Broken Achilles Tendon, Ruptured Achilles, Injury To Recovery, Using VACOped Boot, How To Adjust.

Mason Broke His Achilles Tendon, in this video we talk about the injury, & how long it took to recover using the Vacoped boot, also we talk about best practices hints and tips to aid the recovery after learning the hard way.
We hope this video helps make someone else's injury less traumatic, and to shoe there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
Adjusting the Vacoped boot can be confusing so we explain in detail how its done.
Link to the wadding on amazon amzn.to/3O5Q70Z
Soft medical padding on amazon £7 amzn.to/3Hk036f
#achilles #achillestendon #achillestendonitis

[@mysticmagnolia]

Best video I have found talking about the process of healing with this boot. I saved this video so I can go back and watch it again. Thank you for sharing your experience in such detail!

[@aaanton11]

Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@NancyShadomy]

This is absolutely the best video I have seen about the Vacoped boot..... Thanks so much.... from an Old Lady!!!

[@aaanton11]

Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@Joseph-im8be]

Superb video guys! Really positive to see how it’s recovered. Appreciate your honesty about the challenge, I’m in week 2 and it’s a daunting journey ahead

[@aaanton11]

You got this! Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@pointguardplaymaker]

Great video, guys. I ruptured my Achilles 2 and a half weeks ago and I've been on the Vacoped boot for a week and a half (on a cast for the first week, no surgery). It's great to see the light at the end of the tunnel and the progress at the 9-week mark! Very good explanation of how the boot works, tips, etc and what to expect week after week. I really liked it.

[@aaanton11]

Good luck with your recovery, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@MrPalmersong]

Hi guys. Really appreciate this video. Like you said, found very little advisory guidance about setting the motion adjustments at the back of the boot. Your video is so informative, and invaluable. It’s helped me move to my next stage of recovery. Best wishes on your progress. ✌🏾

[@aaanton11]

Glad it helped! Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@kamilerkadoo3960]

Excellent video, I've just had this boot fitted this week, you've answered my queries around the keys, thank you.

[@aaanton11]

Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@crazylady_fumlayo]

Thank you for this. really helpful. I'm 6 weeks in since my rupture and currently in the Boot. your video gave me hope :)

[@aaanton11]

You got this! Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@nuttynaylor6011]

Great video. It’s a long slog and I’m halfway through boot time now but videos like this keep me going 😊 thanks!!

[@aaanton11]

You're so welcome! Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@sallypenn8281]

Really useful video, thank you. You explained all really thoroughly. I'm 1 day in with my VacoPed, and counting!

[@aaanton11]

Take it steady, its difficult to start with, but in time is will heal, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@drich6719]

Very informative and confidence inspiring video, thank you!

[@aaanton11]

You are so welcome! Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@harveyshaw6786]

Cheers for the advice ..at week 8 and the boot comes off in 2 days...followed everything you said and once you get to the stage of having the confidence of putting a small weight on your injured foot when out of the boot you know your on the wAY to recovery. Like you said small steps all the way and accept from the start that it is going to be a long haul back don't rush anything and you'll get there.take care.

[@aaanton11]

Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@zahidlatif727]

Thanks Lads. On week 4 and was wondering of it was healing. Good to know you had the same concerns. Hope physio goes well

[@aaanton11]

Same to you, Mason is 9 months in and doing well, still getting aches and pains, but improving all the time, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@Rodders1]

As you know I broke my wrist about 5/6 months ago and I found quite a few videos on KZbin very informative with regards to the timeframe for healing and also for exercises, so videos like these are massively important because there’s times when you wonder if you’ll ever get the movement and strength back. I hope you’ll do another one further down the line .

[@aaanton11]

For sure Rod, every day sees an improvement & we will deffinatly make a follow up video I a few weeks, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@paulmuton5516]

Glad you're on the mend Mason. Hopefully you be back with us soon. Paul M

[@aaanton11]

Thanks Paul, getting better every day, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@Marc_600LT]

Great video! Thanks so much for making it. Like you, the emergency doc thought I just tore the calf muscle. I actually tore the tendon right off at the calf playing football - very aggressive sweeper keeper ;). 100% agree the provided instructions are terrible, and the hospital technician thought the boot pumped air in, not out, so actual guidance didn't exist. Great tip on the top of foot pressure point. It was driving me insane, and I was worried that adding anything might be counter productive due to extra movement. Tip for users - I reversed the two lower Velcro bands because they were hard to thread through the connector loop when lying down or sitting on a couch with my leg up. Cheers! And hope everything worked out for you in the end.

[@aaanton11]

Mason is all healed now, he was out of sport for a year but back playing now, good luck with your recovery, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@monicad5161]

Thank you som much for this video, it actually made me tear up a little, out of pure relief 😀I ruptured my Achilles Tendon four weeks ago (I`ll never ever do interval training involving high energy step/fast jumping again). I can totally relate to the fear of taking the walking boot off, and worrying about the tendon healing or not. My doctor said they cannot tell if the tendon has healed until after at least 6 weeks anyway, so when my foot hurts I worry that it is a re-rupture. (Am on an early weight-bearing program). Your video is the only one I´ve seen addressing this worry and so it is very much needed. Thanks again!

[@aaanton11]

Good luck with your recovery, its a long process but it is now finally getting more like normal, I think it will be 12 months recovery before any sport is played, and the confidence will take longer, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@user-kh5xu7mk6p]

Most informative video! Thank you!

[@aaanton11]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@tomaszfronczyk4172]

Great video. Thank you. That's explained me many concerns about it. I am in 2nd week since this happened but my was not completely ruptured and doesn't look so bad as yours case. Good luck

[@aaanton11]

Glad it helped! good luck to you too Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@robwelton1]

Thanks for the video, I ruptured my Achilles the day after Christmas, and am now in my first week of the boot (surgery Jan 8). I bought the Vacoped after reading many reviews but also bought the "Evenup" (catchy name) which seems to really help keep my hips more level when walking and reduces the strain on the back. I appreciate your walking through removing the moldable shell - I was dealing with significant heel pain and now I know why! Lastly, I've seen other videos where they want you to move the upper flex adjustment as you move the lower to lock in that angle. May try separating the two and see how the Achilles responds. Thanks for the great video!

[@aaanton11]

Hope you recover well, best wishes, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@kopkings5]

Brilliant video. Thanks

[@aaanton11]

Glad you enjoyed it Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@kamalapahee1695]

Thank you. It’s very useful to me.

[@aaanton11]

Glad to hear that! Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@AlanL200Truckman]

Hi Mason/Ant. OUCH 😨😨😨😨😨 Glad things are improving. I've been checking in with ya Dad to see how u r. Fingers crossed you'll be serving ☕☕☕☕☕ & 🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂 in the van Stay positive mate. All the best fella. Alan & Kim L200

[@aaanton11]

Mason is getting better every day, small improvements make a big difference, Thanks Alan for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@samkeys6316]

Great video. Today is 2 weeks since surgery and they’ve encouraged me to start weight bearing in the boot. Terrified!

[@aaanton11]

The sooner the better, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@dnooli]

I underwent surgery for Haglunds Deformity for my left heel in last week of July 22. I had rupture of my achilles tendon on Oct 5th. 22. I was put in cast for a week, which was unbearable because I myself is a surgeon by profession and was unable to stand and walk. Then i consulted Dr Avinash Mahale who has put me in Vacoped but at 30 degree. I am happy with that now doing all my activities. Thank u vacoped!

[@aaanton11]

Thanks for the great information👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@Peter-ts6wb]

Very useful video. I am into my second week with no instructions to alter the setting on the boot. I am a lot older and a lot less fit than Mason so we will see how it goes. The length of recovery after the boot comes off sounds a bit daunting.

[@aaanton11]

Glad it was helpful! The rehab is slow, Masons leg is still weaker than the other, he is able to walk normally but sport is still a few months away, I think it will be one year from the break to be back with a racket in hand, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@lbufton2584]

Great video, im in the boot, im on week 7....gone to the flat boot today...2 weeks on flat, then boot off for a week then the physio starts.....interesting though, cause you where instructed to move the boot down weekly with the key, and the vacoped website also promotes this, but I was informed by the hospital to use the numbers on the back, so 3,2,1 and now 0 - I can't put my foot down without the boot on...so I'm slightly concerned right now.

[@aaanton11]

It is a long road to recovery. There will be some worrying times along the way, but it will heal recuperation after the heel is also not an easy process. 12 months on Mason was able to play badminton again. Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@popsidelock]

Great video

[@aaanton11]

Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@natashathomas6825]

Fantastic video. I'm week 3 of rupture and my hospital wanted to full leg cast, I didn't so purchased my own boot your video is full of useful information and answers questions I had. The foot section does annoy and I need to find padding where did you get yours.

[@aaanton11]

Here is a link to the soft medical padding on amazon amzn.to/3Hk036f hope this helps, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@Jaunt1able]

Hi guys, I literally ruptured my Achilles yesterday and I’m in a pot, waiting for my ultrasound tomorrow. This video really set my mind at ease as to what is going to come with what has happened thanks guys

[@aaanton11]

its a long haul, but it will heal without an operation as mason has found out, getting stronger every week Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@Jaunt1able]

@@aaanton11 thanks for the swift reply, great to see how mason is coping with it and thanks again for the explanations on this video

[@steveo3928]

Thanks guys great video and really helpful. I ruptured my Achilles on New Year’s Eve whilst on a cruise ship. I was put in a temporary boot until I was able to get to the hospital on the 17th Jan. The doctor initially said it had snapped but the ultrasound the next day confirmed it was still joined. They put me into the vacoped boot which is brilliant and now just counting the days. Mason did you have a 2nd ultrasound to check on progress ?

[@aaanton11]

No 2nd scan, just had to hope all was well. It is now almost back to how it was before I did it nearly 12 months on.. Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@tde36]

Thank you for the great video! I am looking forward to my 2 week post-surgery appointment in a few days and thinking about which boot to get. I have read and watched a lot of video on the VACOped boot. One question, after going thru this process, would you recommend this VACOped boot or would you try another if this happened again? Best of luck on your rehab!

[@aaanton11]

The boot was fantastic, leg healed now with no surgery needed, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@Kay8B]

They went for the aggressive strategy (straight into boot) which some studies show is a lot better. I was put into a cast for two weeks first then given a boot which is a nightmare two weeks. Hopefully hes back to sport now!

[@aaanton11]

Yes all fine now, one leg does now have a different profile than the other when looking from behind. Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@andyrobinson3252]

Very useful guys, I am two weeks in on the journey. How are you doing now, a year later. Many thanks Andy

[@aaanton11]

Back playing badminton, its a long journey but you will get there, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@alexstyles1189]

Great video… I’m only 5 days into the boot but the biggest annoyance is the rubbing sores on the top of my foot. Probably hurts more than the Achilles pain if I’m honest. Gonna try the padding but when I tried that it still seemed to just make it tighter but will persevere.

[@aaanton11]

You can do it! The padding will help soft lintel Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@srahman3398]

AHH Anton!! Made a massive mistake mate! I've literally changed both keys 1 10:02. Before I realised shit I shouldn't change the top key for range of movement. I am now at 0 but kept the top key at top! So got 3 weeks now on 0 hopefully didn't do any damage

[@aaanton11]

Hopefully all will be fine, just go steady Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@user-fe2os9fg7k]

Hi, thank you for a great video. I broke my achilles 4 days ago and have the vacoped boot fitted 2 days ago. Im not allowed to take it off until ive seen the physio so dreading the smell lol. Some quick questions if thats ok. Did you get pulling feeling in the knee? My boot feels so heavy does this change as your achilles began to heal?

[@aaanton11]

You will be in a lot of discomfort, it is a long haul to get the achilles to heal, but it will get slowly better. Be paitent and don't try to do too much too soon. Good luck. Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@traceymarrenrowe9637]

Hi,ive just gone into my boot after my cast i find my crutches hard work so i tend ti go around on my kness .I also find putting my leg to the side angle helps me relax it do you think this is okay to do ?

[@aaanton11]

As long as the boot is on it’s doing its job I hope your recovery goes well Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@richardsharrock1]

Great video, did mine in and I'm at the same mark you were at when filming the video today. So much of my experience was the same as yours. How is your injury now?

[@aaanton11]

Almost back to normal, Its been a long recovery most of the barriers now are mental and regaining confidence. Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@domtaylor5158]

How big was the rupture? Literally had a ultrasound scan 5 weeks in and still a 48mm gap, hoping I don't need surgery 😫, great video and very informative 👍

[@aaanton11]

It was fully broken, you could get your finger in the gap, Hope you have some progress soon, let us know how you get on Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@madman0073]

Hi there great video. Ive just ruptured my achilles 6 days ago. Was in a semi cast for 3 days which was ok could sleep etc. Had boot fitted 2 days ago ive had so much pain ontop of my foot and in my heel especially almost a burning feeling. Any advice on this as i litterally have slept dor 2 hours in last 2 days due to the discomfort . Many thanks

[@aaanton11]

Use Linen pads on the foot, it will get easier over the next couple of weeks, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@madman0073]

@@aaanton11 thanks for that will try it.. any idea on the heel area?

[@aaanton11]

Dig deep its not an easy one to get over, but you will🛠 Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@jasondavies4344]

Hey guys, I have been in my boot now 1 week so have a long road ahead but so far so good. Did you suffer with a lot of ankle pain ? Swelling etc, I have had more issues with my ankle than my snapped Achilles, also had to do the injections twice a day. Great useful video. I have been really dubious about the non opp approach , how you getting on now ? Back driving etc ? Thanks again

[@aaanton11]

Hi Jason, yes ankle swelling and rehab due to lack of use will give you issues but all is getting better day by day, back walking driving etc, stick with it good luck, keep us updated with your recovery, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@traywells175]

Did you have really awful pain in the heel feels like a throbbing burning sensation

[@jimmieleepatterson]

I'm 5 days removed from my surgery. I'm trying I'm searching for a channel to follow along and compare notes during the healing process

[@aaanton11]

The road is a long one, mason didn't have surgery but its been a painful recovery, and still a long way to go, but there are small improvements every day. Are you now in a boot? Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@roysweetland-kh6hw]

Do mention the need to raise the good foot. I bought a levelup makes early stage much easier. Hard to walk in boot, but easier when both legs are the same length

[@aaanton11]

Thanks for the great information👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@Mark-jq5ek]

Recently ruptured my achilles tendon and had vacoped fitted,currently on 30cm,is it possible to walk on this setting with aid of crutches?if not then what setting will i require to allow me to at least walk with crutches,also i go on holiday abroad in 4 weeks so i was hoping i can get around with some weight applied to the boot,many thanks.

[@aaanton11]

We are all different, only you will know if walking is comfortable, all I would say is don't overdo it too soon, I hope you have a great holiday, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@traywells175]

Do you have a burning throbbing sensation at the heel or underneath the heel that's really painful

[@aaanton11]

Yes It has taken a few weeks after the boot was removed to overcome that, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@harpreetgarcha5034]

I ruptured my achilles 6 weeks ago. I have gone down the non surgical route. I have been in a cast since day one. I wanted to ask did you receive this boot through the NHS. I have seen this boot online and i am considering buying it in time for when the cast is due to come off in July. Is it worth it.

[@aaanton11]

Yes the boot was supplied by the nhs it worked like a charm, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@natashathomas6825]

When did you put the flat plate on? I'm self treating as the local hospital won't use the boots. Currently on 15 to 30 open and moving one click a week

[@aaanton11]

I put flat plate on with two weeks left of the boot treatment, I can’t remember the degree but it was once it was at a right angle once flat plate went on I didn’t alter it again Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@natashathomas6825]

@@aaanton11 fab thanks

[@kamilerkadoo3960]

Do I try to adjust the settings with key, whilst the boot is still on, or can I carefully take my foot out adjust and then put back in boot ?

[@perryb5373]

I would take it off to do it or have someone else adjust it for u. What week are u in?

[@aaanton11]

I would take it off to adjust, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@havanabeachincuba]

I ruptured my achilles last tuesday during badminton. Had surgery the day after. And normally in 2 weeks the vacoped will begin. How are you doing now? Can you already badmjnton again? Or how about running? Does it heal completely or are you still Having issues? Thanks for the update!

[@aaanton11]

Still building up strength, hoping to be playing badminton badly in another few weeks, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@bennyc5546]

I'm a week into the boot and forgetting what its like to sleep. It feels like I've got a concrete block on my lower leg. I try elevating it, loosening the straps and nothing feels better. Did you actually sleep with this thing on? It feels worse than the injury.

[@aaanton11]

Stick with it it does get better, but it is a slow process, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@mikestrickland8153]

Great video! I am 5 weeks in a boot now. My doctor was really pushing surgery but in my research the non operative is as successful at operative. Did you have a scan and if so what was your gap size? Mine was 11cm 😳. Hoping I didn’t make a bad choice. Good luck with your physio! All the best from the states!

[@aaanton11]

Good luck with your recovery, they did not scan, they just felt the break but all is well now with no invasive surgery. let us know how you get on Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@eldoradocraftsman3733]

I’ve just come out of mine after 14 in the boot. I was lucky in a way that it was on my Left leg because I drive an automatic car. Nightmare on the right leg.

[@aaanton11]

How's your movability now, and how's your physiotherapy exercises?, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@regulardude2011]

That sucks. I got injured at work about a year ago and cut my Achilles in half. Had to have surgery and was down for 6 months. It’s definitely not as strong and not as flexible.

[@aaanton11]

Sounds nasty😳 Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@Hooleyboi26]

Concerned about my calf too it's like a bag of water can't tense the muscle at all. Looks like the muscle is eating away

[@aaanton11]

Through the lack of use your calf will be getting smaller every day, it is a long recovery and takes a long while to get the strength back in the calf once the tendon has healed Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@amarachiuwazie-inechi3176]

I've lost the key to adjust the boot. Anyone know any tricks to adjust without the key

[@aaanton11]

use anything that fits😂 Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@bonesbrigante]

You can reach out to whoever you ordered it from and they can send you a new key....there should have been an extra one with your order

[@Hooleyboi26]

I found this boot uncomfortable. The velcro on the inner sock don't line up right and the vaccine just dosent mould tight enough. Sleeping in it is a nightmare

[@aaanton11]

It is a slow process stick with it you will get there in the end Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@tonyb67984]

Hi Thanks for this video, i ruptured my achilles 10 days ago and i am now in a vacoped boot and the worst part for me so far is not the pain in the achilles but the pain in my calf ...it's bloody murder!! I went back to my hospital and had a scan to rule out a blood clot and they said the pain is just trauma because the achilles is obviously attached to the calf Just wondering how long was it before your calf pain eased up All the best and thanks again for the video Tony👍

[@aaanton11]

The calf pain is not nice, but its all a part of the healing process, it will ease over the next couple of weeks keep taking the pain relief, Mason has returned to badminton 15 months after injury. We will make another video on the follow up. Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@tonyb67984]

Thanks for that info ... out of the huge amount of video's ive watched Masons video is the only one that mentions it, they all talk about DVT calf pain !!! Glad he is back to normal .. the other great tip was padding for the soreness you get where the velcro sections overlap...look forward to the update video 👍 All the best Tony

[@villaman4818]

Cheers guys..just had mine fitted.....did you have surgery ?

[@aaanton11]

No surgery, all rehab was with the boot, Thanks for the great comments👍🏻👍🏻🛠

[@villaman4818]

@@aaanton11 cheers buddy..good luck..I’m just starting mine but it seems that yours was more severe than mine as I can move my foot up and down and rotate it. 👍🏾