Achillies tear - need advice

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rocdoc50

185 posts since
Oct 4, 2007

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May 31, 2009 5:27 PM

Achillies tear - need advice

I tore my achilles this past Memorial Day while playing basketball. The crazy thing about it is that I have been running pretty consistently for the past year and a half in everything from 5k's to 1 1/2 marathon and the tear doesn't happen during that event. Anyhow, after the X-ray on Wednesday of that week the doctor stated that it appears to be a tear and that one option would be surgery which would have me in a hard cast for two weeks and then a boot for the next 4 -6 months. I asked about non-surgical options and he stated that we could do the boot for 4-6 months and let the tear heal but that there was about a 40% chance of the tear reoccuring. He also stated that there is about a two week window to decide on surgery because after that time the tear would already have begun to heal.

My question to all is who has gone through this before and what option did you take? Does anyone have any stories on how well they got back to running after such a injury? Also, what were some of the steps taken to get back on track?

This is all new to me so any responses would be great.

lenzlaw

7,025 posts since
Jan 18, 2008

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1. May 31, 2009 5:41 PM

in response to: rocdoc50

Re: Achillies tear - need advice

I haven't been through it but it sounds like the surgery gives you a better option of full healing.

Len

We've come this far and it's still the same,
Runnin' out here in the rain.
Just one more mile, if only you could fly.
(Apologies to T. Rush and J. Tempchin, for the paraphrase)

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rocdoc50

185 posts since
Oct 4, 2007

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2. May 31, 2009 7:49 PM

in response to: lenzlaw

Re: Achillies tear - need advice

Len,

Thanks for your response. I have always thought highly of your opinions and suggestions throughout the running forums. Surgery, I understand, is suppose to give you the best result for just about any type of healing I guess, but I am VERY hesitant to go under the knife for anything. Never broken any bones, seriously pulled any muscles and (for the most part) have been pretty hospital free most of my 44 years. However, things may have caught up to me a bit. I know if I was 20 years younger the non-surgical options would be stronger than it is now .

I go back to the doctor tomorrow to meet with the doctor about the MRI taken of my leg. I'll get to see just how bad the tear really is and a more detailed prognosis.

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rocdoc50

185 posts since
Oct 4, 2007

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3. Jun 16, 2009 2:25 PM

in response to: rocdoc50

Re: Achillies tear - need advice

Everyone,

Still trying to hear some feedback from some of you guys who have gone through this injury before. I am sure that there are numerous runners who have gone through this already and I would like to hear how you eventually (hopefully) returned to running. My current status is about 3 weeks into wearing the boot. I see my doctor tomorrow but he had stated that after 6 - 8 weeks he thinks I should be out of the boot and ready for rehab.

All advice would be welcomed!

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zookeeperrunning

227 posts since
Aug 8, 2008

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4. Jun 29, 2009 6:56 AM

in response to: rocdoc50

Re: Achillies tear - need advice

rocdoc50,

I am in a similar situation as you, and am also looking for advice as to how other runners have come back from these sorts of injuries. June 13th during a 5k race I ruptured my plantar fascia, and I am in a boot as well. Curious as to what type of boot you are in? A lace up boot, or a hard walking boot? I am also looking at 6-8 weeks of wearing this horrible thing!! How are you dealing? It's only been two weeks for me, and it's driving me CRAZY :pI wish you the best with your recovery!!

Carey

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dbbolt

5 posts since
Feb 28, 2008

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5. Jun 29, 2009 7:43 AM

in response to: zookeeperrunning

Re: Achillies tear - need advice

RocDoc and Zoo,

When I ruptured my achilles, the Dr. said it was common for endurance athletes who may have had tightness or issues with the achilles to end up with a rupture when going back to ballistic motion excercise (basketball, tennis, volleyball, etc.) I tried basketball one time after quitting for my running for 10 years and I was down by the third game. I had the same choice between surgery and non-surgical and I am too active to accept the long term expectation of another rupture so I opted for surgery. It was the right decision and I am now 8 years post surgery and running as good or better than before. I followed a regimen that included the physical therapy recommended by the Dr and a program of water running, stationary bike and swimming that I designed based on minimizing the impact while maintaining the motion and gaining my strength back. I was inspired by the fact that Donavan Baily was running 6 weeks after his surgery. My rupture occurred in Jan 01 and I was told I could begin easy jogging if everthing went right sometime in mid May. I did a half marathon at the beginning of May and never looked back. By the way, I was 47 when this occurred so my recovery curve would be longer than someone younger.

My advice is to find a Dr who knows that you want to recover and be active and then do the surgery. Make sure you get into a walking cast after the 4-6 week initial hard cast recovery. (I had to talk my Dr into this) This allowed me to get into the pool to start getting the thing moving and recovering. I was also pedalling the stationary bike with my cast on after the first two weeks. I listened to my body and did not over-extend during the recovery, and I was absolute about avoiding any impact workouts until I felt very ready, and then it was only walking initially. Good luck!

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rocdoc50

185 posts since
Oct 4, 2007

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6. Jun 29, 2009 1:08 PM

in response to: zookeeperrunning

Re: Achillies tear - need advice

Thanks Carey (zookeeperrunning),

The boot I have is called an air cast. It is pretty hard but the good thing about it is that it is pretty adjustable (can loosen up the straps if there is any swelling ). The biggest problem I have had with it is bumping it against things since I am not compensating for the additional bulk. I've sorta taken it in stride since I figured it could have been much worse. With luck, I should be able to kick the boot to the curb after my doctor's appointment this Wednesday.

If this had to happen to me, I am at least thankful that it happened during the summer time versus the fall/winter. Not many running events take place here until the end of October. Also the heat is unbearable during this time. I look at it as a needed break from too much running and a time when I can reflect on what I have done and strategize what I want to accomplish in the future. What I was trying to find out from others was general time frame for when they were able to start running again. I've heard everything from 2 months after the injury to 9 months.

Did your doctor tell you what type of rehab (if any) you would need after the boot is removed? Also did they give you a timetable for when you can take up running again? Sorry to hear about your injury as I know it must have been painful. At least you have people on this board who can share your misery!

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rocdoc50

185 posts since
Oct 4, 2007

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7. Jun 29, 2009 1:26 PM

in response to: dbbolt

Re: Achillies tear - need advice

dbbolt, I think you hit the nail on the head in describing what probably lead to my achillies tear. I had been feeling tightness in my achillies for several races but felt that it had more to do with fatigue than potential injury. I would rest it for a few days, feel better , and then run again. The funny thing about it all is that I had been doing a bit of jump roping during the month leading up to the injury and would never had thought a movement like jumping would lead to the tear.

My decision for non-surgery had more to do with my not having to EVER have any type of surgery before in my 45 years and not wanting to start now. I know that surgery is suppose to give you better long term results, but after reading some of the horror stories involving sutures breaking through the skin and infections, I decided I would try the path of least resistance. Also, I read a couple of stories from some VERY active people who had gone the non-surgical route and are doing great. If it should rupture again I'll have to deal with it head on.

My goal is to hopefully be doing some VERY light running by the end of October which would be about 5 months after the injury. I've got two big events which I hope I will be able to run in: A half marathon on December 13 and another half marathon on January 7, 2010. My question to you is do you think I can be ready to run these races by that time? Would really appreciate your response.

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ActiveArch

14 posts since
May 29, 2007

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8. Jun 29, 2009 4:14 PM

in response to: rocdoc50

Re: Achillies tear - need advice

Med Tent guy - I had a full rupture about 5 years ago during a plyometric workout. I could feel it burning during the workout, but didn't really think anything of it. When it went, it went in a big, loud way. I had surgery about a week or so after it happened, was in a cast for a couple of weeks, then a walking cam (boot). I took rehab VERY seriously, and not even 6 months or so later, I was running 5ks again. Within a year, it was like nothing ever happened. I'm back doing triathlon, ActiveX, everything I was doing before the rupture, and at the same intensity. DON'T be afraid of getting is surgically repaired. DO rehab the $#!% out of it. You'll be back!

Arch (Archilles)

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rocdoc50

185 posts since
Oct 4, 2007

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9. Jun 29, 2009 5:29 PM

in response to: ActiveArch

Re: Achillies tear - need advice

ActiveArch, your progress period is one which I would love to duplicate. A 6 month timeframe for me would put me right at the end of November which would be the beginning of the peak time for running in my area. I am past the point of choosing surgery now as I have been in the boot for 5 weeks. I will just have to hope and pray that natural healing along with good physical therapy will get me back to running on a consistent basis.

Sounds like you were fixed like the bionic man...built faster, stronger, etc

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zookeeperrunning

227 posts since
Aug 8, 2008

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10. Jun 30, 2009 6:19 AM

in response to: rocdoc50

Re: Achillies tear - need advice

rocdoc,

I was told my therapy would consist of different stretching exercicses. As far as time frame the doctor gave me. He basically just said, whenever I can walk around with no pain, I could start off with a nice slow jog. Starting with a mile at a time. I have no idea when that will be...even just walking around with this boot I still ocassionally throughout the day feel stretching with pain! You said your racing picks up in late October. Well mine is now...There is not much around here in late fall and winter. Spring and summer are the active months with all the events, even though it gets quite hot and humid. I am missing two races this July that I was already registered for, but oh well. I have 2 more races in September, so I am hoping to be back for at least one of them. I am registered for a 10k in the beginning of September, and a half at the end. I guess I'll just have to wait to see how everything goes.

I am in a hard walking boot and it goes all the way up to just below my knee. It is heavy, and very hot!! But hoping to have it off the last day of July!!

Take care and let us all know when you get back out there!! I can't wait!!

Carey

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dbbolt

5 posts since
Feb 28, 2008

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11. Jun 30, 2009 6:40 AM

in response to: zookeeperrunning

Re: Achillies tear - need advice

Rocdoc and Carey,

Both of you seem to have very conservative rehab plans so you will be able to do fine. I was running in the pool at 8 weeks (no impact, but lots of muscle toning), running easy outdoors by 10 weeks and slow racing (half marathon finish) at about 14 weeks. I was up to comparable speed (6:40 per mile pace) to my previous season in a race on July 4th; 5 1/2 months after surgery. The most critical part was consistent easy work during that early time frame. Being in the water made that possible. The upside is that you can do pool running with a buddy who has no restrictions and they can get a great workout at the same "speed" as you. Good luck with the rehab!

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lifl2003

66 posts since
Sep 30, 2008

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12. Jul 2, 2009 7:12 AM

in response to: zookeeperrunning

Re: Achillies tear - need advice

Sorry to hear about your injury Carey. Hopefully it heals soon.

Mike in NY

"I can't means I won't"

My Blog - http://runningonli.blogspot.com/

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rocdoc50

185 posts since
Oct 4, 2007

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13. Jul 2, 2009 8:16 AM

in response to: zookeeperrunning

Re: Achillies tear - need advice

My latest news is that I was told I could remove the boot after my doctor's appointment Wednesday. He stated that I could walk around as much as I could handle but that it would be pretty stiff right now. He also referred me to 3 weeks of therapy. I asked him if he could point out any sport therapist which he did. I stopped by and they stated they could probably fit me in on Monday.

I tried walking around a little after I got back home , but I found my leg felt pretty strained. I had to rest it more than I could walk on it. This morning, I initially walked on it but again did not have much endurance for it. I actually put on the boot again today to gain a little more stability for when I have to go out (it is raining cats and dogs here in Florida). I asked the orthopedic doctor what were some of the time frames for me to be able to walk steadier and do light jogging. He stated that after the three weeks of surgery, there should be a noticeable improvement in my walk . He also stated that usually 2 - 3 months after the initial injury that I should be able to start doing some running. This sounded more like the textbook answer versus what his actual assessment of my case was. I haven't even seen the MRI yet and that has been 5 weeks ago. When I asked to see it on two different occassions I was told that they couldn't show it to me because the machine was down. The next time I asked I was told that I could get a copy for a $5 or $10 fee. I personally wanted to say forget this but my wife stated I should pony up the dough and get it.

Hey Carey, good luck on that half at the end of September. My timeline to start running again appears to be September 1 ( that will be 3 months after the injury). I am not even thinking about the low end of the range of 2 months).