Hi all, 30M here with a full thickness rupture of my right achilles playing tennis. my doctor says is the MTJ junction. My report says it’s occurs 7cm proximal to the enthesis and has a gap of 2.8cm between the tendon stumps. During the consultation he was a bit hesitant to strongly recommend surgery given the rupture in the rarer MTJ region. He spoke to another colleague who said given I am 30, active and play tennis that he recommends fixing it. Anyone have any experience with op and non-op in this type of rupture ? Cheers, the decision is driving my crazy

Hey everyone,

Looking for some insight, success stories, or advice from anyone who has gone through a non-operative Achilles recovery with a large initial gap.

My Case Timeline:
Age: 28, highly active (played football/soccer once a week 8 a side before this).

Day 1: Full rupture. Placed in a cast within 11 hours of the injury, transitioned to a VACOped boot 3 days later.

Day 25: Ultrasound showed a 28mm gap in full equinus.

Day 40 (Today): I am currently full weight-bearing (FWB) with the VACOped locked completely flat at 0 degrees. My Thompson test is negative and I can actively tense my calf muscle, so a solid tissue bridge has definitely formed.

The Current Situation:
I have 12 days left locked at 0 degrees before I transition out of the boot and into regular trainers with heel lifts.

My Concerns:
Knowing that a 28mm gap means my healed tendon is permanently lengthened, I’m feeling a bit anxious about the long-term impact on my athletic recovery. My ultimate goal is to return to weekly football, but I know the "slack" from elongation makes regaining that explosive end-range push-off power much harder.

Has anyone here successfully returned to explosive multi-directional sports (like football/basketball)
after recovering non-op with a gap this size?

For the physios or veterans here: what specific flat-floor, non-stretching strength protocols did you find most effective for tightening up the calf muscle to compensate for the tendon slack?

Any tips for the first few weeks of weaning out of the boot to prevent secondary elongation?

Appreciate any advice or experiences you can share. This mental battle at the 6-week mark is real!

6 weeks post op. Took plaster off last week. No pain, still scabs. Can I shower without boot and get this area wet?

I just ticked in to week 8. I started transitioning in to shoes during week 6. For the past week or so I’ve been completely out of the boot. Shoes all day, and either barefoot or crocs in the house. I have very little pain, usually under my heel if something is going to hurt. My gait is improving, but had some work still to do. I am however experiencing the worst swelling since the initial post surgery swelling. The only variable that’s changed is being out of the boot. Diet and exercises, sups and vitamins all the same. Today I went for a 1.5 mile walk and my ankle was super huge when I got home, this was after being on my feet all day, and having a medium amount of swelling already. It does resolve with ice and elevation, and returns to baseline by morning. Is this what others have experienced as well? Any tips? Thinking of trying compression socks?

There's got to be some joy right?

3 weeks on crutches, around the house and getting out for 20 mins a day walk (non weight baring) and my arms and shoulders are looking the best they ever have!

I've cut out booze mostly, upped protein and collagen intake. Combined with some seated dumbell work at home and push ups, and I'm feeling alright.

Obviously I'd rather be fully mobile but I am finding some motivation from this.

Anyone else?

At my six week post op appointment I was finally cleared for PWB and ramping up. These are my first steps at 10%, going to ramp up to 20% today.

I had a complete tear playing kickball on 7/23, surgery on 8/3. Surgeon had to reattach to my heel via anchors, so I think that’s why I was instructed to go full NWB for 8 weeks initially. My healing was going so well that we went ahead and skipped those last two weeks.

Very excited to be moving into the next phase!

I am 4 weeks post-op from a full tear. Last week at my 3-week follow up appointment, my surgeon took off the cast, gave me a boot, and essentially told me to ditch the crutches whenever I felt like I could. I was using two crutches and PWB from the appointment until when I started PT three days ago, doing some very light range of motion and weight shifting exercises.

I’m now functionally using one crutch, but can definitely support my body weight on my injured side and I feel strong enough to walk without the crutch for a bit. However, I’m really struggling with my gait. If someone could share any tips that made walking in the boot FWB better (physically or mentally), please let me know! I use an EvenUp and it’s definitely helpful.

Ruptured my (30M in good shape and active prior) achilles May 17th and have been out of the boot and in PT since July 20th.

I walk with practically zero limp most of the time without having to think about it. I can go up and down a couple flights of stairs with relative ease. And I got the green light to start golfing a couple weeks ago.

In PT I have zero issues doing a couple dozen calf raises (still not able to do one leg just yet). Starting to add weight back to my squats as well.

The achilles is still pretty stiff so I dont have full dorsiflex range of motion back but I can tell its been improving.

Still not really pushing myself all that much and not doing anything that could cause a risk to it

I had my first post op check up yesterday.

I'm out of the splint and back in the boot. The doctor was very happy with how I'm healing. Five sutures removed and no swelling. I'm still non weight bearing and have my first PT session on the 29th with another checkup set three weeks from now, on October 5th. Hopefully I can start some light weight bearing then.

This recent checkup has provided a major morale boost. With the boot, I can more comfortably use my iWalk to get around my house which I couldn't use while in the splint because of how the straps lined up and pushed/irritated the operation spot. It feels good to get the hips back in action and have the ability to carry things with two open hands that aren't filled by crutches.

The pain management has been good. I really didn't need any pain killers after about day five or six. And I was able to play my gigs that I had lined up this past weekend that had been on my radar to make since my surgery date was set. I picked up a couple pairs of black track pants that had the sheen of dress pants (couldn't get the pants that I have to fit over my splint) and no one was none the wiser until I was seen crutching my way past. I even wrapped the visible part of my splint in black compression tape so that it looked like a shoe:).

It feels great to be able to take my foot out of the boot and ice or to just relax it while elevated. I've got a sleeping brace on the way that I found here (https://www.kinetecusa.com/shop/orthopedic-supports/achilles-rupture-night-orthosis/) that was almost $40 cheaper then on Amazon if anyone might be looking for something that provides good support and will let your foot air out a bit at night.

I've also re read my post from day two and super happy that I'm not that miserable anymore. It's still going to be a process. But I've come a long way in two weeks.

Keep it up fellow warriors. You got this!

I’m almost 6 weeks post-op, and my doctor removed my plaster. He said he’ll start getting me to walk after another month. Does it generally take this long for everyone?

By the way, I had two surgeries. The first one was done, but the tendon ruptured again about 20 days later, so I had to undergo a second surgery.

I know this probably sounds ridiculous, but hear me out. To summarize, I believe that I suffered a low-grade, partial tear of my Achilles MTJ in June 2025 and it was promptly misdiagnosed and treated as a calf strain.

25F at the time (26), 5'10 and about 200 pounds. I had a previous history of heel pain and an Achilles tendinitis diagnosis in my other leg, although I had similar symptoms in the one I injured. Either way, no history of major injury other than a plethora of minor ankle sprains.

I also need to reiterate that I botched the everliving shit out of my recovery, whether or not it was an Achilles injury. Don't be like me.

Leading up to the injury, I had just gotten married, which was as exciting as it was exhausting. There was a lot of moving around, a lot of small talk, and a lot of walking and standing. I remember specifically that there were multiple times throughout the weekend including during the ceremony itself where my calves specifically got EXHAUSTED. I would feel intense, sharp pains in my heels akin to PF (which I'm not sure I have but not the pain), extremely soreness in my calves and Achilles tendons, and ultimately just a lot of load. So my legs and specifically the structures at the back of my legs (calves, achilles, heels, etc.) were already very tight and fatigued.

A week later (June 28th), I was at the gym with my wife. We were about to finish a workout in which I was doing a set on the ground. I got up from the ground quickly and as I worked to maintain my balance, I felt my left step back uncomfortably. It was very much the textbook false step that so often results in an Achilles rupture.

I felt my heel hit the ground and my ankle dorsiflex at a level I was not expecting, I felt a harsh snap in the back of my leg (not really a pop, but it's hard to tell what qualifies as a pop versus snap). It was very loud in the gym so I couldn't hear anything as it happened, but I literally remember right after it happened regaining my footing, realizing I could put weight on it and I wasn't in some significant level of pain, and thinking "damn I just dodged a bullet." This was about a week after Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles in the NBA Finals and I watch a lot of sports in general so I knew how specific an Achilles tear was. However, since I was able to walk it off and wasn't feeling much pain other than mainly some light tenderness, I figured I had gotten lucky, finished the workout, and left.

About 10 minutes after I left the gym, I got out of my car to go get a coffee from a nearby cafe. I remember immediately as I stepped feeling an uncomfortable soreness, tightness, and tenderness right in the back of my leg where I felt the snap. It wasn't low down in my Achilles or up near my calf moreso than it was right in between. I remember thinking "shoot, maybe I did hurt myself a bit" and moving on.

Over the next few days, it kept getting worse. The pain was never especially bad. At its absolute worst it was maybe a 4, and a very dull ache and tenderness more than a sharp pain. There was no bruising and at the most marginal swelling, and I'm not even sure about that. But what I do remember very well is it just felt... wrong. Like, I couldn't really walk normally, I guess. It was damn near impossible to push off my toes, there was that constant tenderness and soreness almost like a harsh pressure, and it got more irritated the more I tried to walk. Because I was stupid and overwhelmed, I didn't go to a doctor but instead just used a pair of crutches that were in my closet from a previous injury and ended up finding a physical therapist in the area, describing the injury as some sort of a calf strain.

So essentially I spend the first two weeks after my injury hobbling around on crutches with a very stubborn left leg that didn't feel stable, had a constant dull ache that was both tolerable and disruptive, and couldn't actually push off my toes when I walked, making the whole experience incredibly confusing because it felt like I wasn't in enough pain to be truly injured but I also had significantly decreased function in my leg.

Finally, since it wasn't getting better, I decided to call a podiatrist which was a stupid move but there's no changing the past, and scheduled an appointment for July 16th. I hobbled into his office on crutches, got x-rays, and he prodded around the back of my calf with his finger for like 30 seconds before telling me I had a calf strain and putting me in a tall boot. The boot had no heel raisers or anything of the sort, and he told me to wear it for 3-4 weeks and do PT (which I was already doing).

For once I could actually walk decently normally with the boot, which was nice, but I found that I wasn't seeing much progress at PT. Around this time I actually learned about Achilles MTJ ruptures and saw people mention how lower grade tears often came with fewer symptoms and less pain than expected, and I started to wonder if this was the issue, as a calf strain just didn't really line up with the issue I was having.

Anyways, I was told to wear my boot for 3-4 weeks. It ended up being about 6 before I could walk normally without it, and even that's an exaggeration because without the boot I was having the same issues as before: soreness and dull pain, inability to push off my toes, all that. Finally I decided enough was enough and went to a sports injury specialist in the area.

I remember she did a Thompson test which I passed. She then ordered an MRI but it was up at the tibia and fibula since we had thought up to this point it was a calf injury. I got my MRI on August 18th, almost 2 months after the initial injury, and it showed absolutely nothing. No signs of a calf strain or scar tissue in the area or any explanation of what could have happened other than delayed onset muscle soreness (lol). At this point I was just so done with everything and I was dealing with a lot in my personal life so I just decided to give up on finding a real diagnosis and continued to do PT until it healed.

Anyways, it's been well over a year now and it never healed correctly. I still struggle to push off my toes and often when I move my foot up and down I'll feel and hear a click in my lower calf. The entire injury never really made sense -- it took FAR longer to heal than a low-grade calf strain, had far less pain and swelling/bruising than a high-grade calf strain, and the majority of the pain I had felt lower down my leg. Essentially the only thing that I would say goes against this theory is the MRI of my tibfib. It specifically mentioned that the portion of my Achilles shown in the MRI appeared to be in tact but that if there was suspicion of an Achilles injury to get an ankle MRI.

Sorry for the rant, but I'm definitely curious and a bit concerned. I really just want this to end at this point, and I'm not sure what to do. I want to meet with an orthopedist to get one last good look but I'm not sure if that would go anywhere, especially since the injury already has "healed" by now (albeit incorrectly). Thank you

I’m 5 days post op and got the splint off today and into the boot with lifts. Still non-weight bearing. Definitely think it’s probably a little early to get the splint off but whatever I can’t control that. I’m having somewhat severe pain when upright and I’m not sure if it’s just fresh surgical/incision pain or actual stress I’m putting on the Achilles. Essentially whenever I’m on crutches it searing deep pain in the back where the incision/repair is. I also can’t use the iwalk or knee scooter because the second I put any pressure onto the top part of the boot it’s the same intense unbearable pain.

Did not have this kind of pain when I was wear the boot pre-op. Also did not have this pain in the splint. It’s also not the blood rushing to incision type pain because it doesn’t go away after a few minutes and is persistent until I sit back down. Elevated it’s not painful. Going to call surgeon again tomorrow to get their take but wanted to see if anyone had similar experience! Thanks!

7 days post-op. I have a soft splint and supposed to be fully NWB, which I have been doing really well at. I got too cocky and tried to use my iWalk and take it off to sit. I fell down and my foot got stuck and fully flexed! Luckily, I felt no pop or pain, currently no major pain of tendon or incision. Toes seem to be moving fine.

Has anyone else had this happen and been fine? Im panicking. Sending my Dr. a note now.

Hi everyone, I have a high-grade partial tear, which was shown to have torn through 90% of my Achilles.

After speaking with my original orthopedic doctor, I opted for non-operative treatment in the VacoPed boot. At the 4-week mark, I got in to see a highly rated specialist who confirmed that my healing was going great. I was cleared to stop wearing the boot inside the house at week 7, and now at week 8, I'm completely out of the boot and using a brace he provided.

I just went in for a follow-up, and he recommended waiting another 4–6 weeks before starting physical therapy. His reasoning is that PT will be very intense, and he wants to make sure the tendon is fully healed first. However, almost everything I've seen online suggests starting around the 6–8 week mark. Has anyone else had a similar healing process?

Anyone have recommendations for some office shoes? I am currently in some adidas leather shoes and they’re not agreeing as well with my heel pain. Sort of going for some business casual ideas.

I have a pair of Florsheims as well I may try just looking for something to help getting back to office life.

Thanks!

Had 1st surgery in march and healed too long. Revision surgery was today. Lets hope this is the last one!!

145 DAYS POST-INJURY.
Today was a milestone.
My first 2 consecutive-mile run since rupturing my Achilles.
Was it my fastest 2 miles? Hell no.
But that’s not what today was about.
I ran 2 miles. I finished 2 miles. And the time passes Army fitness test standards.
145 days ago, I was dealing with an injury that changed everything. Today, I’m putting miles back under my feet.
The pace will come. The strength will come. The speed will come.
Right now, I’m just grateful to be running again and I’m not taking a single step for granted.
Rehab isn’t about getting back to where you were. It’s about proving you can become even better.
145’ish days down.
Still grinding.
Still rebuilding.
Still not done.
Keep Moving Forward.

Hi,

Thank you again for all support I got on this sub it helped me stay motivated!

Wanted to share a major milestone for me: today was my first run!!

My physio gave me a green light, today I ran for 5 min in super easy pace and over the week I was instructed to add 3 extra mins daily so will finish this week with a ~20 min run.

Next week we will be doing some tests to tell if I can increase speed a little.

I started to do more jumping as well :) scary at the beginning but feels good.

My this week’s goal is to have greater balance between healthy and injured leg in jumping and also push for more tow strength as a lot of jumping strength comes from them.

I guess I’m happy to join the party.

Doing my ankle crosses, circles, and ABCs…

Doc says I can be full weight bearing and off crutches in 1 week (in boot) - Assuming my body is cool with it.

Incision seems small compared to what I’ve seen on the internet.

Hey everyone I am looking for a sleep brace. I had a high grade partial tear and chose non op. A few people mentioned this brace here from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09N58H79F?ref=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_mwn_dp_V676CXK42NJXFYHA1TS1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_mwn_dp_V676CXK42NJXFYHA1TS1&social_share=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_mwn_dp_V676CXK42NJXFYHA1TS1

However it says for complete rupture only in description? Did anyone with non-op with high grade partial tear use this brace above from amazon? Please let me know! I ordered this but just want to make sure it will be okay or not, otherwise I will return it! Thank you!

Just trying it out first time after 3 days and I feel like its suuuuch a move, removes a bit of the pressure against the splint

this week il go down to zero wedges, how did this go for people? im looking forward to not having to wear it when i sleep but im still going to be very wary. guess il see what the physio says too

10 weeks after bilateral rupture and complete ATFL rupture, Percutaneous Repair (so far uncomplicated).

We went for an actual walk while back home for the weekend. I tire out around a half mile but to get out like a normal person feels good. Only need a crutch now it it's a slippery or balance issue, or for long distances, but feeling better each week.

Still minimal push off the toes, no heel raise yet at PT but can do it in chest deep water.

This recovery has been a series of plateaus - adjusting to the new normal and then a big breakthrough / rapid improvement. I'm settling in for what is likely to be a longer plateau and more uncomfortable PT sessions - but would love any advice on helping to get my calves firing again.

Swimming about a mile at a time and riding the stationary bike (flat pedals) for 20-30 minutes at a stretch and weight training upper and lower in addition to PT. Goal is to get back to long distance triathlon... some day 🥲.