Recovery Times for Achilles Tendonitis - The Factors that Influence It
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 มิ.ย. 2024
- Recovery times for Achilles tendonitis can be a matter of weeks, or it can take years, depending on the specific case. In this video, Maryke discusses nine factors that can have an influence on how long it will take you to recover from your Achilles injury. She also gives expected recovery times for best-case, typical case, and worst-case scenarios and cautions that recovery from this injury is not always a straight-line process - there will probably be setbacks along the way.
🌟Need more help with your injury? You’re welcome to consult one of the team at TMA online via video call for an assessment of your Achilles injury and a tailored treatment plan: www.treatmyachilles.com
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📚 Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:44 Factors that can influence your Achilles tendonitis recovery time
00:06:55 Typical recovery times
00:10:03 Recovery rarely happens in a straight line - expect setbacks
00:10:56 How we can help
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References:
Cook JL, Rio E, Purdam CR, et al. “Revisiting the continuum model of tendon pathology: what is its merit in clinical practice and research?” British Journal of Sports Medicine 2016;50:1187-1191.
Hanlon, S. L., et al. (2021). "Beyond the Diagnosis: Using Patient Characteristics and Domains of Tendon Health to Identify Latent Subgroups of Achilles Tendinopathy." J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 51(9): 440-448.
Malliaras, P. (2022). "Physiotherapy management of Achilles tendinopathy." Journal of Physiotherapy 68(4): 221-237.
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The best video I have watched on the topic after months of struggle!
Really useful video, thank you.
Glad to hear that!
Thank you for your advice. You explained this so well. I thought I was going crazy. I’ve been doing the extreme of both.
You are welcome!
Nice viedeo😊😊😊
Thank you
Welcome 😊
Thank you so much, your information. Your website has been very helpful. I have a small 3 cc tear and moderate to severe tendopathy. I hope my recovery will be in the middle range. In a boot for 6 weeks and have begin pt.
Best of luck!
Hi, was your Tendonitis very painful ? What are your symptoms like ? Painful, swollen ankles ?
Did you get an MRI ?
My xray showed calcified tendonitis and the pain is just too much for a mild case.
I got over the limping and actual pain in about a month. Ran a reasonable amount over the next 3 months and i would describe it as noticeable. Sore and achy in the morning. Ran an ultra in march with no problems. Then the irritation kind of changed form. It was more of a sight burn. Ran an ultra in april with no problems. Cut my mileage in half in may. Ran a 19 mile race in may with just that random burn. Ran very little in june and ran an ultra. Its 99% gone now and i would say that as long as i stick to the multiple days rest between runs for a few more months, i am done with it. So roughly a year. But hey, i was able to train and race through it. Just gotta listen to your intuition
Sounds like you did a brilliant job of managing the load on it! Yes, it is really all about getting to know and understand your tendon and being willing to adapt your plan accordingly.
Don’t understand what’s happening with mine. Diagnosed mild tendinopathy via MRI / consultant 5 weeks before Edinburgh Marathon 5 weeks ago. Cut right back, ran event easy pace, felt stiff but ok and for few weeks. Has got worse last 1-2 weeks despite running only 2 x pw plus cross training. Have done all the prescribed exercises at modest level but it’s aching more each day. If it continues I could be finished?
@@TreatMyAchilles your channel was a life saver. Honestly, it was the only resource i trusted.
@@roadrunner708 maybe you are doing too much and the degeneration is accumulating. If its getting worse, i'd give it a few weeks off completely and ease into things. They are instant feedback like muscles
I agree - give it a week or two of no running or exercises even and then start with just rehab to test it.
I have had problems for years after I think damaging my feet pushing wheelbarrows up a skip full of stones. At first I was waking up in the morning with stiffness for a few minutes, next stage was pain standing still. I found resting it was the worst thing. I get pain standing in queues but find walking and keeping it moving more seems to help.
I've recently discussed all the treatment options for Achilles tendonitis in this video - you may find it useful: th-cam.com/video/H1nfgU1amvg/w-d-xo.html
Do you have any videos or information on an acute injury from a long/hard run with no previous achilles pain? I can't find any information on how long I should wait since the injury to start rehab exercises and running again.
I don't think we have a video on that - the key here is to let it properly calm down and not be too quick to load the tendon. It can really calm down nicely if you allow it to settle and then just super slowly load it again.
This is great Information! My achilles has been sore for 4 months since playing tennis. Do you take american clients in your program? I saw that the payment was in pounds.
Hi there,
Yes, we have quite a few American patients. Payment is done via Visa or Mastercard when you book your appointment, and your bank will automatically do the currency conversion.
Thank you for the videos! I got Achilles discomfort in the past week because I've recently taken up tennis and have been running and hiking as well. I'm gonna take two weeks off running hiking and tennis. After that would I be able to do tennis once or twice a week? I will also go the Achilles strengthening exercises but will not run or hike. I will swim and cycle and lift weights instead.
You will have to test what works - your plan sounds good but still ease into it and observe the 24 hour reaction - it usually also helps to leave at least 1 recovery day (where you don't load the tendon) between days that load the tendon. E.g. play tennis, but then next day rather swim or cycle and then next day strength training etc.
When is it ok to start stretching the Achilles tendon? Also. Is the Graston Technique ok for treatment?
We usually leave stretching until the tendon has fully calmed down and can tolerate a good amount of load and is pain free in daily life. Graston Technique is not something we advise as it can often irritate an already irritated tendon further. I've discussed the current treatments supported by research in this video th-cam.com/video/H1nfgU1amvg/w-d-xo.html
7 months out. My problem originally started with fluoroquinolones but this particular injury is years later and from overuse. I have a lump the size of a half dollar. I have tried everything including minimally invasive surgery like TenJet. Nothing has worked. Probably heading for a second open surgery. The worst part is the mental aspect. I have lost all faith and respect in my body for its inability to do its job. I also look at the human body very differently than I used to. I used to think the body was a miracle and well oiled machine, but given our flat out inability to rebuild connective tissue, and the idea that we can try 25 different modalities under a doctor's supervision with no results, I now realize how flawed and pathetic our bodies are at times.
Not sure if you've tried this but my colleagues Kevin and Dominic are really good at helping people with complex presentations like yours recover and get back to their normal activities. So, it might be useful to give them a try if you don't want open surgery. It is worth noting that they won't provide you with a quick fix - the process to get back to full strength and pain-free activity after such a prolonged time can take several months and it will require a close working relationship between you and them. You can find out more about how our video consultation process work here: www.treatmyachilles.com/
Maryke, if someone took a fluoroquinolone antibiotic and experienced no achilles pain 5 months after and an ultrasound showed healthy achilles 5 months after, would you say their risk of achilles injury from that point on is unlikely?
Yes, it will be unlikely - the key is then to just slowly ease back into sport because any person's Achilles will be prone to injury if you suddenly increase activity.
Can we reverse the tendon structural changes (misalignement)? Only if it hasn't degenerated enough? Jill Cook says that you can't change the structure of degenerated tendons for example. If you do 12-24 months of rehab and still can't do what you wanna do (for example, golfer's elbow and you're a programmer and can't work much), what do you do? Surgery?
I think you can. But you have to activate the rebuilding process. In order to do that you need to stress it and do micro damage. But then give it a few days of light duty to recover
There are for me a few different components to your question:
1. Like I mentioned in my previous comment, I don't think that the studies have done long enough follow-up and used large enough cohorts of patients for anyone to truly claim that that we can't change the structure back as this does not fit with some cases I have observed in clinic.
2. Pain can persist regardless of the tendon looking pristine so pain isn't linked to structural changes.
3. Surgery is always an option - the current research suggest to at least try rehab and other stuff for 12 months before considering it. I would always try shockwave and at least PRP or high volume injections and def make sure you change up the rehab approach a few times first.
4. If surgery is the last option, then Tenex (if available) currently sounds like a good option.
@@TreatMyAchilles thanks a lot!
Do you advise taking collagen supplements or drinking bone broth?
There is some scientific evidence that a hydrolysed collagen supplement will help with tendon repair, as an adjunct to a rehab exercise programme. Here's our article on that: www.treatmyachilles.com/post/supplements-for-achilles-tendon-repair
@@TreatMyAchilles Much appreciated. Rest assured I am working on it with a great PT. Just looking to give myself more of a leg up!
@@err1ummDid taking the collagen supplements help you? Or would you say that just physical therapy is enough.
Question about 12 weeks of recovery. does it mean I can't run until 12 weeks after injury? I think I have insertional achilles tendonitis. rest for 2 weeks, then 1 week rehab exercises. I started walking 5 miles and pain goes from almost zero to 1 or 2. when can I run slowly? Thanks! I have marathon in December. Can I make it?
Yes, you will definitely make it for the marathon. It is usually best to delay running until you've built enough strength for it and can walk at a brisk pace without pain. Alison explains in this video about how different exercises relate to the loads in running: th-cam.com/video/JAab7ItiX_A/w-d-xo.html This does not mean jump into doing those - you have to build up to them slowly.
If you want help with getting back to running, this is something that our team of physios can assess and help you with via video call. You can read more about how the online consultations work here: www.treatmyachilles.com/treatment-packages
Have been blasting my achilles with every possible rehab you can think of.
Hardwear:
Accupuncture
Cupping
Normatech leg sleeves
Massage Gun
PEMF
Scraping
Massage
Supplements:
BPC-157
TB-500
Collagen peptides
Protein
Vitamin C
Turmeric
Fish oil
I am an athlete and NEED my fitness. I have been swimming daily and lifting as well.
It is not insertional, it is mid tendon area and been on and off for months.
I took a while to start recovery because I’m stubborn.
It all started from Overuse and then switched from 8mm drop shoes to zero drop shoes like an idiot without changing any mileage or intensity.
I have until late June to get back into Running shape.
Any advice?
Sometimes one's determination to fix the problem can actually prevent it from getting better. It sounds like you're likely overdoing your treatment and in my experience that usually causes it to drag on - it is an overuse injury - you can't get it better by just piling more rehab onto it. You need to strike a careful balance between rest and rehab exercises. If you overdo the rehab, it backfires.
The other stuff you listed have either been proven not to work or doesn't have any evidence supporting their use. I've discussed the evidence-based treatment options here: th-cam.com/video/H1nfgU1amvg/w-d-xo.html
If you want help with your rehab and with getting back to your normal activities, this is something that our team of physios can help you with via video call. Kevin or Dominic will likely be the best fit for your situation. You can read more about how the online consultations work here: www.treatmyachilles.com/treatment-packages
I need serious help with my Achilles. I’ve been in pain for like a year now. Some days I don’t even want to walk at all
Hi there,
You're welcome to book a video consultation with one of our physios if you would like an assessment and a personalised treatment plan: www.sports-injury-physio.com/
I began walking in lockdown and I went from 2-4 miles to 15-20 miles very quickly.
My achillies is painful but manageable. I have done physio to death and I’m now looking at having both achillies injected via the NHS….
It’s a very tricky problem to sort
I just moved to an apartment which is in the 4th floor. I have been using the stairs regularly, while moving in to get extra excersise. I have only been here for two weeks, and my Achilles tendon is sore, can I already develop tendonitis from two weeks of stairs?
Yes, if it is a new activity for you and your tendon wasn't prepared for it - I've seen several cases where someone just walked in flat shoes for a holiday and got it from that. But the good news is that your case only started recently, so start looking after it and don't do too much on it and it should recover relatively quickly. This video may also be useful: th-cam.com/video/H1nfgU1amvg/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for the reply! I "sadly" have a vacation coming up in two days, which will require a bit of walking, not hiking. Is there any precautions i can take?@@TreatMyAchilles
Walk in trainers / running shoes with a bit of a heel to them if you can. Otherwise, heel inserts in your shoes could help: th-cam.com/video/crzrN0KseWg/w-d-xo.html
Thanks so much! I have been binging your videos, thanks for the great content !
My pain started 5 days ago during roller derby practice. I was skating, strength training, running, and I think I just did too much. I didn't take any days off the past week.
Thanks for sharing!
Any updates on how the pain is feeling now? And what you did/are doing to recover?
@@FidelRuiz17 I have not done any exercise in 4 days. The pain is gone but probably because I haven't done anything yet. 😕 I have pr a ctice tonight so we'll see what happens
@@skateata1 oh alright thanks for sharing. Glad to hear the pain has gone done. Hope your appointment goes well!
@@FidelRuiz17 so I wad able engage in some skating and it wad ok. The real test will be running. I have to wait for the weather to change for that.
My reality; two months ago i was victim of aggravated murder attempt , my right achilles was severely cut horizontally i just happened to be the wrong guy in the wrong place. Then month later it ruptured.. surgery again, i have been 9 weeks now and on 2nd wedge...mentally emotionally anxiety etc. 24 hours a day.
i have hiked and ride bikes,sports etc all m,y life.then everything stopped in fractions of seconds i live in Utah with best National Park, i am 65 yrs old i don't i want my life to end this way....please help. tears in my eyes again.........
i am in physical week two 💯✌
@mavenowa you will get better and you will enjoy the parks again. Post-rupture recovery can feel very slow but it will recover - it takes about 9 months to get back to full activity and you are already more than 2 months in! The most frustrating part is over - now you can slowly start your rehab and see some progress. If you feel as if you're not progressing, just think about where you are now compared to 4 weeks ago. Try to focus on the progress you are making and not on how far you are from your ultimate goal. Your goals will get achieved by giving tiny steps forward week on week. Best wishes for your recovery.
I hope you're doing better now my friend.
Ice vs heat?
Here's our video about this topic: th-cam.com/video/WXRbl7XZG50/w-d-xo.html
Thx. Have you evaluated KT tape also?
Sorry I forgot I already asked on kt tape. Thx for responding