Achilles Tendon Repair

There is a risk of re-rupture if you fall or try to accelerate the rehabilitation protocol.

• NON weight bearing for 2 weeks after surgery
• 2 week review: may be permitted to commence gradual, progressive weight bearing in boot over the next 2 weeks with 4 boot wedges (2cm heel lift). Active plantar flexion, inversion and eversion exercises below neutral
• 4 week review: WB in boot with 3 wedges. Remove 1 wedge per week. Non WB fitness/cardio whilst in boot e.g. stationary bike
• 6 -8 weeks: Gait retraining. Wean boot, may need brief period of walking aids to assist with weaning. Commence strength training (calf raises) and proprioception.
• 3 months: Normal shoe wear. Gradually increase walking, light exercise. Sport specific training. Increase dynamic WB exercises. No eccentric loading until 6 months.

Strong pain medication < 72 hrs if needed. A script will be provided at the time of surgery. No Alcohol or driving whilst taking strong pain medication

Decrease to simple pain medication e.g. panadol/nurofen after 72 hours.

• Casts and boots and strong pain medications can interfere with your ability to drive
• You must be able to safely operate the vehicle including the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals at all times and respond in the event of an emergency
• Minimum 6-8 weeks if the driving foot was operated on / injured

• 6 weeks:
  • gait retraining
  • protected WB as above
  • core strengthening and upper limb program
  • non impact exercise e.g. elliptical, swimming, stationary bike
• 12 weeks
  • may progress with gait retraining
  • generalised stretching/strengthening fitness program
  • progressive increase in lower limb weight bearing exercises
  • continue non impact exercise e.g. elliptical, swimming, stationary bike

• Expected to decrease when elevated and gradually decrease over time
• May have persistent swelling for up to 2 years post surgery

Please discuss any travel plans prior to your surgery.

It is usually safe to travel short distances on a plane or car 1 week after surgery. You may experience increased swelling therefore try and keep the limb elevated

It is more difficult to get around the airport and plane. You will need assistance. If there is any concern regarding DVT then air travel or long car travel is not advised. In general long haul flights should be avoided for at least 3 months post surgery.

Please take usual precautions for healthy travel such as elevation of the limb, regular movements of the limb and moving around the cabin, stay well hydrated and avoiding alcohol. Additional DVT prophylaxis may be required.

• Jogging at 4-6 months under supervision of physiotherapist
• Sport specific training may commence at 3 months
• Gradual progressive return to light sports/low impact activities may begin at 6 months
• Return to high impact activities e.g. soccer, football may be considered after 9 months if the patient can perform a single heel raise

• 2 weeks
  • office for wound review and removal of sutures
  • continue progressive weight bearing in CAM boot, including when sleeping
  • progressively decrease wedges as above
• 6 weeks
  • review integrity of repair
  • wean boot as above
• 12 weeks
  • progress review