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...

One step at a time

Yesterday, I removed the second heel pad from the boot, leaving only 1 more to go.  My heel is now only inclined 1/3 as much as it was just 4 weeks ago.  It is a little unnerving to take each pad out, but after the first couple days I completely forget about it.  I've also been able to use just one crutch or even no crutches at times, but I'm trying not to rush it.  Luckily, I don't need to walk much at work.  And I can see the actual tendon growing thicker and stronger, but there's still a small "gap" in it about 2 inches up from the ground.  The "gap" seems to be shrinking away though and hopefully it will completely disappear soon.

I've been making the most of the beautiful summer weather.  I went straight to the pool after work almost every day last week.  I did some rehab exercises in the pool and swam a couple laps of light breaststroke.  Being in the water is really great because it counteracts gravity and reduces the impact on all my joints, including the ankle & achilles tendon.  After the pool, we hit the hot tub for a while, which is also really helpful because the hot water makes the tendon very relaxed and easier to stretch.  Plus the heat helps me sweat and shed some skin, which is hard to do without being able to run.

I must have walked/hopped over a mile yesterday on the crutches.  It can be really good exercise.  I feel my arms and upper body getting stronger.  My right leg is also getting stronger, while my left leg is shrinking.  However, I've been doing some light exercises on the left leg (except for the calf of course) and some yoga stretching without standing.  It is helping me keep in shape, but I still miss running.