Ruptured Achilles Tendon. Here’s What The Next 3 Months Look Like

Welcome to our channel! In this comprehensive video, we dive into everything you need to know about Achilles tendon ruptures. Whether you're an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or just curious about this common injury, we've got you covered.
🔍 What You'll Learn:
• What is the Achilles Tendon? Understand the role this critical tendon plays in movement.
• Signs and Symptoms: Learn to identify the key symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture, including the classic "pop" sensation and swelling.
• Diagnosis: Discover how healthcare professionals diagnose this injury through physical examination and imaging tests.
• Treatment Options: Explore both surgical and non-surgical treatment methods, including rehabilitation strategies to get you back on your feet.
🎯 Whether you're dealing with a recent rupture or want to learn more to prevent future injuries, this video is your go-to guide. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth health and fitness content!
#achillestendonrupture #achillestendon #achilles #achillesrehab #achillestendonitis #achillesrecovery #achillesrupture #achillesinjury #achillestendonrecovery
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General information is not medical advice The general information provided on the Video is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider properly licensed to practice medicine or general healthcare in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Video and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Video. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program. Information obtained on the Video is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment

[@westvanman1]

Perfect timing for this video. I ruptured my achilles a 5 weeks ago and chose the non surgical route.I was afraid of complications of a wound in such a vulnerable spot. I had the boot put on at day 2 and started light weight bearing at week three.I'm an active cyclist and looking to get back into training as soon as possible so the info you presented gives me more confidence to in my rehab. I've been rowing indoor (one legged) since week four and at week five will start back on an indoor bike to keep all the other muscles in my legs firing. I've enjoyed your light hearted but informative approach for years and encourage you to keep it going. The inclusion of other specialist adds so much more to the video. I'm 70 years old and hope to remain healthy and active till the end and the information you provide is just another tool for people like me to use in our health span.Thanks

[@JustDr3-TV]

70 and still cycling is so impressive! Rooting for your recovery!

[@andrewstaples7544]

Did you do the graston technique?

[@westvanman1]

@@andrewstaples7544 My Physio did some ultrasound treatment early on but nothing else. I'm four months out now and still limping a bit and some swelling. My strength is nothing like I need to be confident out on the road cycling but its's slowly coming back.

[@andymonger3022]

I ruptured my left achilles while playing pickleball in February 0f 2019, and after watching your youtube back then about whether to have surgery or not, I took the non-surgical approach. My orthopedic doctor also agreed that at 77, he could not advise surgery. In 10 months I was back to playing pickleball and am still at it today!

[@Suyashkaurav]

Brother how Is possible of tendon connect non surgery after tendon tear ?

[@Nateogg]

I had a rupture and re-rupture of my left Achilles tendon in 2023. 5 weeks post surgery it got infected while still in the boot. Spent weeks in hospital on IV antibiotics and ended up with a skin reaction. Attempted to shower to ease the itchiness and slipped and put pressure on my left foot, causing a re-rupture. Ended up having to tendon transfer of my FHL to support the Achilles. Rehab was rough and pain on my instep has never fully disappeared but I’m grateful to be fully functional again 18 months on

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Wow that’s a lot. Good luck

[@FrederickdeGuzman-j9n]

I was playing basketball with my nephews on a cruise ship back in July when I totally severed my Achilles tendon. Because we didn't have travel insurance I opted to just borrow some crutches for the remainder of our vacation. I never knew the severity of the injury, some people told me I don't necessarily need surgery, I didn't know. I returned home to the Philippines but had never splinted or had my foot in a boot since July, and it wasn't getting better so I decided to seek some medical opinions. The doctor / surgeon had confirmed that the tendon was totally severed and I needed immediate surgery (this was now October, 3 months since injury, no splint). Before the surgery they had the standard blood works and tests done on me, but that is where they noticed my blood sugar levels were high. They then diagnosed me Type 2 Diabetic. It is now January 2025, (16 months since surgery), tendon seems mostly healed but the wound still hasn't fully closed. I bathe daily but wear a type of water proof boot that comes up to the bottom of my knee keeping the would dry. Afterwards I use a Hyclens wound spray to disinfect it and I still use gauze to cover the wound daily only leaving it uncovered during bedtime. I've been on diabetic meds (not insullin) and have adjusted my diet drastically, and have shed some weight but my blood sugar levels have still not normalized. In addition I had no physiotherapy. I was told by both of my doctors (Achilles surgeon & Diabetic Doctor) that because of the elevated blood sugars the wound is having difficulty healing due to poor blood circulation. I need to control or normalize first my blood sugar and keep the wound clean and dry and eventually it will close / heal.

[@jegreen4227]

I work in healthcare, so much great information! Thank you all SO much for taking the time to produce these videos!! I try not to miss a single one!

[@richardandelenabooth5263]

Very thorough information concerning this surgical procedure for me. I had this earlier today. I feel more educated after watching the entire video, but still cautious however for my personal recovery. Thank you, and looking forward to coming back stronger in ⏳️. 💪🏾🙏🏾

[@JohnStacey-ub1jg]

Thanks!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thank you so much !

[@michaeld2716]

Years ago in the Air Force, I was running in a field, and hit a set of hidden truck tracks in the heavy grass. I pulled BOTH Achilles tendons. I could not flex my heel, and had to robot walk for months. It healed, but the strange feeling can come back, and make me stop in my tracks. It only stressed once about 11 years back, but out of nowhere, if I balance wrong, my memory comes back, and I know it can cause serious limitations.

[@rhonabusbymohammed3434]

This presentation is the best and most explained Achilles tendon rupture case for cause of the rupture and both surgical and non surgical treatments. Thank you very much. I rupture my Achilles tendon in July of last year and I am going the non surgical way so your information is extremely helpful to me thank you

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad to hear that! Thanks

[@TheSamuraiCarpenter]

I am a great case study because I have done both. I ruptured my right Achilles in 2019 and had a non surgical procedure due to a higher tear. It took a long time to heal and be able to put weight on it. I just ruptured my left Achilles three weeks ago. I splinted it right away because I knew immediately when it happened what I had done. I had surgery using the pars speed bridge technique. I’m now weight bearing in an air cast three weeks post operation. Way less swelling and a noticeable improvement each day so recovery is moving along much quicker. I highly recommend surgery if you are a good candidate. It’s definitely worth the surgery risks imo.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks for sharing your perspective. With non op nowadays you are weight bearing much earlier

[@leodandrea]

Four months here after the injury. Got a complete rupture and had surgery two weeks after it. Nice video, covering with details all the options that I had discussed with my doctors. Now I’m doing PT but still can’t do the single leg lift 😢. It’s coming! Good luck to everyone who is going through this journey.

[@playtowin6803]

I love your highly informative but casually serious presentation style.

[@Kimeron]

Great information! I ruptured my Achilles playing pickleball in November and went to the local ER. They physically examined me, but didn’t feel that it was a full rupture based on that and were unable to do MRI or ultrasound that day. They sent me home with an Ace bandage wrap and crutches with a recommendation that I should followup with my primary care doctor. Because of insurance issues, and a seeming lack of concern from the ER, I chose to wait to see if perhaps it was just a strain or minor tear. Wrong decision. I walked on it in normal shoes for two months, thinking it was going to get better but when the swelling persisted and difficulty walking, I finally was able to have an MRI which revealed almost a complete rupture. Has surgery last week and the surgeon felt that it went well. Please ask the ER to put you in the appropriate boot even if they can’t properly evaluate you that day!

[@kimpyles7398]

This was so informative and helpful. I 75% ruptured mine with an avulsion fracture as well as a fracture of the heel spur. I got xrays the next day (Monday), but didn't get results until Wednesday and wasn't seen until Friday. The following Monday the surgeon said no surgery, no physical therapy. Then he said walk on it as tolerated in the boot, take it off at night and then said, NWB except transfers. It's so confusing, but watching this helped me with questions I now have. THANK YOU!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad we could help. Good luck!

[@robertb3361]

Wow, great information! and now actually looking forward to meeting all of you, as I recently ruptured mine and will be keen to get it repaired and functional! Found this channel while looking for information on what to expect. Cool coincidence.

[@vickiepatterson1748]

Very informative video!👍 I guess not being very active has helped me to avoid this injury! Thank goodness I never played basketball or any other sports and that saved me from injury!☺️ Thanks for the great explanation!👍

[@PJLooney]

Ruptured my left Achilles on August 10th. Put in a boot with heel lifts 2 days later. The next week, I had an MRI and follow up with the Ortho. He said I could do either op or non-op. I couldn’t decide so he chose non-op for me. On January 3rd, around 4 months and 3 weeks after my rupture, the Ortho said everything looks good, just no running or jumping yet. Well, as a 27yo male who wants to exercise/run again, I asked to continue physical therapy. I specifically noted the portion of my calf near the rupture is still tight and I have yet to do a single leg calf raise with it. So now, strength training is next. I really want to run again and play sports. it’s been roughly over 5 months and I’m surprised by my progress. Still, I foresee another 6-7 months of recovery before I’m back to feeling like my old self again

[@HanOfGod13]

I had a full rupture last May. Playing football/soccer, felt that pop and knew right away something was wrong. I have tendonitis is both ankles. Went to hospital that evening and got diagnosed with a ruptured tendon and was put into a splint with toes pointing down. I got referred to the orthopedic surgery team on the Friday (the tear happened on the wednesday) where I had an Ultrasound, (FYI it's not like it is in the movies, they really dig into the skin/muscle to get a good image and when that area is swollen and really tender, it is very very painful). The ultrasound showed the gap between the ends were more than 2 inches apart and it was recommended that surgery was the better option than non surgical. I was lucky and the surgery was scheduled the following week, where they initially tried a keyhole surgery to minimise the wound but found that the calcification due to my tendonitis was bad that they had to fully open the wound to clean up the tendon before reattaching the ends. I was very lucky with the timing and getting consulted and operated on in a very short time. Being from the UK, our health system The NHS can be slow and have long waiting times, but a 9 day turnaround from injury to surgery for a non emergency surgery is pretty uncommon. It was a day surgery, where I went in the morning and was home in the later afternoon. The first 3-4 weeks (from the injury to a few weeks after surgery) were the hardest as I was bedridden for the most part as putting my foot down would swell the ankle immediately within the cast and be extremely uncomfortable and painful. So had to stay horizontal with the foot raised as much as possible. I'm back on my feet now, riding my bicycle again, walking normal but probably not hiking long distances any time soon. I am still doing physiotherapy to strengthen my tendon and calf muscles. Hopefully I will be back playing football/soccer soon this year, it's been 8 months since I've kicked a ball. Hopefully I will be back before it makes it a year since the injury.

[@heather725]

Excellent guest surgeon!

[@gord975]

Day 1 of Achilles tear from pickle ball - great video and gives me some things to consider as i wait to see a surgeon ( splinted last night in emergency so at least that is a good start )

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Best of luck!

[@kvntd2281]

I’m a 32-year-old male, and I ruptured my Achilles tendon 4 months ago while playing soccer. It was a complete tear that happened as I tried to sprint. The sensation was just as doctors describe-a sudden, intense snap below the calf like someone tackled me from behind, but no one was around. I even heard it pop. Surgery was scheduled for the very next day, with the hope that it would help me regain better physical performance for sports in the future. Unfortunately, four weeks into physiotherapy, the tendon re-ruptured during an exercise-just one month ago. That meant starting over with another surgery. Now I’m back in a medical boot, gradually reducing the wedges each week to flatten my foot and stretch the tendon. What’s been most shocking for me is how much muscle mass you can lose in just 3-4 weeks of inactivity. It’s scary to see the changes, and I know rebuilding that strength will take a long time. I was fortunate that both surgeries went smoothly, with no complications and minimal to no pain. However, the thought of not being able to perform at the same level or facing limitations in movement is tough to accept.

[@TheBrianLockhart]

very helpful video, thanks gentlemen! going through one of these myself right now, (tear w. surgery) and it's reassuring to hear the same stuff coming from you guys as I've been hearing from my local orthopedic surgeon.

[@richardbrewis436]

Informative and friendly, thanks Talking With Docs. A cringe when I cliked the thumbnail however; super professional!

[@barbaraanderson4175]

I partially tore my Achilles’ tendon by taking Cipro. It was torn up and down not across. Went to a podiatrist and she didn’t treat it correctly. Never took mri until I asked after a year. Stopped going to her. I never had surgery just kept off of it during COVID. Finally healed.

[@Seabasstiann]

Amen pray for me 🙏✝️

[@gmac8626]

Thanks for the very informative video and the Canadian input on this injury. I ruptured mine playing pickleball 7 months ago and followed the non-surgical route but my ortho had me in a hard cast the first 4 weeks (active 58 year old man). I'm almost recovered but not strong enough in the bad ankle yet. I live in Halton Ontario and hope I never need your services but now know who to go to if I do.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad you are doing ok. Hang in there!

[@pauldapkus8998]

Forty five years ago, I ruptured both tendons six years apart playing basketball. Both were surgically repaired. First one was operated on by a orthopedist for a professional sports team - no complications. Second one was repaired by a less experienced orthopedist who put me in a walking cast after surgery, The incision opened in the cast and took months to heal. Then, 10 years later I re-ruptured the first one by stepping off a ladder on to a 4x4. Tendon pulled off the heal and had to be reattached with a mechanical fixture. No more basketball for me.😀 In fact, I took up bike riding but I can still walk without difficulty though I don't try to jump.

[@danabazile]

Thanks for all this information Doctors. I apparently have an interesting and less common case according to my surgeon. I had a surgery to correct a Haglund’s deformity on my left foot. The heel bone was shaved down and the Achilles tendon was anchored back to the bone. Two weeks post op I somehow lost my balance momentarily on my knee scooter and as I was falling over I landed instinctively on my left foot to brace myself. I was not yet in a walking boot and irresponsibly did not have the splint in place, only bandaging, so when my foot landed squarely on the floor in a neutral position without my toes pointed down, the tendon immediately snapped. So I now require another surgery to reattach the tendon. The obvious advice, although the splint may be uncomfortable or annoying, keep it in place because it may have protected my foot in this instance. Lesson learned the hard and quite painful way!!

[@AQANVISUALS]

I was hoopin yesterday and my foot went numb for a second I thought my jawn was cooked but after watching this I think its jus a calf strain or sumn small cuz I been doin crazy calf workouts all week thanks fellas 💯

[@davebabbitt2432]

My fav KZbin channel. Incredibly informative. I had both a partial rotator cuff tear and this past winter, a partial tear in my calf muscle. In both instances, the pain was pretty intense and debilitating, and in both cases I was pretty impatient with the healing process. I chose to have laser light therapy. I’m happy to report that both injuries are what I believe to be fully healed. My question: Is laser therapy “voodoo medicine”, or would my injuries have healed in the same amount of time regardless? The jury is out for me. I’d like to tout the benefits of laser therapy but I have no way of knowing.

[@ctwriter1670]

Guys love this. Really helpful. And love all your stuff. But, did I miss it? Not one thing on prevention? Pre-workout stretching, how much, does it matter, is there correlation? Strength exercises? Weight lifting? On a slightly different note, I have tendinitis in both my ankles. Had a long time, off and on. Have received a number of conflicting medical /PT recommendations. All kinds of mild multi-angle stretching, hot, cold, strengthen, not strengthen… After months of no progress, probably the best advice I got from anybody, was to do absolutely nothing,for three weeks. Especially no stretching. Rest. That did more than all the above. Now… finally back to mild, stretching, and strengthening. But it’s never gotten back to normal.

[@kevinchang6372]

Thank you docs for this information, I tore by achilles less then 24 hours ago. I got a appointment with Ortho at 8am, I am going to be pushing for surgery.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Good luck!

[@GenRN]

I’ve been prescribed Cipro 5x over 15 years. I didn’t know what was causing my declining health and tendon issues until my last prescription of Cipro left me unable to walk. Never take a fluroquinalone antibiotic. It took me 5 months of intensive PT to be able to walk again. I’ve avoided ruptured but I fear I will never be back to normal functioning. I spend most of the day with my heels on a heating pad and must massage and stretch each time I want to walk.

[@RichRich1955]

I've seen that theres an FDA black box warning on that for over 60 people. I believe it replaces the essential minerals with Flouride in the muscles. People take more magnesium to counter it?

[@ebackvon]

I had bilateral Achilles strains in 2008, which were severe. I had taken Levoquin ABT, so it was a similar outcome to your situation. I received 12 weeks of PT, which helped, but I have chronic pain and significant scarring, especially on my left Achilles tendon. I ice it with ice packs, which are secured with an ace bandage. Most PT docs recommend ice over heat. It helps to reduce inflammation. I walk my dogs twice daily, approximately 2 miles per walk. DMSO cream helps, too, but I don't use it daily...twice per month. It is somewhat controversial (not FDA approved) but works for many folks. Stretching and strengthening exercises are beneficial.

[@gloriamaryhaywood2217]

@@ebackvon I also was prescribed levoquin when I developed infection during chemotherapy. It was the one antibiotic that truly worked well for me. Was on several strong antibiotics when I developed Frigging SEPSIS! And yes, levoquin was one of them. I'm SO glad I never suffered any side effects, especially ruptured Achilles tendons!#😨

[@jerry.cray_II]

This was so informative and helpful. Thank you guys!!

[@DrSteveQatar]

Perfect and informative, I don’t want one but must stay active, any steps to prevent those that are physically active?

[@fjp3305]

Very good explanation

[@mattvlogs6593]

I have not torn my Achilles, but I do have Achilles tendinopothy. The back of my heel has been swollen for a year now. I have gone to two physios with no luck. Can you talk about how that happens and how to treat it? Thanks again for your content. It’s phenomenal.

[@dogie8c]

How are you doing now with your Achilles?

[@crisconn4847]

I tore mine in 23. I’m about a 2 yrs out from my anniversary. I had a good surgeon, but my PT was a problem.

[@santamonicajane]

My 80yo husband ruptured his achilles tendon on a machine at the gym. Was treated conservatively with a boot with a heal lift. Was told no weight bearing but was unable to comply. Still, healed well although 10 years later his calf in still visibly atrophied.

[@cowboybeebop3451]

Those boots hurt so bad and help so much at the same time

[@greeneyeszzzvixen]

Omg this video came just in time. Currently in a cam boot on 4 stacks after having surgery the 1st week of Nov as well as tearing my patella tendon on my left knee which has me in a knee immobilizater.

[@robertjones2020]

This is off the subject but your recommendation about beat juice and flax seed several years past was wonderful I have been following according to your instructions. No issues and still seeing my doctor.That florisimide is just a bad memory.Thanks again.

[@ChloeGolden-ub3cj]

Just waiting to find out if surgery or not i have been watching a lot of videos

[@charliez4837]

I ruptured my left Achilles tendon last Tuesday while playing football (soccer), it felt like someone had kicked me. I went to A&E the next day because I was limping and my ankle didn't feel right, that's when they diagnosed it. I had the ultrasound and appointment at the fracture clinic on the Friday. The consultant suggested I wear a cast for 4 weeks, non weight bearing and wear the boot after the 4 weeks then start rehab. It has been tiring but it could have been worse.

[@heather725]

I have recently got a 30 - 40% Achilles tendon tear climbing 200 steps up a hill, Piha, New Zealand.

[@ROBHELL82]

I ruptured my 3 months ago. Non-op route. I think they missed one important part when they are talking about Re-rupture. The increased chance to rerupture is in a period of 5 months after the rupture.

[@Spudmurf]

Thanks for that, how’s yours doing? I rupured mine a week ago, sitting here in a cast with the ballerina foot

[@ROBHELL82]

@ Sorry to hear. I m up and walking with a little limping. I have shoes inside at home still with a little raise under the heal. No pain, just still swollen as hell round the ankle, but that’s normal. Doing toe raises and tip toe walking to get muscles back. I got a thump up for training legs, calf in the gym again last week. Hardest bit I think was the mentally and swollen bit with this extremely slow recovery. Hang in there 💪

[@Spudmurf]

@ cheers bro, appreciate it!

[@SmilefitCoUk]

Agreed, re-rupture is a big issue and needs more information. I’ll put together a big comment on my experiences.

[@JimmyBlack3308]

I ruptured my Achilles exactly 6 days ago. Got an MRI done and it says it is a “near complete” Grade 3 tear. My question is does the amount or grade of tear matter while deciding whether we should go the operative or non operative route? I did not see that being discussed on the video. It was otherwise super helpful. And I hope someone from the community can guide me on this soon as I need to decide whether I should get a surgery.

[@ronorange990]

Interesting and important! Two questions; my gym trainer advises that frequent use of ibuprofen can be concerning for affecting/promoting brittle tendons during strenuous exercise? Secondly, would toe/heal stretching provide some preventative strengthening for the tendon (70 yrs young) or should caution be the rule of thumb? Thanks so much guys for your informative videos!

[@christibatura7271]

I’ve had an Achilles tendon injury for my entire adult life. I originally injured it doing gymnastics when I was 19 (I am 48 now). There was no surgery done and I have had continued injuries throughout adulthood as I am fairly active. I have not been able to do a toe raise on my injured leg since the original injury. Today… Thanksgiving 2024 I tripped and ended up catching myself in a deep lung again injuring my Achilles. I regret not having surgery originally. I don’t even know if surgery is possible at this point because I have injured it so many times, but I would give anything to have it repaired.

[@SmilefitCoUk]

They do a Flexor Hallucus Longus Tendon (big toe) diversion surgery to support the Achilles tendon. Seems like there’s a number of issues possible with this too but that’s good for thought for you.

[@sookmintan3966]

I was diagnosed with high degree partially torn Achilles tendon. Also offered 2 options, surgical and self healing. Surgical will be cutting the tendon of the toe tendon and calf tendon to connect. What I want to know is from your experience how strong are you after your recovery. The cutting of tendon from tore and calf, what are the setbacks.

[@hardeepgurvinjessy3203]

Thank you so much for this vid. I had a partial rupture abt 4 weeks ago and it was caused by an electric shock i got while changing a bulb. Have you come across such an event and any further advise.

[@estelamino6356]

Thanks

[@denisesc21]

I ruptured my Achilles playing pickleball almost two years ago now. My surgeon did the weave and the absorbable points at the bottom to make it that much stronger because of all my activity. My calf still isn’t quite as strong as it was pre rupture but I only notice it when I try to run, the push off. My calf starts to cramp slightly. But I continue to work on it.

[@romeparker1686]

I think I’m in the same boat with the pre rupture, but mine swollen and sore 😢

[@heather725]

What if you have a partial tear?

[@RichRich1955]

I was dealing with plantar fasciitis mostly by stretching but the Dr on Gait Happens channel claims that heel lifts to strengthen the foot is key so doing that has helped. I wonder if the soleus stretch might be more advantageous than the gastroc stretch even though both need to be done.

[@KathySchmidt-v7f]

My chiropractor gave me 8 to ten shock wave treatments to break up scar tissue on my Achilles tendon and since that my Achilles tendon is so very painful around the ankle and heal of my foot most of time that I can't put weight on that foot. Thinking I should get my family doctor to send me for exrays?

[@SmilefitCoUk]

I personally want to do lots of research on SWT before getting it done for the same reason. Thanks for the input and good luck for the future.🤞

[@DaqnRome]

I had pain in my Achilles and calf and saw my primary. He injected my calf with cortisone and I suffered a rupture shortly after. Was that wrong of my doctor to do? I feel like he should have sent me for an MRI or ultrasound instead and would have seen something wrong with my Achilles.

[@gregtthomas]

Every time these guys talk about something I'm like, "yea, that's what I have." Anyone else?

[@danv1061]

What about prevention?

[@jebrown9789]

Please do a segment on PRP therapy. I paid $1,000 for it and it did nothing to help. Insurance won't pay anything towards it. It's now been 14 months for tendonitis (it was not ruptured). What can one do?

[@alexiswhite6926]

I just found out that I have a low grade tear in my Achilles of the left foot. My job requires me to stand for longer periods of time. Therefore, making it harder to find pain relief. So, what are some tips you can give me to improve the pain?

[@Herbie-Went-Bananas-Then-Split]

In 2010 I visited the doc after suffering an increased period of pain in the heel region of my left foot. Doc diagnosed arthritis, prescribed an anti-inflammatory and said it was "one of those things." It got progressively worse, heel was inflamed/swollen, in 2013 I insisted on seeing a consultant as I could no longer walk on it. MRI done, turns out I had partially ruptured the achilles and what set it off was calcification of the heel, pushing the achilles out at the heel anchor point which, over time, weakened it to the extent it was starting to tear. It was also discerned that at some point I'd had a break which had healed. Surgery was required, no other option and I was awake throughout the surgery which was fascinating. The calcification was removed, a hole was drilled through the heel and a plastic anchor point inserted so that a new achilles could be attached. I was informed I'd need to wear the cast (up to my knee) for four months before it would be removed/reevaluated. I was given a 65% chance of permanent disability in that foot which I refused to accept. I removed the cast a week later, started gentle physio, a month later I was standing on the foot and taking very short walks with the aid of crutches. Being allergic to pain meds and not being able to take any, the pain was unbelievable. Two weeks later, I was forcing myself to walk up inclines every other day, I'd come home (physically sick from the pain), on returning home I'd stick my foot in an ice bucket for up to 30 mins, then keep it elevated, I'd rest it the remainder of the day and the next, then repeat the process. A month later, I had to go to the hospital for a follow up check/chat, the surgeon was so angry at what I'd done, but I explained to him that I knew if I kept that cast on and didn't use that foot for four months or longer, I would have ended up disabled. My foot today, in 2024, feels bionic, it's stronger than it was originally. I still have the ugly scar which I have to take care of as it's very thick and prone to drying/cracking so I have to keep it emoliated at all times.

[@priestguardian2587]

most painful injury I ever suffered......and did it twice this year alone

[@MariahReid-g3t]

I severed my achilles tendon, On the day before I was scheduled for surgery to repair it, My son was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. It was a whirlwind period and I was forced to delay surgery as I could not be laid up when he had to get surgery and testing every day. Its been about 5 months since this occurred, now that things have settled down and I have my son's care mostly covered, I really need to find out what I can do. I went back to the dr. and he said that he may be able to re--connect a few fibers only. Since this happened, I feel my balance is not right, the pain subsided but the tendon has bunched up from where it separated about 2-3 inches, my question is, is there any procedures that are able to re-connect the tendon fully?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

So sorry to hear about your son. There are other tissues that can augment the gap. Surgery is likely the only option though. See someone with a special interest in foot and ankle surgery. Best of luck.

[@Mukoma1]

Raptured my right tendon 2 years ago. Had a surgery and had a bit of complications on the wound as i tried moving around in a cast. Wont try jumping or any funny act again😢😢😢

[@Got2BTru522]

Ruptured my left Achilles back in mid-November playing pickleball. ER doc placed me in the correct plantar position until surgery eight days later. Post-op placed in a splint for two weeks, and I am now in a tall air boot with foot immediately placed at the neutral position, no weight bearing and no PT prescribed for the next four weeks, which I have questioned (both the neutral position and lack of PT). It has put strain on my tendon at the tear location. Is it wise to add a 10 degree wedges in for a week and give the tendon some relief?

[@cowboybeebop3451]

I had mine crushed but not ruptured I'm having problems almost a year later still. I had a motorcycle fall on my ankle bc of a pinched nerve when I went to take off

[@pablo-xVx]

I had a achilles rupture which happend to me after motorcycle off road accident. I'm currently 5 months past operation. In my case it seems that the scar tissue merged itself with the tendon. Whenever im trying to excercise, the scar keeps getting bigger in the middle part and when I'm trying to tip toe it looks like the skin(scar tissue) doesnt wanna glide down, and it looks like it is being restricted in the middle part of the scar.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Sorry to hear that but hopefully you are doing ok

[@wheelerk2012]

So I ruptured my achilles 2 weeks ago and was in a non-weight bearing splint with planter flexion the next day. After week, my doctor had me in a non-weight bearing hard cast with planter flexion position. I've had very little pain these 2 weeks. I go back to see my doctor on October 28. What are the chances i can move to a weight bearing walking boot?

[@JustDr3-TV]

How's it going now?

[@dr8ke.k500]

Just ruptured my Achilles 2 days ago playing bball. Hoping I don't need surgery, I can walk but not normally. Going to get a MRI to see bout the damage. I'm a bball official, bad timing. Smh.

[@MythicYetiiiiii]

Mine ruptured 3 years ago, sounded like a shotgun going off, I’m not even kidding my ears rang after it popped

[@romeparker1686]

What’s the best boot or brace for partial rupture on Amazon

[@TalkingWithDocs]

An air cast or adjustable boot with a heel lift

[@romeparker1686]

@@TalkingWithDocs Well I don’t plan on doing surgery being out that long again with a family to support. Are their any other alternatives?

[@TheArtisticGardener777]

Seems like you get an Achilles rupture not when you’re pointing toes forward but rather when your toes are being stretched towards you excessively.

[@Melissa-SC73]

Can you bring a neurosurgeon on to talk about encephalomalacia and gliosis? And a cardiologist to talk about Carotid arteries are tortuous?

[@stevecase7130]

I am a practicing orthopedic surgeon with 30 plus years experience. While in the Navy , we fixed thousands of these tears in our 30 to 50 year old active sailors and marines. I personally performed 13 achilles repairs on one weekend during a base basketball tournament. I would never recommend conservative treatment for this injury. The literature has proven conservative treatment has 3x the rerupture rate and significantly more weakness with push off. I never had a wound infection with hundreds of these procedures despite what they say here. In fact , there have been many more neurologic injuries to the sural nerve with the "minimally invasive percutaneous techniques" described. The worst outcomes I have seen were all treated conservatively that eventually failed despite long periods of immobilization . They were unable to walk or climb stairs. They all required extensive reconstruction with very long recoveries greater than one year, which could have been avoided with a simple, effective, safe surgical repair.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

We appreciate your experience and sharing your thoughts. We would have to respectfully disagree with many of your comments as they simply aren’t supported by the literature. We work on trying to provide patients with the most up to date scientific research rather than level 5 expert opinion. Thanks for your service

[@SmilefitCoUk]

Good insights. My surgeon now opts for the full open-up surgery after damaging a nerve. We need more research on strength, power, rerupture outcomes post treatment with a specific focus on compliance to absolute immobility in the acute phase to 8 weeks. I’d imagine your navy guys were at high risk of doing too much in the non-surgical NWB phase and then in the weight bearing walking cast phases where just a little ROM past that which can be tolerated by the recovering tissues will undoubtedly result in a disruption to the laying down of fibers and elasticity. I was incredibly careful in my boot for many weeks in the non-surgical approach but still had 3 instances where I felt healing tissues mechanically separate and this led to a palpable gapping which has now been resolved with surgery. Removable walking casts may well be most of the problem with the conservative self-healing method.

[@m.taylor]

It may be best to refrain from rigorous sports to avoid these injuries happening, because an injury never really heals back to the state it once was.

[@rcom9880]

A little confusing to hear Canadian docs explaining the need for a boot for aboot 6-8 weeks!

[@malekodesouza7255]

Aaron Rodgers. Kirk Cousins. JK Dobbins. The list in the NFL is looooong… I did my ACL in ‘97 so my dance card is full. 😂.

[@pazisombath2632]

I just rupture my right an Achilles from pickleball at a work event .. ugh 😩

[@reggiespringfield3716]

Ruptured mine two days ago off a jumpshot at work. How’s yours going?

[@pazisombath2632]

@ well.. I had surgery on mine 2 weeks ago and it’s coming along I guess and just elevated my foot with icing on it. get surgery as soon as you can .. 2 weeks is max. mine takes about a month for w/c to get that approval sent over. I was fighting them to get it to me so I can take it over to the ortho myself.

[@reggiespringfield3716]

@@pazisombath2632yeah they’re trying to get me into surgery next week, being Christmas it’s a busy time obviously. Lowkey nervous about it.

[@pazisombath2632]

@ you will be just fine. just follow the surgeon’s direction and all will be fine. you’re lucky you got in quick. as for me it takes me about a month and I was very mad and upset plus I got a funeral I need to attend which is very important to me. I was so stressing and of course eye balling about this.

[@Patrick-uf1cq]

Prevention?

[@xrisos1397]

Carnivore diet

[@SmilefitCoUk]

A lot of comments requesting more information on prevention so I’ll hijack this place and hopefully the creators will be inspired to make further content that supersedes this comment. Undoubtedly lots of rupture 💥occurrence can be prevented by ensuring appropriate warming up and conditioning of the tissues💪 for the rate loading of the activity your doing. Hence the ‘weekend warrior’ spike in the demographic of this injury🤕 of people who do not exercise with regularity and are not conditioned to lengthen the tendon at rate and/or then demand power from the muscles. Nutrition🐓🐣🦕🐠🥦🍓🥕 no doubt plays a critical role in the mechanical tolerance of connective tissues. Consuming the building blocks for tendon health generally and during repair from activities will impact future tolerances to different loading stresses.🤠👍 Hydration is also a key factor in tendon load tolerance😇 with low level acute dehydration🥵 effecting load tolerance and repair significantly enough at higher demands from single events🦵💥 or low demand multiple events🦵🦵🦵💥 to compromise tendon function beyond capacity. 💥😱🤕👎 It is possible that elevated heel to toe drop footwear will reduce the ankle dorsiflexion angle experienced commonly in the mechanism of this injury and thus reduce the rates although this is not supported specifically in the literature it is widely accepted to be a good strategy for avoidance along with arch support and avoiding uneven surfaces where the heel can drop beyond the accustomed range of motion used in activities.🥵 In summary, warm up fully, condition progressively, frequently and specifically. Recover properly. Eat well, drink well and manage extrinsic biomechanical factors such as footwear and playing surfaces. You might also manage critical incidences by reducing motivation for extreme demands. Take it easy or modify sport, rules etc, if you can😇 Perhaps others have more to add or comments on this, I’d be happy to keep the thread going. Good luck out there.

[@davemac1888]

👍

[@PinkThing-m5j]

Anyone else think; 20 year old Varsity football player?- who is responsible for a grown man beating on a sophomore - this is stupid No child left behind, we even provide lunch now, grow big!