torn achilles tendon?

[elan]

Anyone ever have a torn achilles tendon? Apparently I have torn mine but it is not ruptured. Did you have the surgery? Did you have any problems after your surgery? Dr also said I have a 75% chance of rupturing it without the surgery. I'm not too sure I like those odds. TIA

 

[mudnuri]

I'd do some serious research on this........before you have the surgery.

Brandy

 

[golfgal]

I have seen a couple people rupture their achilles and OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!! It is EXTREMELY painful. Find a good orthopedic surgeon and get that taken care of ASAP. With it already injured even stepping off a curb the wrong way could finish the job for you.

 

[minkydog]

I second golf gal. When this thing goes, it's going to feel like your calf just ripped off. I would consider having this thing repaired soon while it's still attached.

 

[taximomfor4]

My brother, a US Marine, ruptured all but one tendon in his ankle during PT last winter. He hemmed and hawed, finally got surgery. 4 months later, he finally cut off his own cast in the middle of the night -- his skin was deteriorating...the cast had been on too long, did not fit right anymore, and had created a nice moist environment for a fungal infection to attack. No, he did not go to a military doc. He eventually, due to lack of recovery progress, went to a new doc who treated the fungal infection. He was told that the surgery done (required opening up his entire lower leg) was not incorrect, just an older way of operating on this problem. Bottom line, he is still in physical therapy now (9 months after his surgery) and apparently SHOULD get another operation done. He is 10 yrs into service, was going career. Now he is facing the possibility that he might have to shift gears.

My point (I am sure taking long this morning, to get to my points, lol) is that this is a difficult choice to make. Do your homework, get second opinions, and if possible check stats on any surgeon you choose.

Beth

 

[disykat]

I tore mine 7 years ago and had physical therapy instead of surgery. It has been okay, but has definately limited my exercise capabilities. I can walk - but only on nice flat paved surfaces. I finally bought a treadmill because other exercise options just weren't working out. Hiking, etc. gets complicated because uneven surfaces are murder. I have to be very careful about shoes. Every once in a while I sort of reinjure and I have to really baby it for a few months.

I think if I had it to do over I would have had the surgery. Right now it's doing the best it has in years, but it's always in the back of my mind to be careful for fear of reinjury.

 

[Disney Deb]

My husband ruptured his Achilles Tendon about 13 years ago while playing volleyball at a business conference out of town. He was offered the same 2 choices.....surgery or not. We opted for the surgery followed by physical therapy. He was in a cast for a long time (felt long). His major complaints were not being able to drive and having to bathe instead of shower.

Positively, he quickly recovered......and runs frequent 5K's throughout the year. He recently has started hiking, and has no problems. No regrets on the surgery.

Good luck.

 

[ReadingBelle]

My dad has ruptured his tendons 3 times, twice on one leg and once on the other. I guess he just has awful genes. Once was playing raquetball, once while jogging, and the third walking down a flight of stairs. He had surgery each time. His tendons completely snapped, and one end was up close to his knee. The only major complication he's had is some nerve damage. There is a small spot on his foot that is numb. If the surgery will prevent a complete tear, I think it is probably a good idea. The ruptures were by far the most painful thing my dad's ever been through.

 

[Sparx]

Get this taken care of ASAP! I saw someone tear theirs once, VERY painful.

 

[elan]

Thanks everyone. Right now I'm in a cast but I will be getting the surgery. I have to find a good doctor under our new insurance plan. My brother just told be about some one at work who ruptured it, it snaps back to the knee and they have to go in and bring it back down. I'm cringing just thinking about that. The knowledge here on the DIS amazes me. Thanks again.