- You will need to wear a cast or a walking boot for 6 to 12 weeks after surgery.
- At first, it may be set to keep your foot pointed downward as the tendon heals.
- You may be able to put weight on your affected leg after a few weeks.
- But it will be several months before you have complete use of your leg and ankle.
Thus, How long are you non weight bearing after Achilles tendon surgery? Surgical repair of an Achilles can usually be performed through a small (3/4”) incision, and requires just 3-4 weeks non-weight bearing and an additional 2-3 weeks in a walking boot. (Total time until boot removal is 5-6 weeks).
Additionally What happens at 6 weeks after Achilles tendon surgery? 6-8 weeks postsurgery Your rehab appointments slow down and you should be able to stand on the affected leg for a few seconds at a time. You may be able to lose the boot and start to introduce more activities. Avoiding high-impact exercise is still critical, but you may be allowed to swim or bike.
How successful is Achilles tendon surgery? How Well It Works. Both open and percutaneous surgeries are successful. More than 80 out of 100 people who have surgery for an Achilles tendon rupture are able to return to all the activities they did before the injury, including returning to sports.
What are the 3 types of Achilles tendon surgeries called? Types of Achilles tendon repair
- Gastrocnemius recession—The orthopedic surgeon lengthens the calf muscles to reduce stress on the tendon.
- Debridement and repair—During this procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged part of the Achilles tendon and repairs the remaining tendon with sutures or stitches.
How do you shower after Achilles tendon surgery?
Splint Care: Take sponge baths until your first post-operative visit. Sutures will be removed during your first appointment (10-14 days after surgery). You can shower the following day after the stitches are removed – 2+ weeks after surgery.
How can I speed up my Achilles recovery?
Slowly increase the intensity of your workouts. For example, if you regularly run three miles at a time, don’t suddenly start running five or more; increase your distance no more than 10% each week. Try different workouts. Repeating the same motion over and over again leads to more pressure on the Achilles tendon.
How painful is Achilles surgery?
Pain: Moderate-severe pain should decrease within a couple of weeks following the operation, however some amount of pain is common and at times can persist for 3-6 months. Ankle stiffness: Will improve with rehabilitation exercises and resuming activity.
What is the success rate of Achilles tendon surgery?
RESULTS: We identified 62 studies published between 1964 and 2014 reporting on a total of 2923 surgically treated Achilles tendinopathies. The average follow-up time was 40 mo (range 5-204 mo), and the mean reported success rate was 83.5% (range 36%-100%).
When can I start weight bearing after Achilles tendon surgery?
2-4 weeks: You start partial weight bearing in a boot at this time. Your boot will have wedges to ease tension off the Achilles while you continue to heal. You can remove the boot to bathe and to dress, but you must follow the restrictions on putting weight on your leg. You will start physical therapy at this time.
What is the pain like after Achilles surgery?
While every recovery is different, patients often experience the following after Achilles tendon surgery: Swelling. Your ankle and lower leg may be swollen or bruised after surgery. In addition to over-the-counter pain relievers, you may want to elevate the foot and put ice on the area for the first few days.
How long after Achilles surgery can you drive?
You can drive once fully weightbearing and out of immobilisation – minimum 8 weeks. If it’s a left sided Achilles rupture and an automatic car, you can drive after 2 weeks.
How soon can I walk after Achilles tendon surgery?
You will need to wear a cast or a walking boot for 6 to 12 weeks after surgery. At first, it may be set to keep your foot pointed downward as the tendon heals. You may be able to put weight on your affected leg after a few weeks. But it will be several months before you have complete use of your leg and ankle.
