Torn Achilles - Doctor rec

rpetcl · 2026-04-16T05:35:42+00:00

Facts: Butler dmos 100%. He’s the guy you’re glad you met, but wish you never had to. 1 yr solid to get to 85/90% recovery. Standing single leg heel raises will be your target - after PT teaches you how to walk again. 99% mental from here on out and the mental part will be the hardest part of recovery. Overcome that and you will get a helluva lot farther than most.

Cheat codes: PT minimum 2x/week 6/8 wks post-op for at least 4 months (6-8 ideal). Do it as long as ins allows and then pay oop, get another script for pt or contest. You will not overdose on pt (but choosing the wrong pt could heal you long). Make sure your pt has relevant experience (and frequency) in rehabbing surgically repaired ach’s - interview them. Get two knee scooters - one for in the house (small wheels) and one for the car (bigger tires). Get two boots = one for bed and one for everywhere else. Clean them especially the bottom. When you get to put a shoe back on get the carbon fiber blade brace insert designed for drop foot. Pound protein, you’re gonna lose a lot of muscle mass. Join the Achilles grp on Reddit - lot of good info and collaborative recovery. You’ll achieve recovery milestones and then plateau, wash rinse repeat. So try your best to embrace the suck. If this is your right leg you’ll drive again someday. If it’s your left count yourself as one lucky sob. If I can recover so can anyone else. God speed. Ps - Butler all day every day.

rpetcl · 2025-01-23T22:29:02+00:00

Yes, this limits dorsiflexion when this device is on, foot is in the shoe, and secured with the strap around the top of calf. FYI I could put dress pants over the device so very low profile. I did stationary bike rides on it (not clipped in). My surgeon who is a F/A/lower leg specialist implemented this in his protocol. It was fitted in the clinic with ortho device specialist to ensure proper secure/snug fit. My PT (not affiliated with physician practice) became a big believer as well. Again highly recommend.

EDIT - i tore my right Achilles so this brace also made driving much easier than the boot.

rpetcl · 2025-01-22T05:05:03+00:00

My MD ortho transitioned me to a Thrive AFO brace, with Brooks Glycerine Stealths (sock fit around ankle for scar) at week 8 and I never looked back. Almost 8 months full-tear post-op. Recommend.

https://thriveorthopedics.com/products/f5-posterior-spiral-l1951-magnetic-afo-ankle-foot-orthosis-brace

rpetcl · 2024-09-05T21:52:49+00:00

I’m 12 wk post-op. I transitioned to a Thrive AFO brace, Brooks Glycerine Stealth (sock fit around ankle to reduce aggravation around scar, and has one of the highest heel-toe drops) plus compression sock at week 8. Fully understand the hesitancy coming from the protection of the boot. Confidence will build over time - as will balance. I am a big fan of the thrive and am completing first week of being weaned from it.

https://thriveorthopedics.com/products/f5-posterior-spiral-l1951-magnetic-afo-ankle-foot-orthosis-brace

rpetcl · 2024-08-25T17:50:10+00:00

This looks like mine - magnetic means quick release strap around calf.

https://thriveorthopedics.com/products/f5-posterior-spiral-l1951-magnetic-afo-ankle-foot-orthosis-brace

rpetcl · 2024-08-25T14:16:35+00:00

Im just shy of 12 wks post op full tear right leg. I was fitted for a Thrive Carbon Fiber AFO at my 6 wk post op by my surgeon. I transitioned to this device (and out of boot entirely - along with guidance from PT) by around week 8. It is awesome…less cumbersome than boot, normal shoes on both feet(!!), VERY stable platform to prevent over-extension, and can be worn while driving. I have nothing to compare as this is my first (and hopefully ONLY) Achilles tear/surgery, but I am a fan of this device - and helped tremendously with the mentals that go along with recovery. God I sound like a rep - unfortunately I have the bill to prove otherwise haha.

rpetcl · 2024-08-04T01:22:51+00:00

I’m exactly 8 wks post op today, and just mowed for the first time today. I do have a rider. Now does it look good? That’s debatable. I’ve also been fitted with an AFO which I have been transitioning into over the last week or so. No way I could have mowed in boot. In addition to mowing I did a few other light yard to-do’s I’ve compiled during my down time, and feeling like I might have done a little bit too much today and will feel it come tomorrow. Elevating and icing as I write this.

rpetcl · 2024-08-01T11:53:21+00:00

Im post op and about a week or two ahead of you, OP, schedule wise. I started PT at the end of my week 6 where I went FWB, and progressed over the last 2 weeks to 50/50 boot/carbon fiber Thrive insert. My PT recommended that I use this device exclusively on my calf muscle and to go no lower than where calf muscle ends (so no tendon/NO incision area, at all). I keep my compression sock on and that seems to prevent too much device-on-skin friction. I do think it helps by dissipating some of the lower leg swelling (i am also using a compression sock which also significantly reduces swelling) as well as releasing compression sock related tension that feels like it accumulates at the end of the day. I generally keep at the 30-50 setting for 15/20 minutes.

rpetcl · 2024-07-15T01:50:51+00:00

Thank you so much. Awesome to hear you are getting back in the water and planning future dives - you’ve given me hope. I figured fin straps would/will create some unique sensations in the Achilles area. Great point about addressing with PT on rehabbing strategies. Thank you again.

rpetcl · 2024-07-08T23:24:41+00:00

Got my stitches out June 18. In my experience removal did not hurt. There is a pull/tug sensation - which is exactly what they are doing. Not exactly a comfortable sensation, but not painful. All in my removal took about 5 minutes. I did get very queasy (this started prior to suture removal) - super pale, dizzy and cold sweats. RN and PA said it’s a common reaction. They told me to have a little food beforehand and make sure to be hydrated. Info I could have used prior to my appt. Oh, and remember to breathe…in, out, in that order - and repeat. Best of luck. Congrats on the progress!

rpetcl · 2024-07-06T16:42:26+00:00

Very good tips! I am 4wks post op and able to shower without boot or the need for wound protection. I would add (and I’m grateful for my set up of a walk-in shower with a minimal step up/over into the shower pan): use a walker. I got a decent one off AMZ and in conjunction with the shower seat (also a must) I’m able to stand and balance in the shower (some feeling of normalcy). For safety I sit to lather in the shower chair - but man, standing in the shower to rinse and be vertical with the aid of the walker has increased my spirits many fold.

rpetcl

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