Depending on the type of work, some people need several weeks off work after an Achilles tendon tear (rupture); the time taken to return to sport is between 4 and 12 months. Generally, the outlook is good. However, the tendon does take time to heal, usually about six to eight weeks.
Rest: Don't put pressure or weight on your tendon for one to two days until you can walk on the tendon without pain. The tendon usually heals faster if no additional strain is placed on it during this time. Your doctor may suggest that you use crutches if you need to go long distances while resting your tendon.
Although it's possible to have no signs or symptoms with an Achilles tendon rupture, most people have: The feeling of having been kicked in the calf. Pain, possibly severe, and swelling near the heel. An inability to bend the foot downward or "push off" the injured leg when walking.
People with an Achilles tendon rupture commonly seek immediate treatment at a hospital's emergency department. You might also need to consult with doctors specializing in sports medicine or orthopedic surgery.
To speed the process, you can:
- Rest your leg.
- Ice it.
- Compress your leg.
- Raise (elevate) your leg.
- Take anti-inflammatory painkillers.
- Use a heel lift.
- Practice stretching and strengthening exercises as recommended by your doctor, physical therapist, or other health care provider.
Both open and percutaneous surgeries are successful. More than 80 out of 100 people who have surgery for an Achilles tendon rupture are able to return to all the activities they did before the injury, including returning to sports.
Tendons and Ligaments Degrade Slightly from Intensive Training, Just Like Muscle Fibers Do. It's been shown that tendon and ligaments degrade slightly as a result of training and then regenerate to regain homeostasis and strengthen slightly during the recovery period (see Figure below).
If you sit at work, you can go back in 1 to 2 weeks. If you're on your feet at work, you may need 6 to 8 weeks before you can go back. Your total recovery time can be up to 6 months.
| Results of treatment | With surgery to repair | With immobilization (no surgery) |
|---|
| Deep wound infection | 2 to 3 out of 100 | 0 out of 100 |
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.
Achilles tendon surgery is often an outpatient procedure. This means you can go home the same day. You will have some pain after your surgery, especially in the first few days. Pain medicines will help relieve your pain.
Can You Walk on a Partially Torn Achilles Tendon? A patient suffering from a partially torn Achilles tendon will have difficulty walking since that tendon is necessary for the foot to efficiently push off the ground. Depending on the severity of the injury, they may be able to walk, awkwardly.
