 weeks post op. Only advice to you all, don’t rush it.

beverley

05-12-2006, 05:17 AM

Hi
:(
I can't believe after that long wait and all the progress you made, it happened again. That is my biggest fear. I, like you did this in Aug 2006. I didnt have surgery (did they stitch yours back together first time) but was put in the toes pointing down for 8 weeks in plaster.
I was considering returning to work in the next few weeks, but after reading this, I think I will give myself a few more weeks and go back after christmas. You must be devasted. Can't imagine how frustrated you must be by it all.
I thought if they stitched the injury then the likely hood of it going again is minimal. Was you doing a particular hard exercise at the time? After all this time, you would have thought it was pretty much mended.
I wish you well, and hope you can remain positive.

Bev

Chocofan

05-12-2006, 02:00 PM

RoundTwo
Oh No! You poor thing! Here I am feshing at the bit - cant wait to get the cast off and get working on those physio exercises.... I can hardly imagine how you must be feeling! And you said you had had surgery! I understand that there is a 40 % chance of rerupture if no surgery and only 0-5% rerupture with surgey, so you are really really unlucky!

After you have had a chance to talk to your doctors and physios please post if you find there is a reason why it might have happened, if it might be useful for us.

commiserations

Rob

Choz

05-12-2006, 03:11 PM

Hi Guys,

I am now just 2 weeks post surgery after my achilles rupture, I have just had my half plaster cast removed today and now moved into a full fibre glass cast which I have to have on for another 4 weeks. I was hoping to get some opinions from others who have been through this process before. What should I be expecting in the 1st few week of me having no cast on at all?? I am 26 and an active person, so I hate the fact of sitting around recovering, but I am generally a good healer when it comes to injuries and pretty good on my rehab programs. So if someone can give me an idea of the first few weeks out of plaster then that would be great eg.swimming, cycling, calf raises, normal walking etc etc. I look forward to some replies.

Choz

05-12-2006, 03:27 PM

G'day Max,

I had similar experiences as you and many others, except my surgery on my left achilles was delayed for one month due to my own stubborness. I always thought that I had strained my achilles because I was walking gingerly, until two weeks after my injury had I realised that it wasn't getting any better so I went to see my GP. From there, onto other specialists. Eventually had my surgery on the 19th Oct. I am now 3 weeks on from surgery and progressing well (I think!). My surgery was very straight forward, it seems like the delay had very little impact...however, the sooner you have the surgery after the injury the better is your chance of fully recovery. I'm hoping to be ready for my trip overseas as well by Xmas. Good luck with the op.:)

By the way, if you can see the surgeon sooner than Tuesday, the better the chance of early surgery. I had my surgery the very next day with the public hospital system after seeing surgeonas the surgeon thinks it was very critical.

Limster

Hi Limster,

Sounds like I am in a similar boat to you, although I am a month behind you. I had my surgery a week after rupturing my achilles, so my surgery date was 20/11/2006 on my left achilles. However I am also planning a trip overseas, and I really need to be walking by mid Feb 2007 so I can enjoy travelling. It would be nice if you could keep me updated on your progress, as it seems like we will both be working with limited time frames to get up and going, so I am interested to see how you go about things and what you find is working and not working for you in your recovery.

Hope to hear from you.

roundtwo

06-12-2006, 01:02 AM

Thanks for the replies.

The only theories that i have been told by the surgeons and physio's are:

1. To much work before the tendon could handle it
2. Possibly bad surgery

The exercise that i was doing was just standard for ruptured Achilles. I was only doing calf raises while holding onto the door frame.

After the surgery the surgeon told me that he had to clear heaps of scar tissue out, he also found scar tissue further up my Achilles, which he thought could of come from another tear further up the tendon that the 1st surgeon missed. Which makes some sense to me as i always felt a pulling sensation in the tendon, with minimal calf movement. The extra scar tissue may have been preventing good glide ability of the tendon. So hopefully the new surgeon did a better job and fixed me properly.

I to was told that if i had surgery there would only be a 2-5% chance of re rupture, not that it has re ruptured and i have had surgery again, there is a 5-10% chance of re rupture.

The surgeon, physio and i have developed a different approach to the rehab, as i really need to get back on the Hockey field again. This time we are doing post op:

Wk 1 - back slab
Wk 2 - stitches out, cast in toes pointed down in a relaxed position
Wk 4 - out of cast and into walking boot with heal lift for 3 wks - partial weight bearing
wk7 - walking boot with all heal lifts taken out - full weight bearing
Wk 10 - can come out of the walking boot and start trying to walk normally

So i am able to start receiving massage and stretching at 5 wks post op, plus i will be able to start swimming / running in the pool.

Rather the 1st way i went through the rehab, which i am sure most you had to endure, casted for 8 wks have the foot position moved every 2wks that out into a walking boot for 2 - 4wks depending on how things are going.

The other reason behind the new approach is to enable weight to be passed through the tendon without a full contraction which should allow the tendon while during the repairing phase develop much stronger, and allow the scar tissue to form in the right places. It will also allow the muscle in my leg (which have wasted away quite considerably over the past 4months) to start to develop ensuring that the muscle will be strong enough to support the tendon.

Good luck everyone. Make sure that you really listen to what your leg is telling you, and not push it. I probably pushed it a bit since i am a very stubborn athlete who is a firm believer of "no pain no gain"

Any other advice i can offer just drop a line

mumofmany

06-12-2006, 03:47 PM

Please help!! I have been plaster now for two weeks after having surgery on a completely ruptured achilles (playing netball). I went back to surgeon today for a supposed 'check up' and got to see his grumpy nurse and that was it! I have not seen the surgeon since before I had the operation..I know - get to the point. Well my point is that I am very unhappy in this plaster cast. It moves around from side to side and slips up and down. It is so heavy it must weigh about 7kgs and is putting strain on my hips, rubbing on my ankles and I have a permanent cramp in my calf. I asked the nurse about getting this changed (fibreglass or some other option) and basically she told me no - she has since called me after I said I actually would like to speak to the surgeon about this and has said that he has said the same thing - I have to have this exact cast on for the next 6 weeks and then I have an appointment to see him!! I would love to find another option - who are all these people that get to take their casts off? What about the 'boot' option - what is that? What about the stuff I've read that say physio is much tougher after being immobilised for so long...HELP ME. If i seem a little crazy I am - I have six children and one of them is a baby so you can imagine my frustration:(

CanuckintheUK

06-12-2006, 07:50 PM

Hi there Mumofmany,

You should really speak to your surgeon/GP about your concerns; that may involve being very persistent in calling his office/hospital to try and get another appointment to speak to him. There is no reason that he should not be able to speak to you and most surgeons will want to see their patients after surgery anyway. Anyway, nurses don't decide on the course of treatment, doctors do, so ask to speak to him in person and ignore the grumpy nurse! Just seems a bit strange.

As you have probably read, there are a wide range of treatments for this sort of injury ranging from complete immobilization for 6-8 weeks to be fitted with a walking boot right away. The decision about how to treat the patient usually seems to rest with the doctor, but you as the patient still have the final say (although it sometimes does not feel this way). For patients immobilized in plaster casts (with or without surgery) the *usual* protocol is to recast the leg every two weeks, gradually moving it from equnius position to neutral. There are some scientific papers that have been published which indicate that there are benefits for early mobilization and weight bearing (the weight bearing is thought to allow the proper orientation of the new collagen fibres across the repaired tendon). Despite this, many doctors (including my own!) would prefer to treat the patient more conservatively by not having them weight bear until they are out of their cast. This works well in theory, but the practical day-to-day considerations do not enter into their decision. It's all well and good to tell someone to take it easy and stay off their legs if you're not the one who has to take care of their kids in the morning!

I am 4 weeks post-op now and after 2 weeks in a plaster cast with my foot in gravity equinus, I was fitted with a walking boot (AirCast is the tradename) with 3 - 1.5cm heel wedges (which keeps the tendon from coming under tension). One heel wedge is removed every 2 weeks, allowing the tendon to be stretched back to the neutral position in stages. This treatment regime was one I had to *convince* my doctor to follow as he tends to not use walking boots at this stage. I should also say, I didn't invent this treatment protocol, it was published in a decent scientific journal of sports medicine and one of the authors was at the same clinic where I am being treated!! This paper, and other similar ones that looked at the benefit of early mobilization and weight bearing, showed that the re-rupture rate drops from ~2% to ~1%, the return to normal walking, stair climbing is much faster than without weight bearing and there is a much lower complication rate compared to surgery and immobilization in a cast. So it seems strange that it would be so much of a hassle to get one doctor to do what another one down the hall does, particularly when there are clear benefits, but doctors tend to get set in their ways. In a 2002 review , ~5300 AT ruptures (from many different locations) were examined in retrospect and ~4000 were treated surgically and of these ~350 had early mobilization, so the meta-analysis had a large sample size (i.e. it's not just one lucky individual who benefited from early weight bearing) and the differences in outcomes are statistically significant. Having said that, you could always be the very *unlucky* rare case that has serious complications or re-ruptures even when it should be very unlikely to happen. My doctor laughed when I asked him about how nobody seems to do the same thing and agreed that there was a huge range treatment types for this injury; if you have a strong preference for treatment, you just need to understand the implications are of that treatment and ask your doctor to do it; if they refuse ask them to justify why they don't want to.

In my case, being able to wear the boot (full weight bearing with no crutches) has been a huge advantage as I can shower on a regular basis, I can do 90% of my normal work around the house, I can carry my own coffee to the table :) and I don't have to worry about putting a bag over my foot when it rains. On weekends, my wife and kids can go back to going for afternoon walks and outdoor play at the local parks.

I wish more doctors would spend time reading the current literature to try and make their patients lives a little easier but in a way, I suppose they are trying to do whatever they can to try and make sure their patient does not have a re-rupture, even if this means being inconvenienced for a few months at home and having a bit of muscle/bone atrophy in the process...

Canuck

Max

08-12-2006, 09:05 AM

Having read some of the recent posts, it never ceases to amaze me how the same injury gets treated so differently depending on the specialist you see. Poor Mumofmany - I can see your frustration - I only had a normal cast on for 1 week until I could see the specialist and it was so heavy and like you put enormous strain on my hip.

I was lucky in that I managed to get in to see a doctor who specializes in the knee and below, so he is very up-to-date with new techniques. I am now 3 weeks post op and yesterday went into a walking boot. He was really excited about how it is going and I am allowed to do some weight bearing already (albeit gently still using my crutches, of course). The boot has a foam wedge in it which I can take out when I feel I need to (he thinks I will want to within the next week). I am also allowed to start physio - which is really exciting (especially after seeing my wasted calf yesterday for the first time!). I'm starting to feel positive about the recovery process, although I know I'll have to take it slowly and not try to rush it (I'll think about you round 2!). Driving etc is still a way off yet, but each new step I make (no pun intended!) in the recovery feels good.

My advice to anyone out there who is unhappy with what their specialist is doing is to try and see another one. There are some excellent doctors out there (as witnessed on this forum), so try and find one you are happy with.

Cheers

Max

mumofmany

08-12-2006, 10:11 AM

Choz

08-12-2006, 01:09 PM

Hi mumofmany,

I am in a similar situation to you, I am now 2.5 weeks post op, I spent the first two weeks in a half cast (on the front of my shin) that was bandaged on. At the 2 week mark I went and saw the surgeon, he check the wound healed ok and put me into a full fibre glass cast. I had the cast on for one day and it just didn’t feel right, it was digging into me and felt really tight, anyway I decided to action this myself, I went into an emergency department and they ended up loosing up the cast and replastering it for me, Feels so much better. The doctor that replastered me said that any time you have discomfort (well abnormal discomfort like tightness, rubbing etc) with plaster then you are best to get it adjusted. He was adamant that I did the right thing, and no after the plaster re-adjustment I am glad that I went and got it redone. In terms of the debate about the boot or not, it is definitely dependant on who you are seeing. I am in the cast for 6 weeks, then will start my physio etc, this is just the way my surgeon does it, and I think because he has had some good results he is sticking to that way. My personal opinion, is to try and get the best of both worlds, sit in a cast for 4 weeks or so, then move into the walking boot, this way you have had enough immobilisation and can slowly get back into walking etc. I’m happy to stay in my cast for 6 weeks, then I will consult with my physio, surgeon and local GP on their opinions in moving forward after this period. Best of luck with everything, I hope that you reach a full and speedy recovery. By the way I am in a fibre glass cast, weight isnt to bad.

CanuckintheUK

08-12-2006, 10:14 PM

Hi Mumofmany,

Glad to hear to were able to actually talk to your doctor! If your doctor "only deals in plaster" then ask to see another one; I understand you were trying to be seen by another specialist and that this was frowned upon (I had a similar experience) but if the surgery has already ben done, there is no reason why the rest of treatment should *have* to be tied to the doctor who operated, although it often is. If your doctor refuses to do anything other than put you in another plaster cast (and you don't want that option (and it is just one treatment option!)) then ask him to transfer you to the care of another specialist who will treat you according to your wishes. Doctors can tell you what they think is best for you (i.e. which medicine you should take) but the don't have the right to force you to do what they say. I should say, I'm really not anti-doctor at all!! I have a lot of friends who are doctors actually as we get along fine. :) I just don't like doctors who treat patients as though they are ungrateful trouble makers if they question the procedures that doctors prescribe (or suggest different ones).

Canuck

p.s. If possible go in with your husband for moral support. :)

Spartan74

09-12-2006, 04:36 AM

roundtwo

09-12-2006, 06:21 AM

It absolutely amazes me the variances in treatment that i have read on this site and the research that i have read over the past 4 months now since rupturing my Achilles the 1st time. I agree with CanuckinUK, you have to be very forward with your surgeon/Dr as they are always going to be cautious about their patients recovery. The second time round i went in with print outs of research that i have found on the internet and was up front with the Dr. I also played the sympathy draw card as well. I told him that after having to endure the whole process of being casted for 8wks after only coming out of a cast 4 weeks earlier before rupturing again would be completely demoralising. I told him i dont think i would be able to sit at home doing nothing and feeling helpless again so soon (lets face it while you are on crutches and one leg there is not much you can do safely) Plus i had booked tickets to NYC for New Years to go shopping and sight seeing with my girlfriend. I was not giving that up, also i have tickets to Madison Square Garden to watch the Rangers take on Flyer, not missing that since i am from Oz and we just dont have ice hockey at home. In the end i didn’t even need the printed out information, he relented and put me on the program that i mentioned on previous postings.

The other side of why i wanted a different more aggressive / progressive method is because of what i found after being locked away in a cast for 8 weeks, the amount of muscle wastage was incredible. This got my brain working, if there is so much muscle wastage that when i do try to start walking and strengthen my Achilles, the calf would be wasted and weak meaning every exercise i do would be a greater force through the repaired Achilles. (Maybe this is me just looking for reasons why my Achilles re ruptured)

However the Dr did agree that this could of contributed to it. He mentioned that early movement and weight bearing would help the tendon reform better and stronger and that the walking boot with heal blocks would be safe, as long as I didn’t try and go running and stuff – I still have a sense of humour.

I have heaps of research so if anyone would like the links just let me know.

kjwilkin

09-12-2006, 12:30 PM

Thankyou 'canuckinttheUK' - I took your advice and called back the Dr's receptionist - well I got my husband to :) and I actually ahve an appointment with the specialist next week. But the receptionist is insisting that he 'only deals in plaster'. We shall see! I am going armed with some documents that cover other forms of treatment - otherwise it's like I am being held hostage by him.

Thanks for the sympathy 'Max' - I spent yesterday trying to get another specialist to see me, but it seems because I have been operated on already I am 'off limits' so to speak and it is deemed inappropriate to see another surgeons patient :confused:

I mean my surgery was classed as 'emergency' as I was sent by my GP to and ER and then admitted that way, so the most discussion I had with the surgeon was for about 2 minutes before he operated - I spoke to the anaesthetist for longer. I mean really who knows anything about achilles injury and treatment until you are affected by it!

Hi there,

Whereabouts are you based ? If you're in Melbourne I know of two top surgeons that deal with achilles ruptures. I'm sure they'd both be happy to see you even though you've had surgery. Let me know if you want their details. Both of these surgeons work with elite athletes and some of the AFL clubs. So, are the top in their fields.

If I was you I wouldn't be comfortable with the advice that your current specialist and nurse is giving you. There are really good specialists out there you just need to know who to go to. Have you thought about seeing a good sports physician ? They often have good links with some of the top orthopaedic surgeons. Both my sports physicians at Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre do. It has made a big difference with my recovery.

Good luck !

Rob N

09-12-2006, 02:40 PM

Roundtwo:
I'm very sorry to hear about your re-rupture. It certainly is a heartbreaker to have that happen - but you must perservere and beat this thing. The second surgery is behind you now and just stay positive that it will work out this time. If you get down, just try to fast forward in your mind a few months to the much improved situation that you will have in a relatively short time.

Keep believing. It will work out okay in the end.
Rob N

CanuckintheUK

11-12-2006, 08:09 PM

Great posts Canuck....I'm in the same boat. I ruptured my Achilles exactly2 weeks ago playing american football. I had surgery one week after the injury and have been in a cast/splint for the week following surgery. I too have been reading the studies that you have mentioned in your posts. I have my 1st post op appointment to see the Doctor today. His plan is to change my current plaster/splint to a smaller light weight plaster cast for 3 more weeks before going to the boot. I will discuss the studies with him and see what he thinks regarding that regimine. I defintely want to go right into the early weightbearing but want to hear the Dr.'s thoughts before I do. I had a 90% rupture, so I don't know if that will contribute to the Doc going along with the early weight bearing or not. Did you have a complete rupture or just a partial?

Hi Spartan,

I don't think a 90% vs 100% rupture will make a difference in terms of treatment, as you will be having surgery and the majority of the tendon tissues is affected. I had a complete rupture, but in any event, if the weight bearing helps the collagen fibers to reform in the correction orientation, then regardless of what % have to reform, weight bearing should help. Definitely talk to your doctor and see what he thinks about it. Good-luck!

Canuck!

Spartan74

12-12-2006, 01:40 AM

Canuck,
My doctor origainally wanted to put me in a plaster cast for 4 more weeks. I showed him a couple of the studies on early weight bearing and he had no problem with going right into the removable boot and begin weight bearing. He said I should be able to toss the crutches in one week........2 weeks post op. He gave me only some very basic exercises to do until my next appointment in two weeks. 3 sets of ten of flexing the foot forwrd and holding for ten, holding to the right for ten seconds and to the left for 10 seconds (this constitutes one rep). What has your doctor given to you with regards to exercise the first 2 weeks into the removable boot? Also, how much walking did he advise in those two weeks? Thanks
Spartan74

CanuckintheUK

13-12-2006, 08:04 PM

Hi Spartan,

In terms of physio, I have not been advised to do any by my doctor although I do have an appointment scheduled before my boot will be off with a physio. In the studies I read, physio did not begin until after/nearly after the boot was removed and as (one of) my doctor(s) did not want to put me into a boot to begin with, they did not recommend any particular amount of walking (the studies suggest as much as you can tolerate). Their prespective was "fine if you want to do something different, we'll give you the equipment, but if something goes wrong, don't blame us". I'm fine with that as the evidence for this stage of treatment is quite clear. I have not read too much into physio recommendations for AT ruptures, although from the posts here, there seems to be a wide range of treatments; as it's not a structured study, it's hard to say whether or not one way is any better. Many people may swear by doing certain exercises before/after weight bearing, etc. but unless you compare 50 people like that with 50 other people who do something else, you can't say that it is necessairily better. I'm sure that there are probably lots of ways to do good/helpful physio for an AT rupture and a few not so good ways, but the outcome will always depend on the individual anyway. From my own perspective, I think, well if you happen to break a bone in your arm, you don't want to start twisting your arm a few times a week while the new bone is forming; better to let it heal properly before applying stress. Likewise (and this is only my personal opinion), I would rather allow my tendon fully before starting to stress it through stretching/bending. If new collagen fibres are all the time forming across the wound and I keep dorisflexing my foot and breaking a % of those fibres, it doesn't seem helpful (although it might feel like I'm making some progress towards return normal ROM). These are my current thoughts; Once I've talked to a physio, I'll post and update. I think regardless of whether you start physio while in the boot or just out, this time difference (4-6 weeks) will still be short relative to the total time you will spend doing physio once you're out of your boot (3-4 months) so for me waiting a bit is a minor inconvienience.

Canuck

mumofmany

15-12-2006, 09:43 AM

Spartan74

16-12-2006, 02:04 AM

Spartan74

16-12-2006, 02:58 AM

Mumofmany,
Its great that your doctor is letting you proceed with the boot. Make sure you take it slow and as Canuck said, only do what you can tolerate. Also, regarding your DVT, is the only symptom you had was the feeling of a cramp in your calf? I'm curious because I have felt that somewhat too. I have been taking 325mg of Aspirin per day since surgery. Is the aspirin the only thing the doctor told you to do regarding the treatment of the DVT?
Thanks,
Spartan74

mumofmany

17-12-2006, 09:58 AM

Hi 'Spartan74' - yes, the only sign I had was a cramp like feeling in my calf! 'Grumpy nurse' sent me for an ultrasound and that is when it was discovered. I am currently taking 300mg - I am breast feeding so I think the Chemist decided this was a safe level (1 tablet per day), am having another ultrasound on Thursday to see if it has dispersed. I do not have the pain in my calf any more though. They also told me to elevate my foot all the time and wiggle my toes often. But if I were you I would get it checked out! :)

mumofmany

17-12-2006, 10:00 AM

Oh and BTW I still have lots of swelling around my ankle and my foot too!!

kjwilkin

17-12-2006, 11:00 AM

:) You guys are all so very friendly and informed, it makes me feel stronger about dealing with my surgeon.

I went back to him - with my husband :) - and he, the sugeon, was extremely rude to both of us when we asked what sort of studies he had done about different treatment methods,etc. He basically told us that this is the way he had been doing it for ten years and in his opinion it was the best form of treatment and he didn't need to check out anyone elses opions :rolleyes: . Although after I told him that I had made enquiries with other Drs he kind of changed his mind - but you would think that he would be happy to let me go, obviously very possesive! He has relinquished and I am getting fitted for one of those 'boot' things today.

Grumpy nurse however finally decided to ask me how I was feeling (whilst cutting off my cast) and if I had any pains in my calf or anything and I said I did, felt like I had a cramp for the last two weeks. Off they sent me for ultrasound and yep, I have a DVT. Great! So if I wasn't such a persistant patient, who knows where this might have left me!!

Now I have to have asprin every day, another ultrasound next week and see him again.
(surgeon).

And to 'kjwilkin' - yes I am in Melbourne and would love your info/contacts.

Hi there,

It sounds like you've had a really rough time. There is no need for surgeons to be rude. They should be helping you. It's stressful enough going through these experiences. If I was you I'd seriously think about geting a second opinion.

The two surgeons I've both seen that deal with achilles ruptures are Julian Feller and Mark Blackney. Contact numbers for these surgeons are :

Julian Feller - 9473 8850/9427 0366 (Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre)
Mark Blackney - 9417 0762/9427 0366 (Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre)

If I was you I'd go and see a sports physician at Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre as they will probably be able to get you in earlier to see either of these surgeons. Contact number is 9427 0366. Andrew Jowett and Chris Bradshaw are two very good sports physicans who I currently see and have helped me a lot.

Julian Feller consults on Wednesday afternoons at Olympic Park while Mark Blackney consults on Wednesday mornings at Olympic Park. Julian Feller also consults at Latrobe University Medical Centre where his main rooms are and at Vimy House Private Hospital in Kew, every second Thursday morning. Mark Blackney also consults at the Park Clinic at the Mercy Private Hospital in East Melbourne where his main rooms are and in Brighton too.

At the moment I think you will get into see Julian Feller quicker at Olympic Park, while Mark Blackney is quicker to get into at his rooms in East Melbourne.

Tomorrow I'll find out from Chris Bradshaw which surgeon is better for achilles tendon ruptures. I think Julian Feller is the better option for this problem, but I'll find out and let you know.

I think it's really important to see the right people and get the right treatment. Once you see the right people it makes a huge difference.

Hang in there ! :D

CanuckintheUK

19-12-2006, 01:41 AM

Canuck,

I agree with you completely. My next appointment is Dec. 22. I will also post after I talk with my doc. I have been walking around still using my crutches somewhat, but just as my doctor said, I should be able to toss the crutches anytime now. I can walk with little pain now but I still have swelling around my ankle. How are you doing in regards to swelling?

Spartan74

Hi Spartan,

Sometimes I think I have a different injury than everyone else (medical evidence not withstanding :) ). I have not had any swelling or pain at any point since 2 min after the actual injury. I do count my blessings!

As for DVT, if you have any doubt, best to get it checked out. It can be a very serious complication if not properly treated.

Hope everyone is doing well!

Canuck.

KATE32160

23-12-2006, 05:23 AM

Hello.

I am new to this forum so please bear with me. I injured my achilles in March playing in a volleyball tournament. the pain got worse and worse and I went to an orthopedic doctor, who began treatment, physical therapy, etc, etc. It eventually go so bad that he ordered an MRI and what do you know, my achilles tendon was in shreds and I needed surgery. Surgery was 9/26/06. I was in several hard casts for 6 weeks and 6 weeks in the boot. I just got out of the boot on 12/20 but now my ankle is very swolen all the time. The therapist says that is normal. I keep it elevated as much as possible but with the holidays coming that is hard to do. My family seems to think I should be better and I try to explain to them that this is not a quick recovery. Has anyone else had a problem with family understanding what we have gone through and how long this takes to be normal again.

Rob N

23-12-2006, 09:59 AM

Kate:
Sorry to hear about your injury. Yes, most people will not understand how fragile you are post-op and the length of time (and effort) it takes to recover. They tend to have heard of athletes who had injuries who miraculously pop back to action post-op (they just weren't around to see the hard work required to pull off that miracle). At times this problem can be more frustrating than dealing with the actual injury itself. It may be helpful to ask your physio to talk to one of your family members to give them a sense of the potential timeframes for recovery (you can get a range even though they will say everyone is different). For my injury, I found a study on the internet which provided some time frames that I could use for discussion purposes. The main thing is that you have to proceed with your rehab and recovery in a manner that is safe and appropriate for your situation (and ignore the peanut gallery that wants you back on the court before you are ready). I have a hockey team that's bugging me to come back since I missed half of last season and still was their second highest scorer - more of a sign of a bad team than anything). Anyways, with patience, perserverance and a bit of good luck, the whole ordeal will be behind you as a distant memory not that far down the road.
Rob N.

KATE32160

27-12-2006, 01:00 AM

Hello Rob,

Thanks so much for your reply. Do you remember where you found that study on the internet. Your comment about the peanut gallery made me laugh. My ankle was so swollen over the weekend that it started to make me a little concerned. I put the boot back on to see if it would help and it did a little. I just hate that boot so much that I refused to wear it today and I am sitting at my desk at work with an ankle that is at least twice its normal size. I had a talk with my better half and told him that even though I am 3 months post surgery, my recovery will be slow and he has to realize my limitations. He wanted to have a New Years Eve party and I said forget it. I'm not entertaining a house full of people. My concentration is on me and my recovery right now. I just want to be normal again, walk without swelling and walk without a limp. It's been so long, I can't remember what normal feels like. I also have to lose the 20 pounds I picked up as a result of no activity for so long. It's never ending, but as you said, with patience and perserverance, this ordeal will be behind me. Thanks again.

Rob N

27-12-2006, 03:29 AM

Kate:
I had a different tendon tear than what you have (I would still rate yours as more serious than mine). The study is available at the site below:
http://www.emedicine.com/orthoped/topic246.htm
Post-injury I had a very swollen ankle since all the fluid just flowed down and sat there. The solution that worked for me was to sit my foot/ankle in a bucket of cold water for about 15 minutes a few times a day - along with the usual RICE. I don't know if that would be suitable for your circumstance. Do your best to enjoy the holiday. Life will gradually get better.
Rob N

KATE32160

28-12-2006, 05:46 AM

Rob,

Thank you for the link. I will take your advice on the cold water, although I can't do that at work. I'm wearing a tighter sock today and believe it or not, it doesn't seem to be as swollen today.

Kate

dopapier

07-01-2007, 02:51 AM

This is a fascinating forum. Thanks to everyone for the insights, especially to Canuck for appreciable 'in-depth'.
I 100% ruptured my right AT on 16 Sep 06 at Dover at the start of a 9 day holiday in Germany. My wife had to drive but we had the holiday, including staying in a flat three floors up! On return it was diagnosed and on 2nd Oct I had the op. Three weeks, plus another three weeks in plaster then the airboot (which I discarded after two weeks). Yes, getting up and down stairs on knees or bum and lifting myself (14.5 stone) on my left leg was a strain. I wish I had read about the earlier weight bearing; I think it would have been an improvement. Nevertheless, I have exercised carefully and now, 95 days after the op and walking reasonably normally though still lacking full body lift in my right foot. From the comments I have read, I am not going to force that one.
One thing I was not prepared for - no-one mentioned the possibility of embolism so unpleasant pains in the chest seemed like indigestion until it wouldn't clear and a doctor sent me fast to hospital where a pulmonary embolism was diagnosed (and treated).
Now I feel really good.
The swelling part - yes cold compresses helped but I was told that I needed to elevate the foot much more when at rest, keeping it above heart level. I did this and things improved. The injury swelling is slowly easing but I have very good flexibility. Someone told me recently that the repair can take up to a year to really be firm again. Does anyone have any information on that?
:) David

beverley

07-01-2007, 09:51 AM

Hi everyone

I first joined this forum back on page 3, back in October 2006. I am pleased to say after my rupture, over 8 weeks in plaster and many weeks of physio, I am now driving!
It was difficult at first as it was the left foot, and pushing the clutch down was hard as there was extreme weakness in the foot. However, after a lot of just driving around the block for 10 mins here and there, it has improved alot. I am now back at work after being off for over 5mths!! they have been good and I am being eased back in gently.

I have to say though, my ankle is still so stiff, and I still can't get on normal shoes. Have to wear wide boots, and nothing with a high heel (oh will I ever wear High heels again!)
I am still using one crutch when I go out, as I tend to limp and that gives me a pain in my side! A chap at work has offered to do deep friction massage on the area, so I might take him up on that. I had months of swelling, and that has now subside, but it is still bigger than the other side. I worry that I might never lose the stiffness as I find it quite debilitating. Physio says that should improve.

I notice there have been many more ruptures since I first joined and I really do offer you all the very best. I know it has been a struggle for us all. From the indignity of getting up steps on our bottoms to dropping those crutches every time they were stood up (oh if I had a pound for every time they went on the floor!) To struggling to carry things, and being frustrated with family members who sometimes just don't get it! :p

I will check in occasionally to see how everyone is doing.
Take care and take your time, and all the best to you all for 2007
Bev
x:)

lulu

11-01-2007, 07:16 AM

Hi I am also new to this. I am a nurse and work in a cardiac unit I ruptured my Achilles tendon on 12/10/2006, during a code blue. It was the most excruciating pain. MRI showed complete rupture of the Achilles tendon and my Ortho guy suggested surgery, but I decided to go with the long cast because of my history of poor circulation and being overweight and I was afraid of developing DVT and infection at the surgical site. The long cast was put on 12/18/06 and from what I have read here at the forum my toes was suppose to be pointed but it is not. And I have three more weeks to go for the removal of the cast and I will be having a series of different casts for the next six months. Do you think it would have been better if I had gone with the surgery? I have two teenage boys they are very active we live in the suburbs where there is no public transportation. Now that mommy is out of commission their social life has been dismal no one to drive them around. My husband works long hrs. I am sort of depressed about it .
Hope to here from anyone
Peace
Lulu
ps Im 45 was borne in East Africa and been living in the US since 1982. Played college baasketball in my eary twenties.

Elmoblue1964

12-01-2007, 05:03 AM

Hi all,.......i joined the club on the 3/01/07, after having surgery on a complete rupture. I have read nearly all your reports, and am sorry to hear the problems some off you have. My injurey is ...it happened while playing 5 a side football, it felt as if i was shot from behind , and a big snap..most people around me heard it........the date was 14/12/06...3 weeks befor surgery......being silly i thought it would go away ...(but nooooooo way) when i finally went to ....a and e,..they said i had a problem, and sent me straight to the specialist...he then told me, surgery was needed there and then........after the opp, the specialist said if i had come the day after the injurey he would off just put me in a cast for a few weeks ....but he did say after the opp, even if i,d been in a cast for 12 months it would of never repaired, so going a bit late was a blessing in disguise. I go to my first physio 12/01/07,....they say its just to check the stitches and scar, with a bit of physio.Then i go see the specialist on the 17/01/07. Can any 1 tell me if they can .........move there toes .....there knee...... and the ankle quite easerly without pain and i get ......well feels like cramp or growing pains (i wish) in my calf........i hope this isnt DVT,.......Am a 48 year old man, quite fit, as i need to be for the job i do...........this is all new to me as, as being out of action dos,nt go down to well with me.....:mad: .....thanks to all who have read this.........hope you all recover to full fittness and get back to normal.......many thanks Elmoblue......:) ....ILL TRY AND KEEP YOU ALL UPDATED

robyn

13-01-2007, 07:48 PM

I love this forum but ca't believe the amount of variations in treatments. I think the one thing we all have in common is frustration and the need to practise patience! I had a walking boot fitted exactly 2 wks after surgery when the stitches came out. I have been driving(I have an auto. car and left achilles injury) and walking without assistance. I get very tired and a little bit sore by the end of the day. I like the suggestion about the ice packs and elevation. I should have remembered this so thanks for the reminder.

Chocofan

14-01-2007, 11:34 AM

I ruptured my Achilles on 28th October, had surgery 10 days later, stiches out 2 weeks after that then 4 weeks in a cast, toes down position. I had the cast off on 28th December - about 2 and half weeks ago.

The first few days I felt a bit wobbly, but could put my foot on the floor in my shoes which had the heels built up. Day three I was walking with one crutch only. Day four I could walk bare feet and no crutch around the house - albeit slowly. I took one crutch with me when I went out for the first two weeks, increasingly as a security blanket rather than a great need.

I have now progressed to no crutches at all and I walk around the house in bare feet all the time, believing that this will strengthen the tendon. I am having physio twice a week, but it consists mainly of gentle stretching exercises.

My physio is rather jealous of my progress as she did her achilles a year ago and did not have surgery and is still having problems with it. Hers swells still and hurts at the end of the day.

Mine swells a bit, and hurts a bit at the end of the day too - but I am only two weeks post cast off so I feel confident that I will be back to normal in the next month or two, baring a rerupture as posted by some poor person above!

My research led me to believe that the best mends come from those who do as they are told! Rest and elevate while in your cast.... so I did that - hardly moving for the 6 weeks post surgery - laptop on knee - books beside, telly in front. I stretched and flexed my leg muscles within the cast whenever there was room (sometimes it was swollen and sometimes the cast was loose).

I did have quite a lot of muscle wastage from the conservative treatment of 6 weeks no weight bearing - but now that I am walking again it is beginning to look normal again.

I may not be back in here very often from now on, but it was good to find this site when I needed it. If anyone would like more information please email me at
teacher123@gmail.com
with Achilles Rupture or something in the subject line so that I know you are not spam :)

Good luck to you all.... Happy healing.

Chocofan

14-01-2007, 12:04 PM

dopapier

17-01-2007, 04:31 AM

Hi Lulu. I had a complete rupture and am very glad that I had the op. You're stuck with it now, but I think it would have been your best bet.
Elmoblue. You really sound lucky . . and sensible . . a slow careful buildup has to be the best idea.
I'm now 106 days after the op (and 40 days after a pulmonary embolism). I am walking well, driving any distance I want (and have been for the last month). The leg is strong, though I still can't raise myself on my toes on the one foot - if I was two stone lighter it might well be possible lol. My greatest problem in the last three weeks has been a pain, often excrutiating, in the base of the heel of the healthy foot. I think it must be tightness in the tendons from toe to heel and caused by walking stiffly; I've heard someone refer to it as 'policeman's heel'; that has to be UK police because they walk slowly on hard surfaces! Now it has almost gone but I have done a lot of work in stretching, going down to crouch, pushing the toes well behind me etc. I can now run a little, carefully, and mount stairs two at a time. At 70, I have to be pleased with that. I still think that a sooner move into the walking boot, instead of six weeks in plaster, would have been better.
David

bogstandard

17-01-2007, 08:35 AM

The AT can benefit from Ultra sound. 3 times a day for 5 mins at a time on low power.

roundtwo

18-01-2007, 12:19 AM

Hi all,

Amazing to see more and more people joining this site. When will people learn not to do this injury! lol. Since my rerupture things seem to be progressing well. I havent experienced the same type of soreness and stiffness as i did the first time round at this stage. Fingers crossed this bodes well for my full recovery from them frustrating injury.
I have enjoyed looking back over your posts and some of you have some funny stories associated with your experience, like the droping of the crutches every time you try to rest them against the wall or chair while you are out enjoying a meal or something like that. I think these types of stories are just as helpful and enlighting as finding out the course of rehab each of you are undertaking, as the one thing i found hard to deal with was depression and inability to do things, the simple things like carrying a plate to the kitchen sink the hardest and the feeling of guilt that someone (mainly my partner) had to most things for me. I think it would be helpful that we each reflect on the good things, the funny things that happen during this time inorder to help us progress mentally past this injury.

I reached this oppinon after returning from New York where i spent new years eve. After being locked in my house for about 7 weeks afraid to move to far, which would either rerupture my repaired achilles or as so many people have pointed out, ruptured my good achilles; i bit the bullet and went to NYC.

Let me tell you it was fantastic!! Finally something good came out of being on crutches. I didnt have to cue for anything. In the airport i had wheel chair service and was able to jump the lines at immagration. At the Empire state and Statue of Liberty i was able to jump the 2hr long waiting lines to get to the top or on the boat. At the Majestic theater i was up graded from 6 rows from the back to 6 rows from the front to see Phantom of the Opera on broadway. It was just fantastic, it was so good to get out and experience life again, and having someone else do it rather that my partner.

So my advice. Use your advantage card, and make something of the frustrating time of our lives and enjoy the sights.

Good Luck to all

Roundtwo

sbcrc

20-01-2007, 10:28 PM

Hi there,

Sorry to hear about everyones ruptures
I have also re-ruptured my achilles.
The first time I was playing indoor netball and it completly ruptured. It was operateted on (NZ public health scheme) which was OK. But I think they could have done a better job.
You must remember that I am 30, very athletic, 100Kg of mostly muscle, always stretch and warm up.
I was in plaster for 8 weeks. Then 3 weeks later, I was walking up a slight 15degree incline and pop pop. There it goes again. I must admit I did cry. Mainly because my wife and I were having our first baby and it was due in 3 weeks. I think she was more upset then I. I think I leant into the walk up the VERY slight incline. (as you do when you walk)

So I had it operated on again. This time they placed more stiches in it to guarrentee it would heel. I am currently at week 7 of 8. So I will be walking (hobbling) again soon. Everyone says there will be a full recovery. But I might just stick to Poker and Golf.

What gets me is the sensation of walking as you can only stride as far as your calf will let you. But with every step I feel the pull on my Achilles. That sensation is very scary and I don't know how to combat this.

I have ACL'ed my knee, shoulder reconstruction, smached elbow, broken wrists, smached jaw and broken my ankle. (all sporting injuries) Nothing compared to this, I am terrified of doing this again.

I will keep you posted on the recovery.

Elmoblue1964

21-01-2007, 07:59 AM

Hi all......AM 17 DAYS POST OPP now,(had complete rupture)......had front cast taken off at 2 weeks.and now in a boot called, A ROM BOOT,,.......I,ve had 2 phsyios sessions,.....Achillies feels fine, but rest off leg aches like hell.......they say its because of , not using allthe muscles....i,ve been told i could be in Boot for 4/6 weeks...but not sure if i should wear the boot all day. Can i take it off in the house while sitting doing NOWT. I wear a back cast for sleeping in....... hope every 1 recovers to full fitness , thx all.....ill keep you posted......

Max

26-01-2007, 08:19 AM

A new mindset...

Just thought I'd update you on my progress, as it seems there is such a wide range in the "norm" with AT injuries. My last post was 5 weeks post op and I had been in a boot for a week. I wore that for 2 weeks, then my specialist told me to go into sports shoes around the house (at the 6 week point). He told me that he would see me in 6 weeks and that I could wear the boot when I went out as long as I felt it was necessary. He said that I would know when I was ready to do that. He was right... within a week I knew that I didn't need the boot anymore. I had to continue the physio (and boy, the deep massage of the scar and tendon hurt like hell initially, but it has had a huge positive effect on the flexibility of the ankle and has certainly reduced the frequency of swelling). I've been walking around the house with no crutches for the past three weeks, but I still use crutches when I go out and walk any distance. The reason my physio wants me to do this is that it means I can concentrate on having the correct gait rather than walk with a limp and then have to sort out the problems that can cause. I'm back doing gentle exercise now (exercise bike, walking in the pool etc) which is great for morale (and post-Xmas/operation weight gain!)

Obviously, I wish this injury had never happened, but I've been extremely lucky that my surgeon has been excellent and has empowered me in my treatment. I know the days when I've done too much and why, so I just make sure I take it easy the next day. I've been driving since week 6, which has been fantastic (especially since it was my right leg) and I feel my independence is back. I can do most things around the house again (but, I'm not hurrying to do the vacuuming again as I think my teenage son could benefit from some further training!).

I'm now 11 weeks post-op and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Every week, it feels stronger. Am I going to be running, hill walking or playing sport anytime soon ? No. And for those of you who have just injured your AT, I know how you are feeling, but it will get better. The frustrations will go away and life will return to some kind of normality. Mind you, I can't wait until the time when I can walk fast again!!!!!

the hasbeen

05-02-2007, 04:38 PM

Hello All,

I'm here to give any advice and help to anyone who has recently ruptured or have torn their achilles. I was a victim over a year and half ago. I'm sorry that this has happened to anyone. Its too bad that these things don't come with a warranty right? jk

I used to be a basketball. I played pretty much everyday. I took a couple of months off from playing and then decided to play a pickup game with some friends. This was June 1st, 2005. I felt perfectly fine while I was playing until I went up for a layup and then I felt a strong kick in the back of my ankle. It was very sharp and painful. I tried to walk it off but it did not get any better. I knew something was terribly wrong. I began to wonder who kicked my ankle from behind? Unfortunately, my friend told me that noone was around me. It turned out to be my achilles snapping during my jump. I went to the doctor the next day and received the horrible news. I had surgery 2 weeks later.
I was placed in a cast with my foot pointing down for 2 weeks. Next I was placed in a cast with my foot pointing up for 3 weeks. Then I was placed in a cast with my foot pointing all the way up for 2 weeks. For 7 weeks I was using crutches. I have a deskjob so fortunately I was able to work throughout this entire time. I had to prop up my foot whenever possible. The surgery was done very well, I never felt any pain or soreness during these 7 weeks. I felt nothing at all. After 7 weeks I was placed in a walking boot. It was annoying, I hated it. I couldn't bend my foot in the cast and I could barely bend my knee so I "mummy walked" for the next 3 weeks. After 10 weeks post-op I was finally able to walk with regular shoes... I guess you can call it walking, I could barely push off but over the next 3 weeks it became much easier. 14 weeks post-op I was able to walk normal. I never went to physio but I was giving a heel cord and a page of rehab exercises to use. I used them for a few weeks but I did a lot of walking during this time. My doctor said that walking would be enough rehab for me giving my weight. 210lbs. 16 weeks post-op I was able to walk fast with no pain. I would feel some ocassional twitching or twinging but nothing major. 20 weeks post-op I could lightly jog. At that time that doctor let me go. No more check ups. The only sad news that he gave me was that I would need to pick another hobby instead of playing basketball. He never told me to stop playing altogether but just not to play basketball on a regular basis. However, he said that if I did try to play that I would need to jog with no discomfort and shoot around to get a good feel. He said that there would be a greater risk of reinjury of course. I went ahead and took his advice and I have not played a basketball since the injury. I was able to run at normal speed at 6 months post-op. It felt great, I never thought that I would be so happy to run again.

General help to everyone who has recently had surgery. Patience. Its hard to do but you'll have to. I've read a few of the latest posts and everyone recovers at their own speed.

Max - that must have been rough injuring your right foot. I injured my left foot so I was able to drive after surgery but I had to place pillows under my left thigh so my foot would not touch the floor when I was driving! You are recovery very well, you should be able to walk with speed very soon at this rate! Your strength increases daily and you'll speed up naturally without even noticing.
sbcrc - I'm sorry to hear about your rerupture. The pull or the tug that you fell on your achilles is normal. It is scary to feel it but as long as you don't extend past the pull when you first feel it you'll be fine.
elmoblue - that's great you're in a walking boot so soon! I was in plaster for 7 weeks which made my calf muscle look like a twig. In your case you shouldn't have that problem. I never wore my walking boot all day. I took it off whenever I sat down or laid down. I still used the crutches sometimes too. 7 weeks can make you arms pretty strong and I was faster with crutches than I was in a boot.