how to rehab a surgically repaired achilles tendon

Rehabilitation following Achilles tendon repair is vital in regaining motion, strength and function. Initially a walking boot is used for the first 4–5 weeks. Gradually more weight bearing and mobility is allowed to prevent stiffness post-operatively. The rehabilitation progresses slowly into strengthening, gait and balancing activities. Rehabilitation guidelines are presented in a criterion based progression. General time frames refer to the usual pace of rehabilitation. Individual patients will progress at different rates depending on their age, associated injuries, pre-injury health status, rehab compliance, tissue quality and injury severity. Specific time frames, restrictions and precautions may also be given to enhance wound healing and to protect the surgical repair/reconstruction.

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Does your Achilles' tendon heal on its own?

How long does it take to recover from Achilles tendon repair surgery? Straight leg lifts, side-lying hip abductions, and straight legged bridges are all good exercises to try. It is possible to do isometrics using uninvolved muscles. Activated dorsiflexion of the ankle till a mild stretch of the Achilles is achieved after 4 weeks.

How long does it take an Achilles tendon to heal?

help strengthen the repaired tendon. Historically it has been thought that a surgically repaired Achilles tendon offered a significantly smaller risk of Figure 1 The dotted line represents the longitudinal incision used to expose the ruptured Achilles tendon during surgical repair. Figure 2 Torn Achilles tendon.

Can torn Achilles tendon heal on its own?

Achilles tendon repair rehab protocol Below we outline the steps that we have our patients take to recover from a percutaneous Achilles tendon repair surgery. You may learn more about how The Stone Clinic repairs Achilles tendon ruptures without open surgery in our explanation of Achilles tendon injury, diagnosis and treatment.

How to tell if you ruptured your Achilles tendon?

PHASE I: IMMEDIATE POST-OP (0-3 WEEKS AFTER SURGERY) Rehabilitation Goals • Protect repair • Maintain strength of hip, knee and core • Manage swelling Weight Bearing Walking • Non-weight bearing (NWB) on crutches in splint and/or Achilles boot. Intervention Range of motion/Mobility (in boot/splint) • Supine passive hamstring stretch

How long does it take for a surgically repaired Achilles tendon to heal?

If you sit at work, you may be able to go back in 1 to 2 weeks. But if you are on your feet at work, it may take 6 to 8 weeks. If you are very physically active in your job, it may take 3 to 6 months.

How do you rehab a Achilles tendon after surgery?

ExercisesStraight leg raises, side-lying hip abduction, Straight legged bridges.Isometrics of uninvolved muscles.Light active dorsiflexion of the ankle until gentle stretch of Achilles after 4 weeks.Slowly increase the intensity and ranges of isometrics of Achilles within the range of the boot.More items...

What should I avoid after Achilles tendon surgery?

Avoid long periods of sitting (without your leg elevated) or long distance traveling for 2 weeks. No driving until instructed by Dr. Keller. May return to sedentary work ONLY or school in 3-4 days after surgery, if pain is tolerable.

How long is physical therapy after Achilles tendon surgery?

From 4-8 weeks, the physical therapy involves strengthening the calf muscles, hamstring, and core. Further exercises will help stabilize the ankle and help with the range of motion.Feb 15, 2022

Is Achilles tendon repair a major surgery?

This is done with a tendon taken from another place in your foot. In some cases, the Achilles tendon repair surgery can be done as a minimally invasive procedure. This is done with several small incisions instead of one large one. It may use a special scope with a tiny camera and a light to help do the repair.

Do you need physical therapy after Achilles surgery?

You may need to wear this boot for as long as six weeks, depending on the extent of your injury. Your doctor will recommend you to a physical therapist, who will draw up a regime of exercise for you to regain strength in your leg. For the first few weeks, your physical therapist may simply massage your calf.

How do I strengthen my calf after Achilles surgery?

0:010:49Strengthening Exercises following an Achilles Tendon Rupture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe band around the foot. And hold the ends near your body. Start with the band's just taut. AndMoreThe band around the foot. And hold the ends near your body. Start with the band's just taut. And then point your foot away against the resistance. Calf raises are the gold standard exercise.

How long are you non weight bearing after Achilles tendon surgery?

Surgical repair of an Achilles can usually be performed through a small (3/4”) incision, and requires just 3-4 weeks non-weight bearing and an additional 2-3 weeks in a walking boot. (Total time until boot removal is 5-6 weeks).

How long to stretch Achilles?

Slowly increase passive range of motion and stretch on the Achilles after 6 weeks. Proprioception exercises, intrinsic muscle strengthening, PNF patterns for hip and knee (not to Achilles). At 6 weeks, okay to add stationary cycling with heel push only.

How long does it take for walking orthosis to adjust?

Walking orthosis set at 30 degrees plantar flexion at 3 weeks; adjust 10 degrees per week. Gradually increase weight-bearing from toe-touchdown to partial as tolerated and as able per range of motion (heel contact once partial weight-bearing). After 6 weeks, okay to progress to full weight-bearing.

How to repair a torn Achilles tendon?

If the tendon is torn in the mid substance (above where it attaches to the bone), it will be repaired by reconnecting the two ends with a heavy suture.

Where is Achilles tendon repair done?

An Achilles tendon repair surgery is a scheduled outpatient procedure done in an operating room located in a hospital or surgery center. It is rare to have this procedure immediately after going to the emergency room for an injury. 3 

What are the risks of Achilles tendon surgery?

Potential Risks. This surgery can cause complications that are normally associated with anesthesia and surgery. Infection and healing problems: Achilles tendon repair surgery can be complicated by a post-operative foot infection, impaired wound healing, or impaired healing of the tendon.

What to expect after Achilles tear?

What to Expect. Recovery. Your Achilles tendon helps you walk, jump, and run, so injury to it can be quite debilitating. Treatment for an Achilles tear or Achilles rupture may include a surgical intervention to fix damage to this fibrous connective tissue, helping restore its function and integrity.

What happens if a tendon is torn off the heel bone?

If the tendon has torn off of the calcaneus (the heel bone), then the free end of the tendon will be cleaned up, and then it is reattached directly to the bone with special types of bone anchors. In cases of significant surgical delay or if a significant portion of the tendon has to be removed because it is so unhealthy, ...

How does a foot immobilize?

Your foot will be immobilized starting in a pointed position, which helps keep the previously torn ends of the tendon together. Over time, the foot is gradually flexed under the guidance of your physician.

Why do you need to rest your foot before surgery?

Prior to your surgery, you will need to rest your foot to avoid additional injury and help reduce the swelling. This is especially important if you are having surgery for a recent traumatic Achilles tendon rupture.

How to speed up Achilles tendon surgery recovery?

3. Making Use of Crutches or a Cane. To speed up the Achilles tendon surgery recovery process, you may have to use a cane or crutches as support while walking.

How long does it take to recover from Achilles tendon surgery?

While most patients require six months to a year to fully recover from an Achilles tendon surgery, you can always take steps to shorten your recovery time. Here are some suggestions. 1. Take Your Medicine As Directed. You should always follow the directions of your doctor when taking your medications.

What is the muscle that connects the calf to the heel called?

Achilles Tendon Surgery Recovery. The rope-like structure that keeps your muscle connected to bone is called a tendon. The muscle contraction pulls on the tendon that moves the bone. You have several tendons in the body, but the Achilles tendon, which links your calf muscles to the heel bone, is the strongest and largest of them all.

How to treat tendonitis after surgery?

You can do it without having to put additional strain on the healing tendon. Ultrasound Therapy: Your physical therapist may consider making use of electrical modalities such as interferential current or ultrasound to help reduce the pain and control post-surgical inflammation.

How long does it take for a calf to return to normal?

You may also have to perform certain exercises to strengthen your calf muscles and Achilles. In most cases, you will return to full activity by six months.

How long does it take to get a splint removed after surgery?

They may also remove stitches during the evaluation. After this, you will have to stick to the postoperative protocol for 2-6 weeks.

How to improve movement?

Physical Therapy. You may have to work with a physical therapist to learn certain exercises that help improve movement. Regular exercise also lowers the risk for loss of function. Your doctor may also teach you some exercises to perform at home. Be sure to do them as per your therapist's instructions.

What is the procedure to repair a damaged Achilles tendon?

Achilles tendon repair surgery is a type of surgery to fix a damaged Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is a strong, fibrous cord in the lower leg. It connects the muscles of your calf to your heel. It’s the largest tendon in your body.

Why does my Achilles tendon tear?

In some cases, the Achilles tendon can tear, or rupture. This is usually due to a sudden, strong force. It can happen during tough physical activity. It can happen if you suddenly move faster or pivot on your foot. Having a foot that turns outward too much can increase your risk of a torn tendon.

How does a calf surgeon help you sleep?

The surgeon will make an incision through the skin and muscle of your calf. If you have minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon will make a smaller incision.

How long after a splint is removed can you use crutches?

After your surgery, you will likely need to use crutches. This is so you can keep your weight off your leg. About 10 days after your surgery, you’ll need to return to your healthcare provider to have your stitches removed. Your healthcare provider might replace your splint with a cast at this time.

What are the complications of anesthesia?

Complications from anesthesia. Continued pain in your foot and ankle. Your own risks may vary according to your age, the shape of your foot and leg muscles and tendons, your general health, and the type of surgery done. Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you have.

Where is the incision for calf surgery?

During the surgery, an incision is made in the back of the calf. If the tendon is ruptured, the surgeon will stitch the tendon back together. If the tendon is degenerated, the surgeon may remove the damaged part of the tendon and repair the rest of the tendon with stitches. If there is severe damage to a lot of the tendon, ...

Can a ruptured Achilles tendon cause pain?

A ruptured Achilles tendon can cause pain and swelling near your heel. You may not be able to bend your foot downward. The Achilles tendon can also degenerate. This is also known as tendinitis or tendinopathy. This might cause symptoms like pain and stiffness along your Achilles tendon and on the back of your heel.