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

The Funny Carpenter
13 May 202417:54

Summary

TLDRIn 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.

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Related Tags
Achilles RecoveryNon-SurgicalHealing TipsPhysical TherapyCarpenter's AdviceInjury ManagementHealth JourneyRenovation HumorCalf ExercisesRecovery Protocol