Achilles Tendon Rupture - Non-Surgical Repair
Note: These postings are in no way meant to assist with diagnosis or
treatment of a medical issue. Make an informed decision with your doctor.
Monday September 3, 2012
Going back for a lob on the tennis court, I heard a pop coming from the bottom of my left leg. Instantly, I was on the ground - no pain, but I advised my friend ... game over. I tried to get up and walk ... not going to happen. With much needed assistance from my friend Larry, I made it home.
I pride myself on never being injured. My motto is - Be Safe. At the ripe old-age of 57, I have experienced my first injury.
The first attempt at self-healing, which every weekend warrior knows, is R.I.C.E. - rest, ice, compression, and elevate. It was my hope that the injury would heal. With some conversations with docs and research on the Net, I felt it might happen. After a week of R.I.C.E., my wife insisted on a visit to our friend, an orthopedic surgeon. As it turns out, a very wise choice.
A simple test - The Thompson Method - equaled a diagnosis - Ruptured Achilles Tendon - My reaction: Shit! Because, I live a very active lifestyle.
I'll still be active, but I won't be running, hiking, cycling, playing tennis, or any other activity that requires aggressive foot movement for a long time - at least four months, maybe longer. It takes upwards of a year to be close to 100%
Here's a good video about the tendon. I recommend reviewing this site - Achilles Tendon Recovery Blog.
I pride myself on never being injured. My motto is - Be Safe. At the ripe old-age of 57, I have experienced my first injury.
The first attempt at self-healing, which every weekend warrior knows, is R.I.C.E. - rest, ice, compression, and elevate. It was my hope that the injury would heal. With some conversations with docs and research on the Net, I felt it might happen. After a week of R.I.C.E., my wife insisted on a visit to our friend, an orthopedic surgeon. As it turns out, a very wise choice.
A simple test - The Thompson Method - equaled a diagnosis - Ruptured Achilles Tendon - My reaction: Shit! Because, I live a very active lifestyle.
I'll still be active, but I won't be running, hiking, cycling, playing tennis, or any other activity that requires aggressive foot movement for a long time - at least four months, maybe longer. It takes upwards of a year to be close to 100%
Here's a good video about the tendon. I recommend reviewing this site - Achilles Tendon Recovery Blog.
I'd rather be doing this than that.
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Tuesday September 11, 2012
Now the reason for writing about this. As an author of two diet, health, and lifestyle books, I do a tremendous amount of research. To my surprise, when it comes to this type of injury, I found the information lacking. Yes, there's information, but not nearly as much high-quality info as I anticipated. And candidly, it's scattered all over the Net.
After one day of being in a cast, I realized that everything that is easy to do will be much more difficult ... grabbing a morning cup of Joe, taking a shower, bringing the garbage can in from the street, and much more. My new nickname is Grumpy, Gimpy, Gramps. Or you can call me hop-a-long.
I do have a positive attitude and after seeing this TV segment about Aimee Copeland, I absolutely will not complain about my misfortune. She is one exceptional young lady.
After one day of being in a cast, I realized that everything that is easy to do will be much more difficult ... grabbing a morning cup of Joe, taking a shower, bringing the garbage can in from the street, and much more. My new nickname is Grumpy, Gimpy, Gramps. Or you can call me hop-a-long.
I do have a positive attitude and after seeing this TV segment about Aimee Copeland, I absolutely will not complain about my misfortune. She is one exceptional young lady.
Friday September 14, 2012
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I opted for a non-surgical repair of my Achilles tendon (here's a good article about the two choices). This might not be the correct decision, however, only time will tell. I will be in a cast (below knee) for six weeks.
Until the cast is off, I will not do a tremendous amount of posts. Main reason: There's no news. The good news: I have absolutely no pain. In fact, even when the accident happened, there was no pain. That's one reason I didn't think it was the Achilles. I was under the impression that an Achilles rupture was very painful. Here are some recommendations: Check into a knee walker - This is the one I have. It costs $35 per week to rent. It has made getting around much easier. Other than walking down my street with it, I have not taken it out of the house - yet. Of course, I have crutches. Be sure to have a good seat in the shower. I'm sure your doc "gave" you a waterproof bag to cover the cast. It works. I've learned that simple tasks take more time and can be difficult - carrying a cup of coffee. Lots of pit-stops are made and even a little furniture moving to accommodate inconveniences. |
Dr. Howard Luks provides some good information about Achilles Tendon Rupture. He has a great website and Facebook presence.
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Thursday October 25, 2012
It was a very long six weeks. Finally, the cast came off! Great news: My doc told me that the ruptured Achilles tendon has healed nicely.
I was fitted for a walking boot and advised by my doc that I would need my crutches. Interestingly, on the first day, no matter how hard I tried, I could not walk. In fact, I had to use the crutches.
The great news: On day two, I could walk without the crutches. I haven't used the crutches again.
I was fitted for a walking boot and advised by my doc that I would need my crutches. Interestingly, on the first day, no matter how hard I tried, I could not walk. In fact, I had to use the crutches.
The great news: On day two, I could walk without the crutches. I haven't used the crutches again.
Friday October 26, 2012
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I started physical therapy. For a full recovery, I have been advised that PT is very important. I'm taking PT very seriously.
My physical therapist looked at the Achilles and was very impressed with the healing. My first session of physical therapy was very active: a massage, stretching with an elastic band (see video), a five-minute stationary bike ride, and single leg press (very light weight 20 pounds). |
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Tuesday October 30, 2012
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I am at 8-weeks and nowhere near the ability level that this video demonstrates. This is someone who is at 12-weeks. However, the loss of calf muscle and thickness of Achilles are similar. I am pleasantly surprised at how well I can walk, but with a major limp.
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Second physical therapy session: My therapist told me while massaging the injury that he couldn't feel the "defect". Great news. The ruptured Achilles tendon is moving toward full recovery. I did a lot of PT today: Ultrasound massage, leg press (20-pounds), basic squat, and ankle/foot/calf stretches, stretching with an elastic band, and five-minutes on a stationary bike.
Every day I can feel an incremental improvement. I'm still walking flat-footed - no bending of the ankle. At this stage of recovery, that is normal. |
Thursday November 1, 2012
Doing one of my band-stretching exercises.
A milestone today: I was able to put a sneaker on my bad foot and walk - with a limp. This is 59-days from the date of the injury and 51-days from the date I was casted. I was just testing it and I will be using the boot.
I'm going to be very cautious with the recovery. However, I am very pleased that I was able to do this in less than eight weeks from date of being placed in a cast.
I'm going to be very cautious with the recovery. However, I am very pleased that I was able to do this in less than eight weeks from date of being placed in a cast.
Friday November 2, 2012
Third physical therapy session: Every day the foot is feeling better. Today's session: Ultrasound massage, leg press (20-pounds), basic squat, and ankle/foot/calf stretches, stretching with an elastic band, and ten-minutes on a stationary bike.
Tuesday November 6, 2012
Eight weeks have passed since my cast was "installed" on September 11, 2012. As of today, the leg is feeling much better. I still walk with a minor limp. However, the numb feeling seems to be going away. I have purchased and used a compression sock and Biofreeze - both aid in the recovery.
Fourth physical therapy session: Every day the foot is feeling better. Today's session: Ultrasound massage, leg press (20-pounds), basic squat, and ankle/foot/calf stretches, stretching with an elastic band, and ten-minutes on a stationary bike.
I'm still wearing the boot, but can easily walk with a shoe.
Fourth physical therapy session: Every day the foot is feeling better. Today's session: Ultrasound massage, leg press (20-pounds), basic squat, and ankle/foot/calf stretches, stretching with an elastic band, and ten-minutes on a stationary bike.
I'm still wearing the boot, but can easily walk with a shoe.
Friday November 9, 2012
Fifth physical therapy session: Every day the foot is feeling better. Today's session: Ultrasound massage, leg press (20-pounds), basic squat, and ankle/foot/calf stretches, stretching with an elastic band, and ten-minutes on a stationary bike.
My recovery is going remarkably well. When I go down stairs, I still have to take steps one at a time. The left ankle doesn't want to be stretched too much. I believe it's part physical and part psychological - afraid to tear the tendon. Once I can go down the stairs in a normal manor, I think my Achilles tendon will be much closet to healing. My guess: by next week, I will be able to do that (about 66 days from casting day - 74 days from date of injury).
My recovery is going remarkably well. When I go down stairs, I still have to take steps one at a time. The left ankle doesn't want to be stretched too much. I believe it's part physical and part psychological - afraid to tear the tendon. Once I can go down the stairs in a normal manor, I think my Achilles tendon will be much closet to healing. My guess: by next week, I will be able to do that (about 66 days from casting day - 74 days from date of injury).
Tuesday November 13, 2012
Milestone today! It's exactly 9 weeks (September 11, 2012) since I was placed in a cast and as of today, I can walk up and down stairs in a normal manner. It's not my normal gait, however, it's close enough. Over the weekend, I went back to my gym - great feeling. I used a spin bike (not a class) for about 15-minutes. Any of the exercises that I do are not done at full effort or speed. I have no desire to re-injure the Achilles tendon. I look forward to the day I can run again, but I'm not rushing it. While I was in a cast, I did hire a personal trainer to keep me motivated.
Sixth physical therapy session: Every day the foot is feeling better. Today's session: Ultrasound massage, leg press (20-pounds), basic squat, and ankle/foot/calf stretches, stretching with an elastic band, and ten-minutes on a stationary bike.
Sixth physical therapy session: Every day the foot is feeling better. Today's session: Ultrasound massage, leg press (20-pounds), basic squat, and ankle/foot/calf stretches, stretching with an elastic band, and ten-minutes on a stationary bike.
Friday November 16, 2012
66 days and counting. Has physical therapy today. Seventh physical therapy session: Every day the foot is feeling better. Today's session: Ultrasound massage, leg press (20-pounds), basic squat, and ankle/foot/calf stretches, stretching with an elastic band, and ten-minutes on a stationary bike.
Everyday, I am doing the same exercises at home. I can walk up and down the stairs in an almost normal manner and did a short (very short) jog to see if it was possible. It is, however, I'm not ready to start jogging yet. I'll be going to the doc for a followup visit on the 19th (Monday).
The ankle/foot area is still swollen. And, I'm back to wearing shoes - no boot.
Everyday, I am doing the same exercises at home. I can walk up and down the stairs in an almost normal manner and did a short (very short) jog to see if it was possible. It is, however, I'm not ready to start jogging yet. I'll be going to the doc for a followup visit on the 19th (Monday).
The ankle/foot area is still swollen. And, I'm back to wearing shoes - no boot.
Monday November 19, 2012
Tomorrow is 10-weeks since I was casted (6-weeks in a cast and four in a walking boot). Today is a followup visit with my doc. The report: Achilles is healing beautifully. No more doc visits needed. Of course, physical therapy is still required. However, since I know the exercises that are required, he said I don't need to go to a professional physical therapist.
I did go to the gym this morning and am doing many calf-strengthening exercises. The ultimate goal is to be able to "lift-off" with the toes. The mind wants to do it, but the body is not ready, willing and able.
I did go to the gym this morning and am doing many calf-strengthening exercises. The ultimate goal is to be able to "lift-off" with the toes. The mind wants to do it, but the body is not ready, willing and able.
Tuesday November 20, 2012
Today marks 10-weeks since I was casted. Eighth physical therapy session: Every day the foot is feeling better. Today's session: Ultrasound massage, leg press (20-pounds), basic squat, and ankle/foot/calf stretches, stretching with an elastic band, and ten-minutes on a stationary bike.
This will be my last formal physical therapy session. Other than the massage, I can do all these on my own.
This will be my last formal physical therapy session. Other than the massage, I can do all these on my own.
Sunday November 24, 2012
I purchased a new pair of running shoes today. As part of the fitting process, they took a video. This was the first time that I saw my Achilles from behind. I was surprised to see how swollen it was. This is 75 days after the day my leg was casted - pushing 11 weeks.
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Friday November 30, 2012
Eighty days since I was put in a cast. As of this week, I am no longer going to physical therapy. I am doing it on my own. At my gym, these are four pieces of equipment that are integral to my rehab. At this point, the most important issue is to strengthen the calf muscle. In addition to other exercises, I use this equipment. It feels great to be back at the gym! I also use the treadmill and stationary bike. I'm not back in full running mode. On the treadmill, I walk and jog up to four-miles-per-hour.
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Tuesday December 4, 2012
Exactly twelve weeks since I was casted! To me, a "miraculous" recovery. I feel almost 100%. While I am jogging, I am not back to my standard pace and mileage. The tendon, most certainly, has more repair work to be done, but other than a slight limp, all is good. I will continue to work the tendon and calf muscle at my gym.
Tuesday December 18, 2012
Exactly fourteen weeks since I was casted! I'm still doing my physical therapy at the gym - on my own. While the ankle is a somewhat swollen, I have gone back to all my regular activities. I do run and bike at the gym, however, I can tell that the leg is not ready to go back to my regular jogging routine. While I have been told that it takes six months to a year to be fully healed, I do not believe it will take that long. I continue to be pleased with my progress and am amazed how well the human body can heal itself.
Since I do write books about health, in a strange way, this injury has been a positive experience. It's given me first-hand knowledge of the healing process. While it was six weeks of "hell" in a cast, I have enjoyed experiencing the repair of my body.
Since I do write books about health, in a strange way, this injury has been a positive experience. It's given me first-hand knowledge of the healing process. While it was six weeks of "hell" in a cast, I have enjoyed experiencing the repair of my body.
Tuesday January 8, 2013
It's been exactly 17 weeks since the cast was put on. My analysis: for day-to-day getting around, I would say I am 100%. As far as back to normal for running, I estimate that I am 90%. At the gym, I am still doing all my physical therapy exercises. The equipment is shown above. Bottomline: After four months, I feel fortunate that I am back to "normal".
I will say that six weeks in a cast was "hell". However, it's all a distant memory. And, I am amazed how well the Achilles Tendon healed without surgery.
I will say that six weeks in a cast was "hell". However, it's all a distant memory. And, I am amazed how well the Achilles Tendon healed without surgery.
Tuesday January 29, 2013
It's been exactly 20 weeks since the cast was put on. Well, this past week, I ran three days in a row - over 3-miles each time out. I am intentionally running slower than my pre-injury pace. However, I'm just playing it safe. Practically speaking, the injury is 100% healed. I'm going take a little more time before I go back on the tennis court.
Unless there's something major that happens, this will be my last post. If you're reading this and you have experienced a ruptured Achilles tendon, I wish you well.
Unless there's something major that happens, this will be my last post. If you're reading this and you have experienced a ruptured Achilles tendon, I wish you well.
Sunday March 3, 2013
Exactly six months since my accident. No doubt, this will be my last update. Today I went for a run in the woods - my favorite place to run. In addition to being beautiful, it's rocky and lots of roots - it tests your balance. I still do strength training (see equipment above). It's a habit and I want the tendon and calf to be as strong as possible.
I am 100% back to normal and it feels great!
I am 100% back to normal and it feels great!
Tuesday September 3, 2013
Unbelievable; It's one year since my accident. Seems like yesterday that I took that tumble on the tennis court. I've been 100% since the last posting above (six months ago). I'm back to all activities. I run trails in the woods with tons of roots on the path and do all other activities. I have not gone back on the tennis court, but I'll probably do that soon.
Just figured that I would make an anniversary posting.
Just figured that I would make an anniversary posting.
Wednesday September 3, 2014
Well ... it's two years since I ruptured the Achilles tendon. All is well. I run, hike, boat, play tennis and do anything else that I would like to do. The tendon is 100%. See you next year.
Thursday September 3, 2015
Well ... it's three years since I ruptured the Achilles tendon. All is well. I run, hike, boat, play tennis and do anything else that I would like to do. The tendon is 100%. See you next year.
That's a pic of my favorite running shoes: Hoka Bondi 3.
That's a pic of my favorite running shoes: Hoka Bondi 3.
Saturday September 3, 2016
Well ... it's four years since I ruptured the Achilles tendon. All is well. I run, hike, boat, play tennis and do anything else that I would like to do. The tendon is 100%. See you next year.
Sunday September 3, 2017
Getting boring here ... Five year anniversary and all is well. Still active at the ripe old age of 62 ... run, hike, boat, and chase after four grandchildren. See you on 09.03.2018. By the way, my running shoe of choice is Hoka. If you have never heard of them, check them out.
Monday September 3, 2018
The sixth year anniversary passed and I didn't even think about it. The achilles tendon is perfect. Every once in a while I think of the year-long full recovery. It wasn't fun. However, as usual, I am still living an active lifestyle. Here's one of my friends I encountered while hiking:
Tuesday September 3, 2019
Another year and ... non-surgical repair of the Achilles tendon is still doing great. This year I did some hiking in Highlands, NC. By the way, I highly recommend the running shoes I wear ... Hoka.
... These videos have been very helpful ...
If you opt for surgery, these three videos present the type of procedure you will have. Please note: If you are
squeamish, I do not recommend watching these. However, Dr. Selene Parekh's video is set to pleasant music.
squeamish, I do not recommend watching these. However, Dr. Selene Parekh's video is set to pleasant music.
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The video below is long and graphic. So, if you have a weak stomach, proceed with care ... fair warning.
Here's a physical therapist who provides some good tips about rehab. Whether you
have surgery or opt for no surgery, you will be doing these types of routines.
have surgery or opt for no surgery, you will be doing these types of routines.
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Cost for non-surgical repair of Achilles Tendon Rupture
3 Doctor Visits - $330.00
Crutches - $50.00
Plastic Shower Cover for Cast - $50.00
Knee Walker - $250.00
Walking Boot - $175.00
Physical Therapy - $720.00 (8 sessions - 4 weeks - $90.00/session)
Total Cost - $1,575.00
Crutches - $50.00
Plastic Shower Cover for Cast - $50.00
Knee Walker - $250.00
Walking Boot - $175.00
Physical Therapy - $720.00 (8 sessions - 4 weeks - $90.00/session)
Total Cost - $1,575.00