I have just completed 8 weeks in a full length leg brace, locked straight, had to wear 24/7 a week. Still on crutches now, I was allowed to remove the leg brace yesterday.
I ruptured my Achilles’ tendon about 5 years ago playing walking football. My own fault, I was late getting there and didn’t have time for a proper warm up (it was November and cold, even though it was indoor). I’d literally been on the pitch a couple of minutes, someone played the ball to me, I pushed it out in front of me and went to push off on my right leg and bang. As I was going down, I was looking behind me to see who had kicked me. It was only as I got up that I realised what I’d done. No surprise really, as my Dad had done the same 30 years earlier playing 5 aside. I had to wear a boot for about 4 months, couldn’t drive etc. the wife wasn’t impressed as we’d just downsized to an old cottage that needed doing up and I couldn’t do much at all. It healed up ok but never been quite the same since.
Sounds horrendous and good luck with your recovery. The advice I was given, and followed, by the club doctors involved no prescription drugs, ointments etc. Just a programme of exercises, rest, and some heel wedges for the injured leg which were a tremendous help. They said my tear was one of the worse they had seen and I seriously thought I wouldn't be playing football again, especially so considering my age, but I am. Point being the club doctors knew their stuff. I suppose they deal with injuries like mine every day.
Exactly what happened to me. I heard a bang and thought someone had either thrown something at the back of my leg or whacked me with a pick axe handle and I was literally just moving to receive a pass without another player within yards of me. My recovery was miraculous compared to yours, again shows what good advice I was given to aid my recovery.
Yes, it’s been a tough 8 weeks. Thankfully lots of sport on TV has helped pass the time. I’m just focussed on regaining movement back now.
That was the big take away for me last time I needed a physio for a sporting injury - the importance of the right exercises (rehab exercises) to a successful and sustained recovery .