Achilles Tendon Recovery #1-non-surgical, early weight bearing option

-Early weight bearing protocol: drive.google.com/open?id=1ZbA...
-The intent for this video is to provide (hopefully helpful) information for people who have experienced an Achilles tendon rupture.
Information regarding the consideration of a non-surgical recovery option can be found at:
lermagazine.com/cover_story/ba...
achillesblog.com/normofthenort...
My own ATR recovery blog is at: achillesblog.com/ejbvmi/
& I have compiled a playlist of ATR recovery videos that I hope are helpful at:
• ejbvmi's Achilles reha...

[@MrRight_1]

Great video. I ruptured my Achilles about 7 months ago. I am not at 100% yet but have faith I will get there. It is a painful process. To anyone going through it best of wishes and prayers.

[@bird1821]

How are you doing now?

[@MrRight_1]

I am 100% now thanks for asking. Just know it will get better with time.

[@BerzerkSquid]

thanks for replying @@MrRight_1

[@audaciousbrowne3041]

I did mine 4 months ago when i accidentally stepped on a glass framed picture. I was hoping I'd be back to normal in the next two or three months but then I read this comment

[@reubenphiri3203]

​@@MrRight_1 Was it non surgical?

[@spky3]

Anyone who’s dealing with this knows how painful this is, I’m here for you. I am sorry you’re dealing with this and I pray for your earliest healthiest recovery . I know the pain seems unimaginable. You’ll feel better each day including a new day tomorrow . Keep going! You got this.

[@NWS189]

Thanks for this video. 3 weeks since the injury here. Went with the surgery route. This is a morale booster.

[@Artbwoy]

much respect to you again.. a blessing x1000...surely speaking for all those who normally never respond to these posts..my first reply ever.

[@greenthumb2706]

As a retired RN, you covered some great stuff here. Good job.

[@rvlrmagz2485]

This is amazing, I’m currently going through a ruptured Achilles and am in the first stage of the healing process, Thank u so much for this 🙏🏾

[@fooraven]

Hey Evan, I just happened to experience an ATR 4 days ago and am currently on the cast. I chance upon your video while researching for more info on ATR recovery. I must say your video is very informative and it really helps prepare me for my recovery journey. Thank you so much for creating the video and providing the links. Cheers!

[@yanonghigala912]

THANK YOU SO MUCH Sir Evan... God Bless You More and continue being a blessing to others.

[@joelcotterell5799]

Thank you so much boss this is my second achilles rupture and it's to my right leg this time. And watching your process and journey on letting it heal on it's own is very encouraging for me and it has been working for me so I thank you.

[@ImadBougataya]

I am two weeks in, it’s my second rodeo after a first rupture in 2015! I am so glad i came across your videos, it’s nice to have this information!!

[@josephinetunley5292]

I’m one week into non surgical recovery and found your video very encouraging. I’m stuck in a plaster for two weeks, non weight bearing before going down the boot route. Can’t wait to have a bit more freedom!

[@cloudspl392]

Thanks Evan, two and a half weeks into my injury and just found your videos. Brilliant! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@ejbvmi]

Thanks, Claud! I hope that you have a smooth recovery.

[@martinmessiah5649]

Thanks for your video. I’m 6 months into recovery and I tell you being able to stand up in the shower was a wonderful accomplishment. I’m still not 100 percent but I’m optimistic. My therapist keeps reminding me that everyone recovery timeline is different and not to rush the process. Everyone let’s stay encouraged and we’ll be dancing again soon enough 👍

[@kenhoward06]

I’m 4 weeks post op, and it’s rough! Sad😢

[@andrewstaples7544]

Did you do the graston technique

[@No4murasame]

I really appreciate this info. I just “popped “ it in the beginning of three day weekend. So my specialist appointment ended up a week away. This helps until I get the info from the doctor. Thank you.

[@pjescalona]

Great video, thanks for posting it. I ruptured my left achilles last year while playing soccer and had surgery, and then this year, while playing soccer again, ruptured the other one and the doctor suggested the non-surgical approach. Found the same information you mentioned all over the internet but now I was looking for a video of the actual healing process.

[@marcelagalarza-mirazondeser]

Thank you so much, just 3 days after I ruptured my Achilles and since 1 day been watching videos that help me see what's the best path, am not a good friend of ER just because like you said they don't know everything and had some bad experiences only if I feel like I can't really take care of it, I will defenely go, but I thanks all the folks like you that share you're experience and what to do, May the power of universe and the power of our soul and body help us heal soon.

[@michaelremo2373]

Glad I came across your video. I also took the non surg route. Got very little direction from my surgeon with care. Your tips are very helpful and it gives me some hope for a quicker recovery.

[@dizer1982]

i am so pleased to have found your video, you are so informative. i was in agony for 4 weeks and in and out of casualties for pain killing injections as they assumed it was my usual sciaatic problem no matter what i insisted. eventually a doctor decided to do an ultrasound for dvt and found i had been walking around with a ruptured achilles and in immense pain the whole time. even with my boot and crutches i am still in alot of pain but they tell me its due to have been walking on it. i have got more information from you than any doctor i have seen. thank you so much for making this video and i wish you and your family all the best x

[@jeckman0724]

Thanks for the video. I'm currently nursing an Achilles tendon tear and this is very helpful. I can't wait to be able to carry things and move around

[@EJAZZSHAMID34]

This is from 2015 and its the only videos that are helpful thank you so much I sub to you we need more people like you who just give proper information

[@mairan914]

I am Mike. Thank you for sharing your experience. Your video is very in details. I especially appreciate your suggestion to others to be patient, not to be too aggressive. I re-ruptured my right achellies tendonitis on the 11th week from its first rupture, thinking i had been an atlete in the past. Then the re-rupture proved I am just a motal human being.

[@fonchan1879]

Thnx for sharing Evan! i ruptured my achilles tendon a week ago and I also chose the non surgical route and I was a little bit worried so thnx for the upload!

[@charlesogunleye1385]

Can’t say how much I appreciate this vid ... thanks mate

[@weezypeasy]

Thanks Evan, this is excellent. I'm currently 4 weeks post-injury on the same path as you. I was also finding it difficult to get some solid answers on a lot of this stuff. Thanks for taking the time to share this.

[@ejbvmi]

Thanks, Chris. I hope that your recovery is going well. One lesson I learned later on: memory foam is man's best invention. ;-) I developed a very sore heel, and wearing memory foam insoles for a few months helped me fix that problem. Better to prevent than recover, so I recommend folks use memory foam insoles or shoes (Skechers has many models) as soon as they transition to two shoes. Good luck!

[@ulysseperez4606]

thanks Evan! I preferred the chirurgical way as I've did it in the past for my right foot! Now it was my left one!! thanks again for the tips!

[@Sm00th89]

Never experienced a pain like this. It happened to me while i was playing basketball ( left foot ). Had to drive myself to the hospital in a stick shift car using my foot with the ruptured achilles to press the clutch in to switch gears OUCH ! I had surgery a couple days after and was back on my feet 8 months after. I respect both options in my situation I didn't want to be off work along time and I wanted a quicker recovery. To those that have ruptured there achilles hang in there it's depressing and a long journey but you'll get through it.

[@Elvo-sc4mz]

I am more than grateful for getting this video. I had a fall from a height four days ago and went straight into ER.An x ray exam revealed a partial tendon rapture on the left leg.I was put on a simple bandage and some painkillers with an advice to be patient.Tomorrow ,after a second opinion,i will be going into the boot direct to aid in healing.This video has assured me of a non surgical recovery soon. Thanks.

[@netsanetdires7887]

Thank you for sharing this great information I rapture my Achilles’ tendon playing soccer two days ago and I decided to go non surgical and your information will help me a lot thank you again.

[@1daxwood]

Respect to u man. Thanks for sharing and hope u doing well years later!

[@elevateyournow7418]

This was great, thanks. I'm at 1.5 weeks, non surgical but with a plaster cast. So good to hear someone else talk about not being able to carry things!

[@kosovoisserbia1389]

Elevate Your NOW How long did it take for you to walk completely normal?

[@775tnn]

Just did mine 45 minutes ago on my way to the hospital now --- I knew nothing about it , thanks for your info !

[@kevinmclean3891]

what a relief it was too find your videos on achilles rupture recovery, non operative. i thought it was uncommon as well until i dug deeper. I'm in the same boat, week 4 currently. I'll be using your videos to help me condition at home. congrats on your recovery.

[@ejbvmi]

Thanks, and I hope that your recovery goes smoothly as well! Don't forget to the memory foam. I do wish I had discovered that sooner than I did. It took months for my heel to forgive my error.

[@garethv7331]

I'm in my 1st week since rupturing my Achilles, this is a great video 🙏

[@juanespinosa8064]

I want to start by thanking you Evan.You have given me hope.I ruptured my achilles playing volleyball.I was in denial thinking i could self heal with out seeing a med. Professional.I went to a same day clinic. They gave me a boot but no wedges.I haven,t seen the orthopedic spcialist yet.This is my first week.You have been going through the same experiences as me.Good luck in your road to recovery. God bless.

[@rayknights1466]

Great video. Mine popped 6k into a 10k race last week. My sports therapist recommended all the things you have spoken about. Seems like the way forward to me. Best of luck with the rest of your recovery.

[@tomwelsh4090]

Hi Evan, this video makes me very happy...just seeing other people talk about the hardships of not being able to carry a cup of coffee to the couch! I'm just about 3 weeks in with a similar weight bearing schedule from the Docs. All the best and thanks for sharing your experience. Tom

[@jesseduodu1505]

Partially tore mine 5 days ago. Pretty much everything you said was exactly how my situation was. Thank you!

[@lekanjones2888]

after a week did you feel any popping near your ankle?

[@catherineekwunife1015]

I had an Achilles Tendon rupture whilst on holiday with friends. Fell from a beach bike. Opted to go for non-surgical route(though ortho recommended surgical route)Currently on a vacoped boot with crutches for support. Bathing was stressful so I got a plastic stool for the bath and now, it's so much easier. Thanks for your thorough explanation.

[@vanessamarikakuran]

Really, really appreciating these videos right now, Evan. I am in week 5 -- (non surgical), just out of cast and into boot. Your clear, thorough descriptions of your process give me hope and good guidance. I have a surgeon that is very into casts for the 1st 3 months -- total immobilization -- and I needed to get better guidance / advice. I deeply appreciate that you took the time to make these videos.

[@ejbvmi]

+Vanessa Kuran Thanks a bunch, Vanessa. I really appreciate the feedback, and I hope that your recovery goes smoothly. It is a long road, but you have a lot of satisfying milestones ahead. Some reading material, in case it might be useful: 1- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4436906/ 2- achillesblog.com/normofthenorth/2010/03/08/a-more-complete-review-of-the-options-surgical-vs-non-operative/ 3- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509775/ 4- achillesblog.com/ejbvmi/ Good luck!!!

[@jamescrm83]

Hi Vanessa, I'm contacting a lot of people who posted some years ago to see how they got on, of that's OK. I was wondering how long it took to heal and are you back to full fitness, any issues with atrophy and strength? Many thanks, J.

[@SuperPeanut95]

I just ruptured mine 4 days ago and I’m going the non surgical route, thanks for all this info!

[@jussisihvonen3152]

Thanks for the video Evan. I have unfortunately suffered the same fate as you have and chose to go non-surgical as well. You're video offered some great advice.

[@JTLMIM]

Thank you!! This helped me out a whole lot!! I am very encouraged...

[@emilyvesterfelt1952]

Thank you so much for posting this. I ruptured mine doing cheerleading two months ago and just got cleared to walk without my boot yesterday (YAY).

[@michelecelis8529]

Salutations Evan! just found this first video and I wish I would have found it 6 weeks ago. I walked into a complicated, ankle and foot reconstruction which included an Achilles tendon release procedure. I did not properly prepare for this, and now I am double-timing my rehab info. The details of daily life in a cast/boot were real! The 2nd day I was home, high on pain pills, and afraid to mess up the surgical work, threw off my crutches and fell back and hurt my upper back and neck and hit my head and received a concussion and a nice scar. No pain pills after that. So anyway, I am 6 weeks out and mentally, I have to adjust my thoughts about the timeframe on when I am going to be able to do the things I want to do. Thank you for putting all your personal experience out here for us that need it so badly. I mistakenly thought I was a badass, and that this would be no biggie, but let me say this is incredibly hard, and I have to be patient to rehab properly, but seriously, this is a rough gig emotionally and has let me see how it is for disabled, and elderly folks and has me thinking a lot differently about mobility in the future.

[@rajivpushpanathan]

Hi Evan, I just ruptured my Achilles tendon 2 days ago. Your video was very helpful to me, most if all it gave me hope. Thank you!

[@ejbvmi]

I'm glad that it helped. It's a long, patience-trying road, but you'll get there!

[@Cynphoenix56]

Hi Evan, Thanks for posting this. I have a torn Achilles Tendon. I am having an MRI done and then off to see the Ortho doc. I've been trying to study and learn as much as possible so I am informed when I go to see him. This vid was very helpful.

[@boombip1989]

Great Video im glad you shared. I just ruptured my achilles last Saturday and this video helps me lots

[@ElBueno215]

this was very helpful. one of my worst fears is going under the knife and this information just gave me hope, thank you.

[@clh1612]

Thank you so much for a very relatable blog, I am in UK and day 9 post ATR following a taekwondo injury, I had a cast for a week set with toes pointing down and now have a walking boot with 5 heel wedges with crutches and am currently non weight bearing. I have opted for the non surgical route. Like you were, I have been wondering how my tendons will reconnect to heal as a recent ultrasound showed I have a 13mm gap but I guess in time they will. Moving towards partial weight bearing in a weeks time, every little thing is a milestone. Thanks for the video, tips and information, found it really helpful.

[@sha-shawnmontgomery5125]

Thank you for sharing this. I had a Partial achiles tendon rupture a months ago. I am also taking the nonsurgical route.

[@wealthmodernmanmastery9330]

Thank you, Evan! Much love, brother

[@tatethompson1234]

I just got out of the hospital, watching every video I can. Thanks for the tips!

[@ejbvmi]

I did the same. Between your doc, your physical therapist, and your research, I hope that you pull together an approach that leads to full recovery!

[@daveperek]

Evan - Thanks for creating this video series and with it a community of commenters that are going thru the same process. It has been very helpful to get info from your videos and from the comments. The one thing I can add is that getting a leg scooter (Knee Rover) made this injury much more tolerable than crutches. It allowed me to go on a Las Vegas trip 4 days after my injury and also allows me to get around my condo and the city so I don't feel completely immobile. I am 2 weeks into my injury and look forward to watching your videos and I continue my recovery. Thanks again.

[@ejbvmi]

Thanks, Dave. I saw the leg scooter and considered it, but I live in Germany and shipping times can be long... and I'm cheap. :-) It seems that everyone who invested in one of those raves about it. I flew my family to the US just under two weeks after the injury and a scooter would have been hugely beneficial. Best of luck with your continued recovery!

[@robertogutierrez9691]

Hi. I would like to know, if anyone knows the lymphatic drainage as a recoveey therapy in this specific injuries. Thank you.

[@lepoldbuttersstotch]

Thank you Evan for this video, it explains a lot of the daily challenges on the road to recovery and tips. I am waiting to consult with the fracture clinic to see if I will have surgery/non-surgery and the pros/cons of each to get back to health. I'm 34 and quite active. Happened during a pickup soccer game, same thing as your experience, the classical pop when pushing off. In a temporary cast now, was in the ER day before yesterday after it happened.

[@LeontiusInvictus]

This was extremely helpful and encouraging. Thank you!

[@jasmynb5]

Ruptured mine yesterday. Thanks for the info

[@joseramonrodriguez8721]

Great video. It just happened to me yesterday. Going to see the specialist tomorrow morning. I'm not going for surgery since they gave me the 2 options. Thank you for the info and this helps a lot.

[@jetlibog3011]

Thank you Evan ...... this info helped me .... i ruptured my cord 3 days ago ..... God bless ....

[@AzraaMuthy]

Tore my achilles tendon last week! This definitely has helped a whole lot! Thank you

[@librarian123]

Thanks for the information. Ruptured mine two days ago!

[@gmh7773331]

Thank you for vid. Much appreciated. Mine happened yesterday. Since the start I want to be in an excellence mindset. Not super hero/dumb=leading to re-injury, just to see this as an opportunity to take the optimal steps to greater strength in ankles/legs for the rest of life.Your vid is a great find in this road. My inclination is towards non-surgery. Also, to be able to bypass the research time needed to know that early movement within reason is a preferred course is invaluable. My best to you and yours.

[@ejbvmi]

+gmh7773331 Sorry to hear about your injury. The non-op/early weight bearing experiment seems to have been a success. I am at 10 months now, and things are essentially back to normal aside from a slight strength and diameter disparity between the calf of my injured leg and the other one. I am not playing tennis or inducing any sudden shock to that AT, but I am running normally again and don't think about it much any more... which is remarkable considering where I was last summer. To help in your research, feeding into the conversation with your ortho: 1- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4436906/ 2- achillesblog.com/normofthenorth/2010/03/08/a-more-complete-review-of-the-options-surgical-vs-non-operative/ 3- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509775/ 4- achillesblog.com/ejbvmi/ Good luck! -Evan

[@theresamarkiewicz2545]

Great information I just tore my tendon 1 week ago. They casted my leg have to keep on for 3 more weeks.My orthopedic surgeon told me absolutely no weight bearing.So sounds like a long road ahead but,their is light at the end of the tunnel.Great progress of your experience hope my goes as smooth as yours.You helped answer alot of questions I was wondering about.Thank you

[@garysautter9933]

Your video was like watching my own rehab and ongoing recovery! Long road! Thanks! Ruptured mine 2/6/22.

[@michaelshaw8697]

How you getting on with it? I'm coming up yo 3 weeks, 2 weeks post surgery. Due to get my cast off tomorrow

[@ezraokoti6663]

Thank you so much Evan for your very informative videos. I ruptured my RIGHT AT in 2007 playing soccer. Went to my GP the next day who told me I had a nasty sprain. Two and a half weeks later, the foot swollen and sore, I got a second opinion and was referred to an OS right way. Surgery was the only opinion presented to me at the time and I went through it. The pain was terrible! Was in a cast for 4 weeks then moved into a boot with light weight bearing. It took a good year before I was back to normal activity. Nine years in, the surgically repaired AT is working just fine, but I have been very careful with it. 6 days ago, Monday May 30, I ruptured the my LEFT AT... playing soccer... GRRR!! Went to the ER that night, they triaged me and scheduled a scan the next morning which confirmed the AT rupture. Your video blogs inspired me and challenged me to advocate for myself when visiting the OS. Before seeing my OS, I bought an AirCast Boot and used wedges to get the 20 degree Plantar Flexion. At the appointment with the OS, he highly recommended the non-surgery approach but he really pushed for a cast at least for the first 4 weeks. (His approach, cast #1, four weeks with a 20 degree plantar flexion, then, cast #2/or boot for four weeks with 10 degree plantar flexion, then finally cast #3/or boot for four weeks of neutral 90 degree, with physio somewhere in there). I insisted on the boot from day one instead and he reluctantly accepted my request but made sure my wedges were high enough. He did warn me though, if my AT does not attach in 4 weeks, surgery would be the next step... we shall see. It's been 5 days since the injury, 4 days in the boot with no weigh bearing, elevated most of the day. Very little swelling but goes down on its own - haven't iced it at all, and the pain is a 2 out of 10 but only comes when I've been upright for a while. Next week I plan on looking for a sports doctor in my area who can guide me through the early weight bearing protocol. I will update my progress. All that to say, THANK YOU for your detailed video blog! Dude, you have inspired and encouraged me and others who are walking this road. I've been through the AT surgical option before, and I must say, non-surgical is way better... no wound to worry about, zero risk of infection, low pain.

[@ejbvmi]

Very sorry to hear about your new injury, Ezra. It sounds like you have armed yourself with information and are managing your recovery with your Doctor on board. That is the right answer. I remind folks regularly that I am not a doc and am just sharing information and my own experience. It sounds like you are taking a pro-active, but prudent approach. Physical therapy was hugely beneficial for helping me shape my exercise routine and pace my recovery. I hope you find a good therapist who can do the same for you. I posted some lessons learned yesterday in conjunction with my 1-year anniversary. For what they are worth: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5zYo2tra6Z_oKc Best of luck with your recovery!

[@iqubalpannu1920]

Great video. I snapped my Achilles playing tennis too… I’m up to 5 weeks in recovery and have learned the same techniques to manage this as you. I’m not confident to get on my indoor bike yet.. I hope your full recovery was sooner than a year..

[@Bacala57]

I just popped mine 3 weeks ago. I also went the non surgical route. Thanks for the information.

[@ejbvmi]

Sorry to hear that you joined a club that no-one wants to be a part of. Be patient and diligent with your recovery, and take care of the bottom of your foot. Memory foam insoles will be your best foam until your foot and walking dynamics are back to normal... and that takes a long time. Best of luck with your recovery!

[@josebarreiro3476]

This video was great! I've read quite a bit but the information is extremely difficult to find. Thanks for putting this together, I'll watch the rest of your videos soon!

[@iscarian]

I have surgery coming up on March 3rd so I've been scanning the KZbins and your video is the best one I've seen for real world recovery tips. My doc is saying 6-8 weeks non-weight bearing for my reconstruction so I have quite a lot of "on my butt" time coming up!!Thank you!!!

[@ejbvmi]

I hope that you are recovering well! Good luck!

[@longmai1884]

Hì Evan

[@RexRattus]

Hi Evan I ruptured mine last Friday and was feeling thoroughly miserable until I watched your journey. Thank you for such a calm and thoughtful account. I love the way I was trying to get my calf comfortable on the cushion when you mentioned the exact same thing! Wishing you all the best

[@ejbvmi]

Rick Marsden Thanks, Rick! I am glad that at least some of the info is useful. Best of luck with your journey back to normal.

[@mltheart1]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤⁶ 😂😂❤😂😂❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😂❤❤

[@mltheart1]

😂

[@hebrewhammer8571]

Do you sleep with the brace on

[@alwaysreturnNurgirl]

​@@hebrewhammer8571 was wondering the same

[@walters6628]

Good for you for making this video. I am ten weeks post Achilles rupture so I have living your video. Lol. God I miss golf!

[@ejbvmi]

Thanks, and good luck. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and it is not a train... but the tunnel is longer than we'd like. You'll get there.

[@walternelsonjr7373]

Really appreciate the video!!! 8/21 ruptured mine going non surgical.

[@megatoothster]

Thanks for the video Evan. I completely agree with your comments about the emergency room. I ruptured mine a week ago and A&E diagnosed as torn calf and told me to walk on it! It wasn’t until 48 hours later that I was put into a boot and given clexane injections, and only then after a private physio took one look and sent me straight back to hospital. 72 hours later, I’m still battling the UK NHS referral system to get a private specialist appointment. I will probably go surgical route if offered as a) same recovery time and b) less chance of re-rupture. My I-walk 2.0 is arriving today. I will let you all know how I get on with it. Regards, Ian.

[@johninla96]

Thank you so much for this video…. My orthopedic suggested surgery right away. and no other options and they chose a non-surgical route. Thank you for your video.

[@411cherrise]

Such great info. Thanks for sharing it! I'll be watching the rest of your videos on this subject for sure.

[@ejbvmi]

Cherrise Gaster Thanks! I hope they help!

[@richardbryant3600]

Amazingly information. Im grateful for you taking the time to share. I have Faith that i will go non surgical and will recover well

[@davelundergoesunder]

Thank you Evan for making the video. I am a beach runner because of arthritis in the knees. Two weeks ago, my right heel was bothering me quite a bit from the beginning of a 4-mile run. I toughed it out which was foolish. Right now I am experiencing pain where the Achilles tendon connects to the heel and an inflamed bursa. It took four days for the pain to subside after that aggravation. Walking was extremely painful and now is still painful but bearable. This morning I went to the beach and did three minutes of walking and tried some light running and ended up doing a 3-mile run. I am definitely babying the foot on each step. I needed to know if this was going to aggravate or perhaps strengthen the injury. Your video was encouraging.

[@peteroffey9438]

Evan, thanks for the info. I am in the second week of the injury but thought I'd share through you the fact that I have found a knee scooter far better than crutches for mobility. It takes away the fear of overbalancing etc and with a basket on the front gives you the opportunity to be useful in carrying things. Definitely worth considering. Incidently I am 75 and balance is probably more of a problem at my age.

[@ejbvmi]

I agree, Pete. Had I been in a place where I could have easily acquire one, I may have rationalized the purchase, even for the short two weeks I was non-weight bearing. I hated crutches! I hope your recovery is coming along well!

[@fabiolacanta]

Thank you soooo much for this video! I'm at 3 weeks after my injury and though I didnt go to doc, I can tell not only did I partially tear my Achilles tendon but also have a grade 3 high sprain. I've managed to miraculously walk day one but it was because i had no choice due to how I fell and no one around to help me. All my bruising is gone but the pain is still pretty bad. My foot bruise on the inside looked just like yours but I also had bruise up my shin around the front of foot and all up the back of my ankle, it was worse than most of the pics I have seen on the internet and took 2.5 weeks for all bruising to go away. 😭 I got the boot, compression tape and a brace. I'm a massage therapist so when I work, I use the brace or tape, when I'm out and about, I have crutches and boot on. I'm slowly walking normally but very slow. I feel its gonna be atleast another month before I can jump on a bike. It's challenging getting out of tub so i use a towel on side of tub when getting out for balance. I pray I fully heal. I also had a hairline fracture in that same ankle over 20 years ago so it's not my first rodeo but definitely much worse this time.

[@AlexMurfey]

Thanks Evan. This is helpful. I injured my Achilles tendon this morning (playing tennis) in almost the same way that you described your injury. I went to an urgent care center and got a temporary cast, and have an appointment on Monday with a surgeon to evaluate the injury. Until I saw your video, I hadn't thought about a non-surgical approach. I will consider that now along with my other options.

[@ejbvmi]

Alex Murfey Good luck with your recovery, Alex. It's a long road back to normal, but you will get there! It's easy to focus on the AT and atrophied calf, but the muscles and bones of your foot also need work to get back to the way things were pre-injury. Focus on that and flexibility as well. Good luck!

[@SimonBucknall]

Cracking video - I'm just 6 days in, post-rupture and v much appreciate the advice in here... not to mention the feeling of a kindred spirit (albeit Evan, you are now, I hope fully recovered!)

[@ejbvmi]

I'm 2 1/2 years post-injury. Aside from a little tightness in the tendon to act as a subtle reminder, and a calf that still has a little work to be the same size as its neighbor, I'm back to normal. It's a long sequence of "half way to the objective" without later steps being smaller, getting really close but never 100% at the objective. The early challenge is having the patience to not overdo it and re-injure, and later the challenge is maintaining the discipline to keep working on flexibility and strength despite it being "good enough" to get by already. Best of luck with your own recovery!

[@SimonBucknall]

Evan Brown thanks for your reply which by chance I saw as soon as you posted it! 6 weeks ago today for me. Feels good to actually have a tendon I can feel again. Onwards and upwards - thank you again...

[@WonderlandofWOW]

Your Protocol worked for me with my first Achilles injury. Now I have one on my opposite leg!! Just hurt it a week ago. Thanks again Evan.

[@9ntice]

omg this sounds like hell, good luck

[@emmasmith3507]

Thanks Evan. I ruptured my Achilles 3 weeks ago now. I was put into the moonboot at 2 weeks and told that I could weight bear as tolerated. However I had done some research before hand and found a lot of the protocols were quite different, suggesting no weight bearing for at least 6 weeks. However, now hearing this video I feel a bit more confident in my protocol. My doctor did mention that this is a relatively new protocol which is probably why there aren't many like this out there online (the only place I could really search). Thanks for this video, really helpful.

[@ejbvmi]

Emma Smith Thanks, Emma! I hope your recovery is going smoothly. I am just over two years now, and pleased to report that I don't think about the injury all that often these days. Best of luck to you!

[@davidbrace3289]

Thank you for this. Great points and helps!

[@TheRushour23]

Ruptured my tendon 3 days ago and here I am. Thanks for the wonderful video :) !!!

[@ejbvmi]

I'm glad that it may help fill in some blanks. Best of luck with your recovery.

[@TheRushour23]

@@ejbvmi Getting there slowly :) thanks

[@roundsboxingclub3644]

How did the pain feel? I think I tore mine

[@ladyofthepanthers]

Great Video. Protocol in New Zealand a lot different, I ruptured my Achilles on the 20th Aug 2020, was put in a cast and on crutches for 4 weeks, then 2 weeks in a moonboot at 30 degrees, 2 weeks at 15 degrees and then 2 weeks at 0 degrees. Only at 0 degrees was I allowed to start putting weight on it. Now I have heel lifters in my shoes for 2 months and see a physio every 3 days to for rehab. Its November and I have only been cleared now to start riding a bike at the gym and gym upper body.

[@justbrowsin1783]

I torn mine yesterday. This helps a lot.

[@joyb5525]

Hi Evan, I'm in Ireland, I was dancing to the Raging Women Taiko drummers and got a little carried away during the week. Your utubeing series just great, I'm strapped up and just beginning the rehab. All the best. Joyce Bermingham

[@LyneisFilm]

Excellent video. I have a tear in mine and am three weeks in a walking boot. The doctor sent me home with minimal instructions and no discussion of what’s next, except come back in 4 weeks. Your video gives me some context for the process and possible outcomes. Also your video has excellent production values both in the video and audio. At 76 I want to avoid surgery and get back to being able to walk at least four miles without re-injury.

[@ejbvmi]

I'm almost 50, and have found that strength in both the lower leg and foot don't come back without deliberate and sustained effort. Even after four years, my right calf is not a full match for my uninjured left calf, but I allowed myself to slack off once it become "good enough". I ride ~30 miles at a time and swim, and was running up until a year or so ago when I stopped due to hip joint aggravation. The AT itself should not prevent you from regaining you full activity level, but be careful not to let your limp while you are recovering to contribute to problems in other areas. I had some hip issues before the AT injury, but I think poor running technique during my recovery caused further trouble to my hip on that side.

[@martamatuszewska3671]

Thank you for this video. I'm 11 weeks after achilles tendon rapture. A week after taking of vacoped boot. It feels amazing to be able to walk, but my muscles and tendon is still very stiff. I went thru everything you said. Good luck with your recovery👍😊

[@bird1821]

How are you doing now?

[@shanec508]

Thanks a lot for the video Evan, not a lot of stuff out there and this was really helpful. I also found the Brady Browne vlog helpful for anyone else who has just either partially or fully ruptured their Achilles.

[@ejbvmi]

Shane Carritt Thanks, Shane! I hope your recovery is tracking well.

[@girlball12]

Hi Evan, I ruptured my tendon in car accident on 5/13 (yes, Friday the 13th!). Even though I went to the emergency room, I didn't get diagnosed with this rupture until this past week so I'm afraid I haven't been taking very good care of it up until this point. My doctor has referred me to an orthopedic surgeon so I'm trying to educate myself as much as possible now so at least I know what options I have. Thank you SO much for sharing the information you've found and for documenting your recovery process. You have helped me feel so much more empowered! You've also inspired me to start sharing my own experience on my personal blog so that hopefully I can help others dealing with the same thing as well. Thanks again and I'm glad to see you're doing so well now!

[@ejbvmi]

Sorry to hear about your injury, Vickie. If you check out the links Ali and I exchanged a few days ago, they should arm you with plenty of information for the discussion with your doc. Best of luck with your recovery!

[@girlball12]

Thank you!

[@viceversa3492]

Vickie Velasquez hey vickie, I'm in the same situation as you, got a misdiagnosis and now I've been limping around the last 6 weeks with a partial achilles tendon rupture. Very worried about extra damage. Where can i find your personal blog with tips?

[@rajon8771]

Thank you for sharing your advice and tips. I've just done my Achilles tendon a few days ago and it's great to have come across this now. Need to look for a chair like the one you use in the bath tub.

[@mattk9504]

Thank you very much sir 🙏, I am also on the road to recovery non-surgery and your videos helped me immensely with my recovery. It has been exactly 8 weeks since my injury and I can’t thank you enough for your videos!

[@longmai1884]

Thank you Evan

[@samuraihanson]

I am in week 4 thank you for your information!

[@letseat5908]

Thankq so much sir, I was so scared, I got my injury 7 days ago and I went to doc and got x-rays it has shown normal but at the time I saw your video I new it,it is exactly the same as yours, I was about to get surgery I was so scared thankq so much for giving me new hope...I hope you are leaving a healthy life now,this clip makes me so motivational...GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY LOVE FROM INDIA.. THANK Q Sir

[@simonmarks2593]

Great video - I am in week 3 having been in an equinous cast for 12 days and now in a boot. looking forward to next video wk 2-5. Thanks for sharing Evan.

[@ejbvmi]

Simon Marks Thanks, Simon. I hope your recovery goes smoothly. It's a long road, and a struggle to balance pushing enough against not overdoing it. I passed the two year milestone last month, and don't give the injury much thought any more. Hang tough, and you'll get there!

[@bimzki1]

Thank you very much for the video. This is going to help me.

[@maniaccash1414]

I appreciate this video... this just happened to me 2 days ago and im weighing my options 💯

[@roycounsoul]

Fantastic, really helpful. Thank you very much