Achilles Tendon Recovery #2-5 weeks, non-surgical early weight bearing

I have a playlist of Achilles Tendon Rupture rehab videos at: • ejbvmi's Achilles reha...

[@donh101]

Thanks much Evan! I’m starting week eight and my therapist is giving me many of the same resistance exercises that you are demonstrating. You have given me much hope as I am hoping to get back into my hiking and cycling routines as soon as possible.

[@Hola_Carlos]

Thank you Evan 🙏

[@zelytsmit]

Hello, I never comment on videos, but I had to this time because I'm just so glad you decided to share and document your experience. I have just recently embarked on my rehab journey, and I am still waiting to hear from the hospital for a physio appointment, so your video really helps me get an insight on what I need to do right now to get a head start on getting better. Thanks and much appreciated!

[@gerryclark7694]

Thanks, Evan! Almost 6 years later, your videos are still helpful! I was non-surgical, 4 weeks in a cast, now just a few days out. Your advice and videos all give great information and encouragement. I hope that by now that Achilles problems are all just a distant memory to you!

[@L0urence]

Great advice. I am still in my boot, awaiting my next visit to the hospital.

[@nancy9249]

Thanks - I lacerated my tendon and at first the surgeon assumed I'd want an operation. Thanks to people like you posting I knew I had other options. Thank you these are good to know about. I am a week and a half in -during the Covid scare. 🌱🙏

[@scrubjay9710]

Thank you... With C19, I have been avoiding going to the doctor for over ten days. My appointment is for tomorrow. Yours, and a couple other youtubers, have given me an idea what to expect.

[@colinchamberlain2841]

Tore my achilles on 10th May and am in a boot. These videos are great! Sorted out my shower; just stuck one of the kitchen stools in there!

[@ebouncy]

Thank you!! I was so worried about my 'bag of jello' and missing my muscles very much, so very happy to hear that's normal. Two weeks in and not much guidance from docs here in Australia so these vids are great :)

[@jamescammack6720]

I’m about five weeks into my recovery time of my Achilles tendon rupture,Seems to be healing slowly but Shirley. Thank you so very much for the video and the eye-opening information. I appreciate it I’m on the verge of starting PT

[@handsome4782]

Thank you for making this video

[@John-wd5bu]

Man, you’re amazing!! Also the Brampton, brilliant!! Love those bikes!

[@marydyson6530]

Great information, thank you. I have been in a cast now for 4 weeks, it’s coming off in 3 days and I don’t know what to expect, I haven’t been given a whole lot of information and so I’m worried about how limited I will still be in my mobility but you have given me hope. Thank you.

[@zerostar82]

This is really helpful information. Thank you for sharing this.

[@emeliastephenson7506]

Thank you Evan this is really helpful.. i had mine completely cut by a car accident i had.. working through this now.

[@ernestoaranda5855]

Today, I complete 2 weeks, and one week of surgery. I’ll be in a cast for 3 weeks and then early weight bearing. I totally agree with you in that I can get exercise my thigh with my cast, without compromising my calf. It is totally feasible, as a consequence of that my thigh has barely got smaller but you can’t really tell the difference. Thank you for all your advise!

[@missysoaps7509]

I did the bike thing as well, not folding but a small wheeled bmx, to get from car to work, 1/2 mile, left tendon, so I am driving. Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing.👍👍

[@ejbvmi]

Thanks, Missy! Using the right tool for the job makes all the difference... in this case, the bike giving back some mobility was a life (and sanity) saver. I just posted a 3-year update, to answer some of the questions I get most often, and hope it helps. Best of luck to you!

[@Pachuco833]

Hi, Evan! Thank you so much for good info and a lot of wise perspectives on the journey towards recovery. I tore my twndon tree weeks ago efter a comback to fighting, living in Sweden and in my 50is. Regards Amadeo

[@PolarThaWhiteOfficial]

Thank you so much for your videos. Ive recently blew out my AT (left leg) playing basketball. Worst thing is im in a country in the southern parts of Europe that has a poor level of medical resources and up to date methods in comparison to Kaiser back in California, and im having issues with the medical staff understanding that I have medical coverage. I think because I'm a U.S. citizen and they may think my coverage wont apply, but Kaiser states in documentation that they can provide coverage for away from home travel. Either way. Thats a long story not needed to go into, so Ive been considering the non op choice and your experience is very helpful. Thank you again, youve help deliver some confidence in an unknown scary situation.

[@premraja5680]

Appreciate this video- I am 3 weeks into my recovery from rupture, gone the non-op route, Out of cast and now in boot from this week and hoping to start partially weight baring from next week- these videos have helped me so much- more so than the Doctors.

[@Ilyaselho]

How are you feeling now?

[@garynelson1039]

Thanks for sharing this. Incredibly useful, measured and informative. I’m in week nine and have been doing your exercises for the last week (I have virtual, due to the pandemic, physio provided by the British NHS but it is currently focused on above the knee strengthening). I’d echo your comments about not rushing things, found out the hard way at the end of my week 2.

[@solidsnakemgs2180]

Hard way? What happened? I ruptured my tendon during rugby, I got the surgery but now I’m in a cast. Cast removal is next week so I’m gonna be advised on recovery. Anything you say helps fella

[@Kurlydogg]

I recently tore my achilles and see my orthopedic surgeon Friday...I've read the reports but seeing someone going through the protocol and being successful gives me some hope...I'm going to discuss this with the doc and may go this route

[@ejbvmi]

jason kurlinski I am sorry to hear that you have hit this bump in the road, Jason. The initial phase on crutches is a bit rough, but each incremental step back toward "normal" is rewarding. At 8 weeks now, I got the green light to ditch the boot from my Doc and PT. I am walking super-slowly and carefully, but it is very rewarding to be back in two shoes and to be driving again (I injured my right leg). I won't know for months if this non-op experiment is the right way to go for me (i.e., if I re-rupture I will always wonder if I would have been less prone with a surgical repair), but it sure feels like the right path so far. I hear about people wrestling with incisions that won't heal, infections, and other complications and I am grateful that I do not have to contend with any of that. One thing I can say without doubt is that early weight bearing is the way to go. I just cringe when I hear about people being non-weight bearing for three months. All that seems to do is make for a miserable existence while NWB, result in more atrophy and joint stiffness, and make for a longer recovery without any offsetting benefit. If you have not seen it already, I highly recommend checking out a compilation of data suggesting that non-op is the way to go at the following link: achillesblog.com/normofthenorth/2010/10/23/the-case-for-skipping-atr-surgery/ The Achillesblog.com site is a helpful community if you have not already joined, and the Facebook group is also a good support group. facebook.com/groups/10320629484/ Best of luck with your recovery! -Evan

[@DeepfriedBaby]

Thanks for all of these videos! :)

[@ejbvmi]

Thanks for the feedback. I hope your recovery is going well!

[@ejbvmi]

You are most welcome. I hope that your recovery is going smoothly!

[@19magl]

Hi Evan, thank you for taking the time and post your videos and reply our messages. I had a complete rupture on 31st May. I was given the boot but it seems that my Achilles tendon is not healing well. However, in my 12th week, I can do the exercises you used to do in your 5th week... I still have the hope to avoid the surgery, it is what my consultant wants to do now.

[@ejbvmi]

The uncertainty in those early days can certainly be frustrating. I hope that things come into focus and get on track for you very soon! Best of luck!

[@CBPJoey]

Here for my own rehab - just had my cast put on today. This is good stuff man.

[@jterry414]

How are you doing

[@II-sg2nk]

I ruptured mine August 4, 2018 and it resulted in a complete tear. Had the operation a few weeks later. I’m so ready to start rehab and getting back to my regular routine.

[@HeyDoraWinifred]

Eric Mitchell I just recently tore mine, at 10 months how far would you say you’ve come towards 100%?

[@muratgencer849]

Thanxs for the video. It was inspiring. After all I believed I could walk again. I didn't have the courage to walk with the walker. So it helped.

[@ejbvmi]

Thanks for the feedback! I am glad that the info was helpful to you. Good luck with your recovery!

[@Ilyaselho]

You are awesome man

[@deanlabayen]

Great Vids. Just ruptured mine days ago. These vids help.

[@ejbvmi]

Thanks, Dean. I just posted a update about how things are after three years, to answer the questions I get most often. The recovery is not a quick one, but you will return to normal with patience and diligence. Best of luck with your recovery!

[@toddie3910]

"Bag of jello"!! 😂😂😂 That is exactly what my left calf feels like. Good to know that that is normal. My doctor took the surgical approach then I had 8 weeks in a cast and then moved to the boot. I'm 2 weeks into that and have another 4 to go. Loved this video. Can relate to a lot of it. And most of those exercises are on my list 👍🏽 I do them 4 times a week. Roll on full recovery 😁

[@stephenforde7140]

Thanks for the videos they're very informative, I completely ruptured mine on the 6th September 2018 and was between thoughts of surgery or non surgical, in the end I went with the surgery after 2 weeks deliberation, thing is the doc said it had started to heal already. My next step is physical therapy now and try to reduce the swelling.

[@76litho]

Stephen Forde, how is your recovery going? I ruptured my left leg the same day. Just got out of my final cast yesterday 25th Oct (non surgical) and into boot, struggling to put full pressure on my heal (really hurts) and get pins and needles in my foot.

[@trishbeckett1859]

I wish I had seen your video sooner. I'm one year out and didn't have great rehab, Have permit nerve damage on the iop of my foot from the boot and the night splint

[@AmaraSoGolden]

Did you have surgery?

[@ejbvmi]

@Jose Lino : I think I would avoid doing anything that would pull the two tendon ends apart from one another during the initial weeks of healing. Even if I had tried, with all the calf muscle atrophy, it would take a special two-handed squeeze of the calf to get any movement of my foot... even at 7 weeks post-injury. However, the AT was connected again well enough around 3 weeks that I could extend my foot using the calf.

[@bringitjr]

do you still feel the empty spot where the Achilles ruptured

[@michaelmcgoran9634]

Hey Evan, thanks for the clear insightful video's! I am in the UK, 8 weeks in cast non surgical route. Just got my boot today which was exciting, although i am still worried to put my full weight on it as it just doesn't feel right so have being using both crutches to take a bit of the weight. Hopefully over the next couple of days i will have more confidence to ditch the crutches. Thanks again and glad your recovery went well!

[@ejbvmi]

As the old carpentry saying goes: "measure twice, cut once". Given the nature of this injury, this is probably the worst analogy ever, but being deliberate and avoiding a re-injury is far better than being too aggressive and restarting the process from square one. As you build up weight on the boot, train yourself to let the forward part of your foot go along for the ride. This ensures that you don't put any strain on the healing AT as you walk around. Take your time to ensure you don't stumble or do anything that might result in you reflexively stomping on your healing foot. They say that you can't re-injure the AT while in the boot, but I can attest to the fact that you CAN scare yourself and cause it discomfort. I'm at 15 months and back to normal (minus a little still-needed calf strengthening), so I can vouch for the fact that this path can work. Best of luck with your own recovery!

[@KA-ry6nz]

Thanks Evan, your videos are still helping. I am 12 week post rupture non surgical care. I still have edema around ankles at the end of day goes away with foot elevation overnight. what was your experience if can recall.

[@margosaus]

Evan, thanks for sharing your experience. I find it very useful since I am also doing a nonsurgical recovery. Did you start this from 2nd week after the rupture?

[@handsome4782]

Hey I’m going thru this recovery as well just started weight bearing. I wanted to know where you got the bike or what name brand it is i like the feature of being able to slide it around

[@hikester22]

Hi Evan.

[@h3e44]

I ruptured mine about 3-3.5 weeks ago. but don't really see alot of plantar flexion when the valve muscle is squeezed. the doctor put me on a non operative path since it took so long for them to address the issue but anyway how long is it till you see plantar flexion again

[@chasingamurderer]

Question I've had an Achilles injury for about 2 years and have not gone to the doctor. I felt like that my might need surgery and I don't trust doctors and I'm on blood thinners. You seem to be well-informed so you think if I start this process myself using what you are teaching? By the way I don't know how long it's been since you've had it healed how's it doing now?

[@ejbvmi]

If you haven't seen a physical therapist already, that may be a good option for you to find the kind of exercises that can help you get back closer to normal. My PT was instrumental in my own recovery. My injury was three years ago, and though I still need to work on building some more muscle in the injured leg to get it back to match the other calf, I am very active and generally very pleased with how things have turned out. I hope that you are able to find success!

[@chasingamurderer]

Evan Brown I'm just curious if you had any more problems after that as well? mine seems to not want to heal but I never I can't get off of it. Drives me crazy to sit still but I about made up my mind then I'm going to try the heal it. Well good luck and I appreciate you sharing. I'm going to use some of your tips to try to heal it myself

[@financialadvisor1000]

I tore my Achilles tendon twice in one year, the first time I went nonsurgical, and it did not stick long term, the second time I went surgical and it has been a completely different experience, strong! Surgical is the way to go

[@ejbvmi]

I am glad that your recovery has gone well this second time, and sorry to hear that you had the re-rupture. Everyone has their own experience and opinion, and I am fortunate that the non-op experiment worked fine for me. It is tough call for folks to make when there is so much conflicting information swirling around in this debate. Again, I am glad that your recovery is tracking well now.

[@johngarvey5098]

Hello Evan Many thanks for your excellent videos - the best advice on rehabilitation from ruptured Achilles tendon I have seen. I am in my third week (non surgery) and am beginning to follow your initial non weight bearing exercises. I am interested in how you use the folding bike (I have a Brompton as well). Did you scoot along or actually ride the bike? Forgive me if I am being a bit dense - my guess is that you scooted along. In what week did you start using the bike? Many thanks - John (London UK)

[@ejbvmi]

+John Garvey Thanks, John! I started FWB walking in the boot at 4 weeks, and started experimenting with the Brompton a few days later. I could not drive to physical therapy, and the walk to the bus stop was more demanding than riding the bike there. At first, I rode very slowly, pedaled mostly with my 'good' foot and put the heel of my boot on the pedal to keep from putting any strain on the AT. The bike was also useful for local scooting around, and it used it that was at a neighborhood baseball game. I've loved the Brompton ever since I bought it, but its value reached a whole new level during this recovery! Best of luck to you!

[@sagecreations8955]

Did you have a bruise around the heel area during week 4? My bruise has gone down a little but does it normally take this long?

[@dinmah877]

How are you feeling now ? I have just ruptured my achillis and wondering if non surgical option is efficient

[@srdjanjovanovic3313]

Wz the name of canadian football player that you recommended to follow in one of the previous videos ?

[@cengizarici]

Were you able to drive by removing your foot off walk-in cast? How about showering?

[@boomshanka2008]

Hey Evan, thanks for the video it’s a great help in my recovery, I’m 5 week non op with full weight bearing with 5 wedges and I’m removing 1 per week for 5 week..my question is that I can still feel a gap at the minute, will my foot be at the neutral position while gap is still there or should there be no gap at neutral. Thanks

[@ejbvmi]

If I remember correctly, my physical therapist indicated that the tendon had "healed" (sufficiently re-adhered to the point that the length of it was not a fixed dimension) around three weeks post-injury. I suspect that the gap you feel is what I called my "divot", or an indentation in the run of the tendon. That will disappear over time as you start to regain strength in the surrounding calf muscles and your lower leg starts to return to normal. Best of luck, and hang in there!

[@hikester22]

After returning to work 4 weeks ago and walking and standing alot i noticed a lump or a bulge by the ruptured area. Did you experience that i your recovery stage? It looks like you might have it in your 11 week video.

[@ejbvmi]

Yep. Over time it evolved into that area of the tendon just being thicker than the rest. Kind of like a broken bone healing, the healing process seems to produce additional tissue.

[@cengizarici]

Hello Evan, so it took you 2 weeks from rupture to PT? Cast only stayed on your foot for 2 weeks?

[@Phoenix2H9721]

Apart from excercise do you apply any madicine or oil?

[@guy76649]

Hello Evan. thank you for the videos about your Achillies tendon rupture experience. doing the non surgical route. Im a pretty active person and I workout and run a lot. I fully ruptured my left achillies 13 days ago playing basketball. im in a non weight bearing cast for about a total of 30 days and then I think they will give me a walking boot. My question is how long do you think it will take until I can go without a walking boot and at least be able to walk or limp around without a boot or crutches?? Thanks.

[@ejbvmi]

The protocol and other factors will impact the answer. I was in a walking book on the second day post-injury, and was allowed to start putting some weight on it after two weeks. I started walking in the boot without crutches one month post-injury, and at two months post-injury started walking without the boot (with a limp, and I put the boot on for really long walking days to protect the tendon). If you have a good physical therapy program, hopefully you won't be too far off those marks. Bottom line is to listen to your body and not push too hard. One patience-trying recovery is better than two iterations. Good luck with your recovery!

[@maniaccash1414]

When did you go back to work?

[@MiniHealthTips]

watched your videos several times and always pick up something new while watching. i tore my achilles (ER doc and my OS said its a complete tear but there was never an mri done?) 6 day prior. for the first 2 weeks i was told no weight bearing on the bad leg and he put me in a boot. My OS told me not to take off the boot until her sees me again in 10 days for a follow up. Maybe i misinterpreted what you had said in your video but, during your first 2 weeks you were resting and putting ice on it? So your OS said it was okay to take your boot off?

[@ejbvmi]

+C Masala Sorry I missed this comment for awhile. Yes, I was instructed to take the boot off regularly in order to ice and help with swelling I did leave the boot off a bit longer than that, but had to get back into the boot before too long to avoid the AT feeling tight when I put the boot back on. The resting position of my foot without the boot was different than with it on, and that angle needed to be maintained for healing. I hope your recovery is going well!

[@bmmusic945]

Rehab during week 2 is insanely early

[@tassie7325]

Thanks for the insight. In addition to rupturing my Achilles I also broke a bone in my ankle. Unfortunately, this meant that I had to spend the last 6 weeks in a solid cast to enable the bone to reset before I could move on to get the Achilles on its road to recovery.Today I came home with the boot on for the first time but realize I still have a long way to go. I have just one question, if I may. Going to bed with the cast on was no problem because the foot was never in any danger of being moved into an inappropriate or potential damage causing position. Did you experience any problems with your night time routine? Did you remove the boot and if so were there any concerns about catching your foot on the sheets and twisting it?

[@ejbvmi]

I was concerned about the same thing, and therefore did not sleep without the boot for the first 7 weeks. When I started sleeping without it, I kept that foot outside the sheet to avoid inadvertently pushing against the sheet in my sleep. I hope you continue to heal well!

[@tassie7325]

Thanks for the reply. As I also broke a bone in my ankle I had already been in a cast for 6 weeks before getting my liberated foot into a boot. I was just feeling dubious about sleeping with an unsupported foot for the first time. However, after thinking about it for a while I did just that as I thought that if I did catch my foot on the sheets while tossing around it would be more likely to pull down than push up, which would be cause for concern. Glad to report that it worked out fine.

[@jonbarr4317]

I partially ruptured my achilles (80%) playing tennis just about a 1.5 weeks ago. At what week did you start physio? I have been in the boot since Day 1 and the doctors advised me to start early weight bearing as soon as possible in the boot so I have been walking carefully with the support of the crutches. I was debating whether to start physio in week 3 because I know that rehab is key to recovery for non-surgical treatment.

[@ejbvmi]

I started physical therapy at week two, but at that stage is was mostly massage to reduce swelling. Exercises to improve range of motion and strength didn't really start until around week 4, and it was all very incremental from there. There is a fine line between diligently moving forward and pushing too hard, so listen to your body. A little discomfort is to be expected, but if it really hurts, stop and give it a rest. Good luck!

[@gladiatortruckreviews]

Hey buddy! Hope the recovery went well. I’m 24 and had this injury while playing basketball. It’s a complete rupture. Going the non surgical route. How long until you could walk without a limp ? I have a cast for one month. Brace for 6 weeks with wedges. And then I can weight bear. Any insight you could provide would be great

[@ejbvmi]

Sorry for not seeing this sooner. To your question: I think that I thought I was limp-free after a year, but my wife could still notice a difference in my stride for months after that. It was light years better at that point than the early days of recovery, but beyond simply calf strength it just takes a long time to get the many lower leg and foot muscles back where they were before. I hope things are tracking well for you so far. Be patient, and you'll get there.

[@hikester22]

Im almost 5 weeks now from rupture. My doctor is a little conservative. I got my boot at 3 weeks and he said no weight bearing for the next 3 weeks. I listened to you and you were putting weight on after 4 weeks. Did you feel pin pricks at the ball when you first put weight on it?

[@ejbvmi]

I don't recall anything like a pin prick, but my foot had some degree of "not quite right" for months as the muscles, tendons, bones, etc worked their way back toward normal. Defining the line between discomfort and pain is tricky business, but if anything you do crosses that line then I recommend stopping to reassess and probably give it a rest. As you transition to weight bearing in the boot, try to keep the weight on your heel. That will prevent stress on your AT as it heals while you are walking around. Good luck, and be patient!

[@Holdfast]

Hi Evan, I am just under 4 weeks non-surgical. I really appreciate these videos because I have not been offered PT and am left to educate myself. I'm using the same general protocol that you did. I've been able to move my toes easily and have also been doing some passive inversion and eversion. The scary part is I know that my calf muscle has not moved once since the rupture... perhaps my brain will not let it. Do you recall the first time trying to do a plantar flexion or attemtping any contraction of your calf muscle? Thanks again, Alasdair in Canada

[@Holdfast]

Following up on my note above, I did locate your blog...4 July 2015 - R+28 days8 at achillesblog.com/ejbvmi/page/2/ so this does help a bit. I still have a noticable 'divot' so I worry that there is any reconnection yet.

[@ejbvmi]

I don't recall when I started trying to fire the calf muscles again, but the combination of atrophy and non-use for several weeks did result in a frustrating non-response from the calf. It will become more responsive somewhat quickly, but you'll need to pace yourself. Your therapy will need modulate a balance as muscle strength and flexibility return, along with not over-stressing your AT.

[@Brandon-ko9ms]

How long did it take for your leg to be fully functional? let's say, to be able to play sports, such as basketball? I've ruptured mine playing b-ball about a month ago. My doc put me on a non surgical route. I am now in my 5th week, in a walking boot. Just wondering how long it will take for me to be back on the court :) Oh, and thank you so much for the video. It is very helpful!

[@ejbvmi]

JIHYUNG LEE The answer varies by individual, and may be largely dependent upon one’s pre-injury fitness, discipline in rehab, and risk acceptance tolerance. In my case, I was content with running, cycling, swimming, and hiking for two years. I stepped back onto the tennis court at the two year mark, and was very conservative at first. It might have been safe to do that much sooner, but I just did not want to risk it. I hope that you are able to return to the court as soon as you want without re-injury. Best of luck to you.

[@sherlsgeorges4803]

Ge

[@cloudspl392]

Evan, did your physical therapist explain how it might be possible to reduce the chances of atrophy? It is crazy how quickly muscle loss seems to occur and I was wondering if there is anything I can do to slow it down. Like you, I went for the non-surgical approach. Thanks again.

[@ejbvmi]

Unfortunately, insane atrophy seems to be part of the deal. The things you can do, however, are important. Working on range of motion will help set the conditions for regaining strength when you get to that phase. After a year, I had a calf that had definition again, but still not the same size as the unaffected one. At 15 months, it is getting closer to matching. It is probably possible to do better than I have, though. I got a little complacent about strength training for a few months and am now trying to make up for it. Good luck!

[@cloudspl392]

Thank you Evan, I guess it is just part of the process. I will do what is necessary when I get the OK from my physical therapist and follow the exercises that you recommend. Thanks again!

[@edhdez22]

Hi Evan, what is that gadget at 7:21 you put on your AT and what is it's function? Thank for this video, definitely helps!

[@Mattycee2K7]

Looks like ankle weights.

[@ejbvmi]

ed Matt is correct. They are ankle weights. Each one is only about 1 pound, and I think my PT will be giving me larger ones soon. She also recommended that I hit the gym to start using leg press and leg curl machines... which I will do, as soon as I have a way to get to the gym!

[@edhdez22]

Evan Brown Hey Evan, when did you start doing the leg lifts and raises with out the boot? Or have you always done those with out it? I'm working on those right now with the boot on. Thanks!

[@ejbvmi]

ed I did not do much of anything for the first two weeks. I started exercising with the boot on after 2 weeks and started without the boot at about 3 1/2 weeks.

[@xavier6158]

Its partial tear

[@dalezitzii3575]

at what week after rupture did u completely stop using the boot? i was put in a cast with 15degree for 2 weeks. next cast 90degrees for 2 weeks, now im in my last cast which postions my foot as far back as it can go (toe to knee)....maybe 20-30 degrees upwards. after this cast is removed im thinking my doc will put me into a boot. i cant wait to do physical therapy! thanks for the video!

[@ejbvmi]

I transitioned from the boot after 8 weeks. Everyone's timeline is a bit different, though. I never had a cast, and was walking in the boot without crutches after four weeks. I hope your recovery goes smoothly!

[@dalezitzii3575]

+Evan Brown i got a aircast from my friend today, i cut off the cast this morning using a dremel tool and sizzors and i feel so much better with the aircast on. i didnt feel right with my foot pushed so far back. when i got the cast off i could move my foot a little bit but was scared to do more because it felt weak. im going to schedule physical therapy next week. would u reccomend i try moving or stretching it a little bit in the meantime? im just past 4 weeks after injury.

[@ejbvmi]

For now, until your therapist gets to look at your leg and give you some professional advice, all I would recommend doing is some range of motion exercises left and right, and get your toes and the muscles in the ball of your foot woken up again. Your therapist will steer you in the right direction from there. Good luck!

[@alexrichmond46]

How important is it to put ice on it the first 4 days after injury?

[@BMixMyster]

I ruptured one achilles tendon 14 months ago, and the other 2 weeks ago. First one surgery. Second one not. I never used ice for either. The first I was casted (half cast on the top of my foot) for two weeks solid. Second on, straight into a boot. I'm already walking on my boot without crutches.

[@mssoftball18]

Even if you did rupture your Achilles are you suppose to ether an MRI specialist or the hospital

[@ejbvmi]

My doc only ordered an X-ray to confirm that structurally (bones, etc) everything was still intact. I never had an MRI. I first went to the ER on Saturday, the day of my injury, and the ER doc referred me to an orthopedic surgeon who I visited on Monday. The orthopedic surgeon consultation resulted in the decision to follow the non-operative, early weight bearing protocol. Best of luck to you!

Hello, Evan ! Many thanks for your videos - the best advice on rehabilitation from ruptured Achilles tendon I have seen on Internet! I am in my tenth week (non surgery and early weight bearing program). I still have a bit of swelling in my leg... and I can not walk fast yet. I hope, however, the situation is getting better all the time! Once again many thaks to you! Greetings from Finland!

[@ejbvmi]

+Cornelia Närhi Congrats on reaching this milestone, Cornelia! In hindsight, the bit of advice I would offer at this stage would be to get yourself some quality insoles for your shoes. I tried to transition into "normal" work/dress shoes too soon, and as a result my heel was sore for months. I purchased some shoes with memory foam insoles and added memory foam insoles to my running shoes and house slippers. Over time, my heel has improved considerably and at 10 months was pretty much back to normal. Good luck! (Greetings from Tallinn... just across from you this week. :-) )

+Evan Brown Thanks for the good advice! And thanks for greetings from my former hometown! :) I lived there on early 70's...

[@infante55]

i went with surgery 3weeks ago,, i suppose to be on the book but am completely avoiding it bc i dont feel pain and no swollen either. i can move my foot normally. is it a bad idea not wearing the boot?

[@ejbvmi]

Ricardo Infante I recommend following the guidance to wear the boot. Your tendon needs time to heal, and walking without the boot too soon will place it under stress before it is ready. Best of luck in your recovery.

[@infante55]

Evan Brown thanks for the reply,, but am not walking or putting pressure on that leg yet. dr said after the #5 week i can ditch the crutches and start walking on boot. most of the time am just sitting or laying down. also moving the ankle muscles at all times since i got alot of time. waiting for the week #5.

[@ejbvmi]

Sorry I didn't see your follow-up comment sooner. I took my boot off while elevating the foot and icing, but never left if off for more than an hour or two because maintaining the angle in those first few weeks was important for the AT to heal at the right length. I hope your recovery is tracking well!

[@alleyo4651]

Hi Evan, I've been watching your vids since week 1. It's inspire me a lot to heal also my tendon not undergo a surgery. How many hours do your exercise in one day?

[@ejbvmi]

In the first weeks, while I was laid up at the house with few options other than Netflix, I was probably "exercising" a couple hours each day. I put that in quotes, because in the early days it was primarily just working on range of motion. After 3-4 weeks, when the tendon was allegedly healed, I began to work on building back strength little by little. Once I went back to the office, life got busy and I was less diligent about carving out time every single day and sticking to the exercise plan, but walking and eventually biking and running helped a lot. Best of luck with your own recovery.

[@PabloEscobar-cs9lu]

Evan Brown Hey! Just came across your video tomorrow will be one week since I ruptured my Achilles. I appreciate the videos and you have given me hope! I am going the non surgical way, since I don’t have insurance. You said after 3-4 weeks your tendon was healed? Just curious, I have been able to put pressure on my foot and limp around already. But not sure if I should be doing it, not much pain when putting foot down. Love the videos and thank you! Looking forward to 3 weeks from now. Will check back in haha

[@TheTank8]

what brand was your boot?

[@ejbvmi]

It was a "Bledsoe EZ Set".

[@yphilip84]

Just entered week 6. Just came out of the boot. Felt my foot was ready for no boot. You think that is too early? Feel more comfortable and that I am making more progress without boot. However; don't want to do too much long term damage. Any suggestions?

[@samuelzachariah3848]

Where u able to walk on ur toes after a month???

[@ejbvmi]

No. I was in the walking boot for two months, and it took awhile after that for me to be regain the strength to push off with my heel when I walked. Good luck!

[@imranr80]

Wow , that's aggressive rehab. So , how was the final outcome?

[@ejbvmi]

I'm good to go, and just posted a three-year update. If you have any questions after watching it, let me know. I hope you are doing well in your own recovery!

[@imranr80]

@@ejbvmi that's great to hear! I'm in week 5 and everything good so far. Tendon feeling good and ROM gets better everyday. Thanks for your videos, they were a great help!

[@hikester22]

Its been about 18 weeks from reruptue, just wondering how long it took you to get "tip toe" strength back. Other than that every thing else is progressing fine. It must just take alot of time and exercise.

[@babithk]

how long from your initial rupture to your rerupture?

[@donnyent791]

Today is one week from the completely torn Achilles injury. Had an MRI yesterday. I hope I can go non sugical!

[@ejbvmi]

Good luck! I am happy to report that it worked out great for me. Two years later, I hardly think about the injury (except when I am playing tennis... I still accelerate a bit conservatively).

[@donnyent791]

Thanks, I appreciate it!!!... Trying to stay optimistic!!!

[@debraschatzow1595]

@@ejbvmiHi Evan. I ruptured mine playing tennis 4 weeks ago and start pt this week. Dont think i will ever play tennis again, hoping to just walk normally. Thanks for the information and inspiration!

[@colinchamberlain2841]

Hi! Just got a boot - do you wear a sock?

[@lonard38]

Colin Chamberlain im in a boot, wear a sock for sure

[@colinchamberlain2841]

Thanks, Leon!

[@JuniorPsuarez]

hey man i've been watching your video and i think you're healing well because in my case i got partial tear in my achilles tendon and it has been 7 months even though i have tried almost everything i cant still walk fast and i cant run it is like my achilles tendon doesn't move it is just tight im gonna have surgery just because of that

[@ejbvmi]

+Junior Suarez Have you been through physical therapy? PT made a big difference for me.

[@JuniorPsuarez]

+Evan Brown yeah i tried it they put me ultrasound and stretch the Achilles by the way how you're doing now how has it been since you ruptured your achilles tendon

[@ejbvmi]

+Junior Suarez 40 weeks so far. Good luck with your path forward!

[@deanlabayen]

Evan, was your injury a full or partial tear?

[@Lino-Logs]

hi Evan...when did you pass the thompsons test???how many weeks???

[@ejbvmi]

My calf had withered away to the point that a Thompson test would have remained pointless well after the AT had healed. I suspect this atrophy is common. How are you doing, a year after your injury? I'm at 14 months, and back to normal.

[@financialadvisor1000]

Nonsurgical works, but the recovery is much much longer

[@ejbvmi]

AliveAgain What makes you believe that surgical is faster? In addition to healing the tendon, surgical patients also have to deal with the complications (expected and potential ones like infection and nerve damage).

[@financialadvisor1000]

Surgically at two weeks, you're 100% full weight bearing, no crutches. Out of the boot at 6 weeks instead of 8. Lower rerupture potential.

[@farralad734]

Not only have I snapped my achilles tendon but also the calf....it also went pop...just put couple vids on ma channel....help!😢

[@jiggyv6139]

wtf u had no cast ? I have no surgery as well but I’m in a cast until later today , then are moving to the boot u have now

[@Lino-Logs]

pretty bizarre..u were making thjis video and i was playing basketball tearing my achilles...

[@HeyDoraWinifred]

Jose Lino serious question have you gone back to hooping after the injury? I tore mine the same way.