How long does pain last after Achilles tendon surgery?
Pain: Moderate-severe pain should decrease within a couple of weeks following the operation, however some amount of pain is common and at times can persist for 3-6 months. Ankle stiffness: Will improve with rehabilitation exercises and resuming activity.
What is the pain like after Achilles surgery?
While every recovery is different, patients often experience the following after Achilles tendon surgery: Swelling. Your ankle and lower leg may be swollen or bruised after surgery. In addition to over-the-counter pain relievers, you may want to elevate the foot and put ice on the area for the first few days.
Is calf pain normal after Achilles surgery?
Pain after an Achilles tendon rupture is mostly not an issue but the dosage of activities has to be controlled in order to avoid over-use injuries. Swelling and/or pain in the lower leg are often a sign for too much physical activity and/or too little recovery.
What happens at 6 weeks after Achilles tendon surgery?
6-8 weeks postsurgery Your rehab appointments slow down and you should be able to stand on the affected leg for a few seconds at a time. You may be able to lose the boot and start to introduce more activities. Avoiding high-impact exercise is still critical, but you may be allowed to swim or bike.
How long should you elevate your leg after Achilles surgery?
Swelling can be controlled by elevating your leg. Try to keep your leg up elevated upon a few pillows for the first 48 hours. The goal is for the leg to be above the level of your heart. Swelling is further minimized by use of ice or cold therapy directly over the site of surgery.
Is Achilles surgery painful?
Achilles tendon surgery is often an outpatient procedure. This means you can go home the same day. You will have some pain after your surgery, especially in the first few days. Pain medicines will help relieve your pain.
When should I start physical therapy after Achilles surgery?
Starting physical therapy At the 2-week mark, the surgeon will assess the surgery and remove the stitches. If the surgical site is healing well, the doctor will approve physical therapy. The foot will stay in a special boot between treatment to keep the ankle and foot slightly elevated.
Can you elevate your leg too much after surgery?
Minimize sitting time as much as possible to limit swelling. When sitting, elevate your leg as tolerated. Do not allow your leg to dangle downwards for too long.
Should I sleep with my feet elevated?
Elevating your legs while you sleep can help your circulation and prevent swelling. It’s best to elevate your legs above the level of your heart. Wedge-shaped pillows make this easier to do. You can also use pillows or folded blankets you have on hand to elevate your legs in bed to help circulation.