Partial Achilles Tear Recovery/Healing Time

[@TreatMyAchilles]

👉 In the video, Alison mentions using heel wedges to help your ruptured tendon to knit back together again. You can get them here: geni.us/lA7G If you buy anything via this link, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

[@itslechico]

Let's take a moment for our brothers and sisters who started jumping of joy when she said week 1 week 2 and felt so good about it...just right untill she added "all the way to week 12 "😳 🤦‍♂️😩

[@simpatico4004]

Lol. That was me. Guess no more training.

[@itslechico]

@@simpatico4004 happy recovery bro, I started running after 4 months. That higgledy-piggledy thing is there but more and more compacted the more I train it.

[@simpatico4004]

@@itslechico good to hear, man.

[@eeeeeeeeweeeeeeeeeeooooooo6112]

I’m going on week 323

[@TGTBTUPoddy]

I’m happy with 4 months 😊

[@willieboy3011]

You do a good job of explaining simply enough for the layperson to understand. I am about 10 weeks from the injury date. It was not severe, yet the healing is very slow. The pain is chronic and ever so slow to heal. I have stopped all treadmill and elliptical work. I can work through the pain, but I fear damaging the tendon. I miss walking distances.

[@TreatMyAchilles]

You will get there - just keep being consistent with your rehab and listen to your body. x

[@willieboy3011]

@@TreatMyAchilles Thank You

[@willieboy3011]

@@Priyan0000 I have some condition that will not go away, I was told. In the morning it may be very little pain or stiff. I put my shoes on immediately. The podiatrist has some inserts that support this. They were not real expensive, maybe $30. This gives support for tendon, not for arches. (Arches are a different issue). I am supposed to wear them all day, and I usually last until 3:00PM. The stretches do not take but a few minutes a day. I put the foot with the tendon issue behind me and stretch it gradually by leaning forward. Go slow and do not push too hard. These help a lot. After this, I have no pain or problem walking each day. One thing is to put your ankle over you knee. With your finger feel the tendon above your heel. If there is an indention of give in the tendon--it is not a solid line all the way or mushy--then there could be tears. Not good. See podiatrist. Mine has a slight bulge. Hope this helps.

[@francogiachin7214]

Congratulations, explained clearly in a clear voice and has great sub-titles.

[@TreatMyAchilles]

Thank you!

[@theworldofseanw.i.l.d.c.a.6230]

Had an MRI a week ago that showed a small tear. It happened 2 years ago. I have been able to walk and when jog. Just have stiffness and a little pain every morning. My podiatrist said I can either deal with it or get surgery. How can I heal this without surgery. I just want the stiffness to stop and the pain in the morning to stop.

[@TreatMyAchilles]

Here's our full Playlist on Achilles tendon tears. kzbin.info/aero/PL1sDnegMCeASVkEkkQVimA2OsHdPJzAuy You might find the video on Partial Achilles Tear Treatment particularly useful.

[@domeniclocalzo9498]

Ive got higgly piggly. 12 wks, still swells up if i walk around.

[@bleneahmed7158]

Hi. I had a partial tear in my achilles 7 weeks ago now. Initial tests were pretty positive and I started rehab this week. However, the more research I do, I realize it may have been beneficial to have had heel lifts in my boot. The doctor did not suggest them and now I'm concerned I may have a lengthened achilles as it heals. Any concern there? Also, thanks for the video. This was very helpful. ***Edit to add that this is a lengthwise tear.

[@jtrain3113]

Mine is absolutely fucked, I have had X-rays I have no break or hairline, just a bunch of really aggressive and aggravated foot, Achilles and ankle tendons it’s the worst thing I’ve been through besides Gout, I’ve been looked at by a physio , guys will this get better sooner than later? I’m on NSAIDS Anti inflammatory tablets for two weeks now, I’ve gone from gym training lifestyle to fully disabled, prayers my way and to everyone in my boat / situation 😫

[@simpatico4004]

How are you getting on now?

[@jtrain3113]

@@simpatico4004 unfortunately I’m into week 10 of this nightmare, it shows improvement some days so I rehab it carefully on the bike and pool and got back to gym for one day and after 4 days off the Naproxen the Gout and Tendon flares up worse, I’ve got a bad one ☝️ going on but I’m trying to be positive, 72 hour fasting and about to start another one tonight until Saturday…..3 days water only to rid my inflammation, tuff end and start to the year but I’ve learnt so much being disabled I’ve been doing 24/7 research on everything ☺️🫶💯🤝🙏

[@craigross341]

I'm guessing that by definition the torn fibers in a partial tear must be closer than a full rupture, because the untorn part of the tendon must be keeping the rest closer than otherwise would have been the case.

[@TreatMyAchilles]

Yes - that is also why it heals so much better and don't require immobilization in such severe plantar flexion

[@jimmcc2543]

I had a partial tear and the back of my leg from the heal up to the top of my calf was black and blue with swelling. I am in my 6th week and still cannot walk correctly.

[@junfrick79]

I have a high grade partial tear. And im going to see my doc for therapy check up? 🙏🙏🙏

[@elysiumcore]

I am happy to hear i will heal...but so far going on 2 weeks. I have to step out with a cane to buy food and go to rehab...it seems like each time i walk it gets a bit worst...i am on ibuprophen and ice.. hope this thing heals soon : 😥

[@TreatMyAchilles]

Are you wearing the right shoes? Wearing a shoe with a heel (like running shoes) + adding some temporary heel raising inserts can really help take the strain off when you walk: kzbin.info/www/bejne/maPdo4FmgNiYjck

[@Pettski95]

I had a small partial rupture, took me 3 weeks to recover. Was able to run after 1 week. Single calf raise also after 1 week. It also really depends on the severity i assume, as some partial ruptures can range from a few fibres to 99% of the tendon. Would recommend anyone thats dependant on sports/exercise to go to a specialist and have proper ultrasound/various tests for a specific recovery time. I don't know why mine as so mild, could it be that it happened from kicking in muay thai? So ruptured by a twisting motion instead of a full bodyweight transfer motion?

[@prasartpongpet]

Laying in bed with a 50% rapture. 4 weeks left until I can remove my walker ortos.

[@Nebplays]

I'm lay in bed two days into mine. Hooe your back on your feet now!

[@hiddenleaf2]

How are you now brother?

[@jauraitapeau1463]

Day 5 post-op surgery. What supplements can I take to speed up the recovery?

[@TreatMyAchilles]

Here's our video about supplements. It's about Achilles tendonitis, but it would apply to your situation as well. Good luck with your recovery! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fn7TlIGFis2GZ5Y

[@user-fv4yy2ic7u]

I did a tendon surgery ( re attach + haglund removal ) 6 months since the surgery, still can’t walk, the inflammation does not decreased, I tried every thing literally , don’t know what to do 😭

[@TreatMyAchilles]

One of the main reasons I see for people to have ongoing pain after that type of surgery is that they have been told to do a lot of stretching or exercises that move the ankle into a stretch position - this can often just end up irritating that area. Using shoes with a heel or heel lifting inserts can make a big difference and also stopping all calf stretches for a while. If you wanted help with your rehab and getting back to your normal activities, this is something that our team of physios can help you with via video call. You can read more about how the online consultations work here: www.treatmyachilles.com/treatment-packages

[@TinoTre]

Hi! Thank you so much for this video! I injured my Achilles two days ago with horrible pain that first morning. Thankfully there was hardly any pain this morning, no swelling, just a bit tight. The daily activity that’s giving me issue is using the steps. I’m going to Italy in a few weeks and planning to walk around while I’m there. What are the chances of me being able to walk around without pain and discomfort? I appreciate your feedback, I really do!

[@TreatMyAchilles]

Your shoes will be +++important - they need to be supportive with a bit of a raised heel (like running shoes) If you walk in flat shoes, it will irritate it much more quickly. But even with the perfect shoes, it may not be able to walk all day so think of ways you can spare it e.g. take regular breaks and perhaps use taxis or public transport instead of walking very long distances.

[@justincredible5406]

@@TreatMyAchilles +1 for the running shoes. About 6000 steps are what I could do okay-ish with your symptoms.

[@angypapa2191]

Dis you tear it?

[@kevindarkbourne8459]

I had an ankle fusion on my left side a few years ago. Wasn't able to go through all of the physical therapy because of financial issues. I've been leaning on my right side for a long time, even before surgery. Now I am having issues where my right ankle gives out. I am on my feet at work for long hours. Not sure what to do anymore.

[@dnangel4277]

Maybe get a walking boot?

[@RexMerino]

Thanks for sharing

[@TreatMyAchilles]

Thanks for watching!

[@darkspace5704]

I had surgery on my right foot and was doing alot of weight barring on My left, in the process I did overload forward and immediately felt a burning sensation, it it happen back in December ,and now I have pain up my leg, I don't think I tore it completely, I have a doctors appointment for the first time in march..

[@wesb6218]

Is it possible to have a partially torn achilles with no swelling, bruising or tenderness? Felt something pull in the back of heel when walking up hill and have been in discomfort and trouble walking normal but no swelling at all.

[@TreatMyAchilles]

Yes, partial tears often don't cause bruising or swelling.

[@valerievlado8545]

Thank you for the Video it Wes very informative. I went to the doctor after hitting my foot and twisting it on the sidewalk. Doctor said I have a partial Achilles’ tendon tear. It has only been a week and I was told I should move my foot up and down and aide to side so it doesn’t stiffen up. Is this the right protocol? I can’t walk just limp right now. Thank you for any advice to help in recovery.

[@TreatMyAchilles]

Hi Valerie, I can't tell what your injury needs without assessing you but usually it is best to avoid moving the foot into strong dorsiflexion (pulling toes up) for a week or two and wear footwear with a heel on them to help the tendon heal. Depending on the severity of the tear, patients often benefit from wearing a boot for a week or two (but keeping a shoe with a heel on can also be enough for a minor tear.)

[@RipKobe_824]

I tore my Achilles 3 years ago doing an Achilles wall stretch and it still hurts me to this day. I’ve done therapy and it did nothing … like my Achilles literally feels like if I push hard off of it to run , it will snap. Any help please idk what else to do?

[@TreatMyAchilles]

It may be that your rehab wasn't actually complete enough for your specific case. If you tore it by just doing a wall stretch, your tendon likely had an ongoing issue long before that happened. And in such cases the rehab can take long because the tendon also needs to repair the ongoing issue. We often find when we get patients who report this type of issue and we look at what they had done that 1. the exercises did not increase to the correct intensity to prepare the tendon for what they want to do and/or 2. they did not carry on with rehab for long enough - it can take 12 -18 months of consistent rehab (progressing in intensity slowly over time) to get full function back. If you wanted more specific rehab advice and help with getting back to your normal activities, this is something that our team of physios can help you with via video call. You can read more about how the online consultations work here: www.treatmyachilles.com/

[@RipKobe_824]

@@TreatMyAchilles Thank you for this information as that actually makes perfect sense because i was inactive for years and then just started going jogging and playing basketball before easing my way back into it. Yes i will be reaching out to you guys soon.

[@isabelbarajas8165]

hi, i was using a calve raise machine when the weight dropped down and there was a popping noise in both ankles & a sharp pain but the pain was relieved after 2 minutes, after there was just burning sensations and a bit inflammation, would this sound like a tear?

[@TreatMyAchilles]

It really depends on where the popping was etc. It definitely sounds like something that you should get checked out.

[@tomturner3054]

Did it end up being a tear?

[@leonamulcahy7396]

Waiting to get an mri on a suspected tear. Have a bump just above heal.

[@brax5921]

what happened how was it?

[@Reneebenson]

I’m getting a ct scan on left ankle I have a bump also on the back left ankle

[@mil7onautodiagnostics633]

that was a great video and explanation, can I ask you, if you ever experience any tendon tear that the person limp with foot heal risen some centimeters above toe nails. but not use crutches, I tear my left achilles 3 weeks ago, I have been limping with my heal risen because I can't afford a doctor yet. what's the hope. ?

[@TreatMyAchilles]

It’s better than nothing but really not ideal. Can you not borrow crutches from a hospice or charity shop? I don’t know in what country you are but in most countries the government hospitals will also provide you with crutches at a minimal cost if you go to the emergency department.

[@mil7onautodiagnostics633]

Treat My Achilles I appreciate your answer, I'm in New York, I finally got my appointment with the therapist and I'll hear what he has to say about it, Hopefully I don't need surgery even though it's been more than 3 weeks already. thank you for answering, you're kind.

[@Anthony11777]

I ruptured my archilles tear 8 weeks ago. Now I’m out of the boots and cleared. Where do I need to look out for. What is the most important thing for me to do? Can go on my bicycle?

[@mil7onautodiagnostics633]

N.A. Leeuwin the most important thing for you to do, is being checked bu a suergeo/doctor/therapist, and follow what they said, cause when I got out of the boot which i had for 2 moths, by ankle was stiff, so i had to follow physical therapy, if you force it too much there is risk of retear or rupture.

[@marcialalexlopez6450]

@@Anthony11777 what did you end up doing ?

[@C.Dragon50]

It’s been 3 months mine still hurts is weak n feels the same even with therapy.. going back to dr next week due I probably need surgery at this point

[@properfpv7160]

I hyper extended my left foot (bounding up stairs) which injured the end of my heel where the tendon root is. I’m not sure exactly what’s happening but I can’t lift onto my toes or push my heel up without pain.

[@TreatMyAchilles]

Have it scanned so you can know what exactly is going on - that will help to decide the correct treatment - an ultrasound scan should be able to show it.

[@kairou18]

Hello, this was very useful information. My podiatrist told me i actually have a longitudinal tear of my left Achilles tendon but he doesn't know how it was possible. Do you by any chance have an idea of possible causes or it's just the same as a regular tear?

[@TreatMyAchilles]

Hi Jose, it is a better type of tear to have than a cross-sectional one as it is more stable and usually reacts well to treatment. The treatment is exactly the same as you would do for partial Achilles tears. The causes are also the same in that it happens when you either 1. overload a healthy tendon in one forceful movement or 2. your tendon was weakened through repetitive low level overload over a long period of time and then it took just a regular "normal" movement to finally tear it or 3. your tendon was weakened by other systemic conditions e.g. diabetes or steroid use that then predisposed you to it.

[@kairou18]

@@TreatMyAchilles well this is amazing advice thank you :)

[@kairou18]

@@TreatMyAchilles it was definetly a mix of the first and second one. my injury was misdiagnosed for a month and finally got treatment a week before the second month. In my case would the healing process still be the same or a bit longer?

[@tomturner3054]

I heard a pop/tear sound when I got out of bed yesterday which hurt immediately in the heel area and then no pain, a little minor pain the next day when using a gas pedal but that’s about it, should I be concerned it’s a partial tear?

[@TreatMyAchilles]

I would get it checked - with this type of injury it is best not to guess.

[@jauraitapeau1463]

yesss. You got it ! I had that pop sound too. MRI checked. Partially ruptured. I underwent surgery after a series of physiotherapy sessions. Torn in Jan, surgery 5 days ago / 4th June. Good luck to you. Better seek medical check up soon.

[@dnangel4277]

@@jauraitapeau1463why did you wait that long for surgery?

[@radaroriley8054]

What did it end up being? Sprain or tear?

[@moemoneysouth]

What about if someone hit your Achilles on the basketball court ? It’s not normal for the body to be hit as opposed to tearing it on one’s own . Any thoughts ?

[@TreatMyAchilles]

We've discussed how to treat a direct hit in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5izqJuAp5V0bc0

[@nazeerzameer8738]

How long could i roughly expected to get back to high intensity sport

[@TreatMyAchilles]

About 6 to 9 months depending on how your recovery goes.

[@arielcutz]

Hi I messed up my Achilles july 4th. I was playing basketball and stopped at a dime and hurt it but I was still able to play after. There was not much pain after until the next day. It swelled up and was hard to work. It was like that for maybe 3 days. After I was able to walk normal. I went to the and he said it was a tendon strain and not a partial tear. I cannot find any info on a partial tear and didn’t know if the dr gave me wrong info. What type of injury does this sound to you? I been stretching it and still feel weird doing calf raises as I’m trying to strengthen it

[@TreatMyAchilles]

I think you may benefit from watching our full playlist on partial tears - stretching is usually not recommended and you have to be very slow with the rehab exercises. 1. Video discussing the symptoms: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYnQlGB6nsZ7jNE 2. Video about recovery times (you've likely watched this one already): kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZCslql7q52hiJI 3. What treatments are needed: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWqoXoOhfLWNqK8 4. If it needs surgery: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noe3q6uaZq2noKc If you wanted more specific treatment and rehab advice and help with getting back to your normal activities, this is something that our team of physios can help you with via video call. You can read more about how the online consultations work here: www.treatmyachilles.com/treatment-packages

[@hollyphillips180]

I was sitting and stretching and flexed my foot forward (no weight was being put on it). My ankle cracked which wasn’t painful, and but there was also an additional popping/cracking sound that followed it, and pain and burning sensations right up the back of my heel up my leg. The intensity of the pain comes and goes with activity levels and positioning of my foot. It’s been about about a week and a half and there is still pain-does that sound suspicious of a partial tear?

[@TreatMyAchilles]

Hi Holly, this will not be an Achilles injury - from what you're reporting on how you injured it, it is much more likely that it is caused by your ankle joint e.g. posterior impingement - it can produce pain in the same area but is most uncomfortable in position where your toes are being pointed down into plantar flexion.

[@muntasiralam308]

@@TreatMyAchilles how long does that take to heal because ive had it for about 2 and a half week and my achillies and my ankle are still in pain but i can still jump on it but i fear that its my achillies

[@zoltanfocze408]

Hi I have achilles tender surgery but after the surgery not really nice recovery can you help meout for me what can I do or how I can connect you ?

[@TreatMyAchilles]

Hi Zoltán, You can contact us here: www.treatmyachilles.com/contact

[@gagandeepgrewal6058]

Hey I snapped my foot on floor while coming downstairs and ultrasound shows tiny tear while tendon thickness is normal AP. I am driving a bus and its almost three weeks and it doesn’t hurt that much. Can I return back to work?

[@TreatMyAchilles]

You will have to ask the physio or doctor in charge of your care as they will know if your tendon has strengthened enough.

[@chitchanok230894]

Hi🙏 so how long it takes to recover from a partial tear insertion Achilles ? 0.6cm

[@TreatMyAchilles]

It varies depending on the person - some people respond more quickly to the rehab exercises than others but usually between 16 and 24 weeks to get back to sport.

[@chitchanok230894]

I have partial tear at my insertion Achilles and I’m struggling with that since 5 months I still can’t run without pain 😫

[@amaradhikari1529]

Hi, I'm from Nepal. I ruptured my Achilles 6 weeks ago while playing football and had surgery a week later. Actually, it was partially ruptured as per USG report. This week the slab(cast) I was put on to direct my toe down at an angle was removed. I was expecting some kinda boot or splint. But, doctor put on another postoral slab and brought my foot to normal position (right angle) by force. It hurt at the time. But, after few days it is normal now. My doubt is, Is it ok to bring the foot to normal at once? Or it had to be staged?

[@TreatMyAchilles]

Hi Amar, this is not the typical protocol the doctors we work with use. But this does not mean that your rehab won't be successful. Perhaps ask your doctor about it. Usually it is best to slowly reduce the angle, week by week. That is why they use boots with heel lifts inside so they can just take a heel lift out every week.

[@amaradhikari1529]

@@TreatMyAchilles Thank you.

[@dnangel4277]

How is your Achilles now?

[@nanouchemukoko204]

so a small partial tear can’t heal in 4 weeks ?

[@TreatMyAchilles]

A small muscle tear can fully heal in 4 weeks but not a tendon. Getting back to full pre-tear strength and endurance for the tendon will take longer.

[@alleyes9911]

Hello, thanks for your video information , I'm in the UK , I have a very active job and some days I can walk upto 20,000 steps 🚶‍♂️ just doing my job but around December I developed a limp with a sore pain on my right ankle , when I examined it after my shift before going in shower I had a lump on my achilles and not thinking I squeezed , big mistake !! I went to podiatry , was told maybe a strain and some exercises used ice but I think it's got worse , I am terrified it snaps , can't afford to be not at work , I have done something but not sure what to do , I mean if I need surgery or something , the lump gets bigger on the days I have more pain and I struggle to walk in morning getting out of bed , what do you think I should do ? Go to doc or put up with till it goes away ? My workmates are saying have it looked at cos of limp , can you throw any ideas at me please ?

[@TreatMyAchilles]

It sounds as if you have Achilles tendinopathy. It doesn't sound like a tear. It usually reacts really well to the right exercises and is something that our team of physios can help you with via video call. You can find out more about how the video consultations work and also read what our patients say about the service here: www.treatmyachilles.com/

[@gazadan6623]

I have a high grade tear what does that mean ?

[@junfrick79]

Close to fully rupture. But it still depends how severe is

[@dnangel4277]

How is your Achilles tendon now?

[@Rebelmusedesign]

I been waiting months for anyone to tell me anything. I was sent for an MRI and they can’t tell if it’s tendinitis or a small partial tear. But it’s been weeks since then and still no one‘s helped me. So I don’t know if I’ve made it worse or if it’s healing on its own. I have totally inflexible muscles. I have strapped my ankles medium loose with physical therapy stretch bands that people use for exercises because I don’t know what else to do. In the USA, it sucks. First, you go to a podiatrist and get no help. They give you inserts that you cannot wear in your shoes. Then you go to primary care, and they do nothing but give you a referral. Then you go to a physical therapist that decides to do craniosacral therapy which gives you horrible side effects but does nothing for your ankles. Then appointment wait for weeks to go to a physicians assistant at an orthopedist office, which I am waiting another two weeks for which is where I am right now and I can barely do anything. I am so afraid of making it worse that I can’t function. How can you get the MRI people to do their jobs right? If they see a blurry area, aren’t they supposed to go back and redo it? And they only did 1 foot when I have issues with both. I am so disgusted with American healthcare. I am just dealing with it on my own and just waiting for any information I can get. KZbin is the only thing I have right now and have had for months. This is horrid.

[@Hooleyboi26]

Spend 12 weeks in a boot now have a limp and a flat heel that's the NHS... They don't give a shit at all. All I've had is a woman change my range of motion on my boot every few weeks and that's it... Absolute hoke