achilles tendonosis debridement surgery 2/20/2012

by raymond valcourt
(estero florida)

I injured my achilles tendon playing tennis 3 years ago. Pain would come and go depending on how much tennis I played. My biggest fear is that it would rupture, because that's what happened to my other leg ten years ago.


That surgery took a year of recovery. I saw an orthopedic doctor who did an MRI and x-rays. He told me I had tendonosis, and referred me to a foot specialist. I was put in a boot for 2 weeks, started doing stretching exercises and did not play tennis for 8 weeks. When I returned to tennis it went well for about 3 weeks and pain started again.

Dr. explained my surgery option, and I had it done on 2/20/2012. I went home the same day with a soft cast, and had no pain for 31 hours because of block. I took percocet for 2 days and kept my foot elevated. Ten days later, doc removed stiches and put me in a boot with no weight bearing for two weeks, then weight bearing on heel for another week. At four weeks doctor removed the boot and I began walking in a sneaker, with limp.

No weight-bearing stretching, but I was able to swim. I am doing ok, no pain, but by the end of the day I'm a little sore. My next appointment is in 2 weeks.



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Joshua Answers:


Hi Raymond.

Thanks for sharing.

Swimming, great! Non weight bearing stretching/lengthening, great! (Focus on the muscle structures, not the tendon.)

And you may want to check out The ARPwave System for a far quicker recovery, faster return to the tennis court, and for avoiding future injury.

Granted, debridement surgery is less traumatic than ruptured tendon reattachment surgery, but still.



Keep us updated!



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Joshua Tucker, B.A., C.M.T.
The Tendonitis Expert
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Comments for achilles tendonosis debridement surgery 2/20/2012

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Mar 04, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Scheduled for achilles tendon debridement surgery
by: Danielle

I have had Achilles tendon problems off and on for about 3 years, consistently for 1 1/2 years. I ran 10 miles last August and felt good at the time, but walking was extremely painful the next day. I haven't been able to run since. I tried a month of eccentric exercise. One month of a stabilizing walking boot.

It felt good in the boot but otherwise was still painful. I really don't want surgery but still have a lot of pain and can only wear dansko clogs with a thick heel, no tennis shoes. I am a nurse on my feet all day. I haven't been exercising and have gained some weight. Very frustrated, wish I could just walk pain free, even if I can't run again.

Any suggestions? Seems like mixed reviews on surgery. My orthopaedic says he will cut the tendon, open it like a book, debride the frayed tissue and reinforce/suture it back together. Also what type of fitness exercise would be good for getting back into shape?


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Joshua Comments:

Hi Danielle.

1. Yes, I have lots of suggestions, all on this website, and in the Reversing Achilles Tendonitis ebook.


2. Along with the questions on the Quiz Your Doc page, you might want to ask him/her what exactly caused the frayed tissue that they're going to debride, and how removing the frayed tissue is going to prevent fraying in the future.

That's why you hear mixed messages about achilles tendon surgery...it doesn't fix the CAUSE of the pain and problem.


3. Any kind of exercise is good, obviously taking the capabilities of the lower legs into account. Weight lifting, arm bikes (like bike bikes but you sit up and turn the cranks with your hands/arms), chair calisthenics, modified yoga, etc.




Related: Achilles Tendonosis surgery and bone spur debridement happy and ready to do it again
Sep 08, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		A year after Achilles Debridement Surgery, happy as I was risking a complete tear
by: MG

In two weeks will be my one year anniversary from having Achilles Debridement surgery.

I had fluid build-up and 25% of my achilles was deteriorated. I was a good candidate for the surgery. I can say post-up, It is better than before, though not 100%. Not sure if it will ever be 100%? I have many more good days, than bad.

Its usually tight when I get out of bed, but once I get going, stretch a bit and put house/tennis shoes on, its good to go. I do often have discomfort and tightness, and it does tighten up on me after I've been seated awhile, such at a restaurant, watching the tube with family, or when on my feet for extended periods.

So, I guess thats life and how things go? I need to constantly keep it stretched and loose. Theres still noticeable swelling with some pain when touched in the general area. I also try and stay active by doing cardio/stationary bike, as well as work my calf muscles. My Dr mentioned using New Balance insoles which I'm getting this week, as well as prescribed Flector Patch to use topically on the area.

I have noticed the Flector Patches do help relieving the inflammation. I go for another check-up in a few months and hoping things improve. Not sure where this will end up, though can say, I am happy I went forward with the surgery. It is better, and If I chose to do nothing, I was risking a complete tear.


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Joshua Comments:

Hi MG.

Sometimes surgery is a necessary thing. The question is, how to make the best recovery.

'Better than I was' is certainly a good and valid thing. It's been a while since you submitted this, how are things now/how has recovery gone?

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