
Recovering from Achilles tendon surgery is an uncomfortable process. During open surgery, your surgeon will make an incision in the back of your leg to repair your broken tendon. In percutaneous surgery, your surgeon will make several smaller cuts and insert tools through the small cuts to make the repairs. In either case, you will require downtime to recover. Your lower leg and ankle will be swollen and bruised. There may even be some numbness around the incision wound. It will take several months before you have complete use of your leg and ankle again, though you may be able to put some weight on your leg after a few weeks. How quickly your foot heals will depend on how well you follow your doctor’s post-op instructions and care for your foot at home. Below are some of the best recovery tips from Achilles’ surgery to get you up and going faster.
At Home Recovery Tips for Achilles Surgery
Rest
Getting enough rest is essential to your recovery. Your body does most of its healing work while you’re asleep, therefore hitting the snooze button is recommended while recovering from Achilles’ surgery. Be sure to keep your foot elevated while you sleep and listen to your doctor’s orders on what activities you can or can’t do. You’ll be in a cast for at least 6 weeks after surgery, so activities will be limited. Rest when you’re tired and wait until you get your doctor’s go-ahead before you resume your normal daily activities.
Diet
Your diet won’t need to change much post-op, but should you have an upset stomach, stick to bland, low-fat foods like toast, yogurt, and broiled chicken. If you have any constipation or bowel movement problems, try a fiber supplement or laxative. It’s also important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and do your best to eat healthy, nutritious foods.
Supplements
Proper nutrition in the form of essential vitamins and minerals is important for speeding up wound recovery. Your body needs proper nutrition for it to heal itself successfully. Supplements are an easy way to ensure you get enough of the important vitamins and minerals you need for recovery. This is especially true if you have trouble eating certain foods after surgery. WoundVite is an all-in-one supplement formulated specifically to aid in healing wounds post-surgery. Veteran pharmacist from the Tampa Bay area, Devan Patel, co-formulated WoundVite to include 21 of the most effective vitamins, minerals, and herb supplements scientifically proven to aid in wound recovery. With just two daily capsules you can ensure your Achilles is getting the nutrients it needs to heal itself.
Wound Care
Keeping the incision site clean and dry will be an important step in ensuring your wound doesn’t become infected. An infected wound can lead to more serious complications and increase your recovery time. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take care of your wound and change your bandages. If you have a splint or cast, be sure to keep it clean and dry as well. Nothing should go between your cast and leg (such as powder) unless by doctor’s orders.
Ice and Elevation
Place an ice pack on your leg for 10-20 minutes at a time to reduce pain and swelling. Do this throughout the day for best results. Whenever you are sitting or lying down, be sure to keep your foot propped up on a pillow or chair to keep it above your heart level. If your doctor gave you support stockings, wear them as instructed. Doing so will help prevent blood clots and former complications.
Exercise
Rehabilitation exercises will help to restore flexibility and mobility to your foot and ankle. It’s important not to skip this step to ensure your Achilles surgery heals properly. Proper exercises will ensure a faster and easier recovery.
Listen to Your Doctor
At home care like proper wound care and taking supplements are important for a faster recovery. However, nothing is more important than following your doctor’s orders. Every surgery is different; therefore, your doctor will know the best way to care for you. Be sure to take prescribed medications as directed and follow their post-op recovery tips. It’s also important not to skip out on follow-up appointments. Only your doctor will be able to tell you when you can expect to return to your normal activities. The more proactive you are about your post-op care, the faster you will get back to your daily routine.




