How to Recover from Achilles Tendon Surgery, From Our South Park Podiatrist

If you’re planning on having Achilles tendon surgery in the near-future, it’s important to set up a rehabilitation plan with your South Park podiatrist. Research has shown that patients who receive Achilles tendon surgery are at high risk for persistent weakness, muscle atrophy, and even loss of function post-surgery, which can persist several years after the surgery. In order to assist your recovery, be sure to follow a post-surgery plan that includes physical therapy.

Common Physical Therapy Activities for Foot Surgery

Once post-operative pain and swelling subside, usually about a week after the procedure, most ankle surgery patients can begin (carefully) using a stationary bicycle while wearing a boot or cast.

Patients will then progress to other therapy exercises that include non-weight-bearing ankle motions. Your foot surgeon may recommend tubing exercises as well. Patients should be aware that your foot surgeon in South Park may recommend delaying or temporarily stopping physical therapy if wound complications manifest.

What You Can Expect From Physical Therapy

No matter what type of Achilles surgery you have, you can expect your physical therapist to perform an evaluation on the initial visit and periodically throughout your term of rehabilitation. Most patients attend hour-long therapy sessions twice a week. Among the exercises patients can expect are one-quarter squats, seated calf stretches and heel raises, all becoming progressively harder. Your therapist will also give you exercises to perform daily at home and will also perform periodic massage and assisted mobilization on the affected leg. Undergoing a physical therapy protocol can significantly reduce your recovery time. Patients are typically released from therapy when weight bearing on the affected leg is at 85 percent.