my achilles tendon
Hi there, I am a male 30 years of age. At the weekend I was playing soccer as usual, and as I was running I felt a sudden blow to the back of my ankle as though it had been kicked but looked to the rear to see there was nobody near me. I have been told by the doctor having had a x ray that I have snapped my achilles tendon. I have two options of repair. I can have an operation to fasten the tendon back together,or have my leg set in plaster in certain positions set at different intervals, ie the angle of my foot position. Could you please recommend to me the most effective method of repair and what healing time scale I would be looking at on both options?. Also what is the usual length of time a plaster cast would be placed on for the two options mentioned? I would appreciate your viewa on this matter please. with regards mark…
2 comments
Rick
I tore mine also about three years ago playing basketball. I opted for the surgery as the casting takes a long time and you lose more calf muscle. I had severe pain in my foot during the cast process due to swelling in fact my ankle now has scars due to my skin actually rupturing from the swelling. So if you do the surgery keep your foot elevated! On an encouraging note I have recently run a 10K and a 5K and do kick boxing regularly at the gym, so you will be back although my calf will never be as strong as the other. Another thing. Once the cast is off have a PT show you how to massage the scar. I didn’t and now have adhesions along the entire scar. Best to you.
Rick
I didn’t address the cast time as I assume that by now you’ve made your decision. Let me add this. I was in a splint cast for ten days (that is when the most swelling occured, right after surgery) then went into a hard cast for seventeen days, then a removable walking cast so I could exercise and stretch. I tore mine Jan. 2 and was back to work as an interior trim carpenter the 24th. Don’t know if I could have been without the repair.