Achilles Tendon Repair: What to Expect at Home
Your Recovery
Achilles tendon repair reconnects the ends of the broken tendon so that you can use your foot again in a normal way. You may have had one of two types of surgery. In open surgery, the doctor makes a cut (incision) at the back of your leg. In percutaneous (say "per-kyoo-TAY-nee-us") surgery, the doctor uses several smaller cuts. Tools for fixing the tendon are inserted through the cuts.
You will feel tired for several days. Your lower leg and ankle will be swollen. You may have numbness around the cut (incision) on the back of your leg. Your ankle and shin may be bruised. You can put ice on the area to reduce swelling. It should be better in a few days.
Your tendon will slowly get stronger as you recover. You will need to wear a cast or a walking boot for 6 to 12 weeks after surgery. At first, it may be set to keep your foot pointed downward as the tendon heals. You may be able to put weight on your affected leg after a few weeks. But it will be several months before you have complete use of your leg and ankle. You will need to build your strength with rehabilitation (rehab) exercises.
How soon you can return to sports or other exercise depends on how well you follow your rehab program and how well your tendon heals. Your doctor or physiotherapist will give you an idea of when you can return to your activities. You may be able to return to your regular sports in about 4 to 6 months.
This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.
How can you care for yourself at home?
Activity
- Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover. Sleep with your sore leg raised. Your doctor will tell you how to keep your leg and foot in the correct position. Keep your leg raised (such as on a pillow) as much as possible for the first few days.
- You will need to wear a cast or walking boot that keeps your foot and ankle from moving for 6 to 12 weeks after surgery.
- You can use crutches to move around the house to do daily tasks. Do not put weight on your leg without these until your doctor says it is okay.
- You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. When you shower, keep your bandage and incision dry by taping a sheet of plastic to cover them. It might be best to get a shower stool to sit on. If you have a brace, only take it off if your doctor says it is okay.
- If your doctor does not want you to shower or remove your brace, you can take a sponge bath.
- Do not take a bath, swim, use a hot tub, or soak your leg until your doctor says it is okay.
- You can drive when you can move and control your foot and ankle, you are no longer using crutches, and you are no longer taking prescription pain medicine. This usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.
- How soon you can return to your work depends on your job. If you sit at work, you may be able to go back in 1 to 2 weeks. But if you are on your feet at work, it may take 6 to 8 weeks. If you are very physically active in your job, it may take 3 to 6 months.
Diet
- You can eat your normal diet. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt. Drink plenty of fluids.
- You may notice that your bowel movements are not regular right after your surgery. This is common. Try to avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements. You may want to take a fibre supplement every day. If you have not had a bowel movement after a couple of days, ask your doctor about taking a mild laxative.
Medicines
- Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.
- If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
- Be safe with medicines. Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
- If you think your pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach:
- Take your medicine after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to).
- Ask your doctor for a different pain medicine.
Incision care
- If you have a bandage over your incision, keep the bandage clean and dry. Follow your doctor's instructions. Your doctor will probably want you to leave the bandage on until you are seen in the office. If your doctor allows it, you may be able to remove the bandage 48 to 72 hours after your surgery.
- If you have strips of tape on the incision, leave the tape on for a week or until it falls off. Keep the area clean and dry.
- If you have a splint or cast, follow your doctor's instructions. Keep it dry. Do not put anything, including powder, between the splint or cast and your skin.
Exercise
- Exercise in a rehab program is an important part of your treatment. Your first exercises will help you regain flexibility. They may also keep scar tissue from forming around the tendon.
Ice and elevation
- Most people like to use ice on the sore area after a procedure or surgery. Find out what your doctor recommends.
- Prop up the sore leg on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down for 3 days after surgery. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
- If your doctor gave you support stockings, wear them as long as instructed.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have chest pain, are short of breath, or you cough up blood.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You have tingling, weakness, or numbness in your foot or toes.
- Your cast or splint feels too tight.
- Your foot is cool or pale or changes colour.
- You are sick to your stomach or cannot drink fluids.
- You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open.
- You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
- Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Redness or swelling in your leg.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the incision.
- Pus draining from the incision.
- A fever.
- You bleed through your bandage.
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- You have a problem with your cast or splint.
- You are not getting better as expected.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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Current as of: November 9, 2022
