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.
Full Answer
How long is recovery from Achilles surgery?
Rehabilitation Program Guidelines Weeks 1 through 8. Throughout this initial recovery period, patients need to avoid exercising their foot. This ‘rest’ period aids the Achilles tendon as it heals. Many patients find that doing something positive during their eight-week, limited-mobility period assists them in coping with this less-active lifestyle.
What is the recovery time after Achilles tendon surgery?
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. Goals. 0 degrees Dorsiflexion. After 6 weeks progress to full weight-bearing, discharge crutches.
How long does pain last after Achilles surgery?
After an open Achilles tendon surgery (depending on how much damage was repaired) your ankle will be immobilized in a short or long-leg cast with absolutely no weight bearing on your injured leg for 4-8 weeks. After 4-8 weeks your Achilles tendon will start to heal to the point where weight bearing is acceptable.
How to strengthen Achilles tendon after surgery?
Patients are typically discharged from the hospital on the day of surgery. The ankle is placed in a splint in full plantarflexion for the first 2 weeks. At 2 weeks (Post-Operative Phase 2), the splint is removed, and they are placed into a Controlled Ankle Movement (CAM) boot with heel wedges. Patients are encouraged to have one physical therapy session at 2 weeks for patient education …
When should I start physical therapy after Achilles surgery?
Starting physical therapy At the 2-week mark, the surgeon will assess the surgery and remove the stitches. If the surgical site is healing well, the doctor will approve physical therapy. The foot will stay in a special boot between treatment to keep the ankle and foot slightly elevated.
When can I start weight bearing after Achilles tendon surgery?
4- 6 weeks: Begin full weight bearing as tolerated, in the boot. 6-8 weeks: Remove the wedge in the boot, and continue full weight bearing as tolerated. 8-12 weeks: Wean out of boot with the supervision and approval of Dr. Thompson.
Is physical therapy required after Achilles tendon surgery?
You may benefit from physical therapy (PT) for an Achilles tendon rupture. The goals of PT after an Achilles tendon tear are to restore normal range of motion (ROM) and strength to your foot and ankle and to improve your overall pain-free functional mobility.Dec 9, 2021
How long should you rest after Achilles surgery?
You will need to wear a cast or a walking boot for 6 to 12 weeks after surgery. At first, it may be set to keep your foot pointed downward as the tendon heals. You may be able to put weight on your affected leg after a few weeks. But it will be several months before you have complete use of your leg and ankle.
What happens if you put weight on foot after Achilles surgery?
Due to increased swelling your foot may become a different color, usually purple or red, when you put your foot down up to 6-8 weeks after surgery. This is usually accompanied with increase pain and the feeling of blood rushing to your foot.
What happens if I put weight on my Achilles after surgery?
Early mobilization and weight bearing after Achilles tendon repair is associated with improved patient satisfaction and faster return to work and sports, with no significant increase in rates of tendon rerupture or postoperative wound and nerve complications.
How can I speed up my Achilles recovery?
To speed the process, you can:Rest your leg. ... Ice it. ... Compress your leg. ... Raise (elevate) your leg. ... Take anti-inflammatory painkillers. ... Use a heel lift. ... Practice stretching and strengthening exercises as recommended by your doctor, physical therapist, or other health care provider.Oct 18, 2021
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.
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.
How long does it take for a tendon to reattach to bone?
Healing can take up to 12 weeks. The injured tendon may need to be supported with a splint or cast to take tension off of the repaired tendon. Physical therapy or occupational therapy is usually necessary to return movement in a safe manner. Expect movement to return gradually, with some stiffness.
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 long does it take to heal an Achilles tendon?
After being scheduled for surgery with one of our doctors here at Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine, you may wonder what to expect in terms of healing and getting back to normal. Although Achilles tendon surgery usually takes no longer than an hour and you go home the same day, full recovery can take as long a year.
What tendon is torn in the foot?
Tweet. An injury to the largest tendon in your body, the Achilles tendon, can be devastating. This tendon helps your foot move in just about every direction and is essential to walking and jumping. When it’s torn, surgery is often recommended, especially if you’re young and active.
How to keep foot in point position after knee surgery?
Immediately following surgery. When your surgery is over, you’ll most likely have a cast that runs from your knee to your toes to keep your foot in a pointed position. You use crutches, a knee scooter, or a walker for the next few weeks and should not put any weight on the treated leg.
How long does it take to recover from a syringe?
After 4-6 months, you may be able to return to full activity. Recognize, however, that you should still be cautious as a total recovery isn’t experienced until a whole year after surgery. Be reasonable in your expectations, too.
Can you use crutches after cast removal?
Once the cast is removed, If you’re healing is progressing, you’re given a walking boot that includes a heel lift to prop your foot and ankle into the right position. You still use crutches anytime you need to bear weight on your foot. You may also start mild rehabilitation exercises at this point.
Can you swim with a leg injury?
You may be able to lose the boot and start to introduce more activities. Avoiding high-impact exercise is still critical, but you may be allowed to swim or bike.
What is the procedure for Achilles tendon surgery?
Surgery for the Achilles Tendon will require either the release of tendon tissue from the lateral epicondyle (the end of your humerus bone) which is then reattached, removal of damaged tissue from the tendon (also referred to as debridement), or repair of the torn tissue.
How many incisions are made in the Achilles tendon?
During this procedure the surgeon will make 3 to 4 incisions (approx. 2.5 cm long) on both sides of the Achilles tendon. Small forceps are used to free the tendon sheath (the soft tissue casing around your Achilles tendon) to make room for the surgeon to stitch/suture any tears.
What happens if you rupture your Achilles tendon?
When you have a chronic Achilles tendon rupture the tendon tears continue to separate further from their ends increasing the gap in the tendon. A chronic rupture often requires a difficult, drastic surgery - often times with a tendon transfer (graft) to complete the surgery and a lengthy recovery period.
How long is the incision for Achilles tendon surgery?
During this procedure one long incision (10 to 17 cm in length) is made slightly on an angle on the back on your lower leg/heel.
What is a T-Shellz wrap?
Use Blood Circulation Boost (T•Shellz Wrap®) - after swelling and inflammation has been reduced. You can use your own blood flow to maximize your rehabilitation, maintain healthy blood flow to your achilles and heel, decrease recovery time, and boost the bodys healing rate.
Why is blood flow important after achilles surgery?
Healthy blood flow is vital to the healing process after achilles surgery. Your blood flow is what brings oxygen, nutrients, anti-bodies and energy (things needed to heal) into your damaged tissue. Blood Flow promotes tissue re-growth, strengthening the delicate work your surgeon has done.
How many incisions are there in the back of the ankle?
During this procedure the surgeon will make one 3 to 4 cm long incision on the back of your ankle and 2 to 4 smaller vertical incisions around the long incision. These smaller veritical incisions are made with a pair of surgical scissors and are commonly referred to as "stab incisions".
How long do you wear a heel lift?
Following all procedures except Achilles peritenolysis (since the tendon itself is unaffected) patients wear a 1-inch heel lift for the first two to four weeks of weightbearing to avoid a drastic change from the equinus or plantar flexed positions that are required during the nonweightbearing postoperative period.
What variables should be controlled in an Achilles tendon study?
In studies of the Achilles tendon specifically, controlled variables should include immobilization protocols, nonweightbearing status, sex, age, and activity level. For an athlete, for example, achieving freedom ...
What is the rehabilitation of Achilles tendon rupture?
At the Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group, rehabilitation following operative repair of Achilles tendon ruptures is based on three key evidence-based criteria for return to activity and selective use of an anti-gravity treadmill to accelerate that return.
How often do physical therapists evaluate Achilles tendon?
Physical therapists typically do an initial evaluation at week two for Achilles peritenolysis, week four for debridement, weeks six through eight for rupture repair, and weeks eight through 10 for Achilles insertional repair and tendon transfers.
Is Achilles tendon surgery common?
Achilles tendon surgery for both acute ruptures and chronic tendinopathy is common. Unfortunately, standardized protocols for rehabilitation and rating systems to assess postoperative outcomes are not universally employed, which has led to variability in published outcomes.
Who is Amol Saxena?
Amol Saxena, DPM, is a podiatrist and fellowship director in the Department of Sports Medicine at the Palo Alto Division of the Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group, where he is also the fellowship director.
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.
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 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.
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.
