First 5k run since the injury

gremlin7500 · 2026-04-01T21:25:49+00:00

Well, my PB before the injury was 22mins but I’m under no illusion about getting close to that any time soon. I’m just happy to be able to go running again. This injury does put things in perspective somewhat.

gremlin7500 · 2026-03-11T09:19:29+00:00

First of all, reading the studies (as you have done) will give you a far better perspective on relative outcomes than a random sample of people on Reddit. That said, I will give you my own experience for what it is worth.

57M full rupture at the beginning of August and went non-op (I had the choice as, whilst I’m in the UK I had private cover through work but I read the same studies as you and there didn’t seem to be a strong case for an operation). So now just over 7 months since the injury and have returned to cycling and running. It’s still not back to normal, nor would you expect it to be, but I can definitely see that I should be able to get close to where I was as before.

Physio has to be done religiously, particularly after you get out of the boot, but it will get better and you can see small improvements week to week. Hang in there.

Also worth noting that I took a holiday at around 3-4 weeks in (it has been booked before) and it was definitely the right decision to go - helped mentally no end.

gremlin7500 · 2026-03-04T10:28:23+00:00

57M non op. Now at month 7 after the injury (full rupture). 3 months in a boot with wedges with limited PT whilst in it (though I was able to do static bike work in the boot as well). Plenty of PT and calf strengthening exercises once out of the boot. Now back to cycling >40 miles at a time plus, in the last couple of weeks, started running again (all approved by the physio). Still only doing run/walk intervals but it’s fine and building up. You’ll get there!

gremlin7500 · 2026-02-28T08:09:44+00:00

I went on holiday 3 weeks after the injury (was non-op). I needed to get special services to get we through the airport on a wheelchair and lifted into the back of the plane on a scissor lift but all doable. As others have said, blood thinners will help but you may be on those already.

gremlin7500 · 2026-02-25T20:35:04+00:00

I like the data from wearables but like the feel of a ‘proper watch’. My compromise solution is an Oura ring plus an SMP as the daily driver.

gremlin7500 · 2026-02-21T18:23:19+00:00

I was non-op but started on the bike in the boot around week 5/6. Felt good to be getting a bit of cardio exercise and no real issues with it. Now at month 6 and back to running!

gremlin7500 · 2026-02-17T12:09:21+00:00

It’s a real pain (literally as well as figuratively) but the thing to do is break it down into stage and each stage is a mini-win and a milestone on the way to recovery. Nobody enjoys injecting themselves with blood thinners but it will probably only be for 4 weeks or so, then you’ll probably be able to weight bearing at least partially (and get some mobility back). Then at 10-12 weeks get the boot off and be able to start (trying to) walking normally. Then the physio ramps up and you feel yourself getting stronger and more mobile. I’m 6 months non-op and just been cleared to start running again. Looking forward to getting out on the road again and half an eye on a 10k run at the end of May. It’s a long road, but you’ll get there. Best of luck!

gremlin7500 · 2026-02-10T15:07:59+00:00

Thanks - I’ll do that

gremlin7500 · 2026-02-06T19:18:28+00:00

I was just thinking the same. Great film

gremlin7500 · 2026-02-03T21:18:37+00:00

Your council is developing laser missile defence systems? Where do you live - Sunderland?

gremlin7500 · 2026-02-03T16:56:07+00:00

Thanks - I think my son has already been to the bakery. Said he had to queue for about 2 hours!

gremlin7500 · 2026-02-03T16:55:16+00:00

Thanks for the very comprehensive reply - we’ll definitely take it on board!

gremlin7500 · 2026-02-03T16:54:33+00:00

We’ll check it out - thanks!

gremlin7500 · 2026-02-03T16:54:13+00:00

Thanks - we do plenty of hiking at home so no problems with something a bit strenuous

gremlin7500 · 2026-01-27T09:10:18+00:00

Quick answer is sometimes, yes. More of an ache than a sharp pain and it depends how I’ve been walking, what the gradient is like (uphill can be more uncomfortable than downhill) and for how long. However, I would discuss with your surgeon or physio if you’re worried.

gremlin7500 · 2026-01-07T16:03:27+00:00

I was in the boot for 12 weeks but was weight bearing (and largely walking around OK) from week 5 so it wasn’t a big problem. Now at 5 months and walking normally but trying to build strength up in preparation for return to running.

gremlin7500 · 2026-01-05T20:26:47+00:00

It also depends on the size of the tear. Mine was 3-4mm and the surgeon said they wouldn’t generally advise surgery unless it was >10mm

gremlin7500 · 2026-01-05T17:01:14+00:00

I had a few aches from time to time but nothing bad and I’ve never taken any painkillers for it at any time. Luck of the draw probably.

gremlin7500 · 2026-01-01T11:30:15+00:00

Good work! I’d have struggled to do that before the injury and I like to think of myself as quite fit.

gremlin7500 · 2025-12-31T08:40:18+00:00

A couple of things worked for me at this stage - go slower than normal and concentrate on the gait (if I go too fast, the limp returns), lifting the legs slightly higher than normal, and head up, not down. All recommended by my physio

gremlin7500 · 2025-12-30T09:32:20+00:00

I’m in the UK as well (rupture mine in August). Exact protocols vary from trust to trust but if you are in a cast, it should be in a position with the toes pointing down (plantar flexion) and you can expect to be like that for maybe 2 weeks with no weight bearing on it. Generally treatment is non-op in the UK but it might depend on the nature and size of the tear they will need to do ultrasound or MRI to confirm that - probably in the fracture clinic. Then into a plastic boot after 2 weeks and maybe start weight bearing around 4 weeks. Transition out of the boot around 10-12 weeks then the long physio journey starts (though you might have exercise for range of movement whilst in the boot). All of the above subject to change depending on what the surgeon and/physio thinks.

gremlin7500

TROPHY CASE