The Achilles tendon is the large tendon in the back of your ankle that connects the heel to your calf muscle. It’s actually the largest tendon in your body, which is why it’s so difficult to recover from when it’s been injured. Especially if it’s been torn.
A torn or ruptured Achilles tendon is a serious injury that usually requires surgery for treatment. Afterward, you will go through a period of recovery, but after a little time and some dedicated physical therapy, you should be able to get back on your feet and enjoy your favorite activities again.
Torn Achilles recovery timeline
Achilles surgery itself is usually pretty quick. It can take 30 minutes to an hour to complete, and you may be able to go home the same day. However, it’s the recovery after surgery that takes the most time.
- 2 weeks — During this time, you’ll likely have to use crutches or another assistive device to help keep weight off the recovering ankle. During this time period, you should start physical therapy to help rebuild the strength of the muscles, tendons and ligaments around your ankle. Toward the end of two weeks, you may start wearing a boot instead of using crutches.
- 4 weeks — Your physician may adjust your boot to change your walking position. Your physical therapist will continue to guide you through more stretches and exercises to engage the ankle.
- 6 weeks — Your physician may remove the boot, and you may engage in more activities with low impact, such as cycling or swimming. You should continue physical therapy to help improve your recovery.
- 4 to 6 months — Your ankle should be recovered by this period. It may not return to 100% of the strength it had before, but it should be well enough for you to enjoy your favorite activities again.
Visit Panther Physical Therapy for ankle treatment
If you have torn your Achilles tendon and had to have surgery, it’s important that you visit a physical therapist to help with your recovery. At Panther Physical Therapy, we can work with you through every step of your recovery journey to help minimize pain and improve the functionality of your ankle. Contact our team for more information about torn Achilles treatment or to schedule an initial appointment.