Life After Achilles Rupture
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Life After Achilles Rupture

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Life after Achilles tendon rupture

When can I play sport again?

When can I go back to physical work?

When can I walk after Achilles rupture?

How to avoid re-rupture

Life after Achilles tendon rupture

Properly treated, Achilles tendon ruptures heal very well. However, full recovery takes a very long time. You can expect to be in a boot or similar support for about 10 weeks. After this it takes many months to regain the muscle strength. If you ask someone who has been through all this, they will say that they were limited in activities for at least 6 months and that full recovery takes about a year.

Even in the long-term, the calf muscle on the injured side is a little smaller than it used to be – but still strong enough to work normally.

Similarly, the healed tendon remains thicker than it once was. This improves with time (months to years) but the tendon never quite gets as slim as it was before injury.

When can I play sport again?

This depends upon the sport, but most rehabilitation programs reach the point where you can resume after 6 months.

When can I go back to physical work?

This depends upon the precise nature of the work, but most rehabilitation programs reach the point where you can resume after 6 months.

When can I walk after Achilles rupture?

Once you are supported in a suitable boot, with the foot held in a tip-toe posture, then you can (and should) walk. Crutches are only to help with balance. A shoe with a generous heel on the other foot helps to even you up. Walking on the injured leg, in the boot, is good for the healing. The action of walking helps the tendon ends to join in an efficient and strong manner. This early walking has led to fewer re-ruptures compared to previous regimens, when treatment required months of plaster casts and hopping one-legged with crutches.

How to avoid re-rupture

Wear the boot as instructed for the full 10 weeks. Don't take any short-cuts. Your recovery is like the game Snakes and Ladders (Shutes and Ladders in the US) – each week sees you closer to the finish. But one small mistake is like landing on the big snake that takes you right back to the beginning, with a re-rupture. If you take it off to wash, be seated first; maintain the tip-toe posture; do not bend the ankle up to reach your toes to wash or dry them. If you are not sufficiently flexible get help. Do not assume that you'll be fine, hopping into the shower. One tiny slip can be disastrous.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When can I walk after an Achilles rupture?

You can and should walk once you are supported in a suitable boot that holds your foot in a tip-toe posture. Crutches are only needed for balance. Walking on the injured leg while wearing the boot is beneficial for healing, as it helps the tendon ends join efficiently and strongly. Wearing a shoe with a generous heel on your uninjured foot helps keep you level. This early walking approach has resulted in fewer re-ruptures compared to older treatments that required months of plaster casts and one-legged hopping.

How long does recovery from Achilles rupture take?

Full recovery from an Achilles rupture typically takes about a year. You'll need to wear a boot or similar support for approximately 10 weeks. After this, it takes several months to regain muscle strength, with most people experiencing activity limitations for at least 6 months. Even long-term, the calf muscle on the injured side may remain slightly smaller but will be strong enough for normal function. The healed tendon will be thicker initially but improves over months to years.

When can I return to sports and physical work?

Most rehabilitation programs allow return to sports and physical work after 6 months. However, the exact timing depends on the specific sport or type of work involved. Full recovery typically takes about a year.

How can I prevent re-rupturing my Achilles?

To prevent re-rupture, it's crucial to wear the boot as instructed for the full 10 weeks without taking shortcuts. When removing the boot (e.g., for washing), always be seated first and maintain the tip-toe posture. Don't bend the ankle up to reach your toes. If you're not flexible enough, get help rather than risk injury. Even a small slip can cause a re-rupture and force you to restart the entire recovery process.

What are the long-term effects of an Achilles rupture?

While Achilles ruptures generally heal well with proper treatment, there are some long-term changes. The calf muscle on the injured side typically remains slightly smaller than before, though it maintains normal function. The healed tendon stays somewhat thicker than the original, though this thickness gradually improves over months to years. Despite these changes, most people return to normal activities.

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