Ruptured Achilles Tendon Rehab @ 12 weeks post-op (Running!)

[cutensxcgurl]

i have achilles tendonitis for a year on both my feet from running!my right foot is ok but my left foot doesnt seem to be healing,ive stopped running and only do light excercises but as i was a bit over weight b4 im afraid il put the weight back on if i dont do any excercises which my physiotherapist has reccomended,im just wondering if u had tendonistis b4 yur tendon ruptured?im scared my tendon will rupture now

[susanlfleming]

Hello cutensxcgurl....so sorry to hear about the tendonitis in both achilles. I did not have tendonitis or any other issues with my achilles before it ruptured....for me the injury was was just a fluke I guess....it ruptured while I was playing XBOX Kinect. I have completly healed from the injury since my surgery about a year ago. Good luck!

[pingpink69]

hi susan, thanks for putting together your great video and wow what a recovery you made in a short time....i tore my achilles on dec 4, 2011 playing squash and had surgery dec 9...i'm at about 7 weeks and doing physio since week 5...however i'm walking with a pretty bad limp...when did you notice your walk getting back to "normal"? thanks patel

[susanlfleming]

Hi Patel, my "normal" gait returned at approximately 14 weeks post-op.....I had just spent a week at the beach and think walking on the sand every day helped to rehab my healing achilles. Before you know it, you'll be back to your "normal' gait and back to doing the activities you love. Good luck and speedy recovery !

[susanlfleming]

Nigel: Wow....I'm so sorry about the traumatic injury to your ankles! As far as swelling......I did have some swelling the first 2-4 weeks post-op, but only at the end of the work day. Elevation, ice and massage kept the swelling to a minimum.

Jerry: I am 10 month post-op now....my healed achilles is doing great. (Please message me for details regarding my experience with the knee walker). :-)

Speedy recovery to all and remember that you WILL get back to doing what you love!

[romakayak]

Hi Susan, thanks for putting this vid on the tube. I have some rather nasty injuries to both the rear of each foot after being hit by a speed boat and the propeller chewed the rear of each foot. It's now 8 weeks after the collision and I am just starting to stand up again. Did your foot swell each day?

Regards

Nigel

[cobra979]

Hi Susan, your recovery is very inspirational & your video is amazing & thanks for all the info in comments. Please give an update on your current condition & was hoping you can talk a bit more about your knee walker experience.

I'm 32yrs. 6'4 260lbs. & recently tore left achilles tendon playing basketball & have surgery in a few weeks. Doctor said I will never dunk again which was very depressing at first but now using it as motivation to jump even higher then before.

-Jerry

[susanlfleming]

So sorry to hear about the tendonitis in the other foot.....i hope your appointment goes well. There is a website/blog that shares information regarding non-surgical recovery from an Achilles Tendon rupture. Hopefully this site can give you some positive feedback and advice. Good luck! achillesblogcom/

[asarcasticnerd]

Susan great story. I am officially 8 weeks post operation today. I ruptured mine playing basketball while in the military. Next week I should be in a walking boot. Do you still have any pain or swelling? Does your leg feel different than any other? Any help would be great.

[susanlfleming]

Hi! I'm so sorry to hear about your Achilles Tendon rupture while playing basketball. First of all, thank you for your military service. Transitioning to a walking boot is a big milestone! Stick to a physical therapy program that your doc recommends. I followed a similar rehab protocol that is mentioned in the University of Michigan Department of Orthopaetic website under "Achilles Tendon Repair Protocol" (google). I am 9 months post-op now without any pain or swelling. Good Luck!

[kjchicago1]

@susanlfleming I've got a soft cast on my foot that the doctor says I have to wear until I see her next Wednesday(the 16th)to see if it reduced the swelling in my tendon. If it didn't, I may have to either get a cortisone shot or surgery, but, we'll see what she says and I'll keep you posted! Hope you're doing okay!

[papillonww]

Wow! wish I had done the surgery...It took a full year for my recovery with cast and boot. I 'm officially depressed. Because it took so long, I have tendonitis in my other tendon. It seems to get better then I wear flat shoes, and move wrong and I'm back at square one. The original tendon rupture is fine. I don't know what to do now. Congratulations on your successful recovery! I guess I'm making an appointment this week.. My tennis is suffering (mentally)...fear of another rupture.

[susanlfleming]

Hello John, It is great to hear that you are on your way to recovery......your positive attitude will be a very important factor in your rehab/recovery. Good luck and keep up the great work!

[theashton1000]

Hi there Susan, thankyou for your good luck message.... 6 weeks this Friday post op! I saw on your video that there is a photo of you walking at 6 weeks... I am hoping to do the same but not sure if the foot is ready yet. How did you know your foot was ready to start walking on it again? And what kind of a walk was it? I am presuming that you were limping at first?

John

[theashton1000]

Hi Susan, well done, fantastic recovery.... I am 4 weeks post op. Foot in the neutral position. Doc says I can put weight onto it and limp around. Feels good but not put 100% weight onto it yet, will do though soon, I know i'm close...

John

[susanlfleming]

Hello.......No, I did not have any pain when I started jogging and really never did anything that hurt during my entire rehab process. When I first began jogging at 12 weeks post-op I did have some initial stiffness that slowly loosened up after about 15 seconds or so. At 14 weeks post-op, I spent a week at the beach.....I think that walking barefoot on the beach was great rehab for me as my calf strength increased and my "normal" gait returned. Talk to your doc about your pain....good luck!

[yumonflo]

Hi Susan, in your video I can see that you're still limping while running. Do you feel any pain or is because another issue? I am 16 week post op. and I've been walking without any boot since the 10th week but I still have pain in my tendon that does not let walk normal. I am supposed to start jogging in 2 more weeks but i'm no sure if I'll be able to do it. Can you explain how did you feel by that time you started running?

[bobisthedog]

Hi Susan.....I am 12 days post op and get my stitches out this Friday...My doctor did not cast me...I saw your 2 week picture standing....were you still using the knee walker then or did you begin full pressure at 2 weeks? I'm beginning passive therapy on my own today with a chiropractor to do ultrasound, ice, lymphatic massage and tens unit...Thanks for your inspiration! I want to run at 12 weeks also!

[susanlfleming]

Hi Bob, Are you in a walking boot now? At two weeks post-op, I was using the knee walker to get around for longer distances while at work (since crutches just didn't suit me). At that time I was also beginning to walk (limp) unassisted for very short distances while gradually increasing my daily distance. Elevation, Ice and ROM exercises were part of my daily routine early on. Keep up the great work.......before you know it, you'll be back to doing what you love! Good luck with your recovery!

[kjchicago1]

@susanlfleming I have a tendonitis problem, myself! I'm going to see the orthopedics Monday for my boot(or splint)on my right foot! I've been off work since August 30 of this year and I'm trying to stay off it as much as I can! On the 11th, I'll see the podiatrist(October 11th)I'll keep you posted! How did you hurt your tendon? Hope you're okay & a speedy recovery!

[bobisthedog]

Hi Susan.....I am 12 days post op and get my stitches out this Friday...My doctor did not cast me...I saw your 2 week picture standing....were you still using the knee walker then or did you begin full pressure at 2 weeks? I'm beginning passive therapy on my own today with a chiropractor to do ultrasound, ice, lymphatic massage and tens unit...Thanks for your inspiration! I want to run at 12 weeks also!

[wasabinuts2go]

Hi Susan, I recently ruptured my achilles tendon and I got surgery 2 days later. Had the splint on for a week and 3 days.... went to the doctor, got the splint off and expected to be on the Boot just like you. Turns out the doctor put me on a cast, and I'll be on it for another 4 - 5 weeks. I just wanted to say you're a very lucky person to be walking on your boot and healing so fast.

Jack

[susanlfleming]

Hi Jack, I'm so sorry to hear about your Achilles Tendon rupture....how did you injure it? I know it is tough..... but try to keep a positive attitude.......before you know it you will be out of your splint and into a boot . It has been 7 months since my Achilles surgery......I am very thankful for my surgeon. Take care....Susan

[JeanScout1]

Thanks Susan!! Ironically I work for the Ortho foot & ankle Specialist LOL and he kept cast time to a minumim with the second surg walking right away. Just can't get range of motion back for multiple reasons. We will get there... I am blessed with my other pup (rodesian ridgeback) at my side. I've never subscribed to Youtube before this entry. just seeing your cattledogs and similar journey...I had to send a comment. 'It's been great hear about your experience. thx:)

[susanlfleming]

Jean, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet Red Heeler and your two Achilles surgeries in the same year.....That is so tough!! As you can see in my video, my two Cattle Dogs were instrumental in my recovery progress as they were right by my side as I began waking (limping) at 6 weeks post-op on the trail we had always run on ..........and waiting patiently until I was strong enough to run again at about 11-12 weeks post-op. Good luck with your ongoing recovery....you will get there!

[JeanScout1]

Susan, Thank you for sharing your journey in such a gracious way. I miss my healthy achilles tendon, my running career and my 12 year old Red Heeler buddy. all lost in 2010 with his passing and my 2 achilles surgeries. Your video gave me some hope for healing on this bumpy road. very best!:)

[bitesizeme]

Wow! I did mine in boxing day (2010). But it took 6 months to run. You're lucky to have great doctorrs apparently.

[patrinabird]

thanks for posting. I ruptured mine over Thanksgiving 2011 and had surgery 12/3 so we are on similar timelines. But, I still can't do toe raises like you can. I can run, throw, squat, go downstairs so it could be a mental thing. I ran my first mile race on 6/18 in 7:02. I can also run 100 meters in 14.8 as well.

This is a weird injury in that the fear now is popping the good one. I'm not as organized as you but my videos are on patrinabird on youtube.

[susanlfleming]

Hello Patrinabird, thank you for sharing your videos.How did you rupture your Achilles? It looks like you have recovered very nicely from this difficult injury. You are speedy indeed.....keep up the great work!

[patrinabird]

@susanlfleming: Hi. I ruptured it while running a 40 yard dash. Actually, I wasn't running at the time. It popped right when I made the move to start. Picture the stance of a football wide receiver before the ball is snapped. It was my rear leg and it popped as I made the move forward. I could have easily avoided it by not running sprints after coming off distance training.

[HuskerTodd]

Thanks for posting! I ruptured my Achilles last night (basketball), and met with the orthopedic surgeon today. Surgery is scheduled for 6/02. Reading a lot of blogs I was becoming depressed about recovery time (many people saying 5-8 weeks of non-weight bearing activity)!.

My Doc thinks I'll be able to do some weight bearing activity in two weeks, but I was starting not to believe him...until I saw your video!

What were you able to do at two weeks (stand, limited walking???)

Thanks!

Todd

[susanlfleming]

Hi Todd! First of all, so sorry to hear about your recently ruptured Achilles tendon......Good luck with your upcoming surgery next Thursday.

I was out of the splint and into a walking boot at 9 days post-op....the following day I began to gingerly add some weight to the healing foot. By 14 days post-op, I was back to work and initially walking (awkwardly) for the first 3-4 hours; then using the knee walker for the rest of the day as soreness and swelling set in. (continued in next post)

[susanlfleming]

Between 3- 4 weeks post-op, I was out of the boot completely and walking unassisted. Last evening, I ran 4 miles and happy to say that my Achilles feels great! Try to stay positive.....in my opinion this will be crucial throughout your recovery. Please feel free to email me for any additional questions you may have about my recovery process.

Best wishes and speedy recovery,

Susan



[susanlfleming]

David, your encouragement and advice has been instrumental in my progress. I am grateful to you for sharing your own personal journey and speedy recovery from this significant life altering injury. You gave me the confidence to move forward with an accelerated rehab program from the beginning.........Thank you!!

[dlhunzi]

Susan, Very nice I will be sure to use you if I ever get the call for the bright lights and how to recover from this devastating injury for athletes and active people. Great Job!