Week 9: Achilles Tendon Rupture Non Surgical - Transitioning from Boot to Shoes

[@skon1133]

Thank you man for real your doing anyone with this injury a huge blessing

[@cstanley1990]

Ruptured yesterday, so good to see the road to recovery is manageable and thanks for all the hints and tips! I'd say keep it up but I hope you and everyone else here never has to go through this pain again!

[@janjohnson7982]

Could not have gotten through this without you.. my doctors are amazed how well I am doing.!!.I say its because of you! ears later your still a star.. Can't thank you enough ❤❤

[@saulm58]

Hi SJ, you can't imagine how useful your videos are these days (today Mach 7, 2020), when appointments with the doctor and physiotherapist have been canceled due to the Corona virus quarantine without any advice about what to do. Thank you very much for sharing your experience!

[@gileshyland2573]

I am now at week 7 since rupturing mine. These videos are so helpful and reassuring. I recognise my own experience in yours which makes me feel things are on the right track.

[@paulcalderon7184]

Thank you, mate. I'm into my 7th month and have been following you since my third week of non operative recovery. You've been a life saver.

[@yesreneau]

Honestly you are a hero for these videos.

[@yesreneau]

Like, the calming effect of being able to watch these cannot be understated.

[@markc5517]

Thanks for putting all these vids together, you have created the most comprehensive diary for Achilles rupture recovery on youtube. I agree with the no boot to sleep protocol. I have progressed quickly and I never wore the boot to bed seems to slow recovery, obviously being careful is key, but it hurts so much to injure, we tend to be over cautious. My swelling has been minimal and I've also adopted the early weight bearing protocol. Hope people watching this can keep positive.

[@SJachilles]

Hi Mark, the only thing I would say is that I would keep the boot on for at least the first 6 weeks. He foot needs to be in planter flexion to heal correctly at the right size and not long. One of the other youtubers said in hindsight he wishes he kept the boot on during sleep because it turns out he has healed a bit long. SO while we shouldnt overprotect the injury i would keep the boot on for at least 6, if not 8 weeks to make sure i dont heal long. That is a disaster of a scenario which means doing an operation and starting all over again. GOod luck!

[@Mark-bx5uu]

Appreciate this is quite an old video now, but you're clearly taking a cautious approach...which is also my preference...so fair play to you. I'm about to enter Wk7 by the way. Great video.

[@Always_Never]

You doing any better in the last month? I'm in week 5...and can't wait to get out of this boot

[@Mvp8890]

These videos felt like a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@kamilerkadoo3960]

Hey SJ, I raptured my achilles tendon in June'22, so many videos out there, and many useful. I would say yours is far the most detailed in terms of pains, process and honest outcomes. I'm 12 weeks in and now not wearing the boot. The fun has been renting mobility scooters, but now hobbling and now restarted weekend security work on the doors, luckily in quiet venues, and during the week working from home. I had planned to compete in the MMA competitions, but will leave that until next year. Again thanks for your recent posts, very encouraging.

[@shnks9]

Literally just ruptured mine 6 days ago and I’m devastated. The research begins

[@joanbean14]

Same! Terrible

[@budoyadao2052]

So how is it now? I’m hoping for your fast recovery.

[@shnks9]

@@budoyadao2052 I’m 4 months post rupture. Fortunately it was a complete rupture. About 70% so could’ve been worse. I’m back walking ok without a limp but as the muscle gets tired the limp comes back. Still working on stamina. Still not tried running or explosive movements as I’ve been instructed to wait. I can manage a calf raise if i use both legs but yet to manage a single calf raise. The tendon can also be tight/stiff in the morning if its cold or damp. I use a hot water bottle for 15 minutes to warm it up before rehab exercises. Ive also been attending a sports therapist to receive massages on the scar tissue.

[@obiecrenshaw]

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

[@shnks9]

@@obiecrenshaw Couldnt agree more! Im now 11 months post rupture. Normal life has resumed. Still get some stiffness around ankle in the morn but getting there. Ive managed a brief slow jog but still scared to do any more. The mental side is harder than the physical.

[@JasonGBASKETBALL22]

Thanks for the Video again SJ! I am now at Week 8 of my recovery and went to see the doctor today. He was really happy with how my Achilles is healing and gave it a real good feel and said everything was all good, he commented massive loss of muscle in my calf which was expected. Gave me the all clear to begin physio so I will start that asap. He also said I could begin walking at home with no boot on which I will try in a week or two as I don't feel comfortable yet haha. But damn it feels good to walk with no crutches ! I started walking without Crutches at Week 7 so I was a bit late but yeah can't wait to start the physio program.

[@kevinhill6259]

I am 78 years of age and ruptured my Achilles 3.5 weeks ago when I stepped off a 50cm drop. It is a complete rupture I am in a boot with wedges and wear it 24/7, except that my orthopod said I could shower without the boot and with a stool. I have also been weight- bearing from day 4. In the boot. At my 2 week consult the specialist was very happy with progress - very little swelling or bruising. Although I am resting my leg in a raised position for approx 50% of the day, I can walk in the boot reasonably comfortably without crutches or a stick. So far so good.

[@91007]

Hi I just ruptured my Achilles and am trying to push it non-op. Just wondering if any downsides from your super early weight bearing. I too have started weight bearing day 4. Thanks so much and I hope you healed beautifully

[@kevinhill6259]

Three years after my Achilles rupture I can assure those with recent Achilles injuries that the healing process, although protracted will be successful providing you follow the recommended treatment and procedures. My Achilles today is as strong, if not stronger stronger than it was previously. Make sure you undertake regular exercise for at least 12 months after the healing is complete. You may also find that the calf muscle is weakened and exercising the calf will also be beneficial.

[@lifeofjhesfx8527]

Ruptured my Achilles playing basketball 2 weeks ago and watching your videos gave me a lot of hope and switched my decision from surgical to going with the non surgical route thankful for your videos and progress 🙏🏾

[@georgechijarira6074]

I did mine 9 weeks ago, playing basketball as well. Non surgical route too. This guy’s videos are very helpful but also he went ultra cautious so a rather slower approach, I’m in week 9 and can already squat with no support on my toes with both feet. I can almost single leg calf raise, and yes mine was a complete rupture. So as much as I would take tips from these videos I really listened to my body and wasn’t as ultra scared to stretch and strengthen my tendon and calf as soon as it felt right. All the best mate.

[@husseinzavery7027]

Same, I’m in week 9 now and feel great. Crazy how fast the progress can come. I find that he’s tripping about healing long when it’s so rare that it’s something 99% of people don’t need to worry about especially if your in a boot within a few days of rupture. Just listen to your body.

[@faithngaire1833]

Thank you for making this video. I am currently at week 9 and this has been real reassuring, that my healing is on the right track.

[@taraevans1166]

Hi again- great stuff as always. I am in week 8 now "Non surgy". Saw my doc at end of week 7. Last wedge is out 4 days later- today. He is "very happy" with how it's healing. He is saying I can take off my boot at 9 weeks- was saying walk around in boot no wedge for a week before taking it off. So 10 more days. Then wants heel lift in shoes and no silly shoes. Flat or runners. I am still sleeping with boot on, just for safety...fire alarm, sleeping with partner. However- have been showering without it for weeks- much quicker for work. I have a chair, get in dry shower then turn the wand on facing away. Just Be Careful. My boot is still not smelly- rubbing Alcohol spray every day and clean long sports sock. I am doing basic exercises, ankle rolls, towel scrunches inversion eversion. Doc saying no real physio beyond basic till 5 weeks from now, he just wants me walking. I may do a couple hydro therapy sessions as soon as out of the boot before physio. Bought some K tape- question is: do you think it works/ helps?

[@SJachilles]

Great to see your progress. I don't think KT tape does much at all and from my understanding there is no scientific backing of it. But the big benefit of KT tape is it gives you feedback on if you are stretching it too much and it shows people you are injured. I only used it for a month or so.

[@ashearera]

Just got to this point week 9, been all over this video series for the last two months haha. Thankfully came out of the boot a couple days ago and the Thompson test was thankfully all good. Here in the UK were not allowed to shower the injured foot for the full 8 weeks haha.

[@KrystenJanzen]

Seriously appreciate your videos SO much as I move into week 8. Thank you so so much!

[@mohamedsesay8682]

How’s your Achilles now

[@KrystenJanzen]

@@mohamedsesay8682 my left calf is still weaker than my right. Kinda sucks.

[@mohamedsesay8682]

@@KrystenJanzen but can you still do your normal activities, like running etc

[@KrystenJanzen]

@@mohamedsesay8682 I can! Yes

[@Sam-dz4wq]

I’m in week 9 now, love referring to your videos when I have some questions of my own that aren’t always answered from PT.

[@walters6628]

Thanks for making this video. I am ten weeks post Achilles rupture. I have been told to start stretching.

[@lareims]

Hello SJ Thank you for these very helpful videos. May God bless you. I am at week 7 and just few weeks away from getting out of my walking boot. Can’t wait to start walking in my sneakers! I just want to let you know that a negative Thomson test indicates that the Achilles tendon has rejoined and your foot moves when the calf muscle is pressed. I think you may have accidentally said that you had a positive Thomson test when in fact your test was negative as your foot was seen to move during the test which is a good sign of recovery.

[@McknightBo]

Useful still and it’s 2023

[@mrst1230]

Hi SJ , these videos are a godsend to me. currently stuck at home due to the coronavirus lockdown. Have had phonecalls from my consultant but nothing compares to seeing what its supposed to look like. I did my rupture whilst playing hockey - gone with the non-surgical route and and I've just hit the 8 week mark and now feel comfortable wearing a shoe/trainers . However, like you I feel my foot isn't bending much and the downward pressure on the balls of my foot is pretty non-existent. Seated I can raise my heel off the floor but I feel its more my leg lifting the heel rather than the foot/ankle. So I'm going to carry on with the exercises and hopefully as it becomes stronger I will get a better movement walking. I also am not going to do much stretching. My consultant was talking about standing on a step and stretching it down ..but that makes me wince just thinking of it, so I'm going to leave that for now. Its reassuring to know you've had similar thoughts. Looking forward to seeing week 10.

[@topstuff9145]

Really useful video, thank you for doing these. I'm at end of week 2 and dreaming of week 9

[@TIIJIVIL]

TopStuff I'm just over 2 weeks myself, and would love to know how things have been since your two week mark!

[@topstuff9145]

Sunny Tee things have progressed well. I started partial weight bearing at the end of week 2 and increase this for next 2 weeks. My foot is at nuetral currently. I have a big vacoped heel on so today I'm hoping to change it with a thinner heel which will allow me to start trying to full weight bear and lose the crutches. Also doing ROM exercises 4 times a day. Still tight and sore in heel area if Ive been using it but nothing too excruciating. Where are u based? Are you going non surgical? Have they said how big your tear is?

[@TIIJIVIL]

TopStuff that sounds like a very rapid and successful recovery process, good for you! I'm based in Vancouver BC. It's a complete rupture, and I chose the conservative route last Thursday. I have another appointment with the orthopaedic surgeon in about 12 hours, checking in at the 2 week mark. Do you have an anticipated timeframe when you can start walking unassisted with and without boot?

[@topstuff9145]

Sunny Tee they have told me 8 weeks plan from start of wearing boot to removal of boot. But obviously this depends on progress so can extend beyond 8 weeks. I'm at the end of week 5 now. Feel like i want to push on now and get to FWB quickly but mentally feel a bit scared of the next step.

[@TIIJIVIL]

TopStuff a lot of people also mentioned a similar fear, but it seems like it's a very short lasting fear. Hopefully you will pass that hurdle quickly! Seeing OPs videos raised another concern to me about healing long. I plan to talk to the doctor tomorrow about that. Have you also discussed about this issue?

[@KA-ry6nz]

Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@karimba8485]

Thank you man! Your testimony is very helpful. Im at week 9 now.

[@viktoriaandonova2786]

Hello SJ, thank you for putting out all these videos. Currently (11 of March 2023) I’m at week 8 of my recovery. Your videos are comprehensive and well constructed which helped my mentality and gave me hope that I will recover. Im really wondering if you ever did come back to your full physical routine?

[@garyandrews5638]

I'm loving your videos. I'm on week 4, and it's scary as hell (afraid of healing long) and seeing the possible 'future' is great.

[@roberthickton7732]

I just partually ruptured my achilles tendon Saturday and placed in a plaster cast. Your videos really helpful. Wish I get use to using crutches quicker.

[@prasartpongpet]

The doctor gave me wedges,to use in both shoes. Still in week 5 so looking forward to wear shoes.

[@KIMJOHND]

Hi SJ, I'm on the week 9 and saw the Specialists today at the hospital. Had a positive Thompson test which I'm very happy with. The boots though I must go around with for another 2 weeks when walking around and slowly transition to my regular shoes in 2 weeks time. I'm also gonna enjoy the first night sleeping without the boots which I'm looking forward to. Anyways I hope everything is well with you. Thanks again

[@Toasxy]

I have had some pain on the outside of my lower end of my foot with similar pain. Very sharp couldn’t do anything. 250mg aspirin has really helped me

[@bambis46]

I see my surgeon tomorrow! Your videos give me hope that it's not going to be 6 months like the hospital told me!

[@SJachilles]

It depends what you want to do at 6 months! Probably won't be running but walking and everything else should be fine.

[@alisamking]

This is extremely helpful as I’ve just started walking and PT 5 sessions

[@ketanvaria]

Very useful video - than you!

[@Juzzy007]

Really enjoying your Vlogs, SJ. Ruptured my achillies 4 weeks ago at the heel bone and had surgery in Perth. 1 week into a 4 week planter flex stint of fibreglass cast, then 4 weeks in the boot. Very informative. 👍

[@kes1638]

Great advice, I’m at week 6-7 and the physio said I shouldn’t be doing anything just yet, although a sports physio said I should be doing some exercise you showed in the last video. NHS is great but they really don’t have a clear idea about the rehab stuff in my opinion which is frustrating. They were shocked I had been told to stay in the boot at all times and not activate any of the muscles in the ankle! Also thighs and quads.. and lower back will be out of line as you’re at an angle with the boot.. very long journey

[@ah59406]

im at week 7. Still in the boot. So frustrating but getting better,

[@hpsk14]

Hi I love your videos I tore my achiles tendon been about 3 months. Your video really help me get threw the process

[@mannybee3245]

Thanks 4 the vids sj ruptured 2 months ago you've been a big help!

[@lsrsam1]

Hi SJ, Great to watch your journey! Amazing! This is my no-op week 6 and I feel like to have a new surgeon. Do you live in Brisbane? if yes, it will be good to know your Doctor's details. I hope you still read this comments :). Thanks!!

[@nandasorewa00]

Thanks for your series SJ.

[@skiddo75]

Your videos are fantastic, so informative and helpful, thank you so much. I'm currently at this stage, just going into my 9th week total atr non op, left foot also. I suffer a bit of swelling though but I was in a cast for 8 weeks so maybe that has something to do with it. I'm following all of your exercises and advice. I'm doing pretty good! I start physio next week in my week 10. Thanks again for helping me through this.

[@SJachilles]

Since you were in a cast for so long and couldn't do range of motion or partial weight bearing, be a bit more careful and take a slower approach. Because you were casted for so long, you probably would have lost a lot more muscle compared to people who were doing ROMs and weight bearing from week 2. Anyway good luck with it!

[@skiddo75]

SJ thank you very much for taking the time to reply, I really appreciate it especially after following your videos since my first week. Regarding the cast, although I wasn't able to do rom exercises, my specialist wanted me to weight bear from early on as it was part of his protocol to promote collagen and use my leg. I was partial weightbearing at week two and then full weight bearing at week 4 in a weight bearing cast. It's definitely helped as I didn't struggle too much at all when I became cast free. My rom is pretty good now too at 9 weeks. I feel I'm at a very similar stage to you at your week 9, but as you say, I'll take on board what you said. I am very sensible about it all, using lots of common sense along with the exercises. Thanks very much again for helping me through this, Much appreciated.

[@SJachilles]

simon kidson oh you were in a cast that allowed weight bearing? That’s ok then. I thought you were non weight bearing for 8 weeks which would not have been good. But looks like you are on track.

[@OnHollowGround]

Thank you so much for making this video.

[@socialassassin660]

At what point were you able to golf again throughout this injury. Am in week 6 and I just got my second of 3 heel wedges removed. Am down to one 1cm wedge now and i haven’t hit the links yet.

[@SlyKingi]

Hey SJ I’m almost 8 weeks into my recovery and I’m a bit scared/ nervous that my tendon is elongated, is there anything you think I could do to improve the likelihood that the tendon can be tighter. Example- If I was to flex my foot In a more downwards position so it could heal closer together? Thanks Mate these videos have been great for reassurance

[@Fabiofl636]

Ciao, dopo quanto tempo hai cominciato a sentire io ritorno di forza nella camminata?

[@joshuawagnon2819]

How are you doing 4 years later? Do you still recommend non surgical recovery?

[@tdz27]

hi SJ im already stretching my injured foot. its been 3 weeks and 5 days since i ruptured my Achilles tendon. Also I already stop using crutches since 3 days ago.

[@ahmettamer589]

How did your recovery go? I'm also on a fairly fast track. On fifth week and was walking by 3rd to 4th

[@kelekhotonaleo5199]

I'm here for your shoe to buy please send link

[@joeldawriter]

So I went to my Physical Therapy and they were surprised I did non surgical. I was in the neutral boot and tried to come off the boot but no success current week 9 non op. Kind of stressed about it

[@SJachilles]

You were neutral the entire time and never in planter flexion?

[@mikelau2003]

Can you feel where the tear happened? Although my Achilles are attached I can feel a little gap around where the tear occurred

[@Chatziis]

BIG UP!! Thank you for calming my ass down. Currently in week 8 with the boot still!

[@steveklaif1650]

When did you start driving?

[@TIIJIVIL]

How aggressive is your rehab/physio program? I dream of being able to walk 8 to 9 weeks post injury (im just over 2 weeks in my injury today)

[@SJachilles]

Well in the first 8 weeks, i was doing range of motion exercises every hour and was fully weight bearing around the week 4-5 mark. I didn't do any formal physio until i got out of the boot post week 8.

[@TIIJIVIL]

SJ thanks for the reply! Another question for you. At any point during your recovery, perhaps when walking in the boot, have you ever experienced clicking in the ankles when walking with partial/full weight bearing?

[@JasonGBASKETBALL22]

I am at week 8 of my rupture and walking with the boot and I can say I did feel a click in my ankle when walking. Usually feel it in the morning when I first start walking.

[@SJachilles]

No i actually didn't feel a click but as I say to everyone, you will feel weird pains during this process. Those muscles and nerves haven't been active in ages!

[@jayr3938]

@@SJachilles i am 7 weeks in a full rupture and have had a 'NHS Boot' on which if all.goes well comes off in 6 days. These past 4 days i have been weight bearing a lot with crutches but feeling lots of weird pains / aches and to be honest i am getting worried. Are pains / aches normal? I have been trying to look online for similar situations of non surgical treatment and pains around this same period and what could it possibly mean but maybe i am overthinking it and this is part of the healing process? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[@bmo5082]

Hey brother, I just want to start out by saying thank you for posting these videos. I completely tore my achilles about 2 weeks ago, in a very similar fasion to yours. I am male, 35, was playing softball, thought someone kicked me in the back of the foot haha. Anyway, I was put in a cast about a week ago, but now i am noticing a lot of tightness in my upper calf, and i am unable to straighten my leg out ( I may be able to, but I start to feel a lot of pain in my upper calf when i try). Did anything like that happen to you?

[@mahendrapaidipadu5054]

Boot name

[@relzist]

So do you suggest going the non surgical way? I am suppose to have surgery 1/17/19 and I tore my achillies 1/8/19? I am going to get a second opinion tomorrow to see if surgery is the best way to go.

[@SJachilles]

Yep i always suggest non surgical for this injury. Worked well for me!

[@rayrodriguez9893]

@@SJachilles sj please reply im going thru this now the orthopedic i went to see says that i have to have surgery otherwise im not going to be able to walk , im rrally into non surgery what should i do see another doctor ? i have no pain when i have the feet up it happen to me 1pnfays ago i felt like sommone kicked me and s pop , hurtsss a lot that day please rrply with some advice pleaseee

[@masterywithmike]

HI mate, did you get any swelling around the calves after taking off the boot? I'm in week 9 and now walking in shoes. It feels good though theres abit of swelling there. Thanks for your vids its been very helpful

[@leoedgemon6856]

How are you bro? Im also on my week 9 today, and after a day of standing for hours, i got swelling up to my calf too. When did the swelling stop for you? Thank you

[@cecelorthioir5199]

I’m Week 7, also non op. My OS just approved to wean off boot and wear shoes inside house and boot outside. I wore my shoes for couple of hours on day one, and got worried because I had weird sensations, like pulling on my tendon. So I went back to my boot, until I see my physio this week. Did you have any weird sensations on your first couple of days of wearing shoes?

[@SJachilles]

CeCe Lorthioir if I were you, keep the boot on until week 8 is over. You want to make sure it heals at the right length. I remember there was some weird feelings when I started walking but that’s normal since the nerves are getting active for the first time in two months.

[@leeperkin5305]

Hi did your ancle swell after you went from boot to shoe

[@SJachilles]

I remember it being bigger than normal so the fit was tight but i don't recall extra swelling.

[@Silencer1914]

Hi SJ, I am almost 8 weeks into my non-surgical recovery. I was just wondering if you experienced any swelling in your calf as you entered the total weight bearing period and started removing wedges from your boot. No pain in my calf...just swollen. The swelling subsides when I make it home from work, and I'm able to elevate it some. Thanks!

[@SJachilles]

from memory i had swelling for a long time. it can take over a year for the swelling to go down completely.

[@jasonphu2253]

Hey SJ, what shoe is that? Thanks!

[@SJachilles]

Hi Jason, they are the Nike Metcon in triple black.

[@jasonphu2253]

Hi SJ, thank you! And thanks for making all of these videos showing your progression, it has really helped me out with my own recovery! Currently week 12 non op, happy healing to you man!

[@MN-fc5so]

5 weeks for me Non Surg.. terrified to walk without a boot..

[@tedwalton6985]

Same here. Week 6 post surgery. I'm in a boot and removing a wedge every week. Just removed 2nd one yesterday (of 3) and feel pain at surgery site. Can't see how I will be in a shoe in 2 weeks.

[@zakariamaster7717]

Great videos sj , been following your videos since my achilies rupture April 1st 2019 . I’m based in the uk . Currently on week 7 . I have been walking without the boot . Consultant has confirmed tendon has healed well along with my recent mri which showed a significant improvement from the mri at week 3 . I am conservative (mom surgery) and pleased with the progress so far . I have question sj , I’m currently only 5 cm away from the wall on my injured leg when I do the wall stretch test . I noticed you reached this at week 11 , would you say it is overstretched at the moment ?

[@F7it]

Hi there, was never offered an MRI or ultrasound, just the Thompson test. Did you ask for it? since it takes so long to get an MRI with the NHS

[@SewSpecial808]

I ruptured mine in 11/2022

[@davetruewang-bz4oi]

WAS IT A FULL RUPTURE?

[@georgechijarira6074]

Yes it was. He mentions this in one of his first videos