Recovering From A Torn Achilles Week 0-8(Things I Wish I Knew!)

Summary

In this informative video, the host shares his personal experience recovering from a non-surgically treated Achilles rupture at week eight. He emphasizes the importance of early medical attention, proper crutch use, and following a rehabilitation protocol. The host provides practical tips on using a boot, managing daily activities, and exercises to regain strength and mobility. His candid account of the challenges and progress aims to support and encourage others on a similar journey.

Takeaways

• 👨‍⚕️ Seek immediate medical attention for a ruptured Achilles to get proper diagnosis and treatment options.
• 🔧 Consider non-surgical treatment to avoid risks of infection and anesthesia complications, though it may not restore peak performance.
• 🦵 Learn the correct use of crutches to avoid strain and injury to your arms during the non-weight bearing phase.
• 📚 Follow a structured protocol for recovery, like the 'B protocol' mentioned, which outlines different stages and exercises.
• 👟 Use an Asher aircast boot and follow a schedule for removing wedges to gradually reduce elevation and promote healing.
• 🧦 Utilize Medi ped socks for easy application and removal, and to keep the injured foot fresh within the boot.
• 🛁 Shower with the boot on using a waterproof cover to maintain hygiene without getting the boot wet.
• 🧊 Keep the foot elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling, especially during the initial recovery period.
• 🚴‍♂️ Engage in low-impact activities like stationary biking to improve circulation and reduce pain as recommended by a physiotherapist.
• 🤸‍♂️ Perform prescribed exercises with bands and other equipment to regain strength and mobility in the affected foot.
• 🛌 Adjust sleeping positions and use a pillow to elevate the boot to alleviate heel pain during the recovery process.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to share the speaker's personal experience and advice on recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon without surgery.

Why did the speaker choose a non-surgical treatment for his ruptured Achilles?

The speaker chose a non-surgical treatment to avoid potential risks of infection and complications with anesthesia, and he found literature suggesting that recovery can be just as good without surgery.

What is the first thing the speaker suggests doing after a ruptured Achilles?

The first thing the speaker suggests is to see a medical professional immediately to get a splint and start the healing process.

How should crutches be used according to the speaker's experience?

The speaker advises using crutches with some flex in the arms and positioned a couple of inches lower than initially done, to absorb body weight more effectively.

What is the 'B protocol' mentioned in the script?

The 'B protocol' is a recovery program the speaker has been following, which outlines different stages and exercises for recovery from a ruptured Achilles.

What type of boot is the speaker using during his recovery?

The speaker is using an Asher aircast boot during his recovery.

What is the significance of changing socks daily when using the boot?

Changing socks daily helps maintain hygiene and freshness in the boot, which is important due to the foot's instability and the difficulty in changing socks during the initial recovery period.

What is the recommended time to remove the wedges from the boot according to the speaker's experience?

The speaker recommends removing the wedges midday or towards the end of the day to allow time for recovery and to avoid overdoing it.

How did the speaker address the issue of his foot getting cut by the boot?

The speaker cut off a sock and placed it over the top part of the boot to prevent the cut and avoid having a wound inside the boot.

What is the 'EvenUp' mentioned in the script and how is it used?

The 'EvenUp' is a device that can be attached to the other shoe to level out hips and reduce awkward motion during the recovery process from a ruptured Achilles.

What exercise did the speaker find helpful for regaining motion in his leg during recovery?

The speaker found riding a stationary bike in the boot to be very helpful for regaining motion and reducing pain during recovery.

What advice does the speaker give about sleeping with the boot on?

The speaker advises against elevating the foot on a pillow while sleeping with the boot on due to heel pain, and suggests sleeping with the foot on the bed sideways.

What is the speaker's recommendation for the first few weeks after a ruptured Achilles?

The speaker recommends keeping the foot elevated as much as possible, using ice, and relying on family support for daily tasks during the initial non-weight bearing phase.

What type of exercises does the speaker mention for the early stages of recovery?

The speaker mentions using a yellow resistance band, doing side flexions, towel scrunches, and seated calf raises as part of the early recovery exercises.

How does the speaker describe the transition from non-weight bearing to partial weight bearing?

The speaker describes the transition as starting with putting some weight on the boot while on crutches, then moving to walking with just the boot, and gradually increasing activity levels.

What is the speaker's advice for walking after starting to bear weight on the injured foot?

The speaker advises using a cane on the good side to help achieve a more natural walking gait and to roll the foot up as normally as possible.

What is the speaker's current status at the end of the script?

The speaker is at week eight of recovery, has transitioned to wearing a shoe instead of the boot, and is beginning to walk with the help of a cane and doing calf raises.