Recovering from an Achilles tendon injury is challenging but not impossible. If you’ve suffered an Achilles tendon rupture or sprain, here is what you need to know.
How to Recover From an Achilles Tendon Injury
If you suspect that you have an Achilles tendon injury, the best thing to do is see your doctor and get a professional evaluation. Your Achilles tendon may be strained, or you may have a more severe injury. Your doctor will give you more information and help set up a course for treatment and recovery.
Before you see your doctor, here are a few tips for keeping your Achilles tendon injury safe:
- Rest your leg: Straining an injured leg will only worsen the damage. If you’re injured, stay off the leg as much as possible. Ask family and friends for help with daily tasks if needed. Keeping your leg elevated is also helpful.
- Ice: Keeping ice on your leg will help keep the swelling down and help relieve the pain.
- Compress the Injury: Wrapping the injury will help reduce pain and improve circulation to the area.
How Long Does it Take for Achilles Tendon to Heal?
An injured Achilles tendon takes, on average, about four to eight weeks to heal. However, your timeline will depend on several factors, including the extent of your injury and the rest and recovery time that you’re able to take.
For instance, a strained Achilles tendon will recover more quickly than a ruptured tendon. Likewise, if you push yourself too much, you might reinjure the tendon and prolong the recovery period.
Recovering enough for basic tasks does not mean that you can start to put a strain on your Achilles tendon immediately. If you are an athlete, you should expect to be out for at least a few months, sometimes as long as twelve. Ask your doctor for guidelines on when it might be ok for you to return to physical activity.
Best Way to Recover from an Achilles Injury
The best way to recover from an Achilles tear is by following your doctor’s advice. If you’ve torn your Achilles tendon, your doctor may recommend surgery to help reattach the tear.
After the surgery, your doctor will prescribe a specific follow-up schedule and recovery plan, which could include keeping your foot in a splint for some time and subsequent physical therapy.
Supplies You’ll Need for Your Achilles Injury
If you’re recovering from an Achilles tendon injury, your doctor might recommend the following:
- A foot boot: A boot will help support your ankle during recovery. It is rigid and cumbersome, but it will help you heal.
- A foot splint: Foot splints are typically softer than foot boots, but they also provide less support.
- A night splint: A night splint is soft and comfortable for sleeping but will also support your ankle during the night.
- A cane or crutches: Having a cane or crutches will help keep pressure off your ankle as you walk.
- A drive knee walker: A knee scooter helps you move around without putting weight on the injured foot.
Whether you’re shopping for supplies for your Achilles tendon or anything other medical supplies, visit Simply Medical today.