2+ year update

I waited about a year to start playing pick-up soccer again, and even then I didn't go full speed.  After about 14 months, I finally started playing competitively and was amazed at what I could do.  I still felt it at times, but now, about 26 months in, it's basically back to normal.  The tendon has become a bit thicker and there is some tough scar tissue around my calf, but all in all, it's fully function.  I'm back playing pick-up and competitive sports and weight training at the gym again.  I was just thinking about how devastated I was when I first received the news that my achilles was ruptured.  If I had only known how successful the recovery could be, I would have saved myself a TON of stress.

8 month update

It's been quite a while since my last entry, but all is well.  After about 6 months, the doctor said he didn't need to see me anymore and gave me the green light to start working out and running.  But he did say there is a greater risk of re-rupture within the first year, so I took it really slow.  I soon started going back to the gym and riding a stationary bike and lifting weights again.  Eventually, I even started doing calf raises.  I could tell that my left (injured-side) calf was much weaker.  But, of course, it has evened out in time.  I also started playing some beach volleyball again.  The first few weeks, I couldn't play 2 v 2 and I didn't really jump or dive at all.  But now, I'm almost back to normal.  I'm still not jumping like I used to, but I'm getting there, slowly but surely.  I also haven't been running any sprints or long distances.  In fact, I just recently started hiking again, which was a good test.  Now, it gets a little sore and swollen sometimes after a good workout, but after some massaging and resting, it feels even better than before.  I guess the key is to listen to your body and not try to push it.  Just be smart about it.  It's like learning to walk all over again, or learning to ride a bike.  Take it slow or you're going to hurt yourself.  I found that swimming and yoga were really helpful.  And simple stretching exercises coupled with regular massaging of the injured area is a good idea too.  Soon enough, you should be back to normal.  Any questions?

Almost Back to Normal

Well, it has been just about five months and my Achilles feels like it is just about back to full strength.  My stride is almost completely normal again and I can easily carry things and walk up and down stairs.  I did a lot of yoga over the last month, which was REALLY helpful.  I could tell that, towards the end of the month, I was able to do MUCH more than I could at the beginning.  For example, I can easily balance on just my left leg now, whereas a month ago I could barely take my right leg off the ground.  Also, I attended a wedding last weekend and was a full go on the dance floor.  And earlier this week, I even got in a few games of beach volleyball.  Of course, I'm not jumping or running yet, but I'm getting close to that point.  Even when I'm able, I'll try to take it easy for a while because there is a greater risk of re-rupture within the first year.  Honestly, though, my tendon feels VERY strong right now and I don't think that's a serious risk (neither does the doctor).  But, in this case, I'd rather be safe than sorry...

Four Month Follow Up

It's been just over a month since my last post and things have gotten MUCH better.  About 3 months in, I was able to ditch the boot permanently.  Shortly thereafter, I stopped using the crutches and switched over to a cane because I was walking with a bit of a limp.  Another week or so later, I barely even needed the cane- I just used it to walk long distances faster.  As of yesterday, I ditched the cane for good and am almost walking normally.  Now, I'm even starting to do some guided two-leg calf raises.

Last weekend, I worked a 9-hour catering shift, mostly washing dishes in the kitchen.  This was the most standing and walking I've done in a LONG time and, after the shift, my ankle swelled up big time.  However, it felt just fine in the morning and it seemed to help with the recovery process (physically & mentally).  As for rehab, I've been massaging & stretching the ankle everyday on my own and swimming as much as possible.

A few days ago, I started taking yoga classes again, which has been a HUGE help.  I could really see a difference after just 3 classes and I can now comfortably stand on just my left foot.  I can also tell that my left leg is REALLY weak and needs some strength training.

Yesterday, I had another check up with the doctor and the prognosis was excellent.  I am well ahead of schedule and should be capable of running in about a month (less than 6 months since the injury).  And I should be ready to start strength training very soon.  Needless to say, the tendon (and life is general) is getting better and better each day.

Back on Two Feet

Last week, I made quite a few new discoveries:  First, being sick while recovering from an Achilles injury is really miserable, so try to avoid it.  Second, I'm now able walk barefoot on soft surfaces (ie- carpet) without any support.  Third, getting sunburn on an injured ankle is also very miserable, so try to avoid that too.  And fourth, swimming in the ocean on a hot, hot summer day is priceless!

Wow! what a check up...

Today I removed the final heel pad from the boot and went to the doctor for a check up.  As soon as he saw my ankle, his first response was "Wow! That is bulking up quickly."  And he was right, my tendon is really starting to take shape and the swelling has mostly subsided.  There is still a tiny portion near the top of the tendon that needs to fill in, but it feels GREAT for the most part.  Prognosis- one more check up in a month and I should be fully recovered in less than 6 months total, ahead of schedule.  Now, I can start doing some strength training at home and even at the gym, as well as some stationary bike and elliptical cardio exercises.  Yesterday, I swam some laps at a nearby pool and got some great exercise.  It really felt good to get the adrenaline pumping.  I intend to do alot of swimming over the next month, and of course, some hot tub therapy immediately after.

The Healing Touch

This week, I had my second visit from the Physical Therapist and it was REALLY helpful.  She had me lay on my stomach and gave me a "sports massage" on my calf and around the tendon.  It was slightly uncomfortable and definitely a bit scary b/c she was actually rubbing on the tendon.  But after the "massage" I felt GREAT and was even able to stand on my own two feet with no crutches.  I guess it helped to break down some scar tissue and improved my range of mobility.  If nothing else, it definitely gave me confidence to be more aggressive with my rehab exercises (but not too aggressive of course).

I've found that massaging around the tendon after a warm bath or dip in the hot tub is really effective.  Then I do some light (non-weight-bearing) exercises with my ankle and my range of motion gets better by the day.  In fact, I'm not even wearing the boot around the house very much (when I'm not walking) and I don't wear it to bed anymore.  I actually had a dream last night about getting up quickly and retrieving a volleyball on my own two feet without hesitating.  I think that day will be coming soon, but probably not for a couple more months.  We're going to a friend's wedding tomorrow just a couple miles from here.  I'm hoping I can still dance a little with the boot on...