Getting Active Again After an Achilles Tendon Injury

Your Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in your whole body, is located in your heel and the back of your lower leg. It’s essential for just about every part of your foot and ankle movement. You need this tendon to walk, run, jump, and move. However, under enough stress, the Achilles tendon can suffer from damage or injury, even separating into two pieces.

An Achilles tendon injury takes time and proper care to heal. That can be frustrating to hear, especially if you’re an athlete eager to return to competition as soon as possible. But, without the right approach to recovery, you risk injuring this part of your body repeatedly, and potentially more severely.

Located in Beaverton and Lake Oswego, Oregon, the orthopedic experts at Go To Ortho give you personalized guidance on what you should expect in terms of your activity levels and recovery process. Here’s what you need to know about returning safely to your sport after an Achilles injury.

Treatment for Achilles tendon injury

The details of your recovery depend on the type of treatment needed and on the degree of the original injury. Achilles tendon injuries range from mild to severe. It makes a lot of difference to your treatment and recovery if the tendon fully ruptures, and whether or not you need surgery.

For more mild tendinitis, when surgery is not needed, treatment and recovery can be as simple as a few weeks of rest and cryotherapy (ice packs). However, if you suffer a complete Achilles tendon tear requiring surgery, you’re facing a longer and more complex recovery and return to activity.

If you’re planning on returning to intensive activity after your recovery, you’re more likely to receive surgical treatment for a torn Achilles tendon. You may be able to heal without surgery, but not in a way that will allow you to push for athletic performance in the future. 

For younger and more active patients with serious to severe Achilles tendon injuries, we typically recommend surgery.

Returning to activity after an Achilles tendon injury

After Achilles surgery, you wear a cast from below your knee to your toes. In the early days, you’ll need to use crutches and avoid bearing weight on the injured leg. Two weeks later, you may be ready to switch to a walking boot, and rehab begins.

For the next few weeks, your focus is on rehab and physical therapy. Physical therapy includes pain management strategies. Targeted exercises increase the muscle strength in your calves, hips, and core, and improve your balance and stability. Low-impact activities, such as swimming or bicycling, may be possible for you at this point and can help you stay in shape.

Completing Achilles tendon recovery

Within 4-6 months, most patients can return to full activity. That said, you may still need to take it easier than you did before, and take extra care with high-impact or contact sports.

For many, returning to past strength and endurance levels can take a year or more. Achilles tendons are vulnerable to reinjury, so pushing too hard, too fast may only sideline you even more. A slow, steady return to your previously high activity levels is the best way to move forward.

After an Achilles tendon injury, returning to intensive activity and competitive sports is possible, but the journey isn’t short. The Go To Ortho team provides you with the best possible care as you recover, helping you heal right and reducing your risk of reinjury.

For Achilles tendon injury treatment and recovery support, contact Go To Ortho online or by phone to schedule your appointment as soon as possible, or walk in for care today.