Week 3: Achilles Tendon Rupture Non-Surgical - Don't Let it Heal Long!

Week 3 update from my achilles tendon rupture recovery program via the non-surgical (conservative) method. Discussion points include:
- No longer need the Nike Lebron Soldier sneakers!
- Risk of the tendon healing long and how to avoid this
- Saw a new surgeon who recommended partial weight bearing now and potentially being off crutches in a week
- Finally got the moon boot with 3 wedges
- New range of motion (ROM) exercises

[@JamisonGavin]

Thanks SJ - I just wanted to share for anyone who has a complete achilles rupture that non operative aka no surgery is a possibility. As a previous professional athlete everyone told me to get surgery after a 2.5 cm complete rupture playing pickup soccer with friends on turf 2 years back. I did my research and chose to be a positive statistic. Its been a challenging recovery but i'm happy to say i'm back to running 2 miles on concrete in 98 degree heat and soccer 4x per week with no pain.

[@leewenlong2008]

u saved my life for this info , cause i dont believe the doc said i can do a conservtive way to heal from a complete ripped achilles , now i have confidence !!!!!!! appreciated for the vids!!!

[@bigacee]

Don’t know if you’ll see this…but your videos saved me time and money and made me feel hopeful with my recovery process….thank you for all of it

[@Rozman11]

Thank you so much for documenting this. Feeling so much better!

[@NinjaBoy137]

07:30 in is exactly where I am at now. Confused and lots of differing protocols out there for the same injury. These are great vlogs SJ. Don't feel as alone with it.

[@carlatrovato5810]

Again, thank you for your videos the weekly updates are so great. Currently in my week two with a cast and not a boot for 5 weeks.

[@boukjetijhuis6456]

Thank you SJ, very helpfull video's. I like the way you go about it: the conservative way. Its been 4 wks since my surgery, have been searching for the most sensible way to go about recovery. Best to find out a lot for yourself so you can avoid mistakes from pt's etc. So many different routes are described, so good to follow yours :-)

[@obiecrenshaw]

SJ is a life saver! I appreciate you for taking the time, while going thru the pain, to make these videos. You helped so many people (as i read in the comments), and myself. I am in my 12 month recovery and i feel fine, just some stiffness, due to me going back to normal life around month 4, and i stopped stretching as much. thanks you so much, and for the newbies that just tore, FOLLOW HIS INSTRUCTIONS, Stay a couple weeks ahead (still follow week by week) of SJ videos, and YOU WILL BE FINE!

[@pasqualemartucci9611]

Tank you

[@ferdous33]

This guy is my man Thanks for the tips

[@jokaulitz2148]

Your channel is amazing and helpful! Thank you. :)

[@byampolsky]

I'm in the same boat as you brother. Thanks for your video!

[@rikstapaul3677]

Hi SJ. Your videos have been a great resource. First time full rupture thanks to game of netball. I also did not want to have surgery and am now into week 3. My doctor said that He would not be suprised if I am full weight bearing in cam boot by the end of week 3. I thought he was joking as I had trouble getting into cam boot from cast. How ever that was 4 days ago and I can actually put some full weight on it with out crutches!! I did not have faith however amazed at the progress since getting cam boot with 3 wedges. I have used your videos just to double check if I am on the right track. Thanks so much for the information and piece of mind. Still a long way to go however doing well. As I progress I will continue to watch your vidz. Thanks 😊😊

[@elpollo20001]

Rikkilyn Paul how’s your foot? Im 2 weeks from non surgery, completely tore my Achilles’ tendon

[@charlatan54]

I'm in week 3 and you are really helping me out with some questions I had. Thank you

[@rayrodriguez9893]

carlos tu te lo partiste completo ? yo estoy en procrso que no kiero operarme pero elmdoctor me.dijo que trngo que operarme llevo 2 semana despue de la leccion y no trngo dolor solo cuabdo camino con las muletas

[@charlatan54]

@@rayrodriguez9893 llevo 3 messes y ya estoy caminando con un poco de limp. No me opere, segui todo lo que los doctores y physiotherapy me consejavan . Todos somos differente dale tiempo.

[@lowkeyIbes]

I was just thinking about this. Video came just in time. 🤞🏿🙏🏿

[@aaronbenandi2851]

Thanks for putting this series together, your shared experience is making me feel more calm about my upcoming journey through this. I have a partial tear most likely, only did an Ultrasound. I meet with a surgeon tomorrow to discuss possible surgery. Did you receive an MRI? I have not gotten one, but I think I need to in order to feel confident of surgery. My injury was incurred 6 days ago and I want to make the best decision. I love basketball and flag football and want to play both at a high level, it would be great to avoid having surgery and still be able to accomplish that.

[@yisroelmeirhoffman2581]

In week 2 of my rupture. Same thing, played basketball without warming up and I'm in my 30s. I hope to go conservative. I SOO Recommend splurging for the VACO boot. My dr. put me in a reg boot with wedges and I was nervous the first 10 days that the angle was not great enough. With the VACO boot, you can be confident you're at whatever degrees you want to be. The VACO boot also comes with a recommended protocol and allows for early range of motion. it is also way way more comfortable and has two inserts, so you can wash the other if it starts to smell. I also highly recommend the I-Walk 3. It's a game changer. I can carry upstairs bc I have my hands!! I can go to the gym and workout my upper body. Even did military presses! Thank you SJ for sharing your journey and good luck to everyone going through this challenge!!

[@danlefe]

Thank you for this information. How are you making out?

[@yisroelmeirhoffman2581]

@danlefe 22ish weeks and everything is great just can't do a single calf raise on my foot bearing all my weight [220lbs]. I've been doing a lot of springing on my calf in the pool and think that soon I'll build up my strength to do it out of water. good luck!!

[@gileshyland2573]

These are fantastic videos and made me feel better. Ruptured my Achilles and now just going into week 3. Boot on 24/7 for now. Like you my feeling is to play it safe until my MRI in a week or two. I am using the elbow crutches.

[@tuli6680]

Hey how did it go

[@JasonGBASKETBALL22]

Hey SJ, I am now at Week 3 of my Achilles tendon rupture and have been taken out of the cast and placed in the boot today with 3 wedges however it was quite stiff and a slight pain around my foot sort of towards my ankle region which was weird so we went with 4 wedges. My doctor also told me that he wouldn't be surprised if I am able to ditch the crutches within 2 or 3 days and full weight bear around the home with the boot! which I just don't think I can do mentally or physically at the moment. I have my mind set on doing partial weight bearing with the crutches gradually during week 1 of wearing the boot. Anyway just thought I would share my process and fascinating that both of our doctors have instructed us that we could ditch the crutches after a few days of wearing the boot. Take care SJ and its great seeing your progress in your recent video! Keep it up.

[@SJachilles]

Sounds like a similar protocol as mine. Yeah it took me more than a few days to be fully weight bearing. Form memory around 1.5 weeks. Good luck with it!

[@kevingoodrum3924]

That's something I wasn't allowed to do was weight bear until the crutches were taken off me...13 weeks I was using them

[@gtrain765]

Im in a boot now, 2 weeks into the boot did this injury 5 weeks ago 3cm gap in the achilles playing basketball. I've been told to have crutches and no full body weight with 3 wedges in. Ive got to wait 6 weeks then no crutches and can put full body weight on my ankle. Mind you im 120kgs

[@alwaysreturnNurgirl]

​@gtrain765 how'd you recover man?

[@jhall1887]

I ruptured my right achilles 10yrs ago. Then recently ruptured left. Had surgery both times. Was playing basketball both times. I said i was done playing after the first. Played a casual full court game a couple weeks ago and ruptured it at the beginning if the 2nd game that day. I couldn't believe it. I felt like it was a dream. Drove myself home both times.

[@SJachilles]

Wow. I've been so tempted to try basketball again but after seeing this, i think ill definitely give it a skip. Not worth it!

[@dsqrd2]

😂 I ruptured my left playing basketball 10 years ago. Bum shuffle off the court then straight to A&E. Surgery No questions. Needless to say that would be my last basketball game ever. I ruptured my right 3 weeks ago. Yep ⛹🏻‍♂️🏀💥🚗🏥 . 1 hr in to Highly competitive, casual full court scrimmage. Bum shuffle off the court. Non surgical route was recommended (in London). Needed a second opinion based on previous experience. Both orthopaedic surgeons concurred with the non surgical route. 6 weeks cast, 4 weeks boot.

[@DJBOOGDAGREAT]

J Hall Iam in the same boat I tore my left one 5 years ago in last week I just tore my right Iam done with basketball too😔

[@dj_colombian_dread9901]

Just damaged mine from playing ball still on a cast. How long before you fully healed the first time ? And 2nd ?

[@thomascilerin1311]

@@dj_colombian_dread9901 shit sucks bro I just tore mine. What type of weak ass body part is this? Im officially retiring from sports!!!

[@chuchomaza1]

Thanks very helpful and I don't feel alone anymore in this achilles tendon thing!

[@jterry414]

Hello. Any update on your recovery

[@mojothepyruttleworthy3270]

Great video thanks , done mine on longboard 10 days ago and had to move out where I lived , stressy times;( cast off In 5 days time,;) glad I found your video least I know more of the process cheers fella

[@bennoforster3914]

I am happy that I found these videos. Today it is week 3 since rupturing my Achilles. I went the non surgical way as well.

[@AlanTrades]

Sorry to hear, how did it happen?

[@bennoforster3914]

@@AlanTrades Playing platform tennis

[@jterry414]

Any update in your recovery

[@dnangel4277]

How is your Achilles now?

[@bennoforster3914]

@@dnangel4277 I feel pretty good. Gave up the tennis (as I don't want to go through it again) and started golf.

[@mikevalentine9556]

Thx for all the info. So much help I'm doing everything you had done. Moving forward will keep you posted. I'm on day 7. I think it's a full rupture. MRI in s week from today. Ortho surgeon appt. After ✌

[@dnangel4277]

How did it go?

[@jdydenverco4419]

Thanks for this great vlog. You're more detailed (sound smarter) than both my doctor and my PT. Currently on week 7.5 since injury. History: 40 y/o male sports related rupture. Day 1-12: Foolishly walked on injury and attempted stretchin before seeing doctor 1. Day 12-Week 6: planterflexed cast (going non-operative "very conservative"). Week 4: received MRI (5.5 cm rupture from insertion with 3.5 cm separation; showed some scar tissue rebuilding/healing). Week 6-7.5: Doctor 2 (non-operative willits protocol early rehabilitation) in walking boot with 2 shims (3 cm). Doing light massaging, bathing, light weight bearing, and minimal ROM exercises. Been wearing a compression wrap inside boot, which may have been damaging my rupture, because recently looks like a bigger dent in leg and some minor pain/discomfort in boot since I was fitted. I sleep with boot. My PT is useless and they still have not seen me; I finally go in first time next Weds (week 8) because of horrible scheduling. He called me and said not to worry about timing not matching with doctor's order for willits protocol; this seems wrong. I'm afraid tendon may heal long; hope I'm wrong.

[@lukaszcichy81]

how is your tendon now?

[@danielparreira2416]

Did you heal long?

[@batman-sr2px]

Mir shows scar tissue/healing?

[@dnangel4277]

How is your Achilles now?

[@charliepatel9364]

It’s great you have kindly documented your journey. I’m in week 1 of a Ruptured Achilles Tendon on my left leg. I’m in a boot and this video probably is most reflective of my current situation. I opted for Non Surgery being a 1.5CM tear. Advise regarding sleeping would be great as I’m going bed with my leg elevated though waking up with it to my side - any suggestions / opinion on me affecting healing 😬?

[@BerzerkSquid]

hey how is your foot now?

[@Wie24]

You are very good narrator.

[@crapptrapp6310]

Hi, Just wanted to stress the importance of SJs comment about being careful to not let the tendon heal long. Mine did, after doing non-surgical rehab in 2018, so I decided to get surgery to shorten the tendon. This was on Monday, so now I'm back in a cast for two weeks before rehab. Last time my physio pushed for me to stretch my tendon at an early stage because she worried it would get too stiff. This time I will avoid stretching it before week 8, as SJ says. I'm not a physiotherapist, but what I could tell from my last recovery was that my tendon felt both long (non-elastic) as well as tight (near the heel bone) for a long time, but the tightness did eventually disappear. However, I was left with what felt like a non-elastic tendon. I therefore think there's no rush to stretch it because the tightness will probably go away with time.

[@oluseunkolade7741]

This exactly what im going through right now, how are you feeling today?

[@ghamith]

You won’t believe what happened to me mate . I live in uk , was in Melbourne for two weeks on holiday , met few bunch of old school friends , ,end up playing game of cricket on a nice warm sunny day , then bam It was a mission me to come back to uk . Anyway I am in my third week , I find your videos very useful I am on non surgical option Thanks mate

[@Joobkl]

I tore my Achilles Tendon playing bball. On week 3 now also. Good luck with your recovery mate

[@ghamith]

you take it easy mate and good luck to you as well

[@dnangel4277]

@@Joobklhow is your Achilles now?

[@Joobkl]

I'm back 100%. Currently doing kickboxing 3 times a week. I always warm up before working out though

[@johnnypitviperwallace5908]

Dude I relate to this so much haha. I ordered a pair of Jordan’s and I tore my Achilles before they got here 😂. When they finally did I wasnt able to wear em haha. When your healed you may not be able to ball in them but you can still style in them! Haha. Looks like the video is 5 years old. Hope you healed up well and your back up on your feet!

[@josephbonofiglio2424]

It would be nice to have someone to talk to. After listening to your week three video... i realized that the title is misleading.... i thought it meant don't let it heal long... meaning start being aggressive after week three.... im afraid some people will get the wrong idea.

[@aggiewong9905]

Really appreciate for SJ vlog. It’s really helpful. My left leg was in the same problem about 8 years ago. And now it’s my right leg. I am in my week 3 with non surgical treatment. May I know is that ok for me just have the ultrasound check only? Or should I have the mri check as well ? Thank you very much!

[@amandamckellar3485]

Hi SJ, first of all love your channel! You explain everything in such great detail it’s fantastic. Now I am in my third week since rupture, so this is my first week with the boot. Is it normal to be in a lot of pain at night? The past two nights have been terrible waking up after only a couple of hours sleep in agony and having no option but to take painkillers. I feel like I want to rip off my boot when I wake and wondering am I doing it to tight that it becomes more inflamed at night? Or is this completely normal? I almost find that the exercises relive the pain during the day.. I’m scheduled to see my doctor next week for another follow up and to adjust the boot another 10 degrees so hopefully all is going to plan!

[@SJachilles]

Hi Amanda, the only major pain I used to have at night would be my big toe tendon and I remember it led to me keeping my straps quite loose (but still firm) while sleeping so the toes and ankle get a break. But obviously don't go too loose because you need the foot to stay non planter flexion.

[@EddyBlackz]

i'm liking the advice, same rupture happened to me from a football accident. Chose the non-surgical route like you, week 3. check up my journey too when you have the time. Sure it will bring back memories.

[@t-dog4812]

Hey Eddy hopefully you're still on KZbin! I also hurt myself during footy - just yesterday. I'm going non-op and already in a cast. How do you feel now? I see it's been 4 years. Have you considered returning to the game? I'm 30 so I have a lot of football left in me but I'm worried I won't be back on the pitch in any form with non-op.

[@EddyBlackz]

@@t-dog4812 Hey man, I've fully recovered, yes I was able to return to football and actually improved, maybe it was a mental thing. you will be fine just will take sometime to heal. Good luck

[@t-dog4812]

@@EddyBlackz haha that's good. I hope I don't rerupture with this non-operational path and have to get surgery. It's just so much time :/ to be using on getting back to less than normal, you know? I'm glad to hear you're doing well!

[@rashadsavage4680]

@@EddyBlackz how long did it take for you to walk normal ?

[@dnangel4277]

How is your Achilles now?

[@tomasbajarunas6416]

Out of crutches in one week. The instructions I've received - you can load it as long as it's not causing pain. After rupture, they put cast in ER. Staid in it for 5 days, was put in boot, in 2 more days I've found I can step on it as long as I keep the injured foot in front, so the calf isn't really engaging.

[@alwaysreturnNurgirl]

How'd you heal man? And when were you able to stairs without crutches

[@teegah17]

Hey SJ, You are awesome man!. I am going week by week on your videos and can't wait to see your results.I ruptured my Achilles and I have just finished Week 2 today (Non-op) And I got my boot and my doctor told me I should start partial to full weight bearing if I can. My protocol says week 4 I should be full weight bearing in the boot. But being cautious at the same time. I am not taken my foot out that boot

[@josephgalvez3696]

How did the recovery go? Any re-rupture? I am on week 3 non-operative

[@alwaysreturnNurgirl]

​@@josephgalvez3696 how did yours end up healing? Im hoping it went well! As im just now going through it too.

[@ALW561419]

awesome vids. I tore my achilles couple days ago: 12/20/21. tryin to figure out the surgery/non surgery thing. Im very similar to your story, love golf.

[@KingJeraldL46]

Tore mine the day before you. Not doing surgery.

[@dnangel4277]

How did you go?

[@dowanallen5287]

Thanks for the videos, helps a lot. I weight bear in week one

[@mojothepyruttleworthy3270]

How u doing

[@alwaysreturnNurgirl]

How'd that work out?

[@lionel130775]

Hello ! I’m french ! thank you for these videos, I'm starting my breakup on 12/16/2022 and so I'm at video week 3 and 4, I would like to know the model (reference) of the boot with the 3 wedges. Thanks

[@ashearera]

Ruptured mine a week ago now. No pain but it’s a full rupture. Hobbled about on it for a couple days as the hospital misdiagnosed it, but I got a second opinion. Straight into air cast boot, been full weight bearing on it from day 1. With crutches at first but don’t need them much now. First checkup yesterday with a re-dressing, now another 3 weeks till first wedges come out. Boot on at all times including shower and sleep. Still training from home with bands and dumbbells around the injury. Most annoying thing is blood thinner injections which bruise a lot, think img going to give those up after week 4 though.

[@alwaysreturnNurgirl]

Howd you heal? Im hoping it went well!

[@patr3nza]

Hi SJ Thank you for your Videos , it has reassured me. Question: how long did you end up using your knee scooter? I was planning of buying or renting one depending on the period of use. Looking forward to your reply

[@JustRhythmGuitar]

I'm on week 3 now , hot put straight into the boot from day 1. How long has your recovery been please, is it possible to be back working after 8 weeks.

[@duonghoang5649]

Hey Sj, your videos are great and informative. I am on 1.5 week into this terrible injury and im in a cast at the moment. I don't feel swelling or lots of pain besides the blood rushing to my foot when I get up. Did you feel excruciating pain during your cast weeks?

[@SJachilles]

Duong Hoang thanks for the comments. I definitely felt that pain of the blood rushing down to the tendon when you wake up and stand. I used the I-Walk so that helped keep the foot up. From memory it stopped after a few weeks. Good luck with it and if you get time, watch my week 10 video. Things pretty much get back to normal by then so it’s not as bad as you think at the time of the injury. The body does amazing things!

[@duonghoang5649]

You're a good lad. I hope it is healing as I am going in for my check up tomorrow. Watched every video during the panic stage. The pain of not being able to drive is a killer! I hope to be healed up by June sometime so I can start golfing at the club like you! Do you have an email or a facebook I can email ya at?

[@josephinetunley5292]

Hi there, I went from cast to boot on Wednesday after 16 days in a cast. It felt very strange and unstable. The surgeon’s parting words were get on and walk! By Saturday, 3 days later I’m fully weight bearing and have ditched the crutches, it’s wonderful. I do however keep the boot on at all times. Love watching videos.

[@KrystenJanzen]

Did you experience pain after a day of practicing weight bearing? I’m Week 3 and don’t know how to tell if I’m overdoing it or not

[@josephinetunley5292]

Krysten Janzen yes and I still get twinges now 9 months later and wonder if I’m overdoing things. However just do your exercises gently without pushing too hard. Your physio won’t prescribe exercises that you’re not ready for. I couldn’t do single heel raises until 8/9 months!

[@samanthadodd8112]

Thanks for the videos. I just torn my last week and was debating surgery or not.

[@dnangel4277]

What did you decide upon doing?

[@samanthadodd8112]

@dnangel4277 I didn't have surgery, and it's about 85% a year later. Every once in a while, it hurts, but not enough to stress over.

[@terrylavigne622]

Hi SJ, I'm currently on day 3 of a 50% tear of my left achilles. I'm loving your videos as they answer a lot of questions i didn't remember to ask. I'm also non surgical. In video 2 you mentoned research on how the tendon heals non surgically. Did you locate it again? Sorry if i missed a link.

[@SJachilles]

Here it is - www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21037028

[@terrylavigne622]

@@SJachilles thanks so much. Im feeding myself every bit of information i can to give myself an idea what to expect. Glad to see your latest video that you're running intervals without a limp. It gives me hope. I am bummed that im lkely going to miss next years ball season but looking forward to an eventual comeback

[@Vohrana]

Hey SJ, for the first 2-3 weeks of your recovery, you mentioned the 3 wedges added up to about 3cm of height. Do you remember if thats accurate or if it was higher?

[@srdjanjovanovic2370]

Hello , which rehab protocol did you follow ? Can I find it on internet ? Thanks

[@louferreras9036]

Thanka for sharing this. Knee scooter is a life saver. question, have you gone back playing yet?

[@tenbutts]

That's my boot now! Where's the first video? I'm 4 days in

[@kaigoaigo]

Hey SJ, is there anywhere I can PM you with some questions. I'm starting week 4 now

[@zunaidmiah96]

I have had a complete rupture 1.2cm last week. Worst pain of my life. Now on day 10 with 1st day of wearing boot and I am full-weight bearing with no crutches, but it's so scary I do not want to re-rupture

[@jas_thelifeinsurancelady]

Mines was a 1.2cm as well

[@melissa1975]

Hi Sj! I love your videos and appreciate them. It makes me feel better and reassured. Heres my story: Im week 3 in full Achilles tendon ruture and doing non surgically recovery. I was not given an option to do surgery or not. My orthopedist wanted to try the 30 degree boot for 2 weeks. My concern is I was given a walking air cast for the first week and that first week is considered to be critical for proper healing. My foot was at a normal level and I was walking with it. What do you think about that time that I missed out on? Im trying to get a second opinion but the 2 offices I was interested in cant see me for three weeks.

[@Livingsacrifice12]

Stay strong listen to ur body rest ice compression elevation, I'm in the same boat I mowed the lawn limping day 4 , since then I've had 1 week wrapped and 2 weeks in a boot. Two more weeks and I have my follow up, praying for the best.

[@dnangel4277]

@@Livingsacrifice12how is your Achilles now?

[@Livingsacrifice12]

Healing slowly I'm about 75 percent

[@Livingsacrifice12]

Hope ur doing well!

[@melissa1975]

@@Livingsacrifice12 thankfully I am! You?

[@mikaelmellbris6103]

Thanks for these videos! Just ruptured my left Achilles tendon during soccer-practice and I´m curious to see how different persons progress during rehab. Wierd thing was that I walked out of the ER without crutches, I asked the doctor if they forgot about them, but he meant that you can put load on the foot in that boot, but not overload it. I borrowed crutches thou, since my foot is aching and swollen from walking wierdly this week.

[@jcv1279]

are you non surgical too? what week are you now and how is your recovery progressing?

[@alwaysreturnNurgirl]

ER doctors often make mistakes when treating achillis injuries, as they had me walk around half the hospital on my torn achillis, and never even wrapped it right either. Howd you heal?

[@fabasole]

Hi SJ, thanks for your video. I just started my rehab, have been treated non surgically like you. Have you done MRI or ultrasound during your healing and in case at which month they showed a completely healed tendon? After how many months did you regain your normal shape of the ankle/tendón region. Thanks!

[@wcalixte]

How is your journey going?

[@NatePolmateer]

Hey Sj, Nate he from Canada, im in my second week now and was given a boot the first day. One thing my surgeon did was prp injections into my tendon. Although looking at the medical journals on it most studies have shown it doesn't make a difference but hoping it does. I'm in a planter flex boot that locks in at 20 degrees at this point. There are no wedges. In the boot I can point down further but cannot bring my foot past 20 degrees. One question Inhave is did you ever have heel pain from the boot? Also here in Canada they told me not to wear socks. I might try wearing cotton socks might reduce the rubbing at the back of my heel. Thanks for sharing I thought of doing a video as well since there are not too many online. But you beat me to it! Great job and wonderful videos mate!

[@ynglegnd2496]

It's now been about about 5 months since I ruptured mine. I didn't have insurance so I went the no surgery and rehab myself at home. I can't do a full calf raise but I can walk and jog on it. I tried running medium speed I was just sore a little after

[@jas_thelifeinsurancelady]

How much percent are you healed now?

[@ynglegnd2496]

@@jas_thelifeinsurancelady I can fully jog. I’ve yet to be able to do a full toe raise. I have no pain whatsoever

[@angelface8761]

Would you know anything about peroneal breavas split tears if they can heal without surgery?

[@tranxxaction]

Hey SJ, do you know if I should start off with the top 3 wedges or bottom 3 wedges?

[@DJbace1]

Mine got partially torn someone shot an airball from the 3 pointer and landed on the right side of ankle (Left Foot). Causing my tear. I didnt cause this on my own. Which makes me feel like my situation is so different. Its been a month happened on june 10th. Been out of a cast for a week now. Now in a boot with wedges instructed to take a wedge out weekly. I hope my situation is okay. Any help is appreciated. Thank you and god bless brothers and sisters

[@alexbaker7450]

Did u have a full tear my doctor gave me a whole leg cast that stops at my thigh and told me I would have to wear it for 6 weeks how were u able to get to the boot

[@midknight_3]

were they able to describe characteristics of a lengthened tendon? just got out of a cast and im fearing that i may have mine lengthened too much because i have severely decreased range of motion, but the tendon is there.

[@tomasmccarthy3060]

Is swelling still normal 18 days in? I had a splint on for two weeks and now I’m in boot . Took a gander tonight and seems swelling is a little bigger 🤭

[@adriennahuizar6598]

Hi SJ, I ruptured my Achilles tendon last week. I was scheduled for surgery tomorrow but cancelled, I want to do non-surgical option. I have to wait a week to see my orthopedic specialist so hopefully I’ll be in a cast by then. My question to you is were you working during your recovery? I think it’s more of a mental thing for me and I’m totally devastated. I’m a kindergarten teacher and the school year is about to start. Feeling frustrated

[@SJachilles]

Hi Adrienne, while you wait for your appointment, did they at least put your foot in planter flexion either in a cash or boot? I hope they did because early treatment like this is critical. I didn't work for the first 2 weeks because i coincidently had holidays already planned then. But when i returned to work, it was fine because i have a desk job. As teacher, as long as you don't have to be on your feet much, it should be okay.

[@adriennahuizar6598]

SJ umm... so they put me in a cast of some sort not plaster, because at first I was gonna have surgery then opted out. I will be getting cast next week. My 2nd question to you is how did you rest your leg at work? I try resting it and it goes numb, falls asleep, hurts... it’s rather annoying. 3rd question is... I haven’t been in a hard cast for 9 days I’m wondering if I’m still in the time frame of mending non surgical.

[@SJachilles]

Hi Adrienne, apologies but I just don't understand what kind of cast you are in. All that matters is your foot is pointed down (planter flexion) in a fixed position. That is how we heal with no surgery. If it isn't like that and your foot can move around then you may need to go down the surgery route in my opinion. It needs to be in planter flexion to ensure it heals tight and not long. In terms of resting it at work, i just left it under the table. I brought a stool in as well to put it up on which helped sometimes. It's definitely a tough period because you'll want it up as much as possible so the blood doesn't rush down to it.

[@adam827]

@@adriennahuizar6598 hi Adrienna. How did your recovery come along? I know its been a few years so i would like to see how yours went. Hope it went well.

[@helloiamcharlie5801]

I ruptured mine a week ago. My mri shows 7cm from the insertion point & tear is 0.9cm. All doctors have advised me to get surgery as non surgical has no certainty of healing. He also says my tear from the good tendon was 2cm & that tears of 2cm or more should get surgery. Plus limited resources here in my country the Philippines, most doctors I think do not have the patience or mind to go the non operative route. I am on front half cast & there is still swelling. I am really confused as to what to do. Pls help.

[@asr5326]

What did you do how was the recovery process??

[@9ntice]

I just got my CAM Boot, a VACOped to be exact. I only just now received the protocol sheet which was kinda alarming because they're expecting me to be done in 8 weeks and it doesn't feel anywhere near healed. My doctor didn't examine my tendon at all, only by the end of week 8 of they will check the status of it :\

[@TheEverydayPreacher]

What is the status of your Achilles year? Is week 1.5 for me and Dr had only took xray, do you think mri is necessary?

[@tenbutts]

I was told to sleep with the boot on. Anyone have a take on this? Mine is a partial tear

[@syedsadqeen4998]

which brand boot you used. is united ortho tall one from Amazon is ok. I had a achilies tendon rupture and I m in 3rd week post op

[@SJachilles]

syed sadqeen sorry I can’t recall. It was just the one that the hospital gave me

[@gladiatortruckreviews]

Hello SJ. I am at week 7. Still in the boot NWB. Have done moderate ROM. Just hoping I have not healed long if I am not doing stretching until week 12

[@SJachilles]

As long as you don't stretch until after week 8 and never go past neutral when doing ROMs, you should be fine. I'm assuming your boot was put in planter flexion at the start.

[@anthonygomez3949]

It so been 1.5 years since surgery and I still can’t play basketball 🥲

[@big_seun7421]

U probably need more calf strengthening

[@cjnick9833]

Hey SJ I am in week 4 post op. I am currently in a walking boot full weight bearing with the assistance of one crutch. What do you mean by "dont let it heal long"?

[@SJachilles]

Healing long is when the tendon heals longer than it should and it means you don't get the full functionality back. People then have to go back to surgery to get its shortened. Best way to prevent it is by not stretching until post week 8.

[@Location_Apollo]

Hello can I ask a question please. I torn my Achilles 15 days ago but only got a permanent cast on on 12 days ago. Trouble being I am not planned to get my cast off until day 25 after the injury so a full 3 and a half weeks! Will this effect my recovery?

[@TheEverydayPreacher]

What is the status of this? I'm in week 1.5 and Dr has only done an xray....no boot just crutches

[@juliesturley9845]

Just wondering how big was the gap between the two ends of the tendon

[@monusharma-dx7hc]

Sir i have inury yesterday wid 5-7 mm rapture what should i do

[@srahman3398]

I'm coming upto week 8 in vecoped boot. Is my tendon being tight normal? Like I cant seem to get my heel flat against the floor? Is this normal or is it being healed long!! 😭

[@Rcam123]

Did you put weight on the boot right away? I was told I could

[@dannychallita]

Hi SJ, I’m week 3, I’ve seen 3 orthopaedic surgeons, they all have recommended surgery but said I can do the conservative root. Due to your great videos I’ve chosen no surgery, I’m in Sydney and I would love a recommendation for a surgeon or physio that can help guide me through the non op rehab, I done a ultrasound today and the gap between tendon is 16mm will this heal or should I really just bite the bullet and get surgery

[@SJachilles]

danny challita hi mate, I used Andrew Wines as my surgeon who oversaw the process.

[@dannychallita]

SJ Cheers mate your a legend, thanks for your great work

[@takom8994]

@@dannychallita Hey DC, how's your healing and rehab process going? I ruptured mine recently 19mm waiting to see ortho surgeon

[@dannychallita]

Hey sorry to hear, my tendon has healed really well I’m at 16 weeks non op now and pretty much hitting the same milestones as the legendary SJ, it’s a long process but life does slowly get back to normal. My advice would be stay positive, and listen to your body and start rehab immediately especially your glutes and your core muscles, I’m just in the process of rebuilding muscle and flexibility. Good luck

[@dnangel4277]

How is your Achilles now?

[@valesquezbowen7718]

And I haven't been told about wedges where can I get that? And should start from beginning and cast my foot...I defiantly gotta get a second opinion

[@SJachilles]

Didn't they give you wedges with your boot? The hospital should have given that to you.

[@marekkowalski541]

Hi SJ First, thank you the great material and insights you post. Wishing you speedy and full recovery! My experience with my rupture feels very unusual, if not worrying. I snapped my achilles playing badminton at on 28th November. It is 16th December and I have my first USG scan tomorrow. So far they gave me a plastic boot and crutches at my local hospital. But reading your and others' stories here fills me with doubts as to my non-surgical-so-far healing. I felt within a week, definitely two, of initial rupture (and A&E visit) that I can easily stand on the affected foot. No way to lift my weight - I am just beginning to lift weight of the leg while sitting on a chair, but i can stand and walk (zombie walk) on two feet, without crutches. Would you say I am risking a "long" heal by doing that?

[@jimgrajeda224]

Wat was your outcome

[@dnangel4277]

How is your Achilles now?

[@marekkowalski541]

@@dnangel4277 three and a half years later. I still can't lift myself on the "healed" Achilles. I think the fixing procedure got botched on NHS . The large Gastrocnemius muscle, which is made of two heads, medial on the inside, and lateral on the outside, did not re-grow correctly. Only the outside head works, and has volume. The inside one, probably never attached properly during in-robo-boot period, and as unconnected, this unloaded muscle withered away. I visibly have no muscle on the inside of my calf. Cannot run, jog, lift myself on that calf. Do you think this calls for a review/ compensation?

[@harajly23]

I’m in a boot week 5 doc told me I can sleep without boot. ??? What’s your take ?

[@MOYOUNG1]

Thanks for the information. I didnt get any real directions from my doctor.

[@TheEverydayPreacher]

I feel the same way. It's been a year since you posted, how has it been?

[@MOYOUNG1]

All is well. Im about 95%.

[@TheEverydayPreacher]

@@MOYOUNG1 I feel the same about not getting direction. Did you do the surgery, or did you go non operative. Did you get a boot? What did your process look like.

[@cloud9853]

Nice haircut bro , I have the same barber .

[@worldclassguerilla]

Good day folks.... Did you guys keep the walkin boot on all day or did you take it off for a little bit at home??

[@omari_styles]

Guerilla kept it on (middle of week three now)

[@Ashimself25]

I just tore my left Achilles in LeBron soldier X’s those sneakers are a death!!!!

[@big_seun7421]

My achilles healed in a elongated position, last year, so i went to get surgery to remove the weak tissue, currently at 4 months post op now tendon feels weak and i have nerve pain😭

[@TheEverydayPreacher]

Do you still have nerve pain? I didn't get surgery and this was the main reason.

[@jodykelly6017]

Hi, what was the gap of your tear in cm?

[@warfire101]

is it normal to have extreme calf pain when switching to the cast from the boot? it mostly happens for the first 4mins after standing

[@DBergkamp]

Im having pain after 5 days in the boot! How did you get over the pain?

[@omari_styles]

Bloods rushing downwards I get it on and off especially in the mornings

[@KrystenJanzen]

I couldn’t even bring my foot up if I tried during this week 3. Was that normal for you?

[@kee7678]

I snapped mine 15 yrs and did nothing...nothing but limp in pain for a very long time. Im currently limping as I run 5 or 6 miles a day and my same right Achilles is so tender and painful again even after 4 days of rest. I can't run right now and am resting again. Did I seriously screw up my Achilles from snapping it 15 yrs ago?????

[@dwightboquiren4179]

I just left er they didn’t do mri .. Is surgery necessary? I’m on day one any advice?

[@Franksocoo]

That's exactly where I am right now, how did it go for you??

[@sandymalik8475]

Did you wear the boot 24hrs a day, or take it off to get in bed or shower etc?

[@AMskyesTV]

Hello SJ! I recently ruptured my Achilles Tendon on Monday, Nov. 12th. I was put in a splint in Urgent Care until I saw my Ortho on Friday. He immediately suggested surgery instead of nonsurgical. He took the splint off and gave me a walking boot. He said, "You can walk on your foot. It's already injured and you can't injure it more." Before watching your videos and your timeline I thought surgery was the best option to gain full strength according to my doctor. Now I want to try the conservative way. He didn't really give me any instructions on keeping the boot on during sleep and I'm not certain it's in the correct position for healing. I plan to call my doctor's office tomorrow and was wondering what you would suggest for questions for my doctor. Since I'm still in week one, I want to correct the issue before it gets well of into week 2. Should I ask him to put a cast on for a week or two followed by the boot or just ask him to adjust my boot correctly to begin the nonoperative route? I have a surgery date of Dec. 4th so I'm not sure if that's why he hasn't given me any clear instructions and just the walking boot with heel lift, which he has allowed me to walk with. He said I have a full rupture due to the gap he feels, but he didn't do a MRI to confirm if it full or partial.

[@SJachilles]

Angie Skyes hi. The first thing you need to make sure is you are set in planter flexion which means toes pointing down. It shouldn’t be at 90 degrees. If you’re not on the right angle go straight back to hospital and get hay fixed ASAP. Boot is fine. No need to be in splint. I wouldn’t be weight bearing or walking until at least 2.5 weeks post injury.

[@AMskyesTV]

@@SJachilles Thank you so much for the response! I adjusted my boot on my own being that it has degree dials on the side that I just noticed, lol. Now my foot isn't 90 degree. I set it on 30 degrees and now my foot is pointed downwards and I definitely can't walk on it now like before. I'll be using my crutches faithfully until I get back to the doctor this week to discuss the nonsurgical option. Question: do you think by me putting weight on it previously lessened my chances for nonsurgical recovery?

[@SJachilles]

Angie Skyes I must admit it’s not ideal that you were walking on it and it was 90 degrees. You do risk healing long. But I shouldn’t really comment anymore. I would ask for a second opinion on what to do now. Maybe you can ask for a scan because the doctor gave you such poor advice.

[@jas_thelifeinsurancelady]

It’s been 6 wks since my rupture. Swelling process has past and pain isn’t as crazy as it was the first 3 wks. It’s a 1.2 cm tear. I see a doctor next wk finally and would like to go towards surgery route for sure. If surgery will be roughly 2 months after the rupture, is it worth saving if I do surgery still?

[@alwaysreturnNurgirl]

I'm no doctor. But 6 weeks since your rupture (as long as you've been held in the right foot position and immobilized) wouldn't it be wise to go the non op route? As you would only be like a week out from transitioning to shoes? Where as, if you go with surgery now...your whole recovery period starts all over again. I'm only 2 weeks into my Achilles rupture, and my doctor convinced me that non op will be fine, since I was splinted already and saw him asap. And if I was to do surgery, he's nearly 3 weeks booked ahead...so I would start my recovery all over again.

[@ilikeitrough100]

Hi SJ, did you sleep in your boot? Or did you remove it when sleeping?

[@blackguy725557]

Wondering the same right now :/

[@KSPerformance]

@@blackguy725557 hope this helps, I recently ruptured my Achilles too. Doctor informed me that I can take boot off to elevate and to sleep!

[@TheHeninhardenne]

Have you ever taken antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and levaquin before the tendon rupture?

[@SJachilles]

TheHeninhardenne nope!

[@anatolievseev]

I did about 6 weeks before the rupture (2weeks ago) - the doctor had not warned me. Now I am worried about the recovery and the consequences in general...

[@AbdulBasit-ie6mo]

Why is stretching bad this confuses me a lot.

[@aassi22]

What do you think about using a tens machine and at what stage ? I'm still in week 1 of full Achilles rupture

[@TheEverydayPreacher]

Did you figure it out. I'm week 1.5 and using it.

[@aassi22]

@@TheEverydayPreacher , I started using at week 4 . You can start earlier but at a lower intensity level. Also you can use it to stimulate your resting calve muscles . Good luck

[@mumblingbren9053]

Great video. I've just got my boot. Can I have a bath with boot off. And rest it taking boot off for 5 mins

[@betterlifesubliminals9925]

Whats the boot called can u plz help me know

[@megatoothster]

Hi SJ, thank you so much for the videos, extremely informative and helpful. I’m just starting week 3 non-op. I am changing to a Vacoped boot tomorrow on the recommendation of my consultant orthopaedic specialist. But I have quite sever pain in my sesamoid bone (base of the big toe), which seems to be caused by the forced equinus position. Did you experience this and do you know if toe flexes or massage can help, even in week 3? Many thanks.

[@MurphNQuick]

How did you sleep? What sleep position is most comfortable

[@jorgeencerrado3311]

Murph N. Quick I want to know that too. Partially tore my achilles about two weeks ago and I did one week with a splint and so far one week on a walking boot and since I have the walking boot, I have not been able to sleep good.

[@SH-nx5qf]

You Started Range of Motion on week 3 ?

[@NinjaBoy137]

Hi SJ I'm two weeks since rupture and just been switched from cast to boot. It's one of those plastic 'Ironman' looking things. I can't even get my tracksuit off with the zip on them open all the way to the knee! but too scared to take the boot off now as had pain across the instep and heel since removing it just once. Can you tell me, did you take blood anti-clotting drugs and if so, what painkillers if any, did you use? Many thanks for the vlogs. Very helpful when you feel this helpless. 35 years of martial arts then I get this by missing two steps on the stairs!

[@SJachilles]

Hi NinjaBoy, I'm assuming your boot is similar to mine? Anyway if you need pain killers, dont use anti inflammatory ones like ibuprofen. You want the inflammation down there to heal it. Panadol is best. I did take aspirin as a preventative for potential DVT for for first few weeks but as soon as started weight bearing, there was no need. You'll find that over the next couple of weeks, you wont feel much pain. IT will get better!

[@NinjaBoy137]

Thanks very much for the reply. I'm just coming up to week 4 and watching all your vlogs up to that stage again. So many similarities.