What you need for an achilles rupture in Phase 1
Each patient depending on age, fitness level, and needs may require something a bit different. This is what I needed to make the initial phase of the journey comfortable and functional.
The peg leg during the non-weight bearing phase. I did not like the scooter as it was cumbersome on sidewalks, with stairs and in and out of cars
If possible get in a cast during the non-weight bearing phase. So much better than a boot.
A basic boot. You can flash for something more expensive but at less the half the price I think the basic will do just fine
A shoe lift. This keeps you more even while walking with the boot, especially during the period you have heal lifts
Good elbow crutches. Not always easily accessible but prefered to arm pit crutches.
I like a bit of extra foam padding around my shin as I progressed my walking distance in the boot.
Once out of the boot a nice cushy supportive sneaker. I had just got out of the boot for a friends wedding. I wore my dress shoes for part of it but I couldn’t wait to get back in my sneaker.
In the gym
If you have access to a gym and some machine weights you dont really have to lose any strength or conditioning. In the boot almost all the lower and upper body machines are great.
The bike: a stationary bike is great in the boot and was the first place I could get my heart rate up in safe and comfortable way.
What I would have done differently
My work and life required me to be on my feet. Even taking two months off work it still meant that as soon as I was back i was doing 8-10,000 steps per day. This was too much. It never felt vulnerable but if left my whole foot and ankle sore by the end of the day. It would recover but I think this cycle slowed be down.
I wrote this at 9 months - things improve, which still amazes me. The body is built to heal:)
