Did did both Achilles... one rock climbing when I was 54 and got surgery and one when I was 55 and different doc decided no surgery. I was full weigh bearing, no crutches in my boot at 1 1/2. New doc had aggressive recovery protocol. I rock climbed in my boot since 2 weeks and out of the boot at 6 weeks and on to the wall. At 4 months climbing hard again. Early movement is the key.
George's Over 50's Achilles Recovery - I don’t think about my Achilles even when climbing. I fall multiple times per session, including from the top of a 13 foot bouldering wall. I do not notice a difference when climbing for strength of flexibility but when doing single foot lifts, I’m not quite back to full strength on the non-surgical one. I believe it’s just a matter of time. I’m very close to full strength. I’m almost at 8 months now.
Brad Mix I’m a body builder who just sliced rate through my Achilles. My question. Is will it take longer then normal to heal because of all Thr extra stitches
@@georgesover50sachillesreco17 Thanks for reply mate. Feeling ok, just inconvenienced mostly. Still watching thru your videos but assuming you fully recovered?
@@adamcoates6376 yes pretty much, the calf is still smaller than the other one and is still not as strong, but I've done triathlons and now doing a lot of swimming, so it doesn't stop me. The worst thing was bumshuffling down the stairs, showering and the frustration of having to rely on others to help me.
@@georgesover50sachillesreco17 Definitely. The not being able to drive and feeling pretty immobile is a nightmare. Your videos are excellent, really insightful. I’m 2 weeks in boot and swelling still bad with toe bruising. Ticking off the days till I’m out of my ‘high heel’ 🙂
@@adamcoates6376 I must admit the mental part for me was hard and I used the videos as a kind of therapy. My missus thought I was mad, but it worked for me. I'm glad you're getting something out of them.
I just ordered the boot. I was walking on my torn achillies after 4 days. Urgent care just gave me a splint. Didn't get to see orthopedics until day 10. Did no research about recovery so when they casted my foot I was devastated. Once my boot arrives I'm going back to have cast removed.
Hi. I ruptureed my Achilles 30.05.2019. went abroad from UK to have open surgery privately done. Been given this boot 4 days after the injury. How were your recovery go? Are you back to a fitness level from before injury?
Hi. It took me about 3 months to go back to the pool. The water helps support your weight when doing calf raises. Took me about a year to get back to cycling 50k and this year I did a triathlon. I was cautious about snapping it again, so these times could be beaten I'm sure. I was fifty and didn't have surgery. Other younger you tubers seem to have quicker recovery particularly when they have had surgery. Are you in Plymouth UK?
Hi George, I see you have replied recently to a few comments which is great you are still helping people out so long after your injury. I just waned to check in with you about a couple of replies I’ve seen on this and some of the other videos - you said in a reply here that the boot doesn’t protect you from reinjury. I saw something about your (partial) rerupture occurring when you tried to kick a ball with the boot in. I guess I’m curious why the boot didn’t protect you. It prevents dorsiflexion (or anywhere near neutral) but did it bend or something or lose its sole wedge when you kicked/fell? Many thanks for all you content!
Hi Chris. The boot will protect you up to a limit. When I kicked the ball my leg would have gone forward and then gone down pretty heavy on the ground when it came back to stabilise me. There is always be bit of movement and slack around the inflatable part of the inner and I guess it was enough to stress the tendon. With the inner sock thing it's not as rigid as a cast. How are you doing?
@@georgesover50sachillesreco17 Thanks George.I really appreciate the reply. That makes sense. I guess it saved you from a full re-rupture (and starting again from scratch or surgery) which would have been really hard to deal with. My new boot (same as yours) arrived today courtesy of eBay. The hospital fitted me with a horrible thing (it had the wedges but completely wrong size) and that really got me down. My early treatment though has been good (into plantaflexion positioned cast from A+E within a few hours, boot 7 days later, better boot today -day 13 and doing some very easy light weight bearing with crutches). That first night after getting the boot i looked for the best boot option and this stood out. Overall t's a big mind thing to deal with unlike other injuries i've had. Its that uncertainty about if it could happen again after recovery... what can i/can't i do... but I enjoy the science and stories/info like yours they really help. I'm sure i'll post some videos myself soon mainly to help me process it all and share anything that helps me. I'm sure i'll be in touch again if you don't mind. I really appreciate it!
@@chrisdavis9223 I must admit I struggled with the Mindset of wondering what I would be able to do long term. It doesn't stop me from doing anything now - I can run, cycle, hike, swim etc. The only difference is that the calf has never grown back to the same size as my uninjured leg and calf raises are still more difficult. It aches a little after a long walk, but that is it. I tried to make my recovery as comfortable as possible, hence the pads on the crutches, reclining chair, waterproof sock to allow me to have a shower, shower seat etc. Also what they don't teach you about crutches is to cross them over when you sit down ( makes it so much easier). I'm surprised by the boot - thought those Vacoped ones were pretty universal.
@@thepropertyflipper Thanks again. I'll post a comparison sometime of what they gave me compared to the VACOped boot. Just pleased i've got the right equipment now. Best wishes
Hi ive recently ruptured my achilles and had the vacoped boot fitted and on the 30cm setting,when would you say id be able to put some weight on it and walk with the crutches as you are doing on this video,i go on holiday abroad in 4 weeks time so im hoping by then i can be abit more mobile and walk with the crutches,many thanks.
So this was week 3 and I was pretty gingerly walking with the crutches as you can see. It did allow me to get out and about, but because of the difference in height of the boot cut with your other leg, it hurts your hips a bit. I think at week 4 you'll be using crutches -see my other video for some advice on those.
Thank you so much for documenting this for others to use :) Did you find your boot was pretty tight? Day 1 with mine and I’m struggling to tell the difference between snug and too tight :/
David Crabtree hi just seen I've answered on the wrong thread! Wore it pretty tight for first few weeks , then loosened it off afterwards. If your at that stage, you must be a few weeks in?
George's Over 50's Achilles Recovery weirdly enough I’m only 5 days in. My tear is completely through but the pieces of tendon are still touching so my consultant recommended the boot immediately. It was great for the first few hours but now feels quite tight so I’ve been taking short breaks with the straps loosened. My mobility on the boot foot while using crutches is definitely stages behind yours in this video so maybe I’m in the boot a little prematurely. Looking forward to showering properly for the first time since the accident tomorrow!
Nice looking boot! how much does it weigh?? mine weighs 1.9kg or 4.2 pounds and is so heavy to lug around. im into 4.5weeks post rupture and got boot today
I never thought to weigh it before, but now I have it weighed it - its 2.2kg, but you can take the bottom bit off to sleep. I'm trying to get out of it as much as possible, but always have it on when going outside. How did you do yours?
George's Over 50's Achilles Recovery ran up stairs then spun around and went to run down and it ruptured and I fell down stairs!!! From 4 steps up......are you sure thats not 2.2 pounds??
Nope - definitely 2.2kg. I suppose I've not considered how heavy it is much, just thought of it as a necessary evil, that actually lets me weight bear, protects the tendon and that is pretty comfortable to wear. Unlucky with your injury, wouldn't have though that what you describe would have stressed the tendon much, but just goes to show how something small like that can have a big impact. I'm 10 weeks now and I'm planning on doing a new update today. Haven't progressed as far as I would have liked for reasons I'll put in the update. Have you had surgery or gone the conservative route?
non surgery route! I think mine is similar to how basketplayers do theirs....ie rapid change of direction and pushoff. Im using the iwalk 2.0 and its great for getting to kitchen etc. Also i remove boot from leg at night and tape the cast on which was cut off a few days ago onto leg to sleep with at night.
Ah I saw the iWalk, but my house is on 3 levels so it wouldn't work. My doc wanted me to get weight bearing as early as possible so I've been using the boot to get around and yes its a pain, but my healing has been pretty good so far,( not including my minor setback). Hows the swelling, mines gone in the morning, but being up and walking every day means its a bot bloated at night.
Hey im 2 weeks in and just got my boot fitted today. My toes are still being pointed downwards and its nearly like walking in high heels. my problem is my good leg its so unbalanced because that foot is in a trainer. so its kinda like walking one foot in a high heel shoe the other in a flat. Is it possible to walk at all when my foot is pointed downwards ?
Keep going remember to do your exercises when you talk to do them by the physio especially the heel lifts that's the one thing that will really give you your cough back and not have you limping for a long time. How did you do yours if I may ask?
@@georgesover50sachillesreco17 I did it playing football i also ruptured my left one 10 years ago but back then there was no boot it was plaster cast the whole 12 weeks. Im away on holidays next week and i kinda gave myself false hope thinking a boot meant automatically i could walk
@@terrysteele4345 nope. Fraid not. The boot will provide some protection but two weeks in the ends of the tendon have only just started to reattach. Take it easy.
I guess everyone has a different recovery path. The Vacoped boots completely encase the foot, ankle and calf, so it may depend if you have one of them.
@@georgesover50sachillesreco17 yes I have the same thing. Unfortunately my first appointment with the doctor since the injury is at the 4 week point so I feel a bit like I’m lacking guidance and haven’t been pushing anything. My cast only came off this week and my ankle was severely bruised and swollen still as well so maybe mine is having a slower start to healing.
@@RicKnelsen the swelling will go down eventually, it took me quite a few months in reality. Keeping it elevated helped massively. I could feel the difference if I hadn't elevated it one day. Keep your head up. You will get through it.
Hi the airboot keeps the ankle in one position, but can be adjusted as the tendon heels. It also lets you be weight bearing and getting around much quicker than a fixed cast.
![Aircast Walking Boot: BEST TIPS [Broken Foot or Broken Ankle]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q5zhjs0S-KU/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks!
Did did both Achilles... one rock climbing when I was 54 and got surgery and one when I was 55 and different doc decided no surgery. I was full weigh bearing, no crutches in my boot at 1 1/2. New doc had aggressive recovery protocol. I rock climbed in my boot since 2 weeks and out of the boot at 6 weeks and on to the wall. At 4 months climbing hard again. Early movement is the key.
Wow that's pretty impressive. Do you feel any difference between the two now?
George's Over 50's Achilles Recovery - I don’t think about my Achilles even when climbing. I fall multiple times per session, including from the top of a 13 foot bouldering wall. I do not notice a difference when climbing for strength of flexibility but when doing single foot lifts, I’m not quite back to full strength on the non-surgical one. I believe it’s just a matter of time. I’m very close to full strength. I’m almost at 8 months now.
Brad Mix I’m a body builder who just sliced rate through my Achilles. My question. Is will it take longer then normal to heal because of all Thr extra stitches
ua-cam.com/video/DSJfeGG4FB4/v-deo.html
Excellent video. Thanks for posting. I’m 2 weeks in with the boot counting down the days till I get to adjust it
Good luck. How are you feeling.?
@@georgesover50sachillesreco17 Thanks for reply mate. Feeling ok, just inconvenienced mostly. Still watching thru your videos but assuming you fully recovered?
@@adamcoates6376 yes pretty much, the calf is still smaller than the other one and is still not as strong, but I've done triathlons and now doing a lot of swimming, so it doesn't stop me. The worst thing was bumshuffling down the stairs, showering and the frustration of having to rely on others to help me.
@@georgesover50sachillesreco17 Definitely. The not being able to drive and feeling pretty immobile is a nightmare. Your videos are excellent, really insightful. I’m 2 weeks in boot and swelling still bad with toe bruising. Ticking off the days till I’m out of my ‘high heel’ 🙂
@@adamcoates6376 I must admit the mental part for me was hard and I used the videos as a kind of therapy. My missus thought I was mad, but it worked for me. I'm glad you're getting something out of them.
I just ordered the boot. I was walking on my torn achillies after 4 days. Urgent care just gave me a splint. Didn't get to see orthopedics until day 10. Did no research about recovery so when they casted my foot I was devastated. Once my boot arrives I'm going back to have cast removed.
That sucks - the boot will get you mobile again, but take it easy. The long term success is all down to how well you repair that tendon.
Hi. I ruptureed my Achilles 30.05.2019. went abroad from UK to have open surgery privately done. Been given this boot 4 days after the injury. How were your recovery go? Are you back to a fitness level from before injury?
Hi. It took me about 3 months to go back to the pool. The water helps support your weight when doing calf raises. Took me about a year to get back to cycling 50k and this year I did a triathlon. I was cautious about snapping it again, so these times could be beaten I'm sure. I was fifty and didn't have surgery. Other younger you tubers seem to have quicker recovery particularly when they have had surgery. Are you in Plymouth UK?
Hi George, I see you have replied recently to a few comments which is great you are still helping people out so long after your injury. I just waned to check in with you about a couple of replies I’ve seen on this and some of the other videos - you said in a reply here that the boot doesn’t protect you from reinjury. I saw something about your (partial) rerupture occurring when you tried to kick a ball with the boot in. I guess I’m curious why the boot didn’t protect you. It prevents dorsiflexion (or anywhere near neutral) but did it bend or something or lose its sole wedge when you kicked/fell? Many thanks for all you content!
Hi Chris. The boot will protect you up to a limit. When I kicked the ball my leg would have gone forward and then gone down pretty heavy on the ground when it came back to stabilise me. There is always be bit of movement and slack around the inflatable part of the inner and I guess it was enough to stress the tendon. With the inner sock thing it's not as rigid as a cast.
How are you doing?
@@georgesover50sachillesreco17 Thanks George.I really appreciate the reply. That makes sense. I guess it saved you from a full re-rupture (and starting again from scratch or surgery) which would have been really hard to deal with. My new boot (same as yours) arrived today courtesy of eBay. The hospital fitted me with a horrible thing (it had the wedges but completely wrong size) and that really got me down. My early treatment though has been good (into plantaflexion positioned cast from A+E within a few hours, boot 7 days later, better boot today -day 13 and doing some very easy light weight bearing with crutches). That first night after getting the boot i looked for the best boot option and this stood out. Overall t's a big mind thing to deal with unlike other injuries i've had. Its that uncertainty about if it could happen again after recovery... what can i/can't i do... but I enjoy the science and stories/info like yours they really help. I'm sure i'll post some videos myself soon mainly to help me process it all and share anything that helps me. I'm sure i'll be in touch again if you don't mind. I really appreciate it!
@@chrisdavis9223 I must admit I struggled with the Mindset of wondering what I would be able to do long term. It doesn't stop me from doing anything now - I can run, cycle, hike, swim etc. The only difference is that the calf has never grown back to the same size as my uninjured leg and calf raises are still more difficult. It aches a little after a long walk, but that is it.
I tried to make my recovery as comfortable as possible, hence the pads on the crutches, reclining chair, waterproof sock to allow me to have a shower, shower seat etc. Also what they don't teach you about crutches is to cross them over when you sit down ( makes it so much easier). I'm surprised by the boot - thought those Vacoped ones were pretty universal.
@@thepropertyflipper Thanks again. I'll post a comparison sometime of what they gave me compared to the VACOped boot. Just pleased i've got the right equipment now. Best wishes
I just bought a boot off amazon..end of 1st week very bruised...im told i need wedges...or buy the vacco boot there but i dont have the $
There were always a few vacopeds on eBay a while ago. Maybe worth a look?
Still in my boot after eight weeks but back on crutches as my heel hurts after wearing the boot
Hi ive recently ruptured my achilles and had the vacoped boot fitted and on the 30cm setting,when would you say id be able to put some weight on it and walk with the crutches as you are doing on this video,i go on holiday abroad in 4 weeks time so im hoping by then i can be abit more mobile and walk with the crutches,many thanks.
So this was week 3 and I was pretty gingerly walking with the crutches as you can see. It did allow me to get out and about, but because of the difference in height of the boot cut with your other leg, it hurts your hips a bit. I think at week 4 you'll be using crutches -see my other video for some advice on those.
Thank you so much for documenting this for others to use :) Did you find your boot was pretty tight? Day 1 with mine and I’m struggling to tell the difference between snug and too tight :/
David Crabtree hi just seen I've answered on the wrong thread! Wore it pretty tight for first few weeks , then loosened it off afterwards. If your at that stage, you must be a few weeks in?
George's Over 50's Achilles Recovery weirdly enough I’m only 5 days in. My tear is completely through but the pieces of tendon are still touching so my consultant recommended the boot immediately. It was great for the first few hours but now feels quite tight so I’ve been taking short breaks with the straps loosened. My mobility on the boot foot while using crutches is definitely stages behind yours in this video so maybe I’m in the boot a little prematurely. Looking forward to showering properly for the first time since the accident tomorrow!
Nice looking boot! how much does it weigh?? mine weighs 1.9kg or 4.2 pounds and is so heavy to lug around. im into 4.5weeks post rupture and got boot today
I never thought to weigh it before, but now I have it weighed it - its 2.2kg, but you can take the bottom bit off to sleep. I'm trying to get out of it as much as possible, but always have it on when going outside. How did you do yours?
George's Over 50's Achilles Recovery ran up stairs then spun around and went to run down and it ruptured and I fell down stairs!!! From 4 steps up......are you sure thats not 2.2 pounds??
Nope - definitely 2.2kg. I suppose I've not considered how heavy it is much, just thought of it as a necessary evil, that actually lets me weight bear, protects the tendon and that is pretty comfortable to wear.
Unlucky with your injury, wouldn't have though that what you describe would have stressed the tendon much, but just goes to show how something small like that can have a big impact. I'm 10 weeks now and I'm planning on doing a new update today. Haven't progressed as far as I would have liked for reasons I'll put in the update.
Have you had surgery or gone the conservative route?
non surgery route! I think mine is similar to how basketplayers do theirs....ie rapid change of direction and pushoff. Im using the iwalk 2.0 and its great for getting to kitchen etc. Also i remove boot from leg at night and tape the cast on which was cut off a few days ago onto leg to sleep with at night.
Ah I saw the iWalk, but my house is on 3 levels so it wouldn't work. My doc wanted me to get weight bearing as early as possible so I've been using the boot to get around and yes its a pain, but my healing has been pretty good so far,( not including my minor setback). Hows the swelling, mines gone in the morning, but being up and walking every day means its a bot bloated at night.
Hey im 2 weeks in and just got my boot fitted today. My toes are still being pointed downwards and its nearly like walking in high heels. my problem is my good leg its so unbalanced because that foot is in a trainer. so its kinda like walking one foot in a high heel shoe the other in a flat. Is it possible to walk at all when my foot is pointed downwards ?
it's very difficult walking like that why tend to do with stick on the crutches until the boot was up around about 10 degrees.
what you might find is that your hips start to hurt if you start walking in a really unbalanced way and you really want to avoid that.
Keep going remember to do your exercises when you talk to do them by the physio especially the heel lifts that's the one thing that will really give you your cough back and not have you limping for a long time. How did you do yours if I may ask?
@@georgesover50sachillesreco17 I did it playing football i also ruptured my left one 10 years ago but back then there was no boot it was plaster cast the whole 12 weeks. Im away on holidays next week and i kinda gave myself false hope thinking a boot meant automatically i could walk
@@terrysteele4345 nope. Fraid not. The boot will provide some protection but two weeks in the ends of the tendon have only just started to reattach. Take it easy.
Why arn’t you doing ballerina shape foot when you take your foot out.? I got told off for that big time.
I think because the boot/foot was already lateral I didn't need to do it. Was very careful not to flex foot upwards though.
Week 3 and you're walking without crutches? I'm on day 19 and haven't put an ounce of weight on mine as per the docs instructions 😕
I guess everyone has a different recovery path. The Vacoped boots completely encase the foot, ankle and calf, so it may depend if you have one of them.
@@georgesover50sachillesreco17 yes I have the same thing. Unfortunately my first appointment with the doctor since the injury is at the 4 week point so I feel a bit like I’m lacking guidance and haven’t been pushing anything.
My cast only came off this week and my ankle was severely bruised and swollen still as well so maybe mine is having a slower start to healing.
@@RicKnelsen the swelling will go down eventually, it took me quite a few months in reality. Keeping it elevated helped massively. I could feel the difference if I hadn't elevated it one day. Keep your head up. You will get through it.
why you use that airboot? innecesary
Hi the airboot keeps the ankle in one position, but can be adjusted as the tendon heels. It also lets you be weight bearing and getting around much quicker than a fixed cast.