Achilles Tendon Repair: Your Journey from Injury to Recovery
In the week leading up to your Achilles tendon repair surgery, your surgeon will advise you to stop taking certain medications, particularly blood thinners, to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during the procedure. Prepare your home for your return by setting up a recovery area with easy access to essentials. Some hospitals offer pre-operative classes to familiarize you with the procedure and recovery process. Continue any prescribed exercises to maintain flexibility in your unaffected leg and upper body strength.
The night before surgery, follow your surgeon's instructions regarding fasting. Typically, you'll need to stop eating and drinking after midnight (NPO - nil per os). This precaution helps prevent complications during anesthesia. Take a shower using antibacterial soap as directed to reduce the risk of infection. Get a good night's sleep to help your body prepare for the procedure. Set out loose-fitting clothes for the next day, ensuring easy access for your bandaged leg and foot.
On the morning of your surgery, arrive at the hospital or surgical center at the designated time. You'll undergo a preoperative assessment, including a review of your medical history and a check of your vital signs. The surgical site will be marked, and you'll meet with your anesthesiologist to discuss the anesthetic options. Achilles tendon repair is typically performed under spinal or general anesthesia and usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
Immediately after the surgery, you'll be moved to a recovery area. Your leg will be immobilized in a splint or cast with your foot pointing downward to protect the repaired tendon. You may experience some pain or discomfort as the anesthetic wears off. Pain management will begin right away to keep you comfortable. Most patients can go home on the same day, once the effects of anesthesia have worn off. Before discharge, you'll receive instructions on caring for your incision, managing pain at home, and the importance of keeping your leg elevated to reduce swelling.
Weight bearing restrictions are crucial for proper healing of the Achilles tendon. For the first 2-4 weeks, you'll typically be non-weight bearing, using crutches or a knee scooter for mobility. Around 4-5 weeks post-surgery, you may begin partial weight bearing in a walking boot with heel wedges. Your surgeon will provide a specific protocol for gradually increasing weight bearing, often progressing by 25% of body weight per week. By 6-8 weeks, many patients can achieve full weight bearing in the boot, but this can vary based on individual healing and surgeon preference.
The first week after surgery focuses on rest, pain management, and protecting the surgical site. Keep your leg elevated above heart level as much as possible to reduce swelling. The splint or cast must remain in place and kept dry. You may experience some pain and swelling, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication and ice packs. It's crucial to follow your surgeon's instructions carefully during this time to avoid complications. You'll need to use crutches or a knee scooter to move around, as you'll be non-weight bearing on the affected leg.
Your first postoperative appointment usually occurs about 2 weeks after surgery. During this visit, your surgeon will check your incision healing and may remove stitches if necessary. They'll assess the initial stages of tendon healing and may transition you from the splint to a removable boot. This appointment is an excellent opportunity to ask questions about your recovery progress and discuss the next steps in your rehabilitation. Your surgeon will outline a plan for physical therapy, which is crucial for optimal recovery.
Moderate activity recovery typically begins around 6-8 weeks after surgery, depending on your progress and surgeon's protocol. By this time, you may be transitioning out of the boot for short periods and beginning more active physical therapy. This phase focuses on regaining ankle range of motion, strengthening exercises, and gradually returning to normal walking patterns. You may be cleared for low-impact activities like stationary biking or swimming. It's important to follow your physical therapist's instructions carefully and not push too hard too fast.
Full recovery from Achilles tendon repair can take 4-6 months, with some patients continuing to see improvements for up to a year. Around 3 months post-surgery, many patients can resume most daily activities and potentially return to work, especially if their job doesn't involve heavy physical demands. Running and more strenuous activities are typically allowed around 4-6 months, depending on individual progress and surgeon approval. It's important to maintain consistent communication with your surgeon and physical therapist throughout the recovery process to ensure the best possible outcome. While most patients experience significant improvement in function and reduction in pain, it's important to note that some may have residual stiffness or slight limitations in high-impact activities.