Achilles Help

Your Helpful Guide to Getting Thru Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery or Recover from an Achilles Injury

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  • Tips for Icing After Achilles Surgery

    Disclaimer – I am not a medical expert and this is NOT medical advice. Always follow the instructions from your medical provider. When in doubt, ask your medical provider. As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn commission from qualifying purchases.

    During the first few weeks after Achilles tendon repair surgery, you will likely spend a lot of time icing. During those non-weight bearing days (NWB), you will obviously not be able to ice on the actual incision area. During my NWB time in an open hard cast, I found the most comfortable and effective way to ice was to have my leg in an elevation pillow with an ice bag both on the calf under the knee and on top of my leg below the knee. Having the ice on the calf just under the knee (right above the wrapped cast area on calf but below the knee) seemed to be the most helpful area to ice for myself. I was discharged from surgery with some medical ice bags but those quickly became pretty gross, so I supplemented with similar ice bags.

    Once out of the NWB open hard cast and with approval from my physical therapist, I transitioned to icing directly on and around the Achilles area over a sock. The cool therapy wrap not only provided relief but also was easy to use. I continued to elevate using the elevation pillow with this cool wrap several times a day and always at bedtime for weeks.

    Those first few weeks transitioning to full-weight bearing (FWB) in a boot felt uncomfortable on my foot. At the end of the day my toes would be swollen and felt like they had been compacted together all day. Eventually my body began to learn to tolerate the boot better as my leg did its work to repair itself. As my swelling lessened and my overall leg felt better, I transitioned to icing after PT and each night.

    The routine of elevating and icing each night for months after surgery felt soothing, predictable and a reminder that even tho I was getting stronger and feeling better, it was important to continue to care for my body. If you have any questions about icing, be sure to ask your doctor and/or physical therapist.

  • Making Meals Easier After Achilles Surgery

    Disclaimer – I am not a medical expert and this is NOT medical advice. Always follow the instructions from your medical provider. When in doubt, ask your medical provider. As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn commission from qualifying purchases.

    Photo by Ella Olsson on Pexels.com

    KISS – you know that saying, Keep it Simple…. Recovering from surgery is the time to prioritize yourself, your sanity and your time. You may be non-weight bearing (NWB) for a while and depending on your living situation it may not be easy for you to even get to your kitchen. Even if you’re able to access your kitchen, it may be difficult to prepare foods in the way you normally would. Even after your transition to weight-bearing, you may be off balance or not able to stand for a long enough period of time to prepare food. Consider the following in setting yourself up for post-surgery success:

    • How am I going to eat?
      • If you have some time leading up to your surgery, do some meal prep. Cook a few rounds of meals ahead of time and then pop them in the freezer using these containers. You can take them out, defrost and heat up in the microwave when ready to eat. Maybe you even have a family or friend who enjoys cooking and would be willing to prep some meals and put in your freezer.
      • Buy some prepared frozen meals (think lean cuisine) to have in your fridge
    • How am I going to make coffee?
      • What needs to change in order to make it easier for you? In this post, I share changes I made for my beloved morning coffee.
    • How will I do the dishes?
      • Now is the time for paper plates. You can save money and the earth after you recover. It’s time to keep things simple for yourself. Use paper towels, dishwasher pods, etc… Make everything one step easier for yourself.
    • How will I stay hydrated?
      • It’s important that you stay hydrated after surgery. Be sure to keep water near your at all times. Now is the time to splurge a bit and treat yourself with flavored water or your favorite sparkling water.
    • How can I make this easier on myself?
      • Rely on others for help. Ask for someone to bring you a dinner. Get pizza delivered. Get groceries delivered. Now is the time to phone in favors and get people to make you meals. You need it and deserve it.

  • Self-Care Ideas for After Surgery

    Disclaimer – I am not a medical expert and this is NOT medical advice. Always follow the instructions from your medical provider. When in doubt, ask your medical provider. As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn commission from qualifying purchases

    Photo by Madison Inouye on Pexels.com

    Phew. Were you as surprised as I was after learning how long your recovery would be? For my Achilles tendon repair surgery, I quickly shifted to the ‘this is a marathon not a sprint’ mindset focusing on what I could control. I found two-week intervals helpful to latch onto as goal posts and to re-set my mindset once that time period was achieved. Rest assured I still had some meltdowns. No doubt, this is a tough surgery to recover from.

    The non-weight bearing (NWB) time period (2 weeks for me) was a time where I really leaned into resting and recuperation. We typically don’t have a tv in our bedroom but we moved ours up. We got a Roku streaming stick to hook up which was incredibly streamlined and helpful. Once I felt okay enough, my kids were allowed to pick out some new shows to watch (even purchase) to view together which felt like bonding time considering it was the only time really saw them. I found some documentaries I enjoyed, watched some sports, and binged some favorite shows guilt free.

    I’ve written about the changes I made to my coffee routine and how helpful this switch was. I did at one point try a k-cup variety pack. It was a nice option for my afternoon coffee and gave me something to look forward to during the day (not my only coffee of the day, rest assured, ha. I save flavored coffee for the afternoon).

    While I actually slept well during my two-week NWB stage (probably due to meds and my body’s natural awareness it needed to rest), I began to struggle with sleeping as time went on. What I really wanted was to take a nice bath but I wasn’t approved to soak my leg. Instead, Sleepytime tea helped me soothe myself at night and fall asleep a bit more easily. In the mornings, I enjoyed pampering myself with some eye masks to feel a bit more awake and like myself. Finding little touches like these helped me treat and care for myself in this marathon recovery.

    It was frustrating to not be able to fall back on my typical self-care options like working out or taking an Epsom salt bath or exercising, so finding something simple that was safe for me to do really made a huge difference for my morale. What little choices can you make to help treat yourself while resting and recovering?

  • Changes I Made to Make Life Easier After Achilles Surgery

    Photo by Alexas Fotos on Pexels.com

    Disclaimer – I am not a medical expert and this is NOT medical advice. Always follow the instructions from your medical provider. When in doubt, ask your medical provider. As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn commission from qualifying purchases.

    I normally try to make sustainable choices, but I love myself some coffee and knew I needed an easy option. I normally use a Keurig machine with coffee grounds in a reusable k-cup. For the first two months or so, I switched to disposable k-cups. This required less clean-up and was easier and faster for my spouse who made most of the coffees in the beginning. Once I transitioned to weight bearing, I still found the k-cups to be the best choice because I didn’t have to stand and walk around my kitchen as much while making my coffee. Another option could be instant coffee, but honestly this gives me the heebie-jeebies because you’re pouring hot water while either non-weight bearing or as you begin to re-learn how to bear weight. I actually burned myself on our oven door because as I was going to get something out of the oven, I lost my balance a bit and put my arm down which then touched the burning hot door. So, at least for me, the transition to weight bearing still took time to feel coordinated and balanced. Little touches like the Keurig machine with disposable k-cups can make life a lot easier.

    Photo by Edward Eyer on Pexels.com

    I streamlined the clothes I would be wearing and stored them in a basket by my bed. No need to use a closet or dresser. I basically wore the style of outfit each day (having the same weather throughout the recovery helped this process). It was like a “capsule wardrobe” for surgery recovery. That way whoever did my laundry would just put the clean clothes back into the basket by my bed and everything I needed was easily accessible to me. Since I needed my boot on in order to walk, it helped to have all of my clothes right by my bed so I could get dressed before getting out of bed. I used this method for at last two months until I was cleared to not be in my walking boot. Once in the boot I did find it helpful and most comfortable to wear a tall sock each day and just kept a bunch by my bedside.

    Photo by Jessica Lewis 🦋 thepaintedsquare on Pexels.com

  • My Achilles Tendon Rupture Story

    Disclaimer – I am not a medical expert and this is NOT medical advice. Always follow the instructions from your medical provider. When in doubt, ask your medical provider. As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn commission from qualifying purchases.

    Photo by Lindsey Flynn on Pexels.com

    I tore my Achilles while playing pickleball – it was a partial rupture. I knew almost immediately it was my Achilles. Exactly one week later I had Achilles tendon repair surgery. After surgery I was in a hard cast like split that was open on top, where I needed to be non-weight bearing (NWB) for two weeks. Two weeks post-op, I was put back into a CAM boot where I was able to progress to full weight bearing (FWB) as tolerated. Around the 8-week post-op mark I was able to slowly progress to using sneakers and return to driving since it was my right leg that was injured. I did PT for about 20 weeks.

    What surprised me on this journey (and deep dives into reddit forums) is that each surgeon has their own protocol and each patient’s story is different in terms of timeline, experiences, rough patches, etc.. It’s extremely important that you follow the protocols set out by your surgeon, physical therapist and medical team.

  • Things That Surprised Me After Achilles Surgery

    Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

    Disclaimer – I am not a medical expert and this is NOT medical advice. Always follow the instructions from your medical provider. When in doubt, ask your medical provider. As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn commission from qualifying purchases.

    • Many people do not know how long your recovery is going to be
      • I found that many people did not realize how serious of a surgery and recovery Achilles tendon repair surgery is, how long PT is etc…
      • Do not be afraid to advocate for yourself and ask for help even weeks or months after surgery
    • Once you begin PT, I was amazed at how quickly my operative foot began to feel normal again – but it was still a frustratingly long process
      • Within two weeks of PT, I went from feeling like my foot would never be the same to being able to gently put it down on the floor for exercises (all of this was under the direct supervision of my PT – do not try anything on your own without the direction of a medical professional).
      • This milestone came at just the right time as I was beginning to feel down and frustrated. It was only uphill from there
    • How quick constipation after surgery can get you
      • TMI – Despite using a stool softener as prescribed, I really struggled about a week after surgery with constipation. Prune juice did the trick for me. I wish I had been more proactive with this before and immediately after surgery

  • What I Wish I Had Done Differently BEFORE Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery

    Disclaimer – I am not a medical expert and this is NOT medical advice. Always follow the instructions from your medical provider. When in doubt, ask your medical provider. As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn commission from qualifying purchases.

    • Have a plan for getting into shower once non-weight bearing (NWB)
      • What worked for getting into the shower after rupturing my Achilles did not work the same way for after being placed in a non-weight bearing cast. After tearing my achilles but before surgery, I was able to hobble into my shower and sit on a shower seat. What I quickly realized after surgery in a hard cast is I had no way to get to that seat. So instead, I got this shower bench which is how I showered for months after surgery in both a hard cast and after I transitioned to a boot. I explain more about how I figured out how to make showering work for me in this post.
    • Create a station next to your bedside or wherever you will be camping out for the first few days
      • Water bottle
      • A container for the meds your care team wants you to take – consider making a calendar to help you and any caretakers keep track
      • Easy snacks
      • Phone charger
      • A good book
    • Drink a bit of prune juice each day
      • If you know, you know. Stay regular. I found the over-the-counter stool softener didn’t do the trick and wish I had had a little bit of prune juice each morning beginning a few days before surgery.
    • Space out the timing from people who have nicely offered to bring a meal (don’t be afraid to ask people for this!).
      • It will be nearly impossible for you to prepare food for the first week or so. Stock up on easy essentials for each meal that are easy for you to open, prepare and dispose of.
      • Now is the time to use paper plates
      • Stock up your freezer with easy to heat in microwave meals
    • Have a plan for how to make your morning coffee routine easier. I made some changes to how I make my morning coffee which made it faster and easier.
    Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom on Pexels.com

  • Helping Someone with Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery From Afar

    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

    Disclaimer – I am not a medical expert and this is NOT medical advice. Always follow the instructions from your medical provider. When in doubt, ask your medical provider. As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn commission from qualifying purchases.

    Kudos to you for trying to support someone recovering from Achilles tendon repair surgery! This is a very long-haul recovery. Even if you do not live close by, you can show your love and support from afar.

    There’s a lot of rest time involved especially in the first few weeks after surgery. The patient will likely read all the books, watch all the shows, binge social media, and more. Below are some creative ways to show some love from afar while the patient gets some R&R.

    • A gift certificate to a local restaurant that delivers. It’s nearly impossible to cook those first few weeks, so easy dinners are a must.
    • While cozy socks are thoughtful, they probably won’t be used for quite a while to the limited mobility and restrictions on the operated leg. Instead, go for a cozy blanket.
    • For a family member who is missing out on family time, they are likely really feeling the feels. A digital picture frame is a great way for them to continue to feel connected to family. This gift would work best if there is someone available to help the patient set it up.
    • A cute water bottle to help the patient stay hydrated
    • Who said coloring books are just for kids? A cozy coloring book or a travel lover color by number may give someone an escape from their reality. Don’t forget the pre-sharpened colored pencils.

    Most importantly, continue to check in on the patient. People don’t realize how long this recovery is – months not weeks or days. Keep showing love weeks and even months out to be understanding and supportive. Once PT begins, it would be helpful to have a calendar/planner to keep track of appointment times.

  • Tips for Showering After Foot Surgery

    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

    Disclaimer – I am not a medical expert and this is NOT medical advice. Always follow the instructions from your medical provider. Do not shower without first consulting your medical provider. When in doubt, ask your medical provider. As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn commission from qualifying purchases.

    I love showering each night and struggled knowing how to shower after Achilles surgery due to being non-weight bearing and in a cast that could not get wet. I used a shower bench so that I could sit down on the bench while outside of the bathtub and then safely scooch into the bathtub ensuring my repaired leg didn’t touch down. A handheld shower wand attachment made it easier to wash my hair and body. A waterproof leg cover protected my cast. A shower cap came in handy when not washing hair. To make it easier to get clean I used a loofa or something like a loofa brush since you’re sitting down and likely in a slightly uncomfortable angle. After showering I would prop my leg up on the bench, either remove the cover or pat my leg down to dry and scooch back out of the bathtub. Once given approval to get my incision site wet, I applied fabric bandages that allowed it to breathe after patting my leg dry and then put on my sock before putting on my walking boot. As always, follow your medical professional’s guidance on when you get shower, limitations for your leg, etc…

    Happy showering!

  • Must Haves for the First Week After Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery

    Photo by Breakingpic on Pexels.com

    *Please note, as an Amazon affiliate, I may earn commission from qualifying purchases. I am not a medical expert and this is not medical advice. Contact your medical team if have questions.

    Get ready to spend a whole lot of time lying around resting and recuperating. Having the right supplies and necessities will help set you up for success.

    FOR RESTING:

    You’ll want a leg elevation pillow. Propping up your leg on a pillow or two just won’t cut it as I found it was uncomfortable, and my leg moved around too much. This elevation pillow one of the most helpful and most used purchases during my Achilles tendon repair recovery. I used it nearly 24/7 in the first two weeks and for months longer at night during my recovery.

    FOR SHOWERING:

    Are you a shower person? I’m a devoted nightly showerer and it pained me to not be able to take one until about a week after surgery, mostly because I didn’t have the right supplies. Your set up will largely depend on the layout of your bathroom. I didn’t use my bathroom for months after surgery. It felt scary with the glass doors, I couldn’t find a physical way to get myself into the shower to sit down and didn’t have the room to maneuver around. Instead, I used a second bathroom that has a bathtub with a shower curtain.

    This shower bench was what allowed me to take my coveted nightly showers because I didn’t have to “enter” the shower. I could sit down and scooch into the shower. Gamechanger. While still in a hard cast, I used this boot protector (note – I tried several sized boot protectors until settling on this one due to comfort with pulling the protector up over my boot).

    Once the hard cast came off, I still used the shower bench for months since you cannot be full weight bearing (FWB) without your boot for quite a while.

    FOR GETTING AROUND:

    This is probably a personal preference and also based on what your doctor says. I hated the crutches so much that I bought a scooter. This was a game changer for my comfort level getting around. I used the scooter every time I went to the bathroom and the few times I left my house during the non-weight bearing (NWB) stage.

    FOR COMFORT:

    I set up in my bedroom with easy access to a bathroom and essentially didn’t leave that area for two weeks. You’ll want a water bottle, your meds as prescribed by your doctor, snacks, books and entertainment, and any other comfort items near you. Get your rest station set up prior to surgery and you can adjust as needed.