Week 4: Achilles Tendon Rupture Non-Surgical - Partial Weight Bearing & ROM Exercises

This week I give an update on my achilles tendon rupture recovery. Discussion points include:
- Comparing different surgeon's protocols
- Importance of early weight bearing
- Using Evenup soles
- Meeting with surgeon where we discussed need for ultrasound, re rupture and healing long risks, use of ice for swelling
- Range of motion (ROM) exercises

[@290bridgeboyyglew7]

I just ruptured my Achilles. Crazy part is the way you described what and how it happened brought tears to my eyes. I’m a 33 year old athlete that plays basketball and that’s my passion. Your injury described mined to the T. Felt like someone kicked the crap out me in my calf. I cried past week until I ran across your testimony! It’s truly a blessing to see you walking again and living life. This video has really helped me tremendously due to non surgical route. I need yo document my journey as well. Maybe I can’t help someone like you truly helped me. Thanks for your thoughtfulness to others. True blessing!

[@CornellG]

What's the udpate?

[@lizderry368]

I know these videos are a little old now but I've also unfortunately joined the achilles rupture party...! Just wanted to say thank you SJ for documenting your journey - I'm week 4 (conservative route) and basically using your videos as a recovery bible!! They're super informative, based on science/fact and just really encouraging in every way! Thankyou again! Lizzie (UK)

[@zeddsquared7559]

I’m now in week 4 of a rupture myself! Out of curiosity, how’re you holding up after 10 months?

[@matheusosa]

I'm on week 3. Just got my new boot

[@devonmurray9998]

@@zeddsquared7559today makes week 4 for me. Non op

[@devonmurray9998]

@@matheusosanon-op?

[@lizderry368]

@@zeddsquared7559 Hi there, sorry totally missed this! The recovery went really well. After four months I managed to go on a flight/work trip with no issues and just kept on with the physio. Think I was running again after about 6 months - best feeling ever. I was told it was basically a 1 to 2 year injury which was incredibly upsetting at the time...but in reality, if you do stick with your physio and lots of the strength training as shown by SJ in these videos. It can be so much faster! Hope you're recovering OK! Lizzie

[@benneal2327]

Possibly the best video I’ve seen on KZbin... ever! Really helped me out with rehabilitation, I’m on week 5 but feel I’m a week behind with it, your recovery is definitely an inspiration cheers man

[@marshallchavez8256]

Hey SJ! Just want you to know that your videos are a HUGE help and a life saver! I’m currently going thru this and it couldn’t have happened at one of the worst possible moments of my life! Just know that your video updates play a big part in keeping me motivated to get thru this!

[@MrVolx88]

SJ your videos are great for all us that are in the same unfortunate position. Pays off to do your research. I will also be going non operative route. Wishing you all the best!

[@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!

[@abuhanifah2079]

This is my 3rd week and I've a boot to wear 24/7... your videos have been amazing and will continue to watch it week by week. Thank you so much and I hope you've recovered well (haven't watched your latest vids)

[@shellyshearing393]

Thanks for such a re assuring video. I’m 51 years old and partially ruptured my Achilles playing squash last week. I’m so frustrated and have searched KZbin for tons of info but your videos have been the most helpful. Just ordered the EvenUp! Thanks again

[@kgillard3307]

Really enjoying watching your videos after full rupture 👍🏽 and don’t have a clue your info has really helped me feel better

[@simonmarkussen9817]

Thank you soo much for this up to date information. So helpful in a jungle of advices. Alot of these things are not being said when i speek to my doctor but because of your videos I can understand the information given and the background to it alot better. Nice 👍

[@harveyweston9476]

I am coming up for 5 weeks post rupture non surgical. Your videos have been a great source of Info for me, thank you for taking the time to post

[@hammond5315]

what week did you start a little weight bearing? what week you start walking with no crutches in boot? im starting week 3 just got out of cast and into boot

[@maniaccash1414]

How did you feel after week 5?? Im 5 days in...

[@kaylatorres6142]

I'm on week 4 of post op and Surgeon has me going from partial weight bearing to full weight bearing between week 4 - 6 but doesn't want me to see a PT until I am fully weight bearing on my boot. I have been so freaked out because I am anxious about a possible rerupture and just fear of not having used my foot in such a long time. Came across your videos and it has me feeling so much better about this whole process. Thank you so much!

[@multitaskchef]

Thanks 4 this. I’m in my 50s & very active. Watching your videos has given me hope & knowledge. Good job. Just completed my 1st week in cast.

[@paulamiatello673]

I fell as well at week 2 - this video makes me feel much better. I concluded the same thing in that I had to slow down! I felt some tearing, so I was worried that I ruined my surgery, but the boot saved me. Thanks for this video.

[@Caitlinalyn]

I just did the same thing. Makes me feel better to know I’m not alone.

[@gholamjamnejad7440]

Thanks very much for your most useful videos, I really found them helpful.

[@MosAchillesJourney24]

Rewatching this as i’m in my ‘week 4’. The detail and tips you give are very helpful. I’ll give those exercises ago!

[@haitianprince1241]

Thank you I’ve been mentally drained from experience especially someone like me always being active and just on the go. Means a lot

[@paulfesler7052]

I'm in week 5.... Sometimes the Lord slows us down to get our attention... Something to think about...

[@BrendaNassaliListon]

This is so helpful. Ive been left til 7 weeks to start my physio so i was super keen to get going on my own before my appointment. Your video reallly helped along with Evan Brown and Agnes S. You guys are helpung me out big time info wise and exercise wise. Love the tip about the shower cap! I also to the the adjustment on my crutches with the even up its intuitive. Hope you're doing well with your recovery.

[@staruae145]

Brenda Nassali-Liston I am in week 7 but still swelling

[@janivarjakobsen2688]

This has been so helpful for me. I am now in week 5, non op. My progress has been good, in spite of lack of doctors and physios in the area. Your videos have helped a lot. Thank you!

[@hammond5315]

what week did you start a little weight bearing? what week you start walking with no crutches in boot? im starting week 3 just got out of cast and into boot

[@2legitTrades]

I start my 5th week next week. I am on my 4th week and dr just put a boot on me. I feel ache pain when I stand up is this normal ?

[@lareims]

I have also joined the Achilles rupture club unfortunately 😮 I find these videos very useful. Thank you very much for sharing this information. What I found particularly interesting about this video is that I too accidentally injured my foot about two weeks after my Achilles tear and was very concerned that I tore my tendon perhaps even more severely this time! 😢 Thankfully the damage was not as bad as it could have been as I was in a cast at the time and I learned today from this video that I cannot retear my Achilles so soon after it is already torn.

[@mikehawk9992]

Great video !

[@mthokozisimkhize5986]

Thank you very much for these videos. Atleast now I know I'm on the right track.

[@fufubass]

Thank you for your excellent explanations! I'm completing week 3... (Prayers appreciated.)

[@sherryjellison]

James, how are you? Did it heal?

[@jessiecooper2136]

Thanks so much for these videos. I found out a week ago that I have a partial rupture to my Achilles, but my ultrasound results got lost in the (UK NHS) system for a month so I had been walking around on it for a while (strangely with no real pain and still able to do heel raises on one leg). I've been put in an Airstep boot NWB with a large amount of heel raises and waiting to see an orthopedic surgeon. The questions that you asked and info you give is so helpful. I'm writing down all the questions I want to ask when I finally get to see the specialist and really hoping that I don't have to go down surgery route (i.e. because it wasn't discovered straight away I'm fearful that the tear will have already healed and will have healed long)

[@SJachilles]

Wow. They often say that surgery is better when you are diagnosed late. When you were waiting around for the ultrasound, hopefully you were in planter flexion so it's almost like a non-op rehab while you were waiting. Good luck with it!

[@MiissBumbleB]

Hope you recovered well Jessie! I’m now in a similar position, NHS missed the diagnosis and I’ve torn both Achilles. Waiting too see what happens now, been stuck in the boots for 8 weeks now with no progress. Going private now! SJ, thanks for your vids, wish I discovered them sooner. These are super helpful.

[@Wie24]

Thank you again. I really use your advise a lot.

[@simon201]

Thanks for the vids SJ. I’m much like Jason who commented previously. Boot fitted and given a crutch a day or so after injury and doc said use the crutch on the arm on good leg side! Anyhow doesn’t feel like any problems so far. Boot is on 99% of time. Obviously I’m not stomping around but I also managed to get an Evenup sole (brilliant!) and have pretty much been delicately weight bearing since day one. As Jason says they are interesting studies done on this alternative view.

[@TheFunnyCarpenter]

Thanks for the even up sole tip, I ordered one!

[@MrsB31_01]

Wish I found you when I ruptured my Achilles. I’m week 4 and your video is massively helping. My Week four appointment was really poor no examination or just told to reduce my wedges by half and partial weight bear but no clear guidance.

[@rogersheidi3292]

I am in week 5, and using your videos to support me during my recovery. Going the conservative route too.

[@jterry414]

Any update

[@devonmurray9998]

Any updates????? I am week 4 non-op

[@theITproductions1]

Hi SJ! I know this whole recovery was over a year ago but I'm a young athlete and I just ruptured my tendon a week ago. I've been really stressed about the whole process and whether or not I'll be able to play my favourite sports again but your videos have made me feel a lot better by being able to get an idea of what the whole process looks like and all the tips from someone who had the experience. Thanks!

[@EddyG0rdo]

theITproductions1 when did yours happen? Mine happened on April 1, las Monday.

[@premraja5680]

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

[@KrystenJanzen]

I'm going into week 4. I am starting partial weight bearing but am feeling scared to start walking. How do you know if you are ready or not? It doesn't hurt when I try walking. Just some pressure down in my foot. I just don't know?

[@premraja5680]

Krysten Janzen I started on one crutch last week, and have been able to practice walking without crutches slowly. as long as there’s no pain you can do it

[@KrystenJanzen]

@@premraja5680 appreciate the reply! Best of luck with the rest of your recovery

[@mariacarmela2749]

@@premraja5680 hey, I’m in week 4, I have now gone down to one crutch (yesterday, I felt some pain after but walking was fine) today was day to remove another wedge, walking again one crutch, slight pain in side of calf. Tried to call orthopaedic department no answer. Any suggestions? Thanks

[@premraja5680]

@@mariacarmela2749 it will feel uncomfortable for a day or two… but should be ok after that… if it stays painful contact the doctor…

[@tayloredgang0711]

Thank you!

[@valentinosplayday1078]

I am on week three and these videos have helped me even with telling my surgeon what to do 😅

[@SYShih]

This exact scenario happened to me today…2nd week entering into the 3rd on my no op recovery and just saw my surgeon this morning…then I came home and tried to grab an Amazon package off my front porch the stupid all terrain wheel caught something and I fall right on my injured foot. I had my boot on but it was slightly loosened and bam! A sharp pain that felt like an less intense version of the pain I felt when I ruptured. I am seeing my surgeon tomorrow again to make sure that I didn’t make it worse but video definite made me felt better knowing that I can’t rerupture it at week 2.5

[@Caitlinalyn]

I did the same thing today with an Uber eats delivery

[@alicejohnson8386]

Thank you for these videos! I'm in week 3 and I still have a lot of pain and swelling it seemed like I was healing and now it's painful again. I'm getting discouraged! I'm sure these videos are old but. I jus5 wanted to reach out and say thank you!!

[@johnnyburke1654]

I ruptured my Achilles playing soccer two weeks ago to the day. The most heartbreaking part about this is the fact that I may never play again. The description is perfect to what everybody describes as the injury occurs. I looked around to see who kicked me before falling to the ground in pain and realizing that the bulge in the back of my calf above my soccer boot was not supposed to be there :( Two weeks into nonsurgical recovery and it's doing good (I think). Going to the hospital tomorrow to get the first cast off to raise the foot for the next casting and repeat over the next 8 weeks. I just found your videos on your recovery and it's amazing how much information you have shared. I hope you have made a good recovery. :)

[@leightongardner7822]

Hope your recovery is going well, I ruptured mine as well and currently at week nine, camw here for inspiration

[@johnnyburke1654]

@@leightongardner7822 hey bud. I'm over 6 months now on the path to recovery. Doing well and currently starting to run at 25% effort for 50 metres. Still feels a bit tight in the mornings before it gets warmed up but definitely getting stronger and able to do over 30 heel raises on it. Best of luck with the recovery and chin up.

[@leightongardner7822]

@@johnnyburke1654 thanks man, really helped to hear another person's experience is going well, see you on the other side

[@leonardgerschommawika8020]

Hey bro , have you been playing football again yet !?

[@johnnyburke1654]

@@leonardgerschommawika8020 ya man I got back playing a month ago. It feels a bit strange just a bit tight but no pain. I've actually more pain in the knee from lack of exercise. I played last night and was sprinting from end to end and even scored 5 goals. How you doing ?

[@dgillies5420]

The physical therapy also probably makes certain that the tendon is not adhering to tissues on the side, which can probably provide forces leading to re-repturing the tendon (extra pull as you use the tendon). If the tendon slides smoothly then it probably reduces the risk of re-rupture. In some cases with surgical repair & adhesion, the tendon adheres so hard to the fascia or muscles that it explosively ruptures (penetrating out of the skin).

[@CSWATERMAN2]

Great videos! How much upward pull do you have on the towel as you push your foot down? Are you just letting the towel slip thru your fingers or are you providing resistance? Thanks!

[@IndianGoddesss]

Thank you so much for these videos. It's really hard to find video on non operative route. I'm 5 weeks out from a full rupture non surgical. I was pointed down in a cast for 3 weeks, then moved to a boot 90 degrees for another two weeks and now I'm starting to weight bear a little. My ankle is a little painful, but I've been doing your range of motion exercises, as I don't have PT yet. Thank you for these.

[@alwaysreturnNurgirl]

How painful was the boot? How hot was it at night? Just curious as I get placed in the boot this week...thanks again

[@apa_athlete]

Thank you so much!! Week 4 non op for me😮‍💨 I fell off my knee scooter and thought that was it for me! Iced an elevated and next day was sore but ok

[@Caitlinalyn]

God I’m so glad I’m not the only one who has fallen off! It hurt and scared the shit out of me but I think I’ll be ok

[@joshatwork4561]

Thanks so much for your videos!! 31yo athletic male with 2nd degree tear on dec 29th. I fell at around the 2 week marker off of my scooter as well😅. I'm going non op and have been making progress relatively the same as you. I'll continue to fillyoir story and hopefully encourage someone with my own youtube testimonial!!

[@jterry414]

Any update

[@joshatwork4561]

@@jterry414 Im doing wonderfully!! I am able to run mileage, jump, play with my kids, work effectively without fear of reinjury! Id say athletic ability wise im probably around 85% but that could be mental. Ive not tried sprinting or playing fast paced sports yet, but my quality of life is getting along very well!! Thanks for asking!

[@jterry414]

@@joshatwork4561 thank you for your reply, give me hope for a good recovery

[@billydee2547]

Hi SJ, after your fall did you continue doing the ROM exercises, or did you give yourself a little break. I had an identical experience where I fell off my scooter at the 2.5 week timeframe. Thanks :)

[@thejohnsimienproject7329]

SJ, what about tingling and numbness? That has been my biggest issue here into my second week. I don't here people talking about that much, did you have that problem? If so, how long?

[@user-si2pz5is3q]

I was told to wear longer socks that are also compression socks for the foot in the boot. Therefore I've been wearing my football/soccer socks.

[@yprime651]

JS, at what week or when can one stop elevating his foot?

[@katherineplaza5483]

Great videos! Thanks for sharing your experience. I had surgery 4 days ago, full rupture. My protocol is with a public hospital in Syd 4 weeks NWB and then 4 week partial weight bearing with a boot. Haven't had my first clinic appointment at the hospital yet, but wondering if you could share the name of the surgeon you visited privately to look him up in case I decide to go privately. Thanks!

[@graym5820]

Excellent ! I’m just over a week behind this video, and I’ve had a fall on crutches, Hoping I’ve not done any damage. You speak of your orthopaedic surgeon, but did you see a hospital physio? Any joy there?

[@robertomanso1814]

Question I feel and put all my weight on my injured boot as well. I had my wedges and all all. But I'm scared I may have hurt it. It was only 2.5 weeks though. It got sore and swollen but I don't think anything else happened. I do have a ball in my tendon. Did that happen to you?

[@nicholastimo9322]

Were you able to drive with the evenup on?

[@thejohnsimienproject7329]

When you started partial weight bearing how where you able to get leverage to fully extend your leg? I have been working at it for about 4 days now. I have the Evenup but still a big difference in height and unable to fully extend knee as a result. Just teting to determine how to get my weight down on it. Any suggestions? Tou have any issue with this?

[@thejohnsimienproject7329]

In this video (week 4) I only saw one wedge in your boot. Is this correct?

[@alexs5876]

SJ thank you for your video really great. Im in my week 1 last Sunday and next Tuesday second week I will be removing the cast and do xray I think and hopefully will be moving to Boots.

[@danielj1407]

Hi SJ, thanks a lot for your videos. Very informative! I tore my Achilles on October 13th and they have been a great resource as to what to expect in the following months. I have begun my early weight bearing and feeling alright so far. What were some key signs that your Achilles was getting better in the early stages? Looking forward to the big milestone when I can finally walk in 2 shoes again.

[@SJachilles]

Hi Daniel, some of the key signs were the feeling that it had re attached and a working Thompson test.

[@ericvickers7026]

I've been partial to full weight bearing but suddenly my foot swelled a lot. Is this normal?

[@finnsfann98]

i’m week 4 just got my boot yesterday. do you have any tips for working out the calf muscles to help them regain strength?

[@soledadsupo1437]

Yo tambien tengo el tendon operado pero lamentablemente sufri un desgarro y estoy reposando

[@Dibdibber]

Hey SJ, Thanks a lot for your effort :) How come you did not go VACOPED boot (like Kobe) compared to the simple black one the public hospital gave you ?

[@unitedafrica6232]

Hi Sj (& everyone else in the community) - I ruptured my Achilles on 20th nov and the public hospital put me in an above knee cast (plan was four weeks of this then 2 weeks of below knee cast then boot), and I got a second opinion privately and they put me in a vacoped boot at 3.5 weeks in & im learning to partial weight bear now. I just wanted to ask, when I take the boot off to clean my foot or change my sock, small movements away from planterflex position can be really painful, like day one of injury pain. Is that normal in your opinion at this point? If so, when does the pain go? I’m basically so scared to take my boot off as moving too far out of planterflex that pain is unreal!

[@joelkim6535]

Hi SJ, I hope you still check the responses on these excellent videos. Question- I just ruptured my achilles and for the first 2 days my doc put me in a boot in 90 degree angle. (To his benefit, I was at that point going for surgery). It wasn't until I discovered your videos that I took some socks and put it in my heel to give some left to get to plantar flex, and have been in that mode (having seen another doctor who put me in a cast with my toes faced downwards). My fear is now that my tendon will have stretched long because of the first 2 days. 2 days where I even walked in the 90 degree angle on/with the boot. Do you think those 2 days will have ruined recovery, or do you think i should be ok? Any response would be apprciated. Much thanks!

[@ericvickers7026]

I saw another video where a man did the exact same as you. He was fine and made a full recovery.

[@sirigor82]

I have watched about half of your videos and found them very helpful, as I am in the midst of recovery from my right achilles tendon rupture, which happened about 7.5 weeks ago while playing tennis. I am 40 years old. Just today I finally had my cast removed and moved into a walking boot. Of course, I still am not even close to walking, or real weight bearing. My foot is still considerably swollen all around, and I can put what feels like only 20% of my weight on it, and can only walk with a substantial limp using one crutch. My doctor thinks I am recovering fine and as expected, which I want to believe. But I guess I expected that after 7.5 weeks in a cast, I would be able to at least do some considerably weight bearing and that the swelling would decline. But that's not the case. I am curious: how long did it take your swelling to go away completely after cast removal? When did you feel you could put all, or substantially all your weight on your injured foot? Perhaps I am just pessimistic about my case, or simply expected more by now. Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!!!

[@michaelshaw2532]

Hi SJ, I've been in the process for 4 weeks now and was wondering if you have any research on how long it can take for the tendon to reattach. I've been facing insurance issues here in the states and haven't even had a chance to get my MRI yet due to approval. I've left my foot in plantar flexion, occasionally taking off my boot to let my leg breath when I'm not mobile.

[@SJachilles]

i remember when i saw the doctor around 2.5 weeks he said he can feel the tendon has re attached.

[@mar1max73]

I got my hard cast off last week...I've been doing light stretching...still have swelling, no weight on my foot at all.

[@staruae145]

Hi I am in week 7 but my doc want me start after week 8 and do X-ray after that maybe will start therapy

[@flyingroams]

Hello, I’m here at week 3 after a 50% tear. I was wondering how often you went to see your physio as you progressed in your recovery? I have a friends wedding coming up after week 8 for about 5 days and then leave after week 2 for 2 weeks. I’m wondering if I should cancel my leave if seeing a physiotherapist is absolutely necessary or if I can just keep doing everything that I need on my own during the time away? Thanks for your videos and hope to hear fro you.

[@SJachilles]

I don't think you need to see the physio much if you follow my protocol. Its pretty much just calf raises and stretching.

[@mariacarmela2749]

Hey, I am on week 4 now. I am weight baring with both crutches. I have tried to go down to one but I’m so scared. I haven’t been advised to do any exercises!!

[@dgillies5420]

Had crutches aged 17 with osteochondritis dessicans surgery (& cast) for my knee. Everybody with crutches falls probably once or twice, maybe once every 2 months ...

[@louis-philippebedard5382]

Hi! Im in week 4 and i was wondering do you still fee a gap on ur tendon? Is it normal? Im following the non -op way too

[@followeroftheway5310]

Does anyone know how many wedges does SJ has in his boot at the 4 week mark ? I have my boot at a 20%angle with all wedges on 🙄 . When I saw the video his boot is a straight 90, and curious to know about the wedges . Thanks 🙏

[@2legitTrades]

Someone please help. I’m on week 4 (non surgical) they just removed my cast on the week 4 mark and I’m 3 days in. With the boot. And when I stand up I feel like ache pain still. Is this normal? The DR said I’m able to bear partial weight now but I’m nervous because of the pain. Any help would be appreciated thanks

[@boarderm5896]

At what week did you start to take out wedge #1,2 and 3?

[@zazacortez]

@sj did you have a full rupture or partial rupture ?

[@tomfitton9090]

Hi SJ, really useful content... I am getting really poor treatment via NHS here in the UK so your information is really helpful. Can you confirm when you started the ROM exercises you demonstrate in this video? Cheers

[@tomfitton9090]

I.e. was it week 4 when you started, or did you start earlier than that. Thanks

[@tomfitton9090]

Never mind, found your week 3 video!! Getting going with my ROM and got my even up sole ordered. Thanks so much for sharing all this info. Lifesaver.

[@dantran5395]

HI SJ, I completely tore my Achilles on October 27th and I decided to go non-op. I was casted for two weeks and I got into the boot with the heel lifts a few days ago. How often did you take out each heel lift? Also, I'm beginning to partially weight bear but I was wondering, do you think it's possible to rerupture my Achilles by just PWB/trying to walk? Thank you so much for your videos!! They give me a lot of hope

[@SJachilles]

The heel lifts coming out we’re each week from week 5 to 8. I don’t think you can rerupture which in boot. It holds everything in place so that shouldn’t happen

[@dantran5395]

Thank you so much! By the end of the 8th week, you should have all the heel lifts out of the boot right?

[@DjmadnassScrewed]

Gotta admit Sj I watch your videos on a weekly timeline to look at the recovery rate as my left Achilles was injured playing basketball after further review from the experts and your self I choose the non surgical recovery 4 weeks in and my concern of course is the tendons growing back long so I do no weight bearing to partial buy now the moon boot the rods on the side I guess are trying to mend my calf to my Achilles but the pain on the calf starts to hurt so I remove the moon boot now catch 22 I was doing some early range of motion ie stretching to early but I would do that to not have the calf stiff as it can get while in the moon walking boot so I'm come across a rock and a hard place with a reality that is both scary and that is not being able to walk again re rupture of the Achilles heal so I guess I'm trying to keep a positive out look on it kinda wish I didn't play basketball and def didn't expect this to happen the injury came out of no wear and I still think to this day some one kicked me or threw a phone at my Achilles but yeah the road to recovery is long espically when you have to go to work luckly I'm off today so I'd give my thoughts on the tear your videos help me track my progress but I'm not sure if I'll ever be the same espically when the leg is connected to your hip it's like one thing after another well cheers mate appericate your videos from a fellow KZbin Myself

[@jterry414]

Hey man how is recovery going.. I just ruptured mine playing basketball

[@JRCOLLINS9]

Hi Iv just ruptured my Achilles tendon, Iv got a scan soon to see if I need operation or not, the doctors are all ok with me weight bearing and walking around in a boot even though it’s just happened last week. Any tips on just walking around I’m going to NY next week such a nightmare.

[@christianfenter3383]

Don’t know if you’re still active here but I recently ruptured my Achilles and am going the non surgical route as well. Tomorrow will be three weeks since I ruptured it and I just wanted to know when did you notice swelling go down and the pain going away? I’m in a boot currently with wedges and I’m not supposed to put any weight on it, but my foot swells up in the boot and it’s very painful when trying to sleep at night. Just wanted to know if you had a similar experience and if so when you noticed overall pain and swelling go away?

[@hammond5315]

what week did you start a little weight bearing? what week you start walking with no crutches in boot? im starting week 3 just got out of cast and into boot

[@Dervishi11]

How call the blac thing for under shows $ 39 you say I needf

[@gpizoli]

Did you have a full or partial rupture?

[@michaelbennett6925]

Hi I’m at week 7 and only at 1/4 weight bearing , nhs say no physio yet which I’m confused about as you say should be doing that by now?

[@alexrichmond46]

My MD has me follow protocol of 6 weeks in a cast in plater flexion then into a boot with an inch wdge and physical therapy. Weight bearing is up to you, when it feels right to you.

[@clos19]

Did you feel something at the heel of your injured foot when you started weight bearing?

[@SJachilles]

Not really. I had some pain on the side of the ankle. You will feel weird pains during this process. Those nerves haven't been active for a long time.

[@ahmedadwik8267]

Paranoia is the worst thing about this injury. It seems so serious but its common

[@alwaysreturnNurgirl]

I think the depression that comes with is the worst...but im sure as I advance, the paranoia will increase too.

[@alberta1980]

Hi SJ, I am at 7 weeks. Non surgery, right achilles. I have been out of the boot for the last week or so at home. And the absolute worst thing happened today. I was going up the stairs without the boot a little too fast and slipped and fell and re-ruptured. It was a partial re rupture to begin with and now I can feel a hole in the tendon, albeit not as big as the original hole or dent. What are your thoughts? Thanks for the awesome in-debth information.

[@brax5921]

what happened are you ok now?

[@alberta1980]

@@brax5921 All good now. Don’t ignore your physio. Do it everyday.

[@kosalabandaranayaka8333]

Hi would you mind to tell me who was ur physiotherapist and surgeon is?

[@alice-in-wonderland.1223]

My evenup kept slipping off the back of my shoe. It was pretty dangerous, especially when it happened outside and there was nowhere to sit to fix it! I think the bit at the back needs to come up a bit higher. I'm out of the boot today (eek!) So I don't need it now anyway. I found it a waste of money as after it slipping off 4 times I first feel confident wearing it outdoors.

[@alice-in-wonderland.1223]

*didn't feel confident. I'm not able to edit this.

[@alexrichmond46]

Do you think because you had your leg in that 130 degree bend partial cast, that made a huge progress with the healing because the tendon ends we're brought so close.

[@SJachilles]

definitely. planter flexion helps

[@alexrichmond46]

@@SJachilles many thanks man, you're videos have been a blessing for many of us. You are a great dude!

[@bmeehan1]

Im am roughly at 4 weeks post. Was in a cast for two weeks and am in my second week with a boot. I have started limited weight bearing and feel I am doing well. Have a question about what I feel in my calf and lower leg. When I take the boot off to wash or simply get some air, I feel calf and leg to see if it feels like its healing. Starting at my calf, i have definitely lost muscle mass. My calves were pretty toned and my injured leg, my calf feels like jello. That sucks, but I'm sure I will get that back. As I move down my leg from my soft calf, I hit a point where the is really no definition to my leg at all. I can feel my skinny leg for a couple of inches. then, where I believe the injury was and toward the back, I feel two bulges. One on either side of my Achilles. It almost feels like muscle. Its not sore or tender even. As compared to my other leg, it is really defined bulges, whereas my good leg is maybe more naturally tapered down to my ankle and Achilles. Continuing to move down I can feel the Achilles that has reconnected and when I go toward 90 degrees I can feel it pull and tighten and I feel it connected. My question was about the bulges...anyone else feel that? Is it the Soleus muscles? Maybe its just from the boot where the air pockets are squeezing my leg a bit. It just feels weird compared to my other leg.

[@Churrow]

Hey I’m experiencing the same problem. Im thinking it’s because the boot squeezes the calf and also I guess because those muscles are not being used anymore to walk

[@vernettawright8555]

Hello SJ, I hope you are still responding to comments. I’m so blessed that I found your documentary. I have a 5cm tear in my Achilles, how wide was yours? Or anyone reading this post how wide was your tear? And did you go the non surgical route with success?? FYI I’m going the conservative route. I’m currently in a plantar flexion shell cast and it will be week 3 next Wednesday. I’m trying to get an idea of when I may be in a position to start early weight bearing. I pray all is well with you and your family!

[@ylee2894]

Vernetta, not sure how long it has been now for you since your injury but how did everything go with your 5cm tear? thank you! I tore mine 2 weeks ago and was curious if your tendons were able to heal itself. I hope you are doing well!

[@vernettawright8555]

@@ylee2894 Hi! So unfortunately I ended re-rupturing my Achilles maybe about two months into my recovery. Another complete tear. 🤦🏽‍♀️ prior to that I was healing up very well without the surgery. About two weeks after this I opted for the surgery. I’m about 4.5 months post surgery. I’m healing much faster than before. I went 5 months without walking. It was rough. Honestly if you are an active person like me and have a major tear like I did the surgery may be the way to go. I initially didn’t want the surgery because I had surgery before and didn’t want to go through that again. I was very afraid. I wish I would have gotten the surgery in the beginning. Very happy to be walking again and I get stronger every day. I’m still in PT and hoping to be able to run and jog soon. I’m so sorry to hear about your rupture. It gets better. I pray that you will be walking in no time and get back to normal. I hope that was helpful to you.😀

[@ylee2894]

@@vernettawright8555 Vernetta, thank you so much for your reply. I'm sorry to hear that you reruptured but I'm happy you are doing well now. Wow, that must have been rough. My tear was 2.5 cm and the doctor recommended surgery but I wanted to go the nonoperative route so I'm hoping it will heal naturally... Can I ask you how you reruptured? Thank you again, was very helpful :)

[@2A_LEGOS]

Currently in this predicament, going on week 4. I've been weight bearing since week 2.5 with my boot if I'm not using my scooter/crutches but as of now it doesn't bother me at all when I walk with no assistance as long as I have my boot with the wedges. My question is, do you keep the boot on 24/7? I take mine off when I shower since I have a chair in there where I can keep my foot flexed down.. and when I sleep I put on a brace. This injury is a nightmare for the simple fact it's so difficult to get around lol

[@alwaysreturnNurgirl]

How you doing now man?

[@madman0073]

When you do these exercises does the achilles feel really tight?

[@gamingfarm8533]

Today my dr, said my situation need surgery because completely disruption my Achilles tendon base in my mri, i did saw my mri id they're ruptured, im able to walk

[@carlosescobedo9230]

What was the spray you bought to keep your boot smelling clean?

[@SJachilles]

Odour Eaters

[@Asdfghjklzxcvbnm241]

Hi, I fully ruptured my Tendon 3 weeks ago. My doctor will have me in a cast for 8 weeks. 2 weeks pointing downwards at 45 degrees, 2 weeks at 22.25 degrees and another 2 weeks at 0 (I.e how the foot would be at standing position). What do you think? He then mentioned I’ll be in a boot for another 6-8 weeks when I’m out of the cast.

[@SJachilles]

Hi Ni-Saki, I don't mind reducing the angle every two weeks but the problem with being in a cast is that you can't do range of motion exercises or partially weight bear and they are very important for a good recovery. I would push for the boot now and if not, try and find someone else. You should be walking after 8 weeks, not transitioning to a boot, in my view.

[@Asdfghjklzxcvbnm241]

Hi SJ, many thanks for your response so quickly. I’ll do so when I next meet with the doctor. I noticed you haven’t uploaded a video for quite a while. I wanted to ask if you have anymore updates and can you sprint again?

[@SJachilles]

@@Asdfghjklzxcvbnm241 Ill be doing updates once a month from now on so the next one will be in a week. Right now I'm running around 5 minutes in total and at a faster pace than my last video. Its all going great. I'm not sprinting yet but Ive still got 2 full months before the one year anniversary so plenty of time to get to sprinting. Sprinting generally means you are pretty much 100% recovered.

[@seanevans162]

Wait so you had surgery or no?

[@Smoothoperator238]

Hi guys, I'm in week 4 right now and sometimes I feel like a little burning feeling in the achilles. Is that like a normal feeling during the healing time, or do I put to much pressure on it?

[@2A_LEGOS]

I know you're 3mo out from your injury but I'm going on week 4 in a few days. I feel the same burning sensation as well. How have you recovered? I've been weight bearing at 2 weeks with no crutches as long as I have my boot. It's very demotivating since I'm very active person and this has kept me on a stand still with everything. My doctors aren't very informative and my last appt they didn't even check my Achilles, I don't know if it's healing or what

[@ryannewman2082]

Slept with a pillow case on my cast/boot. Tied off the top with some ribbon.

[@Ubiquitousness]

I ruptured my Achilles and they had me in a walking boot with full weight bearing within 24 hours of the tear. If you google it there are a number of studies that show this has no drawbacks and can lead to better outcomes, and certainly higher quality of life. I’m on week 3 now and have had no pain at all - walking around with a moon boot. Even the day after the injury I was walking around with essentially no pain. No injections, no medication, no surgery - seems like the way to go. Not sure why it isn’t more common.

[@Rcam123]

did you have the Vacoped boot? how are things now?

[@Ubiquitousness]

@@Rcam123 I don't know what brand it was. Plain grey plastic boot that was like a giant ski boot essentially. Series of wedges that you progressively remove as you heal. Things are good now - I mean, I'm not a pro-basketball player so I'm sure there's some loss of function, but none I notice on a day to day basis and I'm pretty sporty.

[@Ubiquitousness]

Just want to add - I think part of the reason my recovery has gone well is that I had a good physiotherapist and I really worked hard at it. I still keep the maintenance exercises he prescribed in my regular workout routine.

[@Rcam123]

@@Ubiquitousness I am 4 weeks in no surgery. in a vacoped boot full weight bearing right away. just started work today again, I am a cabinet maker. Thanks for the replies.

[@jterry414]

Hey how has recovery been, i ruptured my Achilles a week ago and same position i started weight bearing right away, no pain what so ever

[@RuthlessUP]

So you would you recommend even at Day 14 post injury to start and try partially weight bearing on affected foot? Like you I went and saw my doctor/physio in the general hospital - everything seemed rush, physio's didnt really explain things to me, he actually told me just to wriggle my toes if my foot was down, but this protocol given to me tells me to perform gentle plantar flexion gravity assisted exercises. And even on that note, this protocol is from another orthopaedic surgeon, which my surgeon is using lol...

[@helloiamcharlie5801]

I slipped too a week after my rupture. Felt ike i ruptured it again, I almost cried.

[@SJachilles]

Im assuming everything was ok?

[@ericvickers7026]

I did the same thing at 2 weeks

[@billydee2547]

did you all continue doing your range of motion exercises after your fall?

[@latasharush3004]

I am beginning partial weight bearing but wasnt told how to. Did your boot have a pump that tightens the boot and deels like a ball in the sole of the foot? Mine does and i find it difficult to walk on and which foot to begin with. So scared of doing things wrong.

[@SJachilles]

HI Diane, my boot didn't have a pump. If you're past 2 weeks, i can't see why you can't start partial weight bearing. They say it helps a lot with the recovery. Just do as you can tolerate and then after a few weeks, you will by fully weight bearing!

[@AlanTrades]

How long were you in the boot for

[@SJachilles]

I was in the boot for the first 8 weeks.

[@AlanTrades]

@@SJachilles ok congrats on your progress. Was it the boot that puts your foot at a 20 degree angle

[@AlanTrades]

@@SJachilles so you kept it on the whole time? Even in the shower?