Week 0 - Achilles Tendon Rupture - Surgical Repair - The Injury and What to Expect

Achilles Video Series - Week 0: The Injury and What to Expect
Video Series Description -
Thanks for tuning in to this video series. Throughout the next year, I will be providing weekly updates of my recovery process. The purpose of these videos is to provide a live case study on the surgical rehab process in Canada for someone who is looking to return to competitive sports. I'm 34 years old and being treated in Canada.
Summary -
I ruptured my Achilles Tendon on June 3, 2020 and it took about 3 weeks to go through the hospital system, appointments, scheduling and I finally had my surgery June 26, 2020. One of the biggest decisions you will have to make is whether you want surgery performed or not. In some cases, the rupture may be too big and tendons too far apart, in which case surgery is the only option (greater than 2cm distance) but talk with your surgeon and make a decision together based on your circumstances.
I will be providing an update later this week to show you Week 1 after surgery. I'll cover optimal nutrition for post-surgery recovery as well as advice to cope with the pain the first few days.
Time stamps -
Introduction and Background
The Injury and What to Expect at the Hospital
Your Options: Surgery vs No Surgery
Helpful Tips and Advice
Medical Research -
Operative Versus Non-operative Treatment of Achilles Tendon Rupture - 2007 (Sharon Griffin, Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic)
clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/N...
Early Motion for Achilles Tendon Ruptures: Is Surgery Important?: A Randomized, Prospective Study - 2008 (Bruce Charles Twaddle)
www.researchgate.net/publicat...
Surgical Versus Nonsurgical Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture
A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials - 2012 (5 MD's Collective)
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
Useful Links -
Shower Stool - amzn.to/3eMrg0h
Shower Leg Bag - amzn.to/2NFH8Wt
Knee Rover - amzn.to/38mNGTq

[@YungShaySalute2]

Very helpful video ! Thanks

[@vanessacesario7981]

Great video!!

[@Artlutherie]

Thank you for this video! Lots of useful tips for someone with this injury.

[@waleedalrubaian9372]

Thanks for the video it’s really great help

[@ChiChen3]

Glad it helped! Good luck with your recovery!

[@debronj624]

Excellent feedback 👍🏾

[@karenescondo1111]

Thank you Chi Chen your video is very helpful for me.

[@ChiChen3]

Glad to hear that! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@pinaypoca]

Thanks Chi for your informative video. I fully ruptured my Achilles tendon 5 weeks ago playing volleyball and about 4 weeks post op. Looking forward to watching the rest of your videos.

[@brendamoran1172]

Thank you so much. These have been a great help to me.

[@ChiChen3]

You're very welcome! I'm glad these have been helpful.

[@moulidmugolo2214]

Jus came out of surgery yesterday Nd jus found out about your vids looking forward to getting helpful tips💯

[@duncanowen1484]

Thanks for taking the time for this series mate. I'm 4 weeks post surgery after a blowout in first game back at ball in the new year! Early recovery is promising, hoping to be back playing in 10 months from now. That's the goal!

[@ChiChen3]

Thats a great goal and will keep you motivated to keep up with physio and exercises. I didn't get back into playing until past the 1 year mark and was just shooting around. I started playing around 14-16 months and at about 1.5 year mark, I was playing competitively again.

[@MuhammadAbdullah-pe2ze]

Great video!thanks 👍 sink baths have been working great for me. I started off showering and it was taking too much of my time and it was very difficult given that I had a tub and low flow shower head. Sink baths actually have been easy and kept me clean throughout having my boot on. It's worth a try especially if your shower is upstairs like mine

[@tarheelblue23198]

Thank you so much for your help! Hope your back to full time killing it on the court 😊

[@ChiChen3]

I'm fully recovered now and enjoying sports again! Thank you!

[@TSHEKHAN]

In same sit. Havent played ball much for two years due to work. No warm up. Great vid.

[@latoyiajohnson2020]

Really great vid. Thanks

[@ChiChen3]

Glad you liked it!

[@sharktube3407]

Hi from Wales, U.K. Fully ruptured my Achilles about 5 weeks ago playing football, had an operation 3 weeks ago, plaster came off last week. Still feels quite fragile. Can put a little weight on it with crutches and in my boot. Absolutely hate being this restricted with general life!! Can't wait to be able to walk without crutches again and get some normality back. Thanks for the video, great watch ✌️

[@markgaskins6619]

Can’t tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to do this! Just happened to me today during a HIIT workout. I don’t want to lose my gains and I’m very frustrated with it all. So, appreciate you saying to be patient and basically just embrace the fact that this happened. Well done 👍🏾

[@ChiChen3]

You can still work out your upper body and even some hips etc. while you're recovering. I even saw Crossfit atheletes do deadlifts with a boot on. I'd stick with upper body exercises and stretching lower body hips etc. Now you can do chest day everyday and not feel bad.

[@user-ig7ko9rj6n]

Going through this too. Quick sprint as goal keeper from standing still, heard the pop and was like wtf. No surgery was recommended but I do want to get back to sports. I recommend some foam for the underarm crutches part and a little bag attachment. It sucks to feel a bit helpless but people are kinder to you on buses and trains. I’m at the 4 week mark and have 3 raisers in my moon boot. Can’t do much physio yet. All the best. Carlos from Australia

[@HLisbored]

Watching this vid at 6am in Aus after rupturing my Achilles last night playing basketball. First ever serious injury so feeling pretty flat but ty for creating this vid and giving a real perspective on what’s to come/helpful tips with this injury. Feeling motivated and ready to embrace the recovery process and get back to balling/sport in general. Cheers legend

[@ChiChen3]

My heart goes out to you I definitely know that feeling but after recovering from two of these now I can say that it's definitely achievable to get back to sports, I'm playing basketball again and feeling great. I make sure I stretch and strengthen them now. You got this and just be patient and know it'll take a bit of time but once it's over you almost forget it ever happened. Let me know if you have any questions and good luck with your recovery!

[@randycoblentz9585]

Thanks for practical advice. Good insite. Still trying to decide, surgery or not 😞

[@jamesbass9572]

I’m day 3 after rupture. Knee scooter, great shout. Thanks

[@ChiChen3]

You're welcome and yeah the knee scooter is a life saver.

[@Vintage27]

Thank you bro! Very informative

[@ChiChen3]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@davidkasserra184]

Just started this journey, with a full rupture. Enjoyed the video.

[@ChiChen3]

Ah hopefully you're well into your recovery by now and wish you the best of luck throughout the rest of your recovery, let me know if you have any questions as you go through the phases.

[@owengreenwaysno9509]

I too have ruptured my Achilles and it’s nice being able to relate to someone going through the same injury. It’s such a long recovery process it sucks

[@ChiChen3]

Yeah I definitely empathize with you. I went through it twice and don't wish it on anybody! Make sure when you do physio to also do the same exercises for your other foot to strengthen and bulletproof it. Last thing you want is to repeat the same mistakes I did and tear the other side.

[@andyvaldez212]

this gives me a lot of hope... thanks man.

[@ChiChen3]

You got this!

[@andyvaldez212]

@@ChiChen3 thx bro. Im one week post op. Things are getting better. :)

[@renellee7043]

Yes this video really lifts me up..I’m 3 weeks post-op now

[@jordan-otss]

I'm based out Toronto as well. Just ruptured my Achilles tendon as well. I'll be watching all of these videos.

[@NeoWeaponog]

Thanks for doing this. Exact same thing happen to me at 34 and considered a weekend warrior. Had to get surgery and your videos have been very informative

[@ChiChen3]

Glad you found it helpful! Goodluck with your recovery!

[@jinwar16]

Thanks for making this series of videos. I repaired my Achilles tendon last week and your videos give me a lot of hope.

[@ChiChen3]

Glad to help, let me know whenever you have any questions and I'll try my best to help. Good luck on the recovery!

[@sashikala2229]

Yes even I had Achilles tendon rupture surgery so you video is really helpful and informative 👍🏻

[@ChiChen3]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@The_Engineer_Naturopath]

Excellent video chi.

[@bay510area3]

Appreciate these videos bro 💯 I just tore my Achilles Christmas Eve hooping as well. I didn’t know what to expect, my anxiety and frustration was getting to me but your experience and advice has eased my mind a little bit. Thanks again brotha!

[@ChiChen3]

No problem, I've recovered from two of them now and stay positive cause you'll be back in no time!

[@9tarko]

Very informative Many thanks

[@ChiChen3]

You're welcome! Glad you found it useful.

[@TheJRo]

Thanks for detailing your journey Chi. Complete rupture here, hoping to get back to sports. A true physical/mental uphill battle.

[@ChiChen3]

It certainly is but once you recover you really feel a sense of pride for being able to go through it! If you want to get back into sports you definitely can. It'll take a bit of work in physio but its worth it!

[@senpaiTin-ph3zs]

I've had my second rupture (3cm gap) also on the opposite leg. It's now week 4 post surgery and I must say, it's a huge battle mentally for someone who's an actively competitive athlete

[@ajaykumara7158]

Chi Chen, Thank you very much for sharing your valuable experience. I had full ankle rupture in netherlands gym. Dr failed. Later came homeland Mine 5 months post surgery and am senior. Ready to join tennis creational recreational. You spoke like a professional perfectly.😊

[@michaellugo3217]

Really appreciate this video series man. I’ve been so uncertain about what to expect since it happened and this is really thorough and honest compared to other videos I’ve watched. Really makes this feel less overwhelming. Fully Ruptured my right Achilles tendon playing flag football on 12/4/22. My experience was exactly like yours, thought I got kicked really hard but experienced little pain. I had surgery 12/13/22 and will be getting my splints off in two days. I am 100% the “Weekend Warrior”, as the Sunday games I played were my only real exercise each week. If you are reading this and do the same, PLEASE make sure to stretch and exercise more than once a week. I thought I was still young enough that I can get away with quick, light stretches before games (in my early-mid 20s) and I was very wrong. If you have ruptured your Achilles, I hope you have a speedy recovery. We’ll be back up and at it soon enough!

[@ChiChen3]

You're welcome man! I'm glad you found it helpful. I've fully recovered from two now and you're absolutely right in that I wish I spent more time on flexibilty and warm ups which could have avoided two surgery + recoveries.

[@TravyTravVlogs]

Bro…… that part you said when you felt like someone behind you hit a basketball off your leg is exactly what I went through. Swear it up and down and I looked behind me and it was no one there . That’s crazy

[@a.j.jackson3937]

Thank you for this, Chi! I had my surgery today and am looking to crush the next 12 months so that I can get back to a normal lifestyle. I’m hanging up the basketball jersey for life now, but still want to hit the weights as soon as I’m back good. Thank you for your transparency, willingness and overall existence. God bless and I look forward to following this all the way through. 💪🏾

[@ChiChen3]

You can definitely go back to playing basketball if you want. I've torn both and have returned to playing. I'm obviously much more conscious about warming up and making sure my achilles is strong enough for sports through my workout regiment but I wans't ready to hang up my jersey just yet.

[@aaronbenandi2851]

Thanks for making the content, I had a rupture to my right leg a week ago and I have been on the fence about surgery. I am 33 and I experienced the injury playing flag football. I also love to play basketball and want to continue doing so to the best of my abilities and I think I am warming up to the idea of surgical repair. I just received my knee scooter and am looking forward to getting it assembled for ease of doing the little things that have taken much longer with much more effort on crutches. Looking forward to watching your series

[@ChiChen3]

Did you ultimately decide to get surgery or did you go the conservative route of non-surgery? I opted for surgery because I wanted to have the least possible chance of re-rupturing my achilles again because I planned to go back to sports.

[@kenacquin1]

Thanks so much for this video. I plan on watching your other vids as I progress through. I go in for surgery tomorrow. It's been a week and 2 days since I ruptured my left Achilles playing basketball with my son. I have an air boot on now and have already purchased a knee scooter. (it just seemed like the thing to do). I've also decided that I hate stairs. Lol. I'm 53 and an avid disc golfer. I'm looking forward to watching the rest of your videos. This one was very informative.

[@ChiChen3]

The knee scooter is an absolute game changer! You won't regret it. I hope your recovering well from surgery. The last two weeks is usually the most painful from the wound. Good news is that you're well on your way to recovery! Let me know if you ever have any questions.

[@terrancegarris8693]

Just had surgery 2 days ago thanks for the video

[@ChiChen3]

Good luck with the recovery! Let me know if you have any questions as you heal up. You got this!

[@octaviastewart3641]

Thanks for this video. I had a full rupture. Non-surgical route. US insurance was too steep for me. On week 4. Weekend warrior is definitely me. Thanks again for the content

[@ChiChen3]

You're very welcome! haha you'll find a lot of weekend warriors in these comments as well. Hope you have a swift recovery and let me know if you have any questions!

[@jdeechua]

Thanks Chi. Your advice is so helpful and gives me hope as I go through a long recovery. I’m only 1 week post op. Thanks for sharing your insights that can help thousands of us

[@ChiChen3]

You're very welcome Janet and let me know if you have any questions throughout your recovery!

[@immortalworm]

Great video... Just snapped my Achilles here in the UK. Straight in the 30 degree boot, surgery not even an option. Great information, thank you for doing it.

[@ChiChen3]

You're very welcome Aziz! I hope your recovery is coming along well.

[@rml1252]

I tore my right Achilles 2 and a half weeks ago and am currently waiting to get the boot on. Respect to you for sharing this especially after tearing both man.. this has definitely been the toughest battle I’ve ever faced mentally so thank you.

[@ChiChen3]

Yeah it's definitely not a fun experience physically or mentally. But it can be a good learning opportunity to let go of things you can't control and just focus on the things you can and soon enough this'll be a distant memory. Like both of my recoveries. Remember to be patient and consistency is the most important. Once you're out of the boot and slowly walking again, it'll all get easier and easier especially when you can walk around and return to daily life without thinking about it too much.

[@efortin9543]

Thank you so much, really instructive, just did the surgery yesterday, barely got any info from hospital, so your video is gold

[@ChiChen3]

Ah I'm glad the videos are helpful, yeah sometimes the hospital doesn't have enough time to give all the information you need as they're focused on the surgery and shipping you back home. But a physiotherapist or watching these videos can hopefully help fill the gaps.

[@12davb]

I completely ruptured my right achilles tendon 3 days ago. had surgery yesterday. i am looking forward to watching your videos and hope you have fully recovered. thanks for sharing your recovery with us.

[@ChiChen3]

Goodluck with the recovery! You got this. Let me know if you have any questions ever.

[@babymarx]

I tore my Achilles on September 6 playing basketball and been watching your videos. Never had a major injury until now and thank you brother for your videos! They are super informational and inspirational! 🙏

[@ChiChen3]

Hey Michael, yeah I was the same way, this was my first surgery ...and my second surgery... I'm glad you found these videos helpful! Goodluck with your recovery and if you want to get back to playing ball again, you definitely can. I've been playing at least once a week for 6 months now and dont even think about my injuries when Im playing, I'm basically back 90-95%.

[@jinxedboo6031]

Going thru this journey in Taiwan my man, really good medical system here actually... trying to get back to competitive soccer eventually.. devestated but will eventuallly get it back. 加油

[@ChiChen3]

Hopefully you're well on your way to recovery! I was born in Taiwan and try to go back once a year to visit relatives.

[@ogonnannamani9472]

Thank you man! This was honest and transparent! I had my surgery yesterday and I’m good spirits still! Trying to no take the pain Killers though as I’m not in pain yet! And also I can be addicting

[@ChiChen3]

Hope you're recovering well after surgery. The most painful part of it is over now and you can focus slowly on healing and physio!

[@kieuwong3940]

Hi Chi. Thank you so much for creating this series. Ruptured my left Achilles tendon during martial arts class this Saturday. So happy I found your channel. Thank you for the weekly rundowns as I’m heading into surgery soon and need all the advice I can get. You rock!!

[@ChiChen3]

I hope your surgery went well and you're on your way to recovering!

[@kieuwong3940]

@@ChiChen3 Ended up going non-surgery route. Going on Week 4 now and watching all your advice which helped me not feel so depressed. Literally taking one step a time! I hope you’re 100% now and going strong. Happy New Year!

[@matthewveronesi2985]

Just tore mine last weekend in a volleyball tournament. Definitely a weekend warrior! Will be following this. Deathly afraid of not getting full strength back.

[@ChiChen3]

You'll be able to get full strength back for volleyball. However, it will take some time to get the same explosive energy out of it. I'm playing basketball again and I'm just past 2 years now and I feel like it had never happened.

[@saradhya1]

Thanks a lot for this video. I fully ruptured my achilles playing basketball and it was exactly as you described it. I hope to get back to hooping eventually but I know it will be a long journey. I had surgery two days ago and am just trying to stay optimistic because this sucks right now. Thanks again!

[@ChiChen3]

Ah sorry to hear that! But you got the right idea, just be patient and positive. I've recovered from two of these surgeries already and I'm back to playing basketball and exercising like it never happened. So theres hope! Goodluck with everyone and let me know if you have any questions.

[@nicolasceaser8181]

Hi Chi! I'm so glad I found your channel. A couple of weekends ago, I fully ruptured my right achilles playing ultimate frisbee. Like you, I'm an adult athlete who plays sports competitively. My team and I travel around the US playing in tournaments during the summer. Due to insurance and overall health care struggles (very jealous of Canada in that regard) I'm scheduled for surgery in a couple days, and just by watching this video and what others tell me, it's going to be a challenge getting back to that high performance level but luckily I found this vlog! Can't wait to go through these videos and learn how best to handle this situation. Much love from Dallas, TX!

[@ChiChen3]

Hey man, hope the surgery went well! At this point you can just focus on healing up before you start your full recovery. I'm basically healed up from my second surgery now and if you're as competitive as I am, which it sounds like you are, then I don't think it'll be hard for you to come back from this. The hardest part is for people to find the motivation to gain the strength back and stick to the protocol and physio exercises. I'm confident that you can get back to at least 95% to even 100% of your original strength with time like I have. In fact, after all the physio, sometimes, I feel stronger than before because my ankles and feet are used to all different angles and have more stability than when I wasn't injured yet and never did much for my ankles and feet and maybe did some calf raises on leg day.

[@nicolasceaser8181]

@@ChiChen3 Thanks for the wishes. Surgery went well and now I'm chillin until I get my cast this Wednesday. Not sure what color to get but I'm leaning towards purple. what color did you get? Also, I found myself getting antsy around my place. At what point in the process did you start doing upper body stuff like pullups, dumbbells, etc.?

[@captainkrillz]

Much appreciated. You described it in great detail I definitely thought someone shot the basketball on the other side and it hit my Achilles and I went straight down. Didn't hurt that much but I knew. I stared at that gym ceiling knowing this will be a journey. On all star weekend no less. With all the pros that it happens too I wish we had better knowledge on prevention. Just like you I figured it was maybe a lack of stretching but I can't believe all these pros weren't doing their physical due diligence beforehand.

[@ChiChen3]

It's a combination of lack of flexibility and strength through the full range of motion, previous wear and tear on the achilles (microtears), and lastly sometimes just a freak accident in terms of how your foot lands and tries to push off. For NBA players, I'm sure it's more the overuse and microtears that ultimately catches up with them and mix that in with one weird misstep and that's how they tear their achilles.

[@captainkrillz]

@@ChiChen3 That actually makes sense. What's scary to me is that because there's a wide range of reasons. There's not much you can do to avoid it. Some people and stars (Kd, Kobe, the professor) for example you can draw a clear line of previous trauma. But for the majority there's a slew of factors. I broke my left ankle last year and right tendon in February of this one. I'm 40 and terrified of popping the other one. The fact that you did and so many others in these comments is a testament of will that you go back and play but also again, scares me to no end.

[@ChiChen3]

​@@captainkrillz I personally think if you take the time to bulletproof your achilles by working through the physiotherapy exercises on both your recovering achilles and your other one then you have much less to worry about. The mileage and weekly abuse on your achilles are going to be far less than one of these NBA stars who clock quite a few hours on the court every week practicing, competing etc at a very very high explosive level. For us weekend warriors, I think if we put in the work on the range of motion and strength through that full range of motion, we have far less strength and explosive power to pose as much of a danger as the pros. So if we used cars as an analogy. Pros are running very high horsepower and torque engines in their cars - think F1 racing. They also have pro parts like tires and suspension but they're also pushing themselves to a level we barely ever touch. It's very exhausting on their whole system. For us weekend warriors, we're more like a BMW that someone takes to the track once a weekend or couple times a month but doesn't push it nearly as hard as an F1 race. So if we focus on ensuring our brakes, tires and engines are in fairly good condition, a day at the tracks is fairly safe for our power output. I tore both because I didn't bulletproof my other one, I just did the physio I needed on the my recovering one. That's why I recommend everyone to do physio on both. This'll bulletproof your achilles, like servicing your BMW for brakes, tires and suspension. I hope this makes sense. Thanks for coming to my TedX talk lol.

[@sedericgrant5753]

just had my surgery 2 days ago, ruptured mine playing basketball on 12/4. Thanks for sharing.

[@ChiChen3]

You're welcome Sederic, hope you're recovering well and out of your cast and into the boot soon!

[@Bangouaman]

Thank you. Just ruptured my Achilles playing soccer. This helps a lot

[@ChiChen3]

You're welcome and I'm glad these videos can be helpful for others like yourself. Let me know if you have any questions as you're going through your recovery. You got this!

[@edmundmorris3193]

Great video! Ruptured mine a week ago meeting the Surgeon this week to see how it’s healing and decided which way I will go. Thanks for the tips. From T.O also went to Sunnybrook.

[@ChiChen3]

I'd recommend trying to check out Womens College Hospital for Dr. Park. He specializes in foot and ankle and does a newer form of minimally invasive technique which was quicker for me to heal from.

[@yemiolagunju2086]

Thank you so much for this video Chi. Very informative and timely. I completely ruptured my Achilles' tendon playing badminton (I didn't warm up my body as comprehensively as I should have done!). It has been confirmed today by ultrasound scan that it is a complete rupture and I will have a review meeting to decide on surgery vs non-surgery options. Your video has given me very useful pointers to bring up in my discussion tomorrow. So thank you. I too, want to return to active sports post healing, so I want the most effective procedure to aid that. Your video discusses the practicalities for life post-surgery, again - very useful to know. I will 'enjoy' watching your other videos too. I am not looking forward to the 9-12months of inactivity!

[@ChiChen3]

Hey Yemi, you don't have to be inactive for all that time. I started working out my upper body while I was in the boot still after surgery. You can do a lot of exercises while you recover and its even recommended. Just nothing that involves walking or running but upper body workouts or workouts from your knees are all possible. Cycling on stationary bikes is also great physio once your starting to weight bear in your boot as well. These activities all helped me stay fit and didn't feel like I was just letting my gains from the gym waste away for a year.

[@LemoNadeFPV]

I don't know if this will get lost in the comments or not, but I have my own experience on non surgical treatment of achilles tendon rupture. I was treated with no option to have surgery as in Denmark where I was living at the time they go more towards that type of healing, and after going through all the process of healing, at the 4month mark my achilles re-ruptured again. So if you have the chance to have surgery done I would strongly recommend it. I'm on week two now and just got into the boot. Honestly surgery is not much more painful than healing your achilles without one and it takes less time to be off the crutches so you can function better. I would strongly recommend going the surgery way either you plan on doing sports or not.

[@iam_21]

Hi. I ruptured my Achilles tendon about 2 weeks ago while playing soccer. Had my surgery last week. This video is very helpful. Thank you so much Chi

[@ChiChen3]

You're very welcome, let me know if you have any questions during your recovery. Lots of people have asked questions and responded to each other in the comments too if you want to look around as well. Good luck with your recovery, you got this

[@Netminder1ca]

Thank you! I’m a 2 weeks post op and just got into my air cast. Starting to exercise. “shit going to happen” is so right. I’m totally not WB. I’m going to search for your updates.

[@robertbolan1428]

Hi! Had surgery 2 days ago: your video is superb! Thanks for taking the time to do so, I found it both informative and helpful!

[@charliefox9573]

Thanks Chi, this will be super useful. I did mine back in September, orthopaedic surgeon didn't want to operate initially so went the conservative route. Sadly it didn't heal/join up properly even with all the physio. Finally went under the knife today five months later. Long road but at least a light at the end of the tunnel.

[@ChiChen3]

Hey Charlie, good luck with the recovery and let me know how it goes. I definitely feel more confident with my surgical repairs and it helped with my confidence returning to sports knowing that my achilles is more secure. Just remain patient and this will all just be a distant memory a year from now. To be honest, once you're out of the boot and walking again in 3-6 months, the rest of the recovery is much smoother since you can go about your day to day activities without much thought. Sports will just take a bit longer after that.

[@DaGuz24]

Wish I would’ve found this about a week earlier, I got for surgery tomorrow morning on a full rupture on my right Achilles. I’m 34 and injured my Achilles playing basketball, having friends who have done the same I knew exactly what I had done as soon as it happen. Like you mentioned, there was not a whole lot of pain, but the disappointment of the road I was about to endure was almost overwhelming. I don’t know that I intend on playing competitive basketball again, but I definitely want to get back in the gym, and most of all be able to run around with my kids again. Thanks for this, I’ll be sure to follow along all your videos through my journey!

[@ChiChen3]

Speaking from someone who's ruptured both and am back playing basketball every week I can say that you can definitely get there again. I'm 36 now myself but I don't worry about my achilles at all when I play and pretty much have my full strength back. Just be patient and theres no rush, if you do decide to play again, just make sure you do the necessary stretches and strengthenig on both your achilles to prevent future injuries! Good luck with your recovery, I totally know what you mean when you said you feel overwhelmed by having to think about how this is going to change your life. Trust me that it won't change anything except for the next little while until you recover. Be patient and know it'll all pass and be a distant memory in a year.

[@jonassanchez4056]

Thank you for sharing this, it is a difficult process to go through. I wonder if you can share a little more about your first op with the different procedure as i had that one and have so many inquietuds about it. Thank you again.

[@ChiChen3]

Sure thing! The first procedure took longer for me to heal. Partly because the wound was much larger and there was more scar tissue and partly because it was my first achilles tear and I wasn't as experienced with how to listen to my body to know how much to push or dial it back. I wasn't able to follow the same timeline as my accelerated rehab protocol. About a month behind I'd say. The actual tendon itself still feels thicker than the more recent surgery. One thing I'd say is that it actually feels more secure than the other one. Though Im sure both are very secure, the old surgery method feels like they really double knotted or tied my tendons together a lot so theres a bit less range of motion and feels thicker (not in a good way).

[@raymundsimangan568]

Thanks for the tips! I'm currently on sick leave while nursing a ruptured achilles tendon on my left leg I had about 5 days ago. I will be having my MRI tomorrow. I reviewed a clip of my basketball game to verify if someone kneed me or not and I've found that no one did 😁 I just saw myself getting outbalanced instaneously after the tear. From there, a lot of what ifs crowded my mind as this is something new for me.

[@ChiChen3]

That's neat that you have video footage of the game and can see when it happened. I also thought that someone had kneed me or thrown a ball at my leg

[@karenqiang8465]

Just ruptured my Achilles yesterday playing tennis. Thank you for this video! I was feeling so down because I recently started going on a fitness journey and was pretty active for about 1.5mo before this happened. Was doing boxing, cycling, yoga and all that... and I felt super proud of myself for doing some form of exercise 6 days out of the week. Watching your video gave me a reality check but also some hope for recovery!

[@ChiChen3]

Yeah you definitely got this. I just finished recovering from my second one and I'm doing boxing, cycling, yoga etc all again now so theres a light at the end of the tunnel. As you do physio, you'll get to learn more about how your body feels when it's weaker and when its stronger (left side vs right side) and overall you'll learn to be more aware that you're not doing too much or too fast either. Don't want to end up like me and not learning my lesson and tearing a second one :(.

[@user-cx9ot3cl6e]

Chi, Just found out my achillies is ruptured and will possibly need surgery. Thanks for the video, learned alot. Thanks again and good luck. Mike

[@latrellvail3908]

I really appreciate this video bro... I completely tore my right Achilles two days ago... I had literally almost the same experience as you where I was playing pickup basketball, went to make a pass and quick cut, heard and felt the pop. Initially thought the guy guarding me I had gotten past had kicked the back of my calf. Was HOPING that’s what happened, but after the shock wore off I knew in the back of my mind what it was... Went to the ER and it was confirmed. Anyway I have been skating in between anxiety and depression for the past two days mostly over fear of the unknown and anticipation of a long difficult road ahead. Feeling a lot of immediate doubt about whether I’m capable of getting through it. Your video helped me so much, and although I’m still scared, I feel a lot more confident that I can push through. I see an orthopedic specialist on Monday but I already know surgery will be my preferred option as my goal is to return to competitive play. Thanks again for your videos. I subscribed, and am watching every week.

[@ChiChen3]

Ah man, yeah reading your story, I felt the same thing laying on the court wishing it was something temporary. But after recovering pretty much fully now from my second achilles surgery, I can tell you that you can definitely make a full recovery. It’ll take some patience and work but if you love sports as much as I do, and sounds like you do, I’m sure the motivation will be there! Good luck mang and let me know if you ever got any questions.

[@stopurcryin425]

I ruptured it 2 weeks ago and I’ve been looking for videos and these are the best. Thank you. I ruptured mine playing ball too but what I want is going back to weightlifting.

[@ChiChen3]

I kept lifting with my upper body while I was recovering and in the boot. Just need a good homie to spot you at the gym and probably rack and unrack the bars for you. Deadlifts are easy to do while recovering because it doesnt require much ankle range of motion, you can even do them in the boot once youre out of heel lifts. But squats will take longer and you'll need your ankle range of motion for that especially if you want to do deep squats or at least parallel. But yeah feel free to do upper body stuff and some lower things like glute bridges and keeping your hip flexible cause it'll take a beating in crutches and a boot.

[@peterskaarup5794]

Greetings from Denmark, 7 days ago i rupture my archilles completely, and feeling very sad about it. I have no warning before the rupture, just playing casual football joggling, with some kids in the youth club i am working in... My age is 47 but with great ok shape. No overweight or inactiv life style. Working out a lot in the gym, but maybe a weekend warrior when it comes to cardio training. Looking forward to see your progress, i will take it week by week. I know you are done healing now probably 😊

[@ChiChen3]

Hi Peter! Yeah it can definitely be very emotional especially for someone who is in good shape. Try and stay positive and know that you'll be able to make a strong recovery and get back to being active again. I've recovered from both of my surgeries (one on each achilles) and I'm back playing basketball and boxing again!

[@iali00]

Tore my achilles on Sunday and they way you described your ruptures is exactly how it happened to me. Freaking eerie and I had the same feeling of wanting to deny what happened. Just got the surgery today and watched your entire series. Thanks for posting the journey.

[@ChiChen3]

You're very welcome! Glad to share my experiences and help people see the full process and look forward to the future. Let me know if you have any questions during your recovery.

[@dnangel4277]

How is your Achilles now?

[@iali00]

@@dnangel4277 back to walking like normal. My Achilles is stiff and tight early in the morning or if I sit for a long time. I can do most things but I can’t run for a long time, I still can do real single leg heel raises like my other leg. It’s not a joke.

[@fabienleung5296]

I’m on my 4th week recovery. I had my Achilles tendon repaired. I ruptured it when playing soccer. Your video is excellent. Thank you for sharing.

[@ChiChen3]

You're welcome! Good luck on your recovery and let me know if you have any questions

[@josecarlosdelasfuentes4379]

Re-ruptured my left achilles tendon after being four months out of my repair surgery. Now, I have an upcoming new repair surgery in 5 days. Hopefully, it will stick this time and I’ll be able to recover fully. Thanks for the videos!

[@ChiChen3]

Yikes, how did you rerupture it? Is it trickier to repair a tendon that has already been repaired before? This is one of my greatest fears since I have both torn now so another one would mean a retear.

[@bullanace]

Thanks Chi. I had a full achilles tendon rupture and took the operative route. My rehabilitation has commenced and watching this video and will definitely watch others as your shared your own experience will be helpful. Thanks for sharing our journey, indeed it just makes one feel better and hearing on those helpful tips is so encouraging. Bless up! Bullan from Nigeria.

[@ChiChen3]

You're very welcome! Good luck with your recovery and let me know if you have any questions. I try to answer all the questions in the comments. Best of luck sir!

[@bullanace]

@@ChiChen3 thank you for responding. It's been a week post surgery and I still feel some soreness and pain around the stitched areas. What meals can you suggest rich in vitamins and minerals that aid muscle repair and generally healing? Can I also flex my toes as a form of little exercising at this stage? Kindly share your thoughts. Cheers!!!

[@ChiChen3]

@@bullanace Yeah soreness around the wound is going to be normal for a few weeks and even up to a month or so before you can really start to wash the wound with soap etc. In terms of meals, I ate a lot of chilli because it was easy to heat up and eat again and just has a lot of vegetables and broth in it which has a lot of nutrition. I also drank a lot of smoothies and protein shakes, just easy to eat meals that packed a lot of different coloured vegetables. Every colour provides different vitamins for you! "Taste the rainbow" - Skittles (Sorry that's an old ad from North America that I grew up with).

[@aaci8815]

Same as you ruptured left tendon and going for surgery like you on 16 jan 2024. Your video very good tip as i follow you have order kneeeover scooter. I am john from Malaysia. I ruptured my tendon from played tennis last Friday.

[@ChiChen3]

I'm glad my videos helped you! The kneescooter was a life saver for me during my second recovery.

[@MichaelFaron]

Thanks for this video. Helped me out. I just ruptured my right achilles on June 10...getting surgery on the 21st. I'm hoping to recover fast and plan to be diligent with rehab. I love playing bball, that's how it happened. I'm 40 people tell me to give it up but I can still ball man!

[@ChiChen3]

Don't give up the dream. I'm 35 now and have torn both achilles but I plan to play again. I'll just be much more careful stretching, warming up and not playing for too long when game gets sloppy.

[@scoobybaked8490]

It’s funny I tore mines June 11th and surgery for me is the 21st

[@TravyTravVlogs]

Man! This video is A1 bro, ngl I’m similar to you when it comes to being positive and really just not beating myself up about it. The way you handled it is perfect. Wish I seen this a month ago when it all happened cause this would have been helpful. I went to the ER telling the doctor I felt like there was a gap and it’s not normal. Bro told me that he thinks it’s swollen and that’s why it feels like a gap, I’m like nahhh no way this don’t make sense. Searched myself before hand and told him I think it’s a rupture. So when I left the hospital he recommended me to a foot doctor but misdiagnosed it . I was moving on it a bit more because he told me that and he’s a doctor at a trusted hospital so I had my doubts about thought he knew better. My surgeon told me when she did my surgery it was the worst she had ever seen, she couldn’t even get the suture together when wrapping the tendon it just get ripping out when she tried to pull me together. But she got it right. Moral is if you feel something is worse than what the doctor is saying , be careful and push so they can do as much test as they could. Idk why I told them it was my Achilles and they gave me a XRay like I told them it was my ankle or something. Everyone I hope you heal up perfect! Keep positive, you’ll be okay! I’m on month 1 and I’m staying positive although I can’t walk on it but as Chi said… “things happen”! You’ll be just fine. I recommend surgery as well and I def have people around me who helped me on a daily, thank God my lady is with me so she went the extra mile. Try to get someone if not your spouse someone who will come and help you out cause it’s important. And stay mentally strong, it gets boring but rather that than you trying to do things and not heal up properly. God bless you all

[@claykallman2201]

I'm 64 now and been an athlete all my life. Baseball and basketball too. I had surgery on a complete rupture of my left achilles. I'm in my 6th month of recovery and live alone as well. I started running recently and go to the gym regularly. I had the knee scooter and tried the peg leg contraption too. I almost killed myself on that thing. I also had a few nasty falls on the knee scooter as well. My goal is to hike the Himalayas in the spring in Nepal. Can't wait to get into competitive sports again. It was more painful for me probably because I'm 30 years older than you. I enjoy your videos. You are very helpful. Thanks.

[@ChiChen3]

Sounds like you've had quite the journey already Clay! You can definitely hike the Himalayas again although spring may be a little soon. You may not have the endurance in your calves yet to hike too far everyday, perhaps 30min - 2 hours per day.

[@yayengvlog9928]

Im from Philippines and it's my 3rd day after the surgery. It's a little uncomfortable with this, but I know I can learn alot with your video.Thank you for sharing.

[@ChiChen3]

You're very welcome and I hope you're well on your way to recovery now!

[@obrienwilson7722]

Very helpful! I am day 2 after tearing my Achilles’ tendon the second time! Just like you! I hate this soooo much and feeling a little angry because it was a long process the first time. Both came from playing basketball and making hard moves each time. I knew right away what happened to me after it happened this second time and I was in total disbelief. I had surgery my first time and Will way my options if I want to get surgery again. I don’t want the rupture to happen again but I don’t plan on hooping ever again I just think I’m done. I never played pro or anything but all through high school and just love the game but my playing days are over.

[@ChiChen3]

Ah jeez sounds exactly like me. Although I'm 2 years post op from my second achilles repair and I'm playing basketball again and feeling like I never injured myself. Although I drive and slash a little less now. I think it depends on your tear. My gap between my achilles was too far to let it heal by itself so I had to get surgery again. If you had a partial tear then it may not be as bad and you can treat it conservatively. I just love the game too much and prefer to just get the repair over with and have the peace of mind forever after in any activities or sports I do. But it really is based on the severity of your tear and your motivations to play sports after.

[@Trinimon18]

Dang, partially torn my achilles tendon 3wks ago mountain biking in the Don. Glad to see you were able to get 90+% strength back. Great vid.

[@ChiChen3]

Thanks man yeah I'm pretty much 95%+ now after a couple years, definitely make sure you do the proper physio and strengthening once you're healed to ensure it never becomes a full tear! You can bulletproof those achilles with the right exercises!

[@Trinimon18]

@@ChiChen3 thanks for the advice.

[@marjorymoore1573]

Thanks for your great info,I had a partial rupture,and old injury back in the mid eighties,fell down a sprinkler hole that was left open covered by grass playing AFL,I ruptured the tendons on the left hand side of my ankle and the back of my heal.they told me I’ll be 8 to 10 week off,living by myself,young and inpatient I was back on the footy field in 5 weeks had it fully strapped,but it never properly healed,always had trouble with my left ankle,36 years on had to have the operation I’m in my 3rd week ,had a plaster on for 2weeks,drove me nearly mad,so restricted,no weight on that foot,absolutely Tuff having a shower and toilet,I got a wheele walker on rest my knee on and race around,I have been icing it and resting it moving my toes a little bit every day,a big thanks to my wife’s massive help and support,you done really well living and looking after yourself a credit to you.Again thanks for your info

[@ChiChen3]

Hey that sounds like a rough one. I feel your pain having to do daily things like go to the bathroom. It was frustrating to say the least but keep your head up and focus on recovering properly this time and sooner than later you'll be back on your feet. Doesn't hurt to thank your wife everyday as well lol. Goodluck with the recovery and let me know if you have any questions!

[@omargulaid]

Full achilles rupture, 1.4cm separation. Day 1 post surgery. Been told to remain bed bound for 2wks, minimal activity to allow wond to heal then to have a follow up with the consultant in 2weeks where i will get my boot and start the physio process. Hoping to get back in the gym, ruptured my achilles playing football but not hardent on getting back to playing football. If i can get back to enjoying the gym and lifting heavy squating deadlifting then im good. Had 33yrs of good sporting endeavours, football, boxing, jujitsu now happy to enter a new phase in my life solely gyming and spending time with my 2 boys. Thank you for this vid Chin, its lifted my spirits and helping me stay positive cant believe your going through it a 2nd time and still plan on playing basketball somewhat competitively. Respect.

[@ChiChen3]

Yes you can definitely build the strength back for heavy squatting and deadlifts. Although at first, your range of motion will be more limited for your squats as you'll lack some ankle mobility. What helped me was getting some weightlifting shoes that had elevated heels. Because both are not explosive lifts like Olympic Cleans etc, you'll have no problem getting back to lifting heavy. I've been gaming more as well, been playing Hell Divers 2 recently with friends! Wish you the best in your recovery and let me know if you have any questions throughout your process!

[@kaetronjohnson2762]

Thank you so much . I just tore my Achilles Tuesday

[@jordan-otss]

You too huh? I was on Tuesday that just passed as well lol.

[@kaetronjohnson2762]

@@jordan-otss yeah man smh

[@zhengyuwen5178]

Very helpful video! My left one ruptured last Sunday and surgery straightaway. So I’m at the end of week one. Can’t wait to get out of the cast but have to do the time.

[@ChiChen3]

ah man sorry to hear that. I’ve recovered from two now so it’s not that bad. Just stay conscientious with your exercises / physio and it’ll be back in no time.

[@zhengyuwen5178]

@@ChiChen3 hi man, just to let you know that I’m walking today! 5 weeks post-surgery! Even the surgeon got amazed by my fast recovery. But he check my Archellis and found everything is indeed recovered. I kinda got this feeling when I compared my condition with your video time to time and adjusted my activities during these five weeks, like removing heels. Your video helped a lot. Can’t walk to get my foot strong again and play.

[@ayusanovisad5917]

Hey everybody. You all know why I am here 😅. I am sending lot of love and support to everybody here. Your video is inspiring. Thanks a lot for sharing it. I had my surgery a month ago. I'm still in a cast but got my stitches removed. In a few days, I am getting a boot. I also played basketball when injury happened. I m 39 years old now. Working two jobs, both office jobs sitting at the computer. Also, weekend worrior. When I was younger, I was an active basketball player. When the rapture happened I heard the snap and thought someone kicked my Achilles with their foot from behind. Nobody touched me though. I'm currently going through the same phases you had. It's going to be a long way, but I'll be taking baby steps to recover. Regards from Serbia.

[@ChiChen3]

Best of luck in your recovery! You sound very similar to my experience, I played a lot of basketball when I was young and tore my achilles in my 30's as a weekend warrior. I'm 37 now and back to playing basketball so you can definitely recover and return to sports if that's your goal!

[@klachi7]

Thank you bro I am going through this right now. I have a complete Achilles tendon rupture, tomorrow is week 2 for me and I have surgery this coming Friday. I will surely keep watching your videos.

[@ChiChen3]

You're welcome man! Let me know if you have any questions. You got this!

[@klachi7]

@@ChiChen3 thank you brother. Surgery went well, I’m just a little concerned because the nerve block anesthesia hasn’t wear off yet. And yours did the same you left the hospital right? I have read that it takes almost 2 days or so sometimes to completely wear off.. 😓 that’s my only fear..

[@kostantinoskarbounis2981]

I am on my second week after my surgery, that was really helpful and motivated, I know that it needs so much time but I will get through that as you did twice. Thanks for the advices and for the tips and hope you're completely recovered!

[@mohamedadouiri729]

Im in the 6th day after surgery too hahaha let s fight together

[@kostantinoskarbounis2981]

​@@mohamedadouiri729 stay positive bro , we will manage go through that , greatings from greece

[@ChiChen3]

Goodluck with your recovery and let me know if you have any questions. You definitely got this!

[@AB-fm2bm]

I just tore my achilles playing soccer, as like you, this is my second rupture. First time was my left achilles, this time it is my right. I feel like crap right now but I am sure this is going to make me way stronger. Thanks for posting your recovery.

[@ChiChen3]

Ah I'm sorry to hear that man, that sucks. There are quite a few people on here that's done the same thing so you're not alone. The second recovery was much easier than the first one for me so maybe that can help lift your spirits a little. You know you're strong enough to get through it and know there's a light at the end of the tunnel.. so be patient with yourself and enjoy the couch and movie time.

[@AB-fm2bm]

@@ChiChen3 by looking at the time you posted this video I guess you have over 2 years since your second surgery. Do you continue practicing sports as you used to before both injuries?

[@RANDEEP685]

Thank you for the positive words, I’m 39 and live in the uk. I have my scan tomorrow to see what exactly is going on with my leg. One doctor said it’s tendon rupture and the other doctor said they can’t feel a gap

[@ChiChen3]

If you don’t have a gap and it’s only a partial rupture, you should consider non operative route. As you get older you’ll need to evaluate whether you’re planning to sports. Surgery adds a lot of complications and scar tissue so it may be best to let it heal on its own if it’s only a partial rupture. If there is a large gap then surgery is sometimes the only option.

[@dream.catcher3613]

Thanks sooooo much!!! Ruptured my Achilles on my skateboard yesterday. Just at the beginning of river season 😭😭 (i powerlift and paddleboard too) so i definitely cry randomly knowing im gonna have to wait another year to get back on my boards and that surgery is probably the option im gonna have to go with to get back. ER couldn't do imaging so idn how bad it is yet.. trying to get an appointment with the surgeon, but the way it went down and hearing your description of events, im pretty sure its a full tear. It was definitely encouraging to see your deadlifts and hearing your experience, plus all the research and advice. Best one I've seen yet. I'm definitely gonna watch the rest of this series. Crazy that this was your first video cause you did a GREAT job. Thanks man 🥰

[@ChiChen3]

Appreciate the kind words! Keep me posted how the imaging goes with your doctors. Keep your head up and let me know if you have any questions while you go through these videos!

[@nicholasstephens4168]

Hey dude my name is Nick and I ruptured my achilles on the 4/11. I’ve created a WhatsApp group where a bunch of us can share about our recovery journey. Are you interested in joining?

[@PERRITOCBA]

I torn my Achilles two weeks ago. Wearing a full cast now. You can’t imagine how much I can related to the patience bit. Thank you Chi for your helpful pieces of advice and for sharing your experience.

[@ChiChen3]

Happy to help! Good luck on your recovery and let me know if you have any questions.

[@PERRITOCBA]

@@ChiChen3 Thanks for your response. Do you mins sharing tips on the first physio exercises once you’ve just got the boot? Cheers, Mauro

[@user-cz5fj9nc3x]

Great video. I am impressed by your positive attitude. I had a complete rupture of my left Achilles in 2018 whilst playing soccer at the age of 36 (former division 1 soccer player). The recovery time post-op was just brutal. The loneliness and inactivity is excruciating. Last weekend, I ruptured my right Achilles and am scheduled for surgery next week. I was 40, turned 41 a few days later, and am also combatting the injury alone. Unfortunately, I do not have Canadian health services and do not live across from a grocery store. I do have a scooter (GET A SCOOTER. In the USA, most insurances will allow you to rent them and they are completely essential if you don’t have someone who can take care of rolling your trash bin to the street, just as one example of the numerous things that will become very difficult). I have groceries and things delivered and it is getting very expensive. My biggest question for you is, how did you deal with having complete knowledge of the long recovery and all the struggle and not just feel defeated? I am powering through, as athletes do, but my goodness, my spirits are so low. I think that in some ways, knowing what exactly to expect is a blessing, but all that I feel right now is defeat. It takes over a year, if not two years in my last case, to be somewhat where you were before the injury. Thank you for your positivity and I will try to channel some of that as I prepare for my second Achilles repair surgery and recovery. Grateful for your really informative content. -M

[@ChiChen3]

This is a great question and I feel your pain. When I ruptured my second achilles, I definitely felt very defeated and did not look forward to repeating the healing hardships. That being said after recovering from my second achilles, it went much smoother and felt faster because I knew exactly what to expect and just stayed patient with myself. You got this man! Let me know if you ever need some words of encouragement. Just take things one day at a time and before you know it, you'll be walking around again in a few months, albeit with a limp but at that point regular day to day things will be easier again.

[@jeffreymurray829]

Full rupture and 3 broken toes. I’ve had multiple surgeries in the past for injuries sustained at work and sports. The closest to this is a torn rotator cuff with detached bicep and pectoral, which was about a 12 month recovery. I am a hardcore snowboarder and instructor. I was blindsided by an out of control snowboarder who hit me so hard he punctured my board underneath my right foot. I limped down the mountain and drove to the hospital. From that point on your videos are exactly what I went through. I am now in week 3 after surgery and starting PT at the end of the week. I love your videos as they are truly helping me prepare for each step. The most important point you have made so far is “patience”, which I struggle with. My only criticism of this video is your reference to age. I am 63 and have no plans of slowing down any time soon.

[@ChiChen3]

Damn sounds like quite the accident. But also sounds like you got the best attitude and motivation to recover and get back at it!! That's amazing. You'll definitely be carving up those mountains again. I grew up snowboarding as well and even taught for a couple years when I was in highschool. Just take your time and listen to your body as you recover and it'll let you know when to push more and when to slow down and let it recover before you challenge it again. The beginning month or two is going to be slow and just be patient because it'll ramp up as you start walking with your weight and then progressing to taking off the boot.

[@riccardocasagrande1030]

Hi Chi!! It’s Riccardo, 28, from Italy!! First of all thanks for your amazing videos that are really motivating me throughout the whole process. I am just recovering an Achilles Surgery on my right foot performed last may 25th. Did you remember if you had absorbable or non-absorbable suture on the tendon? Which kind of wire material did they use on your both surgeries?

[@ChiChen3]

I don't know what wire material was used but I had staples in my first surgery and my second surgery they had sutures.

[@mignapacheco3849]

I ruptured my left Achilles Tendon Fri 05/21 was put on splint in ER was advised not to take it off till I saw an Orthopedic Doctor. Went to see a Dr. earliest was 05/26 He went over my options both pros and cons I decided to go with surgery & was placed on boot. due to Memorial Day weekend I was scheduled for 06/07 :::: tomorrow I will be two weeks post surgery Tuesday I get the splint off if all goes well I will go back to boot. Your videos are great. Helped me gage what I can expect going forward.

[@ChiChen3]

Glad to help and good luck with the recovery! Let me know if you ever have any questions. Cheers!

[@Cowzmentalz123]

Thanks Chi, ruptured my Achilles a week ago in a bball match. Really was 50/50 on surgery but I’ve decided to go for it as I’m only 22 and definitely want to return to competitive sports and my surgery is scheduled for Tuesday 4 days from now. I feel like this series is really gonna help me through the whole thing.🙏🏿

[@Cowzmentalz123]

Also I can’t believe you’re 34, you look much much younger 🤣

[@ChiChen3]

Hey man, you probably already had your surgery. Hope everything went well and your at home recovering with your leg up. You're definitely in the hardest part of the recovery right now which is the most painful as you heal from the surgery. Keep your head up man and just rest assured that you've started the healing process now and it's only going to get better from here!

[@ChiChen3]

I actually just turned 36 earlier this year! I guess I was 34 when I recorded this video lol.

[@jonileigh7649]

Thanks for all the advise. I’ll be getting a knee scooter. Using crutches is killing me.

[@ChiChen3]

Crutches are the worst. Knee scooter is definitely the way to go, made life so much easier the second time around.

[@DerekKwan]

Thanks for taking the time to make these, Chi. I'm 46, just ruptured my right achilles tendon 1.5 weeks ago... and had surgery 4 days ago. Definitely appreciate the content that you and others have made that soften the landing for the challenging road we have ahead of us. I'd be curious if you think having injured one side caused you to favor the other side and put more stress/strain on it? Or was it the inevitable sum of years of wear and tear?

[@ChiChen3]

I believe it was both. My second tear likely happened because it had gone through inevitable sum of wear and tear but also during recovery from the first surgery, I had favoured the other leg since one leg was in a boot. Hopping around on one leg added to the stress and wear and tear of the second leg which eventually ruptured playing basketball again.

[@jidion514]

I had an ACL injury over 2 years ago while playing basketball and just recently I strained my left achilles while playing basketball so I really have to be careful when I can play basketball again.

[@ChiChen3]

The best way is to strengthen and do physio on your Achilles to rehabilitate it. You’re fortunate you don’t have to deal with a tear or surgery but you should definitely work on it. Do single leg calf raises on the stairs and let yourself down super slow and controlled until you feel a stretch and then lift yourself back up. You want to build up strength and control through that full range of motion so when you put your body into that range of motion in fast paced explosive sports actions, it’ll be able to handle the force.

[@terrymcclelland2610]

So informative- 2 weeks after surgery (3 weeks after Bilateral rupture snowboarding myself) Only just started the journey but glad I found your thread.

[@ChiChen3]

Thank you Terry! I'm glad you found it helpful. I've never heard about it happening during snowboarding but that makes sense since we're on our toes carving a lot but I'd think the boots would prevent you from over stretching.. how did it happen for you during snowboarding? Did you land toeside?

[@terrymcclelland2610]

@@ChiChen3 I’ll say yes re toe side because I did face plant after the impact. On a snowboard forum I found a contributor who articulated my injury well in terms of the mechanics and contributing factors. If I can’t add screenshots here I’ll rewrite. I was wearing ‘step ons’ which lock the base of the boot with absolutely no give. Week 7; Out of moonboots and doing a variety of gentle WB exercises alternating between crutches and walker both in bare feet and ‘crocs’ as I wait for a pair of Hoka’s to arrive. Am in sunny NQ so have started pool exercises as well. Whilst I don’t play basketball I have connected with your journey cause the majority following your thread obviously want to continue active lifestyles which in my cause revolves around hiking, biking and kayaking.

[@terrymcclelland2610]

@@ChiChen3 Copied post from ‘snowboard forum-surgeon’ ……. Unless you're hardbooting, your ankle isn't locked. Sure, snowboard boots are stiffer, which is why you don't see/hear about that kind of injury much in snowboarding. However, apply enough force on that ankle and it'll flex those boots past the point where your tendon will snap. In my case: I came down hard on a big air landing (about 40ft table), underrotated my 540 a bit (I was almost facing upwards the landing) and had all my weight on my left foot. I therefore overflexed my ankle forward by a LOT, it put tons of tension on the tendon/calf muscle and it snapped. If you read the OP's second post, it's basically the same mechanics as my rupture, except both his ankles got hyperflexed at the same time (I'd say there was less force involved in his case but since he ruptured both on the same impact, it must have been quite a strong shock/impact)….

[@ChiChen3]

@@terrymcclelland2610 Yikes yeah I can picture that, definitely landing on your toes from a jump like that puts a lot of force on the achilles especially facing up the landing (similar position to a deficit calf raise). Thanks for sharing!