Bradley Said:

Achilles tendon surgery replacement or repair? Cost for self pay? Who takes self pay?

We Answered:

The recovery is quite variable. I would say most are casted for 6 weeks, then put in a CAM walker (the big black "boot") with progressively smaller heel lifts. This can range anywhere between 8-12 weeks post-op. It is normal to have the foot angled in the cast, or be put in the CAM walker with a heel lift. Limited weight bearing (or no weight bearing) can last anywhere from 8-12 weeks. This is all highly dependent on the preferences of the surgeon. On the average, however, I will say that most people are non-weight bearing for 4-6 weeks, partial weight bearing for another 4-6 weeks and then allowed full weight sometime between week 10 and 12.

Total rehab usually lasts until post-op month 4-6...usually between 2-3 times a week. In all, usually between 20-30 visits.

I am sorry I cannot give you advice on the cost or international hospitalizations. However, I have seen many documentaries on people going to India for these procedures...usually at a cost of 1/6 of what it would cost in the US. India has some very fine medical schools and physicians/surgeons.

Felicia Said:

Why is there a large bump on the back of my heel after achilles tendon surgery?

We Answered:

You might be interested in looking at http://www.bonespur.com This website tells how people have eliminated their bone spur naturally.

Clifford Said:

After achilles tendon surgery do you wear a boot all the time?

We Answered:

There are two types of surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon:

In open surgery, the surgeon makes a single large incision in the back of the leg.
In percutaneous surgery, the surgeon makes several small incisions rather than one large incision.
In both types of surgery, the surgeon sews the tendon back together through the incision(s). Surgery may be delayed for about a week after the rupture to let the swelling go down.

What To Expect After Surgery
After both types of surgery, you usually wear a cast, walking boot, or similar device for 6 to 12 weeks. At first, the cast or boot is positioned to keep the foot pointed downward as the tendon heals. The cast or boot is then adjusted gradually to put the foot in a neutral position (not pointing up or down). Many health professionals recommend starting movement and weight-bearing exercises early, before the cast or boot comes off.

: )

Ethel Said:

Does anybody know the down time for an achilles tendon surgery for a dog?

We Answered:

one month minimum.

Virgil Said:

How do you massage an achilles tendon post surgery to break up scar tissue?

We Answered:

use a tiny bit of lotion or cream...but not too much because then it will just be slippery. you want it to be able to have friction so that the movement goes deeper, not just superficial on your skin. You should go up and down the length of the tendon to be helping realign the collagen fibers along with the tendon. You should also do it perpendicular to that, called cross friction. This is used to break up the collagen that is aligned the wrong way and making adhesions.... When collagen is layed down it just lays down randomly, it gets put in alignment with things like massage and active movement. So things like stretching are still just as important, and heel raises. But make sure your dr or therapist says those activities are okay... you don't want to rupture the tendon if it's at all weak....

Alfred Said:

What type of cast do you get right after achilles tendon surgery?

We Answered:

Hello, Often it varies upon the doctor. You can request that it be put into a cast. It is your treatment option right. You could also have a Cam Walker boot as well.
As far as color you can choose that too. Often the doctor may not have the color you want. You may also want to think about getting waterproof cast padding. That is something doctors may not have as well. There more information at the link in the source.
If you have more questions please ask.
Remember, the doctor will make the treatment to fit the patient. You have to request the kind of treatment that you want as well.

Sherry Said:

How Long Does it take to recover from Torn Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery?

We Answered:

I had a posterior tibula tendon repair (side of the foot) and it took about 4 months from surgery to a cast to a boot to nothing.