Achilles tendon issues

Oh goodness, please stop... reading this just makes everything ache all over again...

I am actually preparing for the exact same procedure. I suffer from chronic crepitating tendinitis—a direct result of sports overuse and overtraining. At first, my tendon was just clicking while I walked, but then the inflammation got so intense that I couldn't even set my heel on the floor. After that, it was three weeks in a walking boot, followed by several rounds of physical therapy. Now, I’ve developed these contractures, and my doctor told me they have to "open it up and scrape it out"... sounds absolutely lovely, doesn't it? 😢

Since I am pregnant right now, undergoing the surgery is impossible, so I haven't really started looking into the specifics yet. I honestly have no idea how the actual process works...

What kind of issues are you having with your tendon? Is it painful? For me, Lakota helps quite a bit. I gave up on all those glucosamine supplements and other various preparations a long time ago. They don't work for me—it's as if my body is immune to them—but Lakota is the real deal 👍

neonpanther15 said:Oh goodness, please stop... reading this just makes everything ache all over again...

I am actually preparing for the exact same procedure. I suffer from chronic crepitating tendinitis—a direct result of sports overuse and overtraining. At first, my tendon was just clicking while I walked, but then the inflammation got so intense that I couldn't even set my heel on the floor. After that, it was three weeks in a walking boot, followed by several rounds of physical therapy. Now, I’ve developed these contractures, and my doctor told me they have to "open it up and scrape it out"... sounds absolutely lovely, doesn't it? 😢

Since I am pregnant right now, undergoing the surgery is impossible, so I haven't really started looking into the specifics yet. I honestly have no idea how the actual process works...

What kind of issues are you having with your tendon? Is it painful? For me, Lakota helps quite a bit. I gave up on all those glucosamine supplements and other various preparations a long time ago. They don't work for me—it's as if my body is immune to them—but Lakota is the real deal 👍

I can feel a distinct thickening in the tendons. When I had an MRI, they told me the tendon had actually doubled in thickness. I can't walk for long periods because of the pain, and every morning I'm stumbling around until I can finally loosen up a bit. I have no clue what caused this; I only engage in sports "reasonably" for recreation. It's a total mystery, and my doctor hasn't offered any further explanations beyond that.

Greetings! Is it just me, or does it seem like every single doctor in America has suddenly decided to take an extended nap at the exact same time? Are they all collectively busy performing Achilles heel debridement?

So I took a nasty hit to the back of my leg, about 7 cm above the heel... everything felt fine until it cooled down, then suddenly there’s this weird creaking sensation every time I take a step. It doesn't even hurt, just that clicking/creaking noise... anyone know what that is? Haven't seen a doctor yet—not like most people around here, I'd rather avoid it if possible. Anyone else dealt with this kind of "injury" before?

My right Achilles heel has been acting up since last fall. I’m 50, and this past summer I was pretty active—hitting the Power Plate three times a week and playing tennis twice a week. There wasn't even one specific moment where I felt something snap; it just started as this nagging ache in the tendon first thing in the morning or after sitting still for too long. Once I get moving and warmed up, walking feels fine, and I can still stand on my toes without an issue. Over the winter, I did about ten sessions of ultrasound therapy, but then I kind of let it slide. I eventually went back to a sports doctor who did maybe four rounds of shockwave therapy—sort of like that lithotripsy thing they do for kidney stones—but he basically told me nothing had really changed. I finally went in for an MRI yesterday, and here’s the breakdown: there's a moderate effusion in the posterior paratenon space. The Achilles heel itself shows fusiform thickening, mostly centered in the middle third, measuring 38 mm in the longitudinal axis and 14x9 mm on the cross-section. Within the posterior aspect of the thickened tendon, there's a minor focus of intermediate signal suggesting some slight softening. No signs of superficial structure damage, just some mild peritenonitis. There's also moderate effusion in the sheath of the flexor hallucis longus and tibialis posterior muscles, which looks like sequelae from a partial rupture at the insertion level. Everything else looks normal.
I'm showing these results to my doctor tomorrow, but I'm already bracing myself for whatever he says. Honestly, I'm already looking for a second opinion. Thanks in advance.

I seem to be experiencing some rather vexing issues regarding my Achilles heel ever since I decided to break in a new pair of sneakers, and frankly, it’s been quite a nuisance. I was wondering if anyone here might be so kind as to recommend a specific type of athletic tape, a topical ointment, or perhaps some other sort of remedy that actually works? Furthermore, if you do have a suggestion, I would be immensely grateful if you could specify where one might actually go to purchase such an item in the States. Thank you very much.

It’s been 28 days since my Achilles heel surgery, following that nasty tear I suffered
from a bad landing on the basketball court. Because the tendon retracted quite a bit upward,
they had to make a vertical incision about five inches long.
The wound is healing fine and the swelling is finally starting to subside, but I'm feeling pretty anxious about what comes next.
What does the rehab process actually look like? How long am I looking at for recovery, and realistically, will I ever
be able to get back to running like I used to?

So, a few weeks back during PE class, we were playing some basketball. I went up for what I thought was going to be a massive dunk, but I landed wrong on my left foot and immediately felt this sharp pain shoot through my Achilles heel. It still hasn't gone away. It doesn't really bother me when I'm just walking around, but the second I try to jump or put weight on it, there it is again! Has anyone else here dealt with something like this? Should I go see a doctor, or should I just try to rest it for a while and see what happens?

Hey there,

I've been dealing with this nagging issue with my Achilles heel for quite a while now. It’s just one of those persistent nuisances that won't quit. Does anyone have a specific doctor or a clinic they'd actually recommend? I'm looking for someone who knows their stuff.

Thanks.

Hey there
I’m pretty sure I’ve got a shortened Achilles tendon or something. Honestly, it’s getting ridiculous: I can’t even do a squat without staying on my toes, and whenever I'm hitting the stairs, I’m basically walking on tip-toes just to get up. Even worse, when I'm coming down steps, it feels like I’m slamming hard into the ground, or if I'm just walking or stepping down from something higher, I trip over nothing constantly. If this is actually some kind of underlying issue, what should I be doing? Or does anyone else think this might be something else entirely?
Thanks in advance for any help!

James Foster87 said:Hey there
I’m pretty sure I’ve got a shortened Achilles tendon or something. Honestly, it’s getting ridiculous: I can’t even do a squat without staying on my toes, and whenever I'm hitting the stairs, I’m basically walking on tip-toes just to get up. Even worse, when I'm coming down steps, it feels like I’m slamming hard into the ground, or if I'm just walking or stepping down from something higher, I trip over nothing constantly. If this is actually some kind of underlying issue, what should I be doing? Or does anyone else think this might be something else entirely?
Thanks in advance for any help!

If you want to be certain about what's going on, your first move should definitely be checking in with your primary care doctor. They’ll look at your overall clinical picture to figure out if it’s actually that specific issue or if you need more digging via specialists—maybe an orthopedic surgeon, a physiatrist, a physical therapist, or even a neurologist depending on what they find.
On a side note, trying to squat on your toes—whether you're lifting weights or just doing bodyweight reps—isn't exactly the smartest way to go about it; you really want that weight centered on your heels.
The way you described your gait issues could potentially stem from some other nerve system stuff (especially if this is a recent development or if things are getting worse), so you really ought to talk to your doctor sooner rather than later. 😉

Hey there!
Just joined the group.
I’m looking for some advice—I had surgery on my Achilles back on July 4th, 2014.
Right after the procedure, they had my leg locked at a 120-degree angle.
Then, about two weeks later, they straightened it out to 90 degrees.
My next checkup isn't until the six-week mark, so I was wondering if it's safe to start working out yet, and if so, what kind of leg exercises should I be looking into?
Thanks a million for any help you guys can give!
Best,
Alan

So, exactly one week ago, my Achilles snapped—total nightmare. I ended up having surgery on Tuesday and I’m still stuck here in the hospital, even though honestly, I’ve been feeling pretty great for the last three days... zero pain, which is a miracle in itself. I was wondering if anyone else here has gone through this? Specifically, how long were you actually stuck in a hospital bed after the procedure? Some of the doctors told me I’d be heading home in maybe 3 or 4 days, but now they’re saying I might have to stay until Tuesday... apparently because of all the injections and the constant blood work they have to do to make sure I don't develop some kind of blood clot or thrombosis. I’ve already had about five or six shots in my shoulder, and yesterday I was popping three pills just to manage... Is this actually standard procedure, or are they just keeping me here longer because I don't have private supplemental insurance and they want to squeeze more money out of me? Seriously, I’m losing my mind sitting here—I’ve got no energy left for this, and all my responsibilities back home are just piling up higher and higher...

Bradley Morgan5 said:So, exactly one week ago, my Achilles snapped—total nightmare. I ended up having surgery on Tuesday and I’m still stuck here in the hospital, even though honestly, I’ve been feeling pretty great for the last three days... zero pain, which is a miracle in itself. I was wondering if anyone else here has gone through this? Specifically, how long were you actually stuck in a hospital bed after the procedure? Some of the doctors told me I’d be heading home in maybe 3 or 4 days, but now they’re saying I might have to stay until Tuesday... apparently because of all the injections and the constant blood work they have to do to make sure I don't develop some kind of blood clot or thrombosis. I’ve already had about five or six shots in my shoulder, and yesterday I was popping three pills just to manage... Is this actually standard procedure, or are they just keeping me here longer because I don't have private supplemental insurance and they want to squeeze more money out of me? Seriously, I’m losing my mind sitting here—I’ve got no energy left for this, and all my responsibilities back home are just piling up higher and higher...

It’s pretty unlikely they’d keep you in surgical recovery any longer than absolutely necessary.
The medical staff gets paid the same regardless of whether it’s coming out of your pocket or through Medicare.

Bradley Morgan5 said:So, exactly one week ago, my Achilles snapped—total nightmare. I ended up having surgery on Tuesday and I’m still stuck here in the hospital, even though honestly, I’ve been feeling pretty great for the last three days... zero pain, which is a miracle in itself. I was wondering if anyone else here has gone through this? Specifically, how long were you actually stuck in a hospital bed after the procedure? Some of the doctors told me I’d be heading home in maybe 3 or 4 days, but now they’re saying I might have to stay until Tuesday... apparently because of all the injections and the constant blood work they have to do to make sure I don't develop some kind of blood clot or thrombosis. I’ve already had about five or six shots in my shoulder, and yesterday I was popping three pills just to manage... Is this actually standard procedure, or are they just keeping me here longer because I don't have private supplemental insurance and they want to squeeze more money out of me? Seriously, I’m losing my mind sitting here—I’ve got no energy left for this, and all my responsibilities back home are just piling up higher and higher...

I was stuck in the hospital for an entire month. They messed up a stitch and it got inflamed, so they were too scared to let me leave. Finally got home on October 13th and I'm still going back for follow-up appointments. Such a drag.
Just got denied by Medicare for that brace—you know, the boot thing. Guess I'll have to pay out of pocket and see how it goes. Anyway, the one my doctor recommended is $533.
They also told me there's no chance for those specialized rehab centers; they won't even give you a referral for it. It's all about how much leverage you have.
I didn't have supplemental insurance either. Signed up once I got to the hospital, and it didn't kick in until the day I was discharged.😵
Anyway, don't sweat it too much. It'll get better. Hang in there!

Since the forum search tool failed me completely, I figured I’d just start a brand new thread. Honestly, it blows my mind that there isn't already a discussion about this, but here we are...

I managed to slice right through my Achilles tendon (the report says it's slightly less than two-thirds of the cross-section)
After being admitted to the ER, I didn't undergo a "classic surgery" per se, but rather—well—they just stitched me up over at the surgical ward. They've got me in a splint with my leg fully extended (kind of like how I hold it when I'm swimming)
The swelling hasn't been an issue, and remarkably, I haven't felt a single ounce of pain! They even told me the stitches look great...

The surgeon laid out the plan like this:
- Two weeks in this current splint
- Another two weeks in a splint with my foot held at a 90-degree angle
- Then two weeks in some kind of cast (or whatever they call it) with my heel elevated

Look, I realize nobody here is a medical professional, but if anyone has dealt with something similar—or if you actually happen to be a specialist—it would be so much easier to get some unofficial thoughts on this. Please, jump in!
The big question, of course, is how long the recovery process is going to take...

Just to clarify one more time: the tendon didn't snap or burst. It was sliced, as they put it (almost like with a scalpel), which is actually quite a relief, believe it or not...

Angela Hall44- I find myself navigating a remarkably similar ordeal... On September 4th, I underwent surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon. After enduring three weeks in a heavy cast followed by two weeks in a walking boot, they finally managed to set my foot at a ninety-degree angle today; now, I am faced with six weeks in a specialized brace before I can even begin physical therapy. Can anyone truly describe the sheer agony of finally attempting to bear weight after such prolonged immobilization? This particular brace is custom-designed to induce a sort of rocking motion while walking, much like those Walkmaxx shoes. For the next few days, I must clumsily adjust to it using crutches, as the mere thought of putting pressure on that leg feels entirely impossible right now—both mentally and physically... it is quite daunting. 😲
The entire recovery process spans at least three months, though once you master the rhythm of the brace, a return to civilization—work, casual strolls, and normal life—becomes feasible. 🎉 However, one must strictly avoid any form of athletic activity for at least six months following the injury. And there you have it.
Wishing you a steady recovery 🙂

Hey everyone! Sorry I’m running a little late to the party with this update, but here is exactly how my recovery timeline has played out so far...
Days 0-14: Stuck in a full cast with my foot completely immobilized.
Days 14-28: Switched to an orthopedic brace with my leg held at a 90-degree angle; I was taking it off daily for some light range-of-motion exercises.
Day 28: Finally ditched the brace and threw away the heel lifts! I've started walking gently and even got back behind the wheel of my car.
Days 28-38: Just waiting around for physical therapy to kick in.
Days 38-52: Finished my initial PT sessions. If you look really closely, you can definitely see a bit of a limp in my step...
The day after tomorrow marks day 54, and I’m officially starting one-on-one sessions with a private physical therapist for some personalized exercises!

All in all, things are looking pretty good! In just about a month, I’m planning on hitting the slopes and tearing it up on my skis!

I can't believe it, but we just had our third Achilles tendon rupture in a single month here at the local gym...