u saved my life for this info , cause i dont believe the doc said i can do a conservtive way to heal from a complete ripped achilles , now i have confidence !!!!!!! appreciated for the vids!!!
I am the same shoes as you were! NONE of the doctors suggested the conservative treatment to me, NONE! But still, with my own research, I bought the boot and going strong. 1 week here and I can walk with no crutches, but I do not to.
@@LucidaSurfacesNewEngland so far so good, it has been 1.5years , and I am back to sports again , just need to continue exercise to get enough calf musel back...
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!
Out of crutches in one week. The instructions I've received - you can load it as long as it's not causing pain. After rupture, they put cast in ER. Staid in it for 5 days, was put in boot, in 2 more days I've found I can step on it as long as I keep the injured foot in front, so the calf isn't really engaging.
In week 2 of my rupture. Same thing, played basketball without warming up and I'm in my 30s. I hope to go conservative. I SOO Recommend splurging for the VACO boot. My dr. put me in a reg boot with wedges and I was nervous the first 10 days that the angle was not great enough. With the VACO boot, you can be confident you're at whatever degrees you want to be. The VACO boot also comes with a recommended protocol and allows for early range of motion. it is also way way more comfortable and has two inserts, so you can wash the other if it starts to smell. I also highly recommend the I-Walk 3. It's a game changer. I can carry upstairs bc I have my hands!! I can go to the gym and workout my upper body. Even did military presses! Thank you SJ for sharing your journey and good luck to everyone going through this challenge!!
@danlefe 22ish weeks and everything is great just can't do a single calf raise on my foot bearing all my weight [220lbs]. I've been doing a lot of springing on my calf in the pool and think that soon I'll build up my strength to do it out of water. good luck!!
I'm in day 10 non-op and you guys are saving my life. You said you're wearing the vacoped all the time? How long did you go Non weight bearing? If there's any pointers you'd give me that'd be awesome. Much appreciated -Marcus
07:30 in is exactly where I am at now. Confused and lots of differing protocols out there for the same injury. These are great vlogs SJ. Don't feel as alone with it.
Hey SJ, I am now at Week 3 of my Achilles tendon rupture and have been taken out of the cast and placed in the boot today with 3 wedges however it was quite stiff and a slight pain around my foot sort of towards my ankle region which was weird so we went with 4 wedges. My doctor also told me that he wouldn't be surprised if I am able to ditch the crutches within 2 or 3 days and full weight bear around the home with the boot! which I just don't think I can do mentally or physically at the moment. I have my mind set on doing partial weight bearing with the crutches gradually during week 1 of wearing the boot. Anyway just thought I would share my process and fascinating that both of our doctors have instructed us that we could ditch the crutches after a few days of wearing the boot. Take care SJ and its great seeing your progress in your recent video! Keep it up.
Sounds like a similar protocol as mine. Yeah it took me more than a few days to be fully weight bearing. Form memory around 1.5 weeks. Good luck with it!
Im in a boot now, 2 weeks into the boot did this injury 5 weeks ago 3cm gap in the achilles playing basketball. I've been told to have crutches and no full body weight with 3 wedges in. Ive got to wait 6 weeks then no crutches and can put full body weight on my ankle. Mind you im 120kgs
Thanks SJ - I just wanted to share for anyone who has a complete achilles rupture that non operative aka no surgery is a possibility. As a previous professional athlete everyone told me to get surgery after a 2.5 cm complete rupture playing pickup soccer with friends on turf 2 years back. I did my research and chose to be a positive statistic. Its been a challenging recovery but i'm happy to say i'm back to running 2 miles on concrete in 98 degree heat and soccer 4x per week with no pain.
@@asdashopperrr I’m back to pick-up soccer 5x per week (2 hours each session) With the occasional 3-5 mile street run. It took me a solid 2 years to feel comfortable back on the pitch. TBH I’ll never be as good or explosive as I once was but my journey and goal post rupture has been to be able to play soccer with my kids and just enjoy the game again.
@@LucidaSurfacesNewEngland I sure did - If you want to gain as much explosiveness back as possible quickly I’d recommend the surgery. If you have other goals non operative is a great way “in my opinion”. I was in the cast after 3 days post rupture then cast for 2.5 weeks. Next was a boot for 8 weeks, then I pushed it too much with friends and had to go back into the boot for 4 more weeks. After that (for me) I started physical therapy and again (for me) I kept pushing too far and had to go back to the boot for a week or 2 at times for the next 3 months. This is when I learned “load management”. In my soccer career I always just pushed through the pain. This isn’t the best thing to do with Achilles tendons. I then started placing small foam wedges in my shoes and soccer cleats and gradually made them smaller for the next 4 months. Then one day I said let’s try it without wedges and I’ve been good since.
I can’t stress enough “load management” and listening to your body post rupture. Also check out better footwear options. You’ll be surprised how bad these “cool” shoe brands are for your feet.
Thanks for this great vlog. You're more detailed (sound smarter) than both my doctor and my PT. Currently on week 7.5 since injury. History: 40 y/o male sports related rupture. Day 1-12: Foolishly walked on injury and attempted stretchin before seeing doctor 1. Day 12-Week 6: planterflexed cast (going non-operative "very conservative"). Week 4: received MRI (5.5 cm rupture from insertion with 3.5 cm separation; showed some scar tissue rebuilding/healing). Week 6-7.5: Doctor 2 (non-operative willits protocol early rehabilitation) in walking boot with 2 shims (3 cm). Doing light massaging, bathing, light weight bearing, and minimal ROM exercises. Been wearing a compression wrap inside boot, which may have been damaging my rupture, because recently looks like a bigger dent in leg and some minor pain/discomfort in boot since I was fitted. I sleep with boot. My PT is useless and they still have not seen me; I finally go in first time next Weds (week 8) because of horrible scheduling. He called me and said not to worry about timing not matching with doctor's order for willits protocol; this seems wrong. I'm afraid tendon may heal long; hope I'm wrong.
Hi, Just wanted to stress the importance of SJs comment about being careful to not let the tendon heal long. Mine did, after doing non-surgical rehab in 2018, so I decided to get surgery to shorten the tendon. This was on Monday, so now I'm back in a cast for two weeks before rehab. Last time my physio pushed for me to stretch my tendon at an early stage because she worried it would get too stiff. This time I will avoid stretching it before week 8, as SJ says. I'm not a physiotherapist, but what I could tell from my last recovery was that my tendon felt both long (non-elastic) as well as tight (near the heel bone) for a long time, but the tightness did eventually disappear. However, I was left with what felt like a non-elastic tendon. I therefore think there's no rush to stretch it because the tightness will probably go away with time.
It's now been about about 5 months since I ruptured mine. I didn't have insurance so I went the no surgery and rehab myself at home. I can't do a full calf raise but I can walk and jog on it. I tried running medium speed I was just sore a little after
@@thehealthyhooddude it happened in February of this year. Around the second month. I was depressed thought I wasn’t ever going to walk right again. I started just walking around with just the boot and no crutches. Whenever I took my boot off at night i started noticing I could put a lil weight on my foot. So every week after I just started walking around the house without my boot. Whenever I left the house I wore my boot cause I would be walking more. Just keep your foot elevated at night and try an anti inflammatory. I still drink cayenne,ginger and turmeric shot. It helped also. It’s been 7 months and it usually only hurts depending on the weather but I can run up steps and jump.
You won’t believe what happened to me mate . I live in uk , was in Melbourne for two weeks on holiday , met few bunch of old school friends , ,end up playing game of cricket on a nice warm sunny day , then bam It was a mission me to come back to uk . Anyway I am in my third week , I find your videos very useful I am on non surgical option Thanks mate
Hi SJ. Your videos have been a great resource. First time full rupture thanks to game of netball. I also did not want to have surgery and am now into week 3. My doctor said that He would not be suprised if I am full weight bearing in cam boot by the end of week 3. I thought he was joking as I had trouble getting into cam boot from cast. How ever that was 4 days ago and I can actually put some full weight on it with out crutches!! I did not have faith however amazed at the progress since getting cam boot with 3 wedges. I have used your videos just to double check if I am on the right track. Thanks so much for the information and piece of mind. Still a long way to go however doing well. As I progress I will continue to watch your vidz. Thanks 😊😊
I ruptured my right achilles 10yrs ago. Then recently ruptured left. Had surgery both times. Was playing basketball both times. I said i was done playing after the first. Played a casual full court game a couple weeks ago and ruptured it at the beginning if the 2nd game that day. I couldn't believe it. I felt like it was a dream. Drove myself home both times.
😂 I ruptured my left playing basketball 10 years ago. Bum shuffle off the court then straight to A&E. Surgery No questions. Needless to say that would be my last basketball game ever. I ruptured my right 3 weeks ago. Yep ⛹🏻♂️🏀💥🚗🏥 . 1 hr in to Highly competitive, casual full court scrimmage. Bum shuffle off the court. Non surgical route was recommended (in London). Needed a second opinion based on previous experience. Both orthopaedic surgeons concurred with the non surgical route. 6 weeks cast, 4 weeks boot.
Thank you SJ, very helpfull video's. I like the way you go about it: the conservative way. Its been 4 wks since my surgery, have been searching for the most sensible way to go about recovery. Best to find out a lot for yourself so you can avoid mistakes from pt's etc. So many different routes are described, so good to follow yours :-)
@@penakebenaran better, I can’t run yet I can walk but I still feel sharp pain/tightness on the Achilles when it stretches, probably accumulated scar tissue I stop going to PT after the 8th week and been doing what I can at the gym
carlos tu te lo partiste completo ? yo estoy en procrso que no kiero operarme pero elmdoctor me.dijo que trngo que operarme llevo 2 semana despue de la leccion y no trngo dolor solo cuabdo camino con las muletas
@@rayrodriguez9893 llevo 3 messes y ya estoy caminando con un poco de limp. No me opere, segui todo lo que los doctores y physiotherapy me consejavan . Todos somos differente dale tiempo.
These are fantastic videos and made me feel better. Ruptured my Achilles and now just going into week 3. Boot on 24/7 for now. Like you my feeling is to play it safe until my MRI in a week or two. I am using the elbow crutches.
Ruptured mine a week ago now. No pain but it’s a full rupture. Hobbled about on it for a couple days as the hospital misdiagnosed it, but I got a second opinion. Straight into air cast boot, been full weight bearing on it from day 1. With crutches at first but don’t need them much now. First checkup yesterday with a re-dressing, now another 3 weeks till first wedges come out. Boot on at all times including shower and sleep. Still training from home with bands and dumbbells around the injury. Most annoying thing is blood thinner injections which bruise a lot, think img going to give those up after week 4 though.
It’s great you have kindly documented your journey. I’m in week 1 of a Ruptured Achilles Tendon on my left leg. I’m in a boot and this video probably is most reflective of my current situation. I opted for Non Surgery being a 1.5CM tear. Advise regarding sleeping would be great as I’m going bed with my leg elevated though waking up with it to my side - any suggestions / opinion on me affecting healing 😬?
Hi there, I went from cast to boot on Wednesday after 16 days in a cast. It felt very strange and unstable. The surgeon’s parting words were get on and walk! By Saturday, 3 days later I’m fully weight bearing and have ditched the crutches, it’s wonderful. I do however keep the boot on at all times. Love watching videos.
Krysten Janzen yes and I still get twinges now 9 months later and wonder if I’m overdoing things. However just do your exercises gently without pushing too hard. Your physio won’t prescribe exercises that you’re not ready for. I couldn’t do single heel raises until 8/9 months!
Thx for all the info. So much help I'm doing everything you had done. Moving forward will keep you posted. I'm on day 7. I think it's a full rupture. MRI in s week from today. Ortho surgeon appt. After ✌
Thanks for putting this series together, your shared experience is making me feel more calm about my upcoming journey through this. I have a partial tear most likely, only did an Ultrasound. I meet with a surgeon tomorrow to discuss possible surgery. Did you receive an MRI? I have not gotten one, but I think I need to in order to feel confident of surgery. My injury was incurred 6 days ago and I want to make the best decision. I love basketball and flag football and want to play both at a high level, it would be great to avoid having surgery and still be able to accomplish that.
@@penakebenaran I did the surgery. Glad I did it, but understand if someone didn’t want to go that route. The main thoughts I had was that all professional athletes get it if they have the injury and the probability rerupture is said to be reduced. 1yr and 7months later it has improved, but I still don’t have the same burst that I did before. I can do a one leg calf raise, but I can’t get quite as high on my toe or explode the same way I can on my other foot. What has made it feel somewhat stronger after 7 months of PT is walking up stairs on my toes and I’m hopeful I can keep gaining strength back
Hello ! I’m french ! thank you for these videos, I'm starting my breakup on 12/16/2022 and so I'm at video week 3 and 4, I would like to know the model (reference) of the boot with the 3 wedges. Thanks
i'm liking the advice, same rupture happened to me from a football accident. Chose the non-surgical route like you, week 3. check up my journey too when you have the time. Sure it will bring back memories.
Hey Eddy hopefully you're still on TH-cam! I also hurt myself during footy - just yesterday. I'm going non-op and already in a cast. How do you feel now? I see it's been 4 years. Have you considered returning to the game? I'm 30 so I have a lot of football left in me but I'm worried I won't be back on the pitch in any form with non-op.
@@t-dog4812 Hey man, I've fully recovered, yes I was able to return to football and actually improved, maybe it was a mental thing. you will be fine just will take sometime to heal. Good luck
@@EddyBlackz haha that's good. I hope I don't rerupture with this non-operational path and have to get surgery. It's just so much time :/ to be using on getting back to less than normal, you know? I'm glad to hear you're doing well!
Hey SJ, You are awesome man!. I am going week by week on your videos and can't wait to see your results.I ruptured my Achilles and I have just finished Week 2 today (Non-op) And I got my boot and my doctor told me I should start partial to full weight bearing if I can. My protocol says week 4 I should be full weight bearing in the boot. But being cautious at the same time. I am not taken my foot out that boot
Great video thanks , done mine on longboard 10 days ago and had to move out where I lived , stressy times;( cast off In 5 days time,;) glad I found your video least I know more of the process cheers fella
Thanks for these videos! Just ruptured my left Achilles tendon during soccer-practice and I´m curious to see how different persons progress during rehab. Wierd thing was that I walked out of the ER without crutches, I asked the doctor if they forgot about them, but he meant that you can put load on the foot in that boot, but not overload it. I borrowed crutches thou, since my foot is aching and swollen from walking wierdly this week.
ER doctors often make mistakes when treating achillis injuries, as they had me walk around half the hospital on my torn achillis, and never even wrapped it right either. Howd you heal?
I have had a complete rupture 1.2cm last week. Worst pain of my life. Now on day 10 with 1st day of wearing boot and I am full-weight bearing with no crutches, but it's so scary I do not want to re-rupture
Hi SJ Thank you for your Videos , it has reassured me. Question: how long did you end up using your knee scooter? I was planning of buying or renting one depending on the period of use. Looking forward to your reply
It would be nice to have someone to talk to. After listening to your week three video... i realized that the title is misleading.... i thought it meant don't let it heal long... meaning start being aggressive after week three.... im afraid some people will get the wrong idea.
awesome vids. I tore my achilles couple days ago: 12/20/21. tryin to figure out the surgery/non surgery thing. Im very similar to your story, love golf.
Hi SJ, I ruptured my Achilles tendon last week. I was scheduled for surgery tomorrow but cancelled, I want to do non-surgical option. I have to wait a week to see my orthopedic specialist so hopefully I’ll be in a cast by then. My question to you is were you working during your recovery? I think it’s more of a mental thing for me and I’m totally devastated. I’m a kindergarten teacher and the school year is about to start. Feeling frustrated
Hi Adrienne, while you wait for your appointment, did they at least put your foot in planter flexion either in a cash or boot? I hope they did because early treatment like this is critical. I didn't work for the first 2 weeks because i coincidently had holidays already planned then. But when i returned to work, it was fine because i have a desk job. As teacher, as long as you don't have to be on your feet much, it should be okay.
SJ umm... so they put me in a cast of some sort not plaster, because at first I was gonna have surgery then opted out. I will be getting cast next week. My 2nd question to you is how did you rest your leg at work? I try resting it and it goes numb, falls asleep, hurts... it’s rather annoying. 3rd question is... I haven’t been in a hard cast for 9 days I’m wondering if I’m still in the time frame of mending non surgical.
Hi Adrienne, apologies but I just don't understand what kind of cast you are in. All that matters is your foot is pointed down (planter flexion) in a fixed position. That is how we heal with no surgery. If it isn't like that and your foot can move around then you may need to go down the surgery route in my opinion. It needs to be in planter flexion to ensure it heals tight and not long. In terms of resting it at work, i just left it under the table. I brought a stool in as well to put it up on which helped sometimes. It's definitely a tough period because you'll want it up as much as possible so the blood doesn't rush down to it.
@@adriennahuizar6598 hi Adrienna. How did your recovery come along? I know its been a few years so i would like to see how yours went. Hope it went well.
Hey Sj, your videos are great and informative. I am on 1.5 week into this terrible injury and im in a cast at the moment. I don't feel swelling or lots of pain besides the blood rushing to my foot when I get up. Did you feel excruciating pain during your cast weeks?
Duong Hoang thanks for the comments. I definitely felt that pain of the blood rushing down to the tendon when you wake up and stand. I used the I-Walk so that helped keep the foot up. From memory it stopped after a few weeks. Good luck with it and if you get time, watch my week 10 video. Things pretty much get back to normal by then so it’s not as bad as you think at the time of the injury. The body does amazing things!
You're a good lad. I hope it is healing as I am going in for my check up tomorrow. Watched every video during the panic stage. The pain of not being able to drive is a killer! I hope to be healed up by June sometime so I can start golfing at the club like you! Do you have an email or a facebook I can email ya at?
I ruptured mine a week ago. My mri shows 7cm from the insertion point & tear is 0.9cm. All doctors have advised me to get surgery as non surgical has no certainty of healing. He also says my tear from the good tendon was 2cm & that tears of 2cm or more should get surgery. Plus limited resources here in my country the Philippines, most doctors I think do not have the patience or mind to go the non operative route. I am on front half cast & there is still swelling. I am really confused as to what to do. Pls help.
Hi Sj! I love your videos and appreciate them. It makes me feel better and reassured. Heres my story: Im week 3 in full Achilles tendon ruture and doing non surgically recovery. I was not given an option to do surgery or not. My orthopedist wanted to try the 30 degree boot for 2 weeks. My concern is I was given a walking air cast for the first week and that first week is considered to be critical for proper healing. My foot was at a normal level and I was walking with it. What do you think about that time that I missed out on? Im trying to get a second opinion but the 2 offices I was interested in cant see me for three weeks.
Stay strong listen to ur body rest ice compression elevation, I'm in the same boat I mowed the lawn limping day 4 , since then I've had 1 week wrapped and 2 weeks in a boot. Two more weeks and I have my follow up, praying for the best.
Really appreciate for SJ vlog. It’s really helpful. My left leg was in the same problem about 8 years ago. And now it’s my right leg. I am in my week 3 with non surgical treatment. May I know is that ok for me just have the ultrasound check only? Or should I have the mri check as well ? Thank you very much!
Hi SJ, I’m week 3, I’ve seen 3 orthopaedic surgeons, they all have recommended surgery but said I can do the conservative root. Due to your great videos I’ve chosen no surgery, I’m in Sydney and I would love a recommendation for a surgeon or physio that can help guide me through the non op rehab, I done a ultrasound today and the gap between tendon is 16mm will this heal or should I really just bite the bullet and get surgery
Hey sorry to hear, my tendon has healed really well I’m at 16 weeks non op now and pretty much hitting the same milestones as the legendary SJ, it’s a long process but life does slowly get back to normal. My advice would be stay positive, and listen to your body and start rehab immediately especially your glutes and your core muscles, I’m just in the process of rebuilding muscle and flexibility. Good luck
I'm on week 3 now , hot put straight into the boot from day 1. How long has your recovery been please, is it possible to be back working after 8 weeks.
Hi SJ, first of all love your channel! You explain everything in such great detail it’s fantastic. Now I am in my third week since rupture, so this is my first week with the boot. Is it normal to be in a lot of pain at night? The past two nights have been terrible waking up after only a couple of hours sleep in agony and having no option but to take painkillers. I feel like I want to rip off my boot when I wake and wondering am I doing it to tight that it becomes more inflamed at night? Or is this completely normal? I almost find that the exercises relive the pain during the day.. I’m scheduled to see my doctor next week for another follow up and to adjust the boot another 10 degrees so hopefully all is going to plan!
Hi Amanda, the only major pain I used to have at night would be my big toe tendon and I remember it led to me keeping my straps quite loose (but still firm) while sleeping so the toes and ankle get a break. But obviously don't go too loose because you need the foot to stay non planter flexion.
@@MOYOUNG1 I feel the same about not getting direction. Did you do the surgery, or did you go non operative. Did you get a boot? What did your process look like.
Mine got partially torn someone shot an airball from the 3 pointer and landed on the right side of ankle (Left Foot). Causing my tear. I didnt cause this on my own. Which makes me feel like my situation is so different. Its been a month happened on june 10th. Been out of a cast for a week now. Now in a boot with wedges instructed to take a wedge out weekly. I hope my situation is okay. Any help is appreciated. Thank you and god bless brothers and sisters
Hi SJ, thanks for your video. I just started my rehab, have been treated non surgically like you. Have you done MRI or ultrasound during your healing and in case at which month they showed a completely healed tendon? After how many months did you regain your normal shape of the ankle/tendón region. Thanks!
Hi SJ, I'm currently on day 3 of a 50% tear of my left achilles. I'm loving your videos as they answer a lot of questions i didn't remember to ask. I'm also non surgical. In video 2 you mentoned research on how the tendon heals non surgically. Did you locate it again? Sorry if i missed a link.
@@SJachilles thanks so much. Im feeding myself every bit of information i can to give myself an idea what to expect. Glad to see your latest video that you're running intervals without a limp. It gives me hope. I am bummed that im lkely going to miss next years ball season but looking forward to an eventual comeback
were they able to describe characteristics of a lengthened tendon? just got out of a cast and im fearing that i may have mine lengthened too much because i have severely decreased range of motion, but the tendon is there.
Hey SJ, for the first 2-3 weeks of your recovery, you mentioned the 3 wedges added up to about 3cm of height. Do you remember if thats accurate or if it was higher?
Hello can I ask a question please. I torn my Achilles 15 days ago but only got a permanent cast on on 12 days ago. Trouble being I am not planned to get my cast off until day 25 after the injury so a full 3 and a half weeks! Will this effect my recovery?
Dude I relate to this so much haha. I ordered a pair of Jordan’s and I tore my Achilles before they got here 😂. When they finally did I wasnt able to wear em haha. When your healed you may not be able to ball in them but you can still style in them! Haha. Looks like the video is 5 years old. Hope you healed up well and your back up on your feet!
Did u have a full tear my doctor gave me a whole leg cast that stops at my thigh and told me I would have to wear it for 6 weeks how were u able to get to the boot
Hello SJ! I recently ruptured my Achilles Tendon on Monday, Nov. 12th. I was put in a splint in Urgent Care until I saw my Ortho on Friday. He immediately suggested surgery instead of nonsurgical. He took the splint off and gave me a walking boot. He said, "You can walk on your foot. It's already injured and you can't injure it more." Before watching your videos and your timeline I thought surgery was the best option to gain full strength according to my doctor. Now I want to try the conservative way. He didn't really give me any instructions on keeping the boot on during sleep and I'm not certain it's in the correct position for healing. I plan to call my doctor's office tomorrow and was wondering what you would suggest for questions for my doctor. Since I'm still in week one, I want to correct the issue before it gets well of into week 2. Should I ask him to put a cast on for a week or two followed by the boot or just ask him to adjust my boot correctly to begin the nonoperative route? I have a surgery date of Dec. 4th so I'm not sure if that's why he hasn't given me any clear instructions and just the walking boot with heel lift, which he has allowed me to walk with. He said I have a full rupture due to the gap he feels, but he didn't do a MRI to confirm if it full or partial.
Angie Skyes hi. The first thing you need to make sure is you are set in planter flexion which means toes pointing down. It shouldn’t be at 90 degrees. If you’re not on the right angle go straight back to hospital and get hay fixed ASAP. Boot is fine. No need to be in splint. I wouldn’t be weight bearing or walking until at least 2.5 weeks post injury.
@@SJachilles Thank you so much for the response! I adjusted my boot on my own being that it has degree dials on the side that I just noticed, lol. Now my foot isn't 90 degree. I set it on 30 degrees and now my foot is pointed downwards and I definitely can't walk on it now like before. I'll be using my crutches faithfully until I get back to the doctor this week to discuss the nonsurgical option. Question: do you think by me putting weight on it previously lessened my chances for nonsurgical recovery?
Angie Skyes I must admit it’s not ideal that you were walking on it and it was 90 degrees. You do risk healing long. But I shouldn’t really comment anymore. I would ask for a second opinion on what to do now. Maybe you can ask for a scan because the doctor gave you such poor advice.
As long as you don't stretch until after week 8 and never go past neutral when doing ROMs, you should be fine. I'm assuming your boot was put in planter flexion at the start.
I’m in a bad situation where I think I tore my Achilles tendon but I’m abroad in Japan and the doctors will check it and feel the tendon tell me it’s not ruptured but not do a MRI or Ultrasound. I’m using a brace with it and it hurts but I can still walk a little on it. But doing stairs is impossible. It’s already been a month since I injured it I think , I’m scared
It’s been 6 wks since my rupture. Swelling process has past and pain isn’t as crazy as it was the first 3 wks. It’s a 1.2 cm tear. I see a doctor next wk finally and would like to go towards surgery route for sure. If surgery will be roughly 2 months after the rupture, is it worth saving if I do surgery still?
I'm no doctor. But 6 weeks since your rupture (as long as you've been held in the right foot position and immobilized) wouldn't it be wise to go the non op route? As you would only be like a week out from transitioning to shoes? Where as, if you go with surgery now...your whole recovery period starts all over again. I'm only 2 weeks into my Achilles rupture, and my doctor convinced me that non op will be fine, since I was splinted already and saw him asap. And if I was to do surgery, he's nearly 3 weeks booked ahead...so I would start my recovery all over again.
Murph N. Quick I want to know that too. Partially tore my achilles about two weeks ago and I did one week with a splint and so far one week on a walking boot and since I have the walking boot, I have not been able to sleep good.
I just got my CAM Boot, a VACOped to be exact. I only just now received the protocol sheet which was kinda alarming because they're expecting me to be done in 8 weeks and it doesn't feel anywhere near healed. My doctor didn't examine my tendon at all, only by the end of week 8 of they will check the status of it :\
I'm coming upto week 8 in vecoped boot. Is my tendon being tight normal? Like I cant seem to get my heel flat against the floor? Is this normal or is it being healed long!! 😭
I ruptured my achilles on August 7th 2024, I went with non surgical route and I am in a cast at the moment. Im not doing anything extraneous but move around the house + rest, its now August 14th, 2024 (its been 7 days) and I feel a sharp pain on the injured part. Does that mean its healing? Am I doing something wrong? Please help.
Hey SJ I am in week 4 post op. I am currently in a walking boot full weight bearing with the assistance of one crutch. What do you mean by "dont let it heal long"?
Healing long is when the tendon heals longer than it should and it means you don't get the full functionality back. People then have to go back to surgery to get its shortened. Best way to prevent it is by not stretching until post week 8.
@@TheEverydayPreacher , I started using at week 4 . You can start earlier but at a lower intensity level. Also you can use it to stimulate your resting calve muscles . Good luck
I did about 6 weeks before the rupture (2weeks ago) - the doctor had not warned me. Now I am worried about the recovery and the consequences in general...
I started my week 3 of non-surgical treatment and I started partial weight bearing and it... is sore. My heel is tingling and uncomfortbale. Is that normal?
I'm in week 1.5 and I haven't wore a boot, only limping and using crutches... You left your comment 5 months ago, hopefully you see this. What do you think of the boot, the doctor hasn't mentioned it.
@@TheEverydayPreacher I was in a boot for 8 weeks. Full weight bearing after 4 weeks. In normal shoes on week 8 and 2 days. I am almost 6 months after the injury and I am functioning pretty well. The leg is still pretty stiff and I can't do single calf raises and I can't run but jogging is fine.
@@WandaBliss Interesting. Do you believe the boot was on for too long and weakened the muscle? If you had to do it all over again what would you do differently- if you had to. Thanks for responding I feel like there are few ppl to talk to during this time.
@@TheEverydayPreacher I think most of the protocols for non-op approach require either cast and boot or just boot alone for 6-8 weeks. I don't think it has hindered my recovery. Immobility caused a blood clot though. Recovery is around 12 months in total. I am in PT from week 1. I go to gym 2-3 a week on top of PT. It just takes time.
@@TheEverydayPreacherYou need a boot to make your feet point down or a cast or splint, so that your tendon will heal properly. If it doesnt heal properly, you will need surgery.
@@TheEverydayPreacher yea it was around that price but I was able to fill out a document which I was able to get reimbursed at least 70%. I live in Japan so idk if there are benefits like that in your country
Hey Sj, Your videos are great. I am at the end of the third week. I have Achilles tendon rupture more then 65%. Аll so obtained when playing basketball and i choose non surgical treatment. But Doctors hire put my whole leg ( right from under the thigh) in plaster (boot). I don't now what to do. Мy foot is at an angle of 30 degrees. And they do not give me any answer for how much time I should be like this or something. Except to don't move much. Please give me some advice what to do. Ty
First of all, I would like to express my deep gratitude for the quick response. Here I go to the orthopedist review every two weeks they always want to perform ego recording. Tomorrow is over 25 days from when my whole leg ( right from under the thigh) is in cast, and to see the constituency. But as I have analyzed, I think they are implementing the most classic method which in any case has a greater number of anomalies. Maybe I'll be skeptical but here I do not know if any orthopedic is implementing a new method. Although it can already be found in too many scientific research. If you have any suggestions, please help.
So far, nothing has been spun at all to reduce the angle of positioning or wearing boot with wedges. Otherwise I bought it from the first day I bought all the devices mentioned in your first video.
I reckon try and get a second opinion. Ask the hospital to see a another doctor. Mind you, I'm not familiar with partial ruptures so it might be a different process to a full rupture.
My achilles healed in a elongated position, last year, so i went to get surgery to remove the weak tissue, currently at 4 months post op now tendon feels weak and i have nerve pain😭
Is swelling still normal 18 days in? I had a splint on for two weeks and now I’m in boot . Took a gander tonight and seems swelling is a little bigger 🤭
Hey Sj, Nate he from Canada, im in my second week now and was given a boot the first day. One thing my surgeon did was prp injections into my tendon. Although looking at the medical journals on it most studies have shown it doesn't make a difference but hoping it does. I'm in a planter flex boot that locks in at 20 degrees at this point. There are no wedges. In the boot I can point down further but cannot bring my foot past 20 degrees. One question Inhave is did you ever have heel pain from the boot? Also here in Canada they told me not to wear socks. I might try wearing cotton socks might reduce the rubbing at the back of my heel. Thanks for sharing I thought of doing a video as well since there are not too many online. But you beat me to it! Great job and wonderful videos mate!
Hi SJ First, thank you the great material and insights you post. Wishing you speedy and full recovery! My experience with my rupture feels very unusual, if not worrying. I snapped my achilles playing badminton at on 28th November. It is 16th December and I have my first USG scan tomorrow. So far they gave me a plastic boot and crutches at my local hospital. But reading your and others' stories here fills me with doubts as to my non-surgical-so-far healing. I felt within a week, definitely two, of initial rupture (and A&E visit) that I can easily stand on the affected foot. No way to lift my weight - I am just beginning to lift weight of the leg while sitting on a chair, but i can stand and walk (zombie walk) on two feet, without crutches. Would you say I am risking a "long" heal by doing that?
@@dnangel4277 three and a half years later. I still can't lift myself on the "healed" Achilles. I think the fixing procedure got botched on NHS . The large Gastrocnemius muscle, which is made of two heads, medial on the inside, and lateral on the outside, did not re-grow correctly. Only the outside head works, and has volume. The inside one, probably never attached properly during in-robo-boot period, and as unconnected, this unloaded muscle withered away. I visibly have no muscle on the inside of my calf. Cannot run, jog, lift myself on that calf. Do you think this calls for a review/ compensation?
Don’t know if you’ll see this…but your videos saved me time and money and made me feel hopeful with my recovery process….thank you for all of it
How's it going now?
u saved my life for this info , cause i dont believe the doc said i can do a conservtive way to heal from a complete ripped achilles , now i have confidence !!!!!!! appreciated for the vids!!!
How is everything now? Just tore mine yesterday
@@pretennis it is good so far, i am back to sports again .
I am the same shoes as you were! NONE of the doctors suggested the conservative treatment to me, NONE! But still, with my own research, I bought the boot and going strong. 1 week here and I can walk with no crutches, but I do not to.
@@leewenlong2008how are you feeling? What did you do for your recovery?
@@LucidaSurfacesNewEngland so far so good, it has been 1.5years , and I am back to sports again , just need to continue exercise to get enough calf musel back...
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!
Tank you
Out of crutches in one week. The instructions I've received - you can load it as long as it's not causing pain. After rupture, they put cast in ER. Staid in it for 5 days, was put in boot, in 2 more days I've found I can step on it as long as I keep the injured foot in front, so the calf isn't really engaging.
How'd you heal man? And when were you able to stairs without crutches
@@Always_Never.I have partial Achilles tendon ankle was in cast in Last 3 week's . suggest me procedure
In week 2 of my rupture. Same thing, played basketball without warming up and I'm in my 30s. I hope to go conservative. I SOO Recommend splurging for the VACO boot. My dr. put me in a reg boot with wedges and I was nervous the first 10 days that the angle was not great enough. With the VACO boot, you can be confident you're at whatever degrees you want to be. The VACO boot also comes with a recommended protocol and allows for early range of motion. it is also way way more comfortable and has two inserts, so you can wash the other if it starts to smell. I also highly recommend the I-Walk 3. It's a game changer. I can carry upstairs bc I have my hands!! I can go to the gym and workout my upper body. Even did military presses! Thank you SJ for sharing your journey and good luck to everyone going through this challenge!!
Thank you for this information. How are you making out?
@danlefe 22ish weeks and everything is great just can't do a single calf raise on my foot bearing all my weight [220lbs]. I've been doing a lot of springing on my calf in the pool and think that soon I'll build up my strength to do it out of water. good luck!!
8 months into your injury....how are you doing now??
I'm in day 10 non-op and you guys are saving my life. You said you're wearing the vacoped all the time? How long did you go Non weight bearing? If there's any pointers you'd give me that'd be awesome. Much appreciated
-Marcus
07:30 in is exactly where I am at now. Confused and lots of differing protocols out there for the same injury. These are great vlogs SJ. Don't feel as alone with it.
Hey SJ, I am now at Week 3 of my Achilles tendon rupture and have been taken out of the cast and placed in the boot today with 3 wedges however it was quite stiff and a slight pain around my foot sort of towards my ankle region which was weird so we went with 4 wedges. My doctor also told me that he wouldn't be surprised if I am able to ditch the crutches within 2 or 3 days and full weight bear around the home with the boot! which I just don't think I can do mentally or physically at the moment. I have my mind set on doing partial weight bearing with the crutches gradually during week 1 of wearing the boot. Anyway just thought I would share my process and fascinating that both of our doctors have instructed us that we could ditch the crutches after a few days of wearing the boot. Take care SJ and its great seeing your progress in your recent video! Keep it up.
Sounds like a similar protocol as mine. Yeah it took me more than a few days to be fully weight bearing. Form memory around 1.5 weeks. Good luck with it!
That's something I wasn't allowed to do was weight bear until the crutches were taken off me...13 weeks I was using them
Im in a boot now, 2 weeks into the boot did this injury 5 weeks ago 3cm gap in the achilles playing basketball. I've been told to have crutches and no full body weight with 3 wedges in. Ive got to wait 6 weeks then no crutches and can put full body weight on my ankle. Mind you im 120kgs
@gtrain765 how'd you recover man?
Thanks SJ - I just wanted to share for anyone who has a complete achilles rupture that non operative aka no surgery is a possibility. As a previous professional athlete everyone told me to get surgery after a 2.5 cm complete rupture playing pickup soccer with friends on turf 2 years back. I did my research and chose to be a positive statistic. Its been a challenging recovery but i'm happy to say i'm back to running 2 miles on concrete in 98 degree heat and soccer 4x per week with no pain.
How long did it take you to get back to there bro?
So you mean you went non-operation route? Can you lay out a little timeline of what you did and the time periods. I tore mine 10 days ago
@@asdashopperrr I’m back to pick-up soccer 5x per week (2 hours each session) With the occasional 3-5 mile street run. It took me a solid 2 years to feel comfortable back on the pitch. TBH I’ll never be as good or explosive as I once was but my journey and goal post rupture has been to be able to play soccer with my kids and just enjoy the game again.
@@LucidaSurfacesNewEngland I sure did - If you want to gain as much explosiveness back as possible quickly I’d recommend the surgery. If you have other goals non operative is a great way “in my opinion”. I was in the cast after 3 days post rupture then cast for 2.5 weeks. Next was a boot for 8 weeks, then I pushed it too much with friends and had to go back into the boot for 4 more weeks. After that (for me) I started physical therapy and again (for me) I kept pushing too far and had to go back to the boot for a week or 2 at times for the next 3 months. This is when I learned “load management”. In my soccer career I always just pushed through the pain. This isn’t the best thing to do with Achilles tendons. I then started placing small foam wedges in my shoes and soccer cleats and gradually made them smaller for the next 4 months. Then one day I said let’s try it without wedges and I’ve been good since.
I can’t stress enough “load management” and listening to your body post rupture. Also check out better footwear options. You’ll be surprised how bad these “cool” shoe brands are for your feet.
Thanks for this great vlog. You're more detailed (sound smarter) than both my doctor and my PT.
Currently on week 7.5 since injury.
History:
40 y/o male sports related rupture.
Day 1-12: Foolishly walked on injury and attempted stretchin before seeing doctor 1.
Day 12-Week 6: planterflexed cast (going non-operative "very conservative").
Week 4: received MRI (5.5 cm rupture from insertion with 3.5 cm separation; showed some scar tissue rebuilding/healing).
Week 6-7.5: Doctor 2 (non-operative willits protocol early rehabilitation) in walking boot with 2 shims (3 cm). Doing light massaging, bathing, light weight bearing, and minimal ROM exercises. Been wearing a compression wrap inside boot, which may have been damaging my rupture, because recently looks like a bigger dent in leg and some minor pain/discomfort in boot since I was fitted. I sleep with boot.
My PT is useless and they still have not seen me; I finally go in first time next Weds (week 8) because of horrible scheduling. He called me and said not to worry about timing not matching with doctor's order for willits protocol; this seems wrong.
I'm afraid tendon may heal long; hope I'm wrong.
how is your tendon now?
Did you heal long?
Mir shows scar tissue/healing?
How is your Achilles now?
I am happy that I found these videos. Today it is week 3 since rupturing my Achilles. I went the non surgical way as well.
Sorry to hear, how did it happen?
@@AlanTrades Playing platform tennis
Any update in your recovery
How is your Achilles now?
@@dnangel4277 I feel pretty good. Gave up the tennis (as I don't want to go through it again) and started golf.
Thank you so much for documenting this. Feeling so much better!
Hi,
Just wanted to stress the importance of SJs comment about being careful to not let the tendon heal long. Mine did, after doing non-surgical rehab in 2018, so I decided to get surgery to shorten the tendon. This was on Monday, so now I'm back in a cast for two weeks before rehab. Last time my physio pushed for me to stretch my tendon at an early stage because she worried it would get too stiff. This time I will avoid stretching it before week 8, as SJ says. I'm not a physiotherapist, but what I could tell from my last recovery was that my tendon felt both long (non-elastic) as well as tight (near the heel bone) for a long time, but the tightness did eventually disappear. However, I was left with what felt like a non-elastic tendon. I therefore think there's no rush to stretch it because the tightness will probably go away with time.
This exactly what im going through right now, how are you feeling today?
It's now been about about 5 months since I ruptured mine. I didn't have insurance so I went the no surgery and rehab myself at home. I can't do a full calf raise but I can walk and jog on it. I tried running medium speed I was just sore a little after
How much percent are you healed now?
@@jas_thelifeinsurancelady I can fully jog. I’ve yet to be able to do a full toe raise. I have no pain whatsoever
What was your progress like at month 2? I'm feeling like I'm never gonna walk the same smh
@@thehealthyhooddude it happened in February of this year. Around the second month. I was depressed thought I wasn’t ever going to walk right again. I started just walking around with just the boot and no crutches. Whenever I took my boot off at night i started noticing I could put a lil weight on my foot. So every week after I just started walking around the house without my boot. Whenever I left the house I wore my boot cause I would be walking more. Just keep your foot elevated at night and try an anti inflammatory. I still drink cayenne,ginger and turmeric shot. It helped also. It’s been 7 months and it usually only hurts depending on the weather but I can run up steps and jump.
@@ynglegnd2496 thanks bro , sometimes I walk without the boot in the house but it's not even normal walking my foot won't really bend shits wack
You won’t believe what happened to me mate . I live in uk , was in Melbourne for two weeks on holiday , met few bunch of old school friends , ,end up playing game of cricket on a nice warm sunny day , then bam
It was a mission me to come back to uk . Anyway
I am in my third week , I find your videos very useful
I am on non surgical option
Thanks mate
I tore my Achilles Tendon playing bball. On week 3 now also. Good luck with your recovery mate
you take it easy mate and good luck to you as well
@@Joobklhow is your Achilles now?
I'm back 100%. Currently doing kickboxing 3 times a week. I always warm up before working out though
I was just thinking about this. Video came just in time. 🤞🏿🙏🏿
Hi SJ. Your videos have been a great resource. First time full rupture thanks to game of netball. I also did not want to have surgery and am now into week 3. My doctor said that He would not be suprised if I am full weight bearing in cam boot by the end of week 3. I thought he was joking as I had trouble getting into cam boot from cast. How ever that was 4 days ago and I can actually put some full weight on it with out crutches!! I did not have faith however amazed at the progress since getting cam boot with 3 wedges.
I have used your videos just to double check if I am on the right track. Thanks so much for the information and piece of mind. Still a long way to go however doing well. As I progress I will continue to watch your vidz.
Thanks 😊😊
Rikkilyn Paul how’s your foot? Im 2 weeks from non surgery, completely tore my Achilles’ tendon
I ruptured my right achilles 10yrs ago. Then recently ruptured left. Had surgery both times. Was playing basketball both times. I said i was done playing after the first. Played a casual full court game a couple weeks ago and ruptured it at the beginning if the 2nd game that day. I couldn't believe it. I felt like it was a dream. Drove myself home both times.
Wow. I've been so tempted to try basketball again but after seeing this, i think ill definitely give it a skip. Not worth it!
😂 I ruptured my left playing basketball 10 years ago. Bum shuffle off the court then straight to A&E. Surgery No questions. Needless to say that would be my last basketball game ever.
I ruptured my right 3 weeks ago. Yep ⛹🏻♂️🏀💥🚗🏥 . 1 hr in to Highly competitive, casual full court scrimmage. Bum shuffle off the court.
Non surgical route was recommended (in London). Needed a second opinion based on previous experience. Both orthopaedic surgeons concurred with the non surgical route. 6 weeks cast, 4 weeks boot.
J Hall Iam in the same boat I tore my left one 5 years ago in last week I just tore my right Iam done with basketball too😔
Just damaged mine from playing ball still on a cast. How long before you fully healed the first time ? And 2nd ?
@@dj_colombian_dread9901 shit sucks bro I just tore mine. What type of weak ass body part is this? Im officially retiring from sports!!!
Again, thank you for your videos the weekly updates are so great. Currently in my week two with a cast and not a boot for 5 weeks.
I'm in the same boat as you brother. Thanks for your video!
Thank you SJ, very helpfull video's. I like the way you go about it: the conservative way. Its been 4 wks since my surgery, have been searching for the most sensible way to go about recovery. Best to find out a lot for yourself so you can avoid mistakes from pt's etc. So many different routes are described, so good to follow yours :-)
Tore mine 3 weeks ago playing ball, non surgical route as well seeing ortho again and starting PT next week
Good luck man, just started week 9...things get so much better after week 3!
Partial or fully rupture?@@Always_Never
how your progress mate now ?
can you walk well ? run ?
@@Always_Never how the progress now mate ?
non surgical rite ?
@@penakebenaran better, I can’t run yet I can walk but I still feel sharp pain/tightness on the Achilles when it stretches, probably accumulated scar tissue I stop going to PT after the 8th week and been doing what I can at the gym
I'm in week 3 and you are really helping me out with some questions I had. Thank you
carlos tu te lo partiste completo ? yo estoy en procrso que no kiero operarme pero elmdoctor me.dijo que trngo que operarme llevo 2 semana despue de la leccion y no trngo dolor solo cuabdo camino con las muletas
@@rayrodriguez9893 llevo 3 messes y ya estoy caminando con un poco de limp. No me opere, segui todo lo que los doctores y physiotherapy me consejavan . Todos somos differente dale tiempo.
These are fantastic videos and made me feel better. Ruptured my Achilles and now just going into week 3. Boot on 24/7 for now. Like you my feeling is to play it safe until my MRI in a week or two. I am using the elbow crutches.
Hey how did it go
You are very good narrator.
This guy is my man
Thanks for the tips
Ruptured mine a week ago now. No pain but it’s a full rupture. Hobbled about on it for a couple days as the hospital misdiagnosed it, but I got a second opinion. Straight into air cast boot, been full weight bearing on it from day 1. With crutches at first but don’t need them much now. First checkup yesterday with a re-dressing, now another 3 weeks till first wedges come out. Boot on at all times including shower and sleep. Still training from home with bands and dumbbells around the injury. Most annoying thing is blood thinner injections which bruise a lot, think img going to give those up after week 4 though.
Howd you heal? Im hoping it went well!
It’s great you have kindly documented your journey.
I’m in week 1 of a Ruptured Achilles Tendon on my left leg. I’m in a boot and this video probably is most reflective of my current situation.
I opted for Non Surgery being a 1.5CM tear.
Advise regarding sleeping would be great as I’m going bed with my leg elevated though waking up with it to my side - any suggestions / opinion on me affecting healing 😬?
hey how is your foot now?
how the progress now ?
Thanks very helpful and I don't feel alone anymore in this achilles tendon thing!
Hello. Any update on your recovery
Hi there, I went from cast to boot on Wednesday after 16 days in a cast. It felt very strange and unstable. The surgeon’s parting words were get on and walk! By Saturday, 3 days later I’m fully weight bearing and have ditched the crutches, it’s wonderful. I do however keep the boot on at all times. Love watching videos.
Did you experience pain after a day of practicing weight bearing? I’m
Week 3 and don’t know how to tell if I’m overdoing it or not
Krysten Janzen yes and I still get twinges now 9 months later and wonder if I’m overdoing things. However just do your exercises gently without pushing too hard. Your physio won’t prescribe exercises that you’re not ready for. I couldn’t do single heel raises until 8/9 months!
Thx for all the info. So much help I'm doing everything you had done. Moving forward will keep you posted. I'm on day 7. I think it's a full rupture. MRI in s week from today. Ortho surgeon appt. After
✌
How did it go?
Thanks for putting this series together, your shared experience is making me feel more calm about my upcoming journey through this. I have a partial tear most likely, only did an Ultrasound. I meet with a surgeon tomorrow to discuss possible surgery. Did you receive an MRI? I have not gotten one, but I think I need to in order to feel confident of surgery. My injury was incurred 6 days ago and I want to make the best decision. I love basketball and flag football and want to play both at a high level, it would be great to avoid having surgery and still be able to accomplish that.
so you did surgery or not ? how the progress ?
@@penakebenaran I did the surgery. Glad I did it, but understand if someone didn’t want to go that route. The main thoughts I had was that all professional athletes get it if they have the injury and the probability rerupture is said to be reduced. 1yr and 7months later it has improved, but I still don’t have the same burst that I did before. I can do a one leg calf raise, but I can’t get quite as high on my toe or explode the same way I can on my other foot. What has made it feel somewhat stronger after 7 months of PT is walking up stairs on my toes and I’m hopeful I can keep gaining strength back
Thanks for the videos, helps a lot. I weight bear in week one
How u doing
How'd that work out?
Hello ! I’m french ! thank you for these videos, I'm starting my breakup on 12/16/2022 and so I'm at video week 3 and 4, I would like to know the model (reference) of the boot with the 3 wedges. Thanks
i'm liking the advice, same rupture happened to me from a football accident. Chose the non-surgical route like you, week 3. check up my journey too when you have the time. Sure it will bring back memories.
Hey Eddy hopefully you're still on TH-cam! I also hurt myself during footy - just yesterday. I'm going non-op and already in a cast.
How do you feel now? I see it's been 4 years. Have you considered returning to the game? I'm 30 so I have a lot of football left in me but I'm worried I won't be back on the pitch in any form with non-op.
@@t-dog4812 Hey man, I've fully recovered, yes I was able to return to football and actually improved, maybe it was a mental thing. you will be fine just will take sometime to heal. Good luck
@@EddyBlackz haha that's good. I hope I don't rerupture with this non-operational path and have to get surgery. It's just so much time :/ to be using on getting back to less than normal, you know?
I'm glad to hear you're doing well!
@@EddyBlackz how long did it take for you to walk normal ?
How is your Achilles now?
Hey SJ, You are awesome man!. I am going week by week on your videos and can't wait to see your results.I ruptured my Achilles and I have just finished Week 2 today (Non-op) And I got my boot and my doctor told me I should start partial to full weight bearing if I can. My protocol says week 4 I should be full weight bearing in the boot. But being cautious at the same time. I am not taken my foot out that boot
How did the recovery go? Any re-rupture? I am on week 3 non-operative
@@josephgalvez3696 how did yours end up healing? Im hoping it went well! As im just now going through it too.
Great video thanks , done mine on longboard 10 days ago and had to move out where I lived , stressy times;( cast off In 5 days time,;) glad I found your video least I know more of the process cheers fella
Thanks for these videos! Just ruptured my left Achilles tendon during soccer-practice and I´m curious to see how different persons progress during rehab. Wierd thing was that I walked out of the ER without crutches, I asked the doctor if they forgot about them, but he meant that you can put load on the foot in that boot, but not overload it. I borrowed crutches thou, since my foot is aching and swollen from walking wierdly this week.
are you non surgical too? what week are you now and how is your recovery progressing?
ER doctors often make mistakes when treating achillis injuries, as they had me walk around half the hospital on my torn achillis, and never even wrapped it right either. Howd you heal?
I have had a complete rupture 1.2cm last week. Worst pain of my life. Now on day 10 with 1st day of wearing boot and I am full-weight bearing with no crutches, but it's so scary I do not want to re-rupture
Mines was a 1.2cm as well
Did you recover ?
how the progress ?
Hi SJ Thank you for your Videos , it has reassured me. Question: how long did you end up using your knee scooter? I was planning of buying or renting one depending on the period of use. Looking forward to your reply
It would be nice to have someone to talk to. After listening to your week three video... i realized that the title is misleading.... i thought it meant don't let it heal long... meaning start being aggressive after week three.... im afraid some people will get the wrong idea.
Thanks for the videos. I just torn my last week and was debating surgery or not.
What did you decide upon doing?
@dnangel4277
I didn't have surgery, and it's about 85% a year later. Every once in a while, it hurts, but not enough to stress over.
awesome vids. I tore my achilles couple days ago: 12/20/21. tryin to figure out the surgery/non surgery thing. Im very similar to your story, love golf.
Tore mine the day before you. Not doing surgery.
How did you go?
Hello , which rehab protocol did you follow ? Can I find it on internet ?
Thanks
Hi SJ, I ruptured my Achilles tendon last week. I was scheduled for surgery tomorrow but cancelled, I want to do non-surgical option. I have to wait a week to see my orthopedic specialist so hopefully I’ll be in a cast by then. My question to you is were you working during your recovery? I think it’s more of a mental thing for me and I’m totally devastated. I’m a kindergarten teacher and the school year is about to start. Feeling frustrated
Hi Adrienne, while you wait for your appointment, did they at least put your foot in planter flexion either in a cash or boot? I hope they did because early treatment like this is critical. I didn't work for the first 2 weeks because i coincidently had holidays already planned then. But when i returned to work, it was fine because i have a desk job. As teacher, as long as you don't have to be on your feet much, it should be okay.
SJ umm... so they put me in a cast of some sort not plaster, because at first I was gonna have surgery then opted out. I will be getting cast next week. My 2nd question to you is how did you rest your leg at work? I try resting it and it goes numb, falls asleep, hurts... it’s rather annoying.
3rd question is... I haven’t been in a hard cast for 9 days I’m wondering if I’m still in the time frame of mending non surgical.
Hi Adrienne, apologies but I just don't understand what kind of cast you are in. All that matters is your foot is pointed down (planter flexion) in a fixed position. That is how we heal with no surgery. If it isn't like that and your foot can move around then you may need to go down the surgery route in my opinion. It needs to be in planter flexion to ensure it heals tight and not long. In terms of resting it at work, i just left it under the table. I brought a stool in as well to put it up on which helped sometimes. It's definitely a tough period because you'll want it up as much as possible so the blood doesn't rush down to it.
@@adriennahuizar6598 hi Adrienna. How did your recovery come along? I know its been a few years so i would like to see how yours went. Hope it went well.
Your channel is amazing and helpful! Thank you. :)
Hey Sj,
your videos are great and informative. I am on 1.5 week into this terrible injury and im in a cast at the moment. I don't feel swelling or lots of pain besides the blood rushing to my foot when I get up. Did you feel excruciating pain during your cast weeks?
Duong Hoang thanks for the comments. I definitely felt that pain of the blood rushing down to the tendon when you wake up and stand. I used the I-Walk so that helped keep the foot up. From memory it stopped after a few weeks. Good luck with it and if you get time, watch my week 10 video. Things pretty much get back to normal by then so it’s not as bad as you think at the time of the injury. The body does amazing things!
You're a good lad. I hope it is healing as I am going in for my check up tomorrow. Watched every video during the panic stage. The pain of not being able to drive is a killer! I hope to be healed up by June sometime so I can start golfing at the club like you! Do you have an email or a facebook I can email ya at?
I ruptured mine a week ago. My mri shows 7cm from the insertion point & tear is 0.9cm. All doctors have advised me to get surgery as non surgical has no certainty of healing. He also says my tear from the good tendon was 2cm & that tears of 2cm or more should get surgery. Plus limited resources here in my country the Philippines, most doctors I think do not have the patience or mind to go the non operative route. I am on front half cast & there is still swelling. I am really confused as to what to do. Pls help.
What did you do how was the recovery process??
I just came from my post opp and been given the boot, do you sleep with your boot on during week 3/4?
Hi Sj! I love your videos and appreciate them. It makes me feel better and reassured. Heres my story: Im week 3 in full Achilles tendon ruture and doing non surgically recovery. I was not given an option to do surgery or not. My orthopedist wanted to try the 30 degree boot for 2 weeks. My concern is I was given a walking air cast for the first week and that first week is considered to be critical for proper healing. My foot was at a normal level and I was walking with it. What do you think about that time that I missed out on? Im trying to get a second opinion but the 2 offices I was interested in cant see me for three weeks.
Stay strong listen to ur body rest ice compression elevation, I'm in the same boat I mowed the lawn limping day 4 , since then I've had 1 week wrapped and 2 weeks in a boot. Two more weeks and I have my follow up, praying for the best.
@@Livingsacrifice12how is your Achilles now?
Healing slowly I'm about 75 percent
Hope ur doing well!
@@Livingsacrifice12 thankfully I am! You?
Really appreciate for SJ vlog. It’s really helpful. My left leg was in the same problem about 8 years ago. And now it’s my right leg. I am in my week 3 with non surgical treatment. May I know is that ok for me just have the ultrasound check only? Or should I have the mri check as well ? Thank you very much!
I just left er they didn’t do mri .. Is surgery necessary? I’m on day one any advice?
That's exactly where I am right now, how did it go for you??
Hi SJ, I’m week 3, I’ve seen 3 orthopaedic surgeons, they all have recommended surgery but said I can do the conservative root. Due to your great videos I’ve chosen no surgery, I’m in Sydney and I would love a recommendation for a surgeon or physio that can help guide me through the non op rehab, I done a ultrasound today and the gap between tendon is 16mm will this heal or should I really just bite the bullet and get surgery
danny challita hi mate, I used Andrew Wines as my surgeon who oversaw the process.
SJ Cheers mate your a legend, thanks for your great work
@@dannychallita Hey DC, how's your healing and rehab process going? I ruptured mine recently 19mm waiting to see ortho surgeon
Hey sorry to hear, my tendon has healed really well I’m at 16 weeks non op now and pretty much hitting the same milestones as the legendary SJ, it’s a long process but life does slowly get back to normal. My advice would be stay positive, and listen to your body and start rehab immediately especially your glutes and your core muscles, I’m just in the process of rebuilding muscle and flexibility.
Good luck
How is your Achilles now?
is that normal that you can feel mild numbness in your toes on injured foot, i am on my 4th week recovery now.
I'm on week 3 now , hot put straight into the boot from day 1. How long has your recovery been please, is it possible to be back working after 8 weeks.
Hi SJ, first of all love your channel! You explain everything in such great detail it’s fantastic. Now I am in my third week since rupture, so this is my first week with the boot. Is it normal to be in a lot of pain at night? The past two nights have been terrible waking up after only a couple of hours sleep in agony and having no option but to take painkillers. I feel like I want to rip off my boot when I wake and wondering am I doing it to tight that it becomes more inflamed at night? Or is this completely normal? I almost find that the exercises relive the pain during the day.. I’m scheduled to see my doctor next week for another follow up and to adjust the boot another 10 degrees so hopefully all is going to plan!
Hi Amanda, the only major pain I used to have at night would be my big toe tendon and I remember it led to me keeping my straps quite loose (but still firm) while sleeping so the toes and ankle get a break. But obviously don't go too loose because you need the foot to stay non planter flexion.
Thanks for the information. I didnt get any real directions from my doctor.
I feel the same way. It's been a year since you posted, how has it been?
All is well. Im about 95%.
@@MOYOUNG1 I feel the same about not getting direction. Did you do the surgery, or did you go non operative. Did you get a boot? What did your process look like.
Did you put weight on the boot right away? I was told I could
Did you wear the boot 24hrs a day, or take it off to get in bed or shower etc?
Mine got partially torn someone shot an airball from the 3 pointer and landed on the right side of ankle (Left Foot). Causing my tear. I didnt cause this on my own. Which makes me feel like my situation is so different. Its been a month happened on june 10th. Been out of a cast for a week now. Now in a boot with wedges instructed to take a wedge out weekly. I hope my situation is okay. Any help is appreciated. Thank you and god bless brothers and sisters
which brand boot you used. is united ortho tall one from Amazon is ok. I had a achilies tendon rupture and I m in 3rd week post op
syed sadqeen sorry I can’t recall. It was just the one that the hospital gave me
Hi SJ, thanks for your video. I just started my rehab, have been treated non surgically like you. Have you done MRI or ultrasound during your healing and in case at which month they showed a completely healed tendon? After how many months did you regain your normal shape of the ankle/tendón region. Thanks!
How is your journey going?
Just wondering how big was the gap between the two ends of the tendon
Hi SJ, I'm currently on day 3 of a 50% tear of my left achilles. I'm loving your videos as they answer a lot of questions i didn't remember to ask. I'm also non surgical. In video 2 you mentoned research on how the tendon heals non surgically. Did you locate it again? Sorry if i missed a link.
Here it is - www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21037028
@@SJachilles thanks so much. Im feeding myself every bit of information i can to give myself an idea what to expect. Glad to see your latest video that you're running intervals without a limp. It gives me hope. I am bummed that im lkely going to miss next years ball season but looking forward to an eventual comeback
were they able to describe characteristics of a lengthened tendon? just got out of a cast and im fearing that i may have mine lengthened too much because i have severely decreased range of motion, but the tendon is there.
Hi SJ, did you sleep in your boot? Or did you remove it when sleeping?
Wondering the same right now :/
@@blackguy725557 hope this helps, I recently ruptured my Achilles too.
Doctor informed me that I can take boot off to elevate and to sleep!
🇬🇧 protocol ...NHS advice is to sleep with the boot on. Ours is a week by week 12 week approach.
Hey SJ, for the first 2-3 weeks of your recovery, you mentioned the 3 wedges added up to about 3cm of height. Do you remember if thats accurate or if it was higher?
Hello can I ask a question please. I torn my Achilles 15 days ago but only got a permanent cast on on 12 days ago. Trouble being I am not planned to get my cast off until day 25 after the injury so a full 3 and a half weeks! Will this effect my recovery?
What is the status of this? I'm in week 1.5 and Dr has only done an xray....no boot just crutches
is it normal to have extreme calf pain when switching to the cast from the boot? it mostly happens for the first 4mins after standing
Im having pain after 5 days in the boot! How did you get over the pain?
Bloods rushing downwards I get it on and off especially in the mornings
Dude I relate to this so much haha. I ordered a pair of Jordan’s and I tore my Achilles before they got here 😂. When they finally did I wasnt able to wear em haha. When your healed you may not be able to ball in them but you can still style in them! Haha. Looks like the video is 5 years old. Hope you healed up well and your back up on your feet!
Did u have a full tear my doctor gave me a whole leg cast that stops at my thigh and told me I would have to wear it for 6 weeks how were u able to get to the boot
And I haven't been told about wedges where can I get that? And should start from beginning and cast my foot...I defiantly gotta get a second opinion
Didn't they give you wedges with your boot? The hospital should have given that to you.
Would you know anything about peroneal breavas split tears if they can heal without surgery?
Hello SJ! I recently ruptured my Achilles Tendon on Monday, Nov. 12th. I was put in a splint in Urgent Care until I saw my Ortho on Friday. He immediately suggested surgery instead of nonsurgical. He took the splint off and gave me a walking boot. He said, "You can walk on your foot. It's already injured and you can't injure it more." Before watching your videos and your timeline I thought surgery was the best option to gain full strength according to my doctor. Now I want to try the conservative way. He didn't really give me any instructions on keeping the boot on during sleep and I'm not certain it's in the correct position for healing. I plan to call my doctor's office tomorrow and was wondering what you would suggest for questions for my doctor. Since I'm still in week one, I want to correct the issue before it gets well of into week 2. Should I ask him to put a cast on for a week or two followed by the boot or just ask him to adjust my boot correctly to begin the nonoperative route? I have a surgery date of Dec. 4th so I'm not sure if that's why he hasn't given me any clear instructions and just the walking boot with heel lift, which he has allowed me to walk with.
He said I have a full rupture due to the gap he feels, but he didn't do a MRI to confirm if it full or partial.
Angie Skyes hi. The first thing you need to make sure is you are set in planter flexion which means toes pointing down. It shouldn’t be at 90 degrees. If you’re not on the right angle go straight back to hospital and get hay fixed ASAP. Boot is fine. No need to be in splint. I wouldn’t be weight bearing or walking until at least 2.5 weeks post injury.
@@SJachilles Thank you so much for the response! I adjusted my boot on my own being that it has degree dials on the side that I just noticed, lol. Now my foot isn't 90 degree. I set it on 30 degrees and now my foot is pointed downwards and I definitely can't walk on it now like before. I'll be using my crutches faithfully until I get back to the doctor this week to discuss the nonsurgical option.
Question: do you think by me putting weight on it previously lessened my chances for nonsurgical recovery?
Angie Skyes I must admit it’s not ideal that you were walking on it and it was 90 degrees. You do risk healing long. But I shouldn’t really comment anymore. I would ask for a second opinion on what to do now. Maybe you can ask for a scan because the doctor gave you such poor advice.
Hello SJ. I am at week 7. Still in the boot NWB. Have done moderate ROM. Just hoping I have not healed long if I am not doing stretching until week 12
As long as you don't stretch until after week 8 and never go past neutral when doing ROMs, you should be fine. I'm assuming your boot was put in planter flexion at the start.
I’m in a bad situation where I think I tore my Achilles tendon but I’m abroad in Japan and the doctors will check it and feel the tendon tell me it’s not ruptured but not do a MRI or Ultrasound. I’m using a brace with it and it hurts but I can still walk a little on it. But doing stairs is impossible. It’s already been a month since I injured it I think , I’m scared
You Started Range of Motion on week 3 ?
It’s been 6 wks since my rupture. Swelling process has past and pain isn’t as crazy as it was the first 3 wks. It’s a 1.2 cm tear. I see a doctor next wk finally and would like to go towards surgery route for sure.
If surgery will be roughly 2 months after the rupture, is it worth saving if I do surgery still?
I'm no doctor. But 6 weeks since your rupture (as long as you've been held in the right foot position and immobilized) wouldn't it be wise to go the non op route? As you would only be like a week out from transitioning to shoes? Where as, if you go with surgery now...your whole recovery period starts all over again. I'm only 2 weeks into my Achilles rupture, and my doctor convinced me that non op will be fine, since I was splinted already and saw him asap. And if I was to do surgery, he's nearly 3 weeks booked ahead...so I would start my recovery all over again.
How did you sleep? What sleep position is most comfortable
Murph N. Quick I want to know that too. Partially tore my achilles about two weeks ago and I did one week with a splint and so far one week on a walking boot and since I have the walking boot, I have not been able to sleep good.
Good day folks.... Did you guys keep the walkin boot on all day or did you take it off for a little bit at home??
Guerilla kept it on (middle of week three now)
Hey SJ, is there anywhere I can PM you with some questions. I'm starting week 4 now
Hey SJ, do you know if I should start off with the top 3 wedges or bottom 3 wedges?
How bad was your tear
I just got my CAM Boot, a VACOped to be exact. I only just now received the protocol sheet which was kinda alarming because they're expecting me to be done in 8 weeks and it doesn't feel anywhere near healed. My doctor didn't examine my tendon at all, only by the end of week 8 of they will check the status of it :\
What is the status of your Achilles year? Is week 1.5 for me and Dr had only took xray, do you think mri is necessary?
Thanka for sharing this. Knee scooter is a life saver. question, have you gone back playing yet?
I’m in a boot week 5 doc told me I can sleep without boot. ??? What’s your take ?
I'm coming upto week 8 in vecoped boot. Is my tendon being tight normal? Like I cant seem to get my heel flat against the floor? Is this normal or is it being healed long!! 😭
I ruptured my achilles on August 7th 2024, I went with non surgical route and I am in a cast at the moment. Im not doing anything extraneous but move around the house + rest, its now August 14th, 2024 (its been 7 days) and I feel a sharp pain on the injured part. Does that mean its healing? Am I doing something wrong? Please help.
How your injury today?non op right???
Hey SJ
I am in week 4 post op. I am currently in a walking boot full weight bearing with the assistance of one crutch. What do you mean by "dont let it heal long"?
Healing long is when the tendon heals longer than it should and it means you don't get the full functionality back. People then have to go back to surgery to get its shortened. Best way to prevent it is by not stretching until post week 8.
Sir i have inury yesterday wid 5-7 mm rapture what should i do
What do you think about using a tens machine and at what stage ? I'm still in week 1 of full Achilles rupture
Did you figure it out. I'm week 1.5 and using it.
@@TheEverydayPreacher , I started using at week 4 . You can start earlier but at a lower intensity level. Also you can use it to stimulate your resting calve muscles . Good luck
It so been 1.5 years since surgery and I still can’t play basketball 🥲
U probably need more calf strengthening
Did u sleep with your boot
Have you ever taken antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and levaquin before the tendon rupture?
TheHeninhardenne nope!
I did about 6 weeks before the rupture (2weeks ago) - the doctor had not warned me. Now I am worried about the recovery and the consequences in general...
I started my week 3 of non-surgical treatment and I started partial weight bearing and it... is sore. My heel is tingling and uncomfortbale. Is that normal?
I'm in week 1.5 and I haven't wore a boot, only limping and using crutches... You left your comment 5 months ago, hopefully you see this. What do you think of the boot, the doctor hasn't mentioned it.
@@TheEverydayPreacher I was in a boot for 8 weeks. Full weight bearing after 4 weeks. In normal shoes on week 8 and 2 days. I am almost 6 months after the injury and I am functioning pretty well. The leg is still pretty stiff and I can't do single calf raises and I can't run but jogging is fine.
@@WandaBliss Interesting. Do you believe the boot was on for too long and weakened the muscle? If you had to do it all over again what would you do differently- if you had to. Thanks for responding I feel like there are few ppl to talk to during this time.
@@TheEverydayPreacher I think most of the protocols for non-op approach require either cast and boot or just boot alone for 6-8 weeks. I don't think it has hindered my recovery. Immobility caused a blood clot though. Recovery is around 12 months in total. I am in PT from week 1. I go to gym 2-3 a week on top of PT. It just takes time.
@@TheEverydayPreacherYou need a boot to make your feet point down or a cast or splint, so that your tendon will heal properly. If it doesnt heal properly, you will need surgery.
How much was your boot? Because my doctor told me I have to order it and it might cost me about 500 dollars
Did you ever figure it out. I'm in week 1.5 and Dr hasn't mentioned it.
@@TheEverydayPreacher yea it was around that price but I was able to fill out a document which I was able to get reimbursed at least 70%. I live in Japan so idk if there are benefits like that in your country
Hey Sj,
Your videos are great. I am at the end of the third week. I have Achilles tendon rupture more then 65%. Аll so obtained when playing basketball and i choose non surgical treatment. But Doctors hire put my whole leg ( right from under the thigh) in plaster (boot). I don't now what to do. Мy foot is at an angle of 30 degrees. And they do not give me any answer for how much time I should be like this or something. Except to don't move much. Please give me some advice what to do. Ty
Wow, a whole leg cast seems odd. If i were you, try and get a second opinion. Can you go to another hospital or ask to see another doctor?
First of all, I would like to express my deep gratitude for the quick response. Here I go to the orthopedist review every two weeks they always want to perform ego recording. Tomorrow is over 25 days from when my whole leg ( right from under the thigh) is in cast, and to see the constituency. But as I have analyzed, I think they are implementing the most classic method which in any case has a greater number of anomalies. Maybe I'll be skeptical but here I do not know if any orthopedic is implementing a new method. Although it can already be found in too many scientific research. If you have any suggestions, please help.
So far, nothing has been spun at all to reduce the angle of positioning or wearing boot with wedges. Otherwise I bought it from the first day I bought all the devices mentioned in your first video.
I reckon try and get a second opinion. Ask the hospital to see a another doctor. Mind you, I'm not familiar with partial ruptures so it might be a different process to a full rupture.
Thank you very much. I have already asked for posts from several doctors. I will inform you about the further course
My achilles healed in a elongated position, last year, so i went to get surgery to remove the weak tissue, currently at 4 months post op now tendon feels weak and i have nerve pain😭
Do you still have nerve pain? I didn't get surgery and this was the main reason.
Is swelling still normal 18 days in? I had a splint on for two weeks and now I’m in boot . Took a gander tonight and seems swelling is a little bigger 🤭
Hey Sj, Nate he from Canada, im in my second week now and was given a boot the first day. One thing my surgeon did was prp injections into my tendon. Although looking at the medical journals on it most studies have shown it doesn't make a difference but hoping it does. I'm in a planter flex boot that locks in at 20 degrees at this point. There are no wedges. In the boot I can point down further but cannot bring my foot past 20 degrees. One question Inhave is did you ever have heel pain from the boot? Also here in Canada they told me not to wear socks. I might try wearing cotton socks might reduce the rubbing at the back of my heel. Thanks for sharing I thought of doing a video as well since there are not too many online. But you beat me to it! Great job and wonderful videos mate!
Hi SJ
First, thank you the great material and insights you post. Wishing you speedy and full recovery!
My experience with my rupture feels very unusual, if not worrying. I snapped my achilles playing badminton at on 28th November. It is 16th December and I have my first USG scan tomorrow. So far they gave me a plastic boot and crutches at my local hospital. But reading your and others' stories here fills me with doubts as to my non-surgical-so-far healing. I felt within a week, definitely two, of initial rupture (and A&E visit) that I can easily stand on the affected foot. No way to lift my weight - I am just beginning to lift weight of the leg while sitting on a chair, but i can stand and walk (zombie walk) on two feet, without crutches. Would you say I am risking a "long" heal by doing that?
Wat was your outcome
How is your Achilles now?
@@dnangel4277 three and a half years later. I still can't lift myself on the "healed" Achilles. I think the fixing procedure got botched on NHS . The large Gastrocnemius muscle, which is made of two heads, medial on the inside, and lateral on the outside, did not re-grow correctly. Only the outside head works, and has volume. The inside one, probably never attached properly during in-robo-boot period, and as unconnected, this unloaded muscle withered away. I visibly have no muscle on the inside of my calf. Cannot run, jog, lift myself on that calf.
Do you think this calls for a review/ compensation?