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After repair of a torn Achilles tendon

Foot & ankle · After Achilles tendon surgery

Count the weeks from the day of your operation. The date is on your discharge card.

If your doctor wrote a different plan on your prescription, follow that instead of this page.

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Weeks 0–2

Keep the foot raised above the level of the hip most of the day. The plaster or boot holds the toes pointing down to protect the repair: keep it on and dry. If we prescribed blood-thinning injections or tablets, take every dose.

Weight bearing As written on your prescription, with crutches. Never stand on the foot without the plaster or boot.

Toe wiggles

Curl the toes down, then spread them and pull them up, as far as the plaster allows.

  • 10 times
  • Every hour while awake
Quad sets

Quad sets

Sit with the leg straight. Press the back of the knee down and tighten the thigh.

  • Hold 5 seconds
  • 10 times
  • 3 times a day

Should feel: The thigh muscle tightening Should not feel: Knee pain

Straight leg raise

Straight leg raise

Lie down, one knee bent. Keep the other knee straight and lift the leg 20 cm.

  • 10 times
  • 3 times a day

Should feel: The thigh working Should not feel: The knee bending or back pain

Buttock squeeze

Buttock squeeze

Lie on your back with the legs straight. Squeeze the buttocks together, hold, then relax.

  • Hold 5 seconds
  • 10 times
  • 3 times a day

Should feel: The buttocks tightening Should not feel: Back pain

Not yet Pulling the foot up to stretch the calf, walking barefoot, getting the plaster wet, or driving.

Move to the next stage only after we have seen you, and the X-ray if one was planned.

Weeks 2–8

Stitches out. In the boot with heel wedges; we take the wedges out one by one at your visits, so the foot comes slowly to level. Take the boot off only to wash and for the gentle ankle exercise we showed you, and pull the foot up only as far as level, never beyond.

Weight bearing As written on your prescription, usually building up to full weight in the boot.

Ankle pumps

Ankle pumps

Pump the feet up and down to keep the blood moving.

  • 20 times
  • Every hour while awake

Should feel: The calf working Should not feel: Calf pain or swelling — tell us

Sitting knee bend

Sitting knee bend

Sit on a firm chair. Slide the foot back under the chair to bend the knee, hold, then bring it forward.

  • 10 times
  • 3 times a day

Should feel: A stretch as the knee bends Should not feel: Sharp pain

Standing hip abduction

Standing hip abduction

Hold a chair. Lift the leg out to the side, keeping the body upright.

  • 10 times
  • Daily each side

Should feel: The side of the hip working Should not feel: Leaning over

Not yet Walking without the boot, stretching the calf, or standing on tiptoe.

Move to the next stage only after we have seen you, and the X-ray if one was planned.

Weeks 8–12

Out of the boot into a shoe, with a small heel raise inside if we advise. Walk normally and start building calf strength gently. Carry on with the earlier exercises.

Weight bearing Full, in a shoe.

Sitting heel and toe raises

Sitting heel and toe raises

Sit with both feet flat on the floor. Lift the heels, lower them, then lift the toes.

  • 10 times
  • 3 times a day

Should feel: The calf and the front of the shin working Should not feel: Sharp pain

Calf raises

Calf raises

Rise onto both toes and lower under control.

  • 15 times
  • Daily

Should feel: The calf working Should not feel: Sharp pain

Single-leg balance

Single-leg balance

Stand on one leg beside a worktop. Balance prevents falls, and preventing falls prevents fractures.

  • 30 seconds
  • 3 times a day

Should feel: Working to stay steady Should not feel: Losing balance — hold on

Not yet Running, jumping, hard calf stretching, or climbing stairs two at a time.

Move to the next stage only after we have seen you, and the X-ray if one was planned.

Month 3 onwards

Build calf strength step by step: heel raises on both feet, then on the operated foot alone. Jogging usually starts at 4–6 months if we agree, and sport at 6–9 months.

Weight bearing Full.

Calf raises

Calf raises

Rise onto both toes and lower under control.

  • 15 times
  • Daily

Should feel: The calf working Should not feel: Sharp pain

Step-up

Step-up

Hold a rail. Step up onto a low step with the operated leg, then step down with the other leg.

  • 10 times
  • Daily

Should feel: The thigh working Should not feel: The knee falling inwards

Heel-to-toe walking

Heel-to-toe walking

Walk heel to toe along a line, beside a support.

  • 10 steps
  • Daily

Should feel: Steadier walking Should not feel: Wobbling — use the wall

Not yet Jumping or sudden-start sport, such as cricket, football or badminton, until we clear you.

Stop and telephone us if

  • A sudden snap at the back of the heel, or you can no longer push up on your toes: the tendon may have torn again — come the same day
  • The wound edges open, turn dark, or leak; or you have a fever
  • Sudden breathlessness or chest pain — go to the nearest hospital
  • The calf becomes swollen, tight or painful
  • The foot becomes numb, cold, pale or blue
  • The plaster or boot feels too tight, or rubs in one spot

Ready when you are.

Call either clinic during consulting hours, or send a WhatsApp message any time.

Nallasopara West Virar East