Post-operative rehabilitation of Achilles tendon rupture

  The goal of the surgery is to achieve complete healing and full recovery of muscle strength in as short a time as possible. After surgery, the patient will need to use a brace for 10-14 days, and then the patient will begin walking in a removable boot. The boot has a hinge that allows the foot to move downward (plantarflexion), but will restrict upward movement (dorsiflexion). Post-operative walking and exercise are very important.  Special postoperative rehabilitation process (1) 1-6 weeks ① Elevate the affected limb, use some dehydrating and swelling medication, assisted rehabilitation machine pneumatic therapy to reduce edema; ② Take some oral analgesic medication to control postoperative pain and achieve pain relief; ③ Move the ankle joint in a small amount to reduce scar formation, 10-20 minutes/time, 2 times/day; ④ Under the guidance of the rehabilitation physician and with the help of the therapist ⑤ Straighten and elevate the lower limb to exercise the muscle strength of the lower limb, 20-30 minutes/time, 3 times/day; ⑥Strengthen the dorsiflexion of the ankle joint to 0° in neutral position, 10-20 minutes/time, 2 times/day; ⑦Avoid passive stretching of the Achilles tendon, avoid prolonged foot drop, and avoid applying heat.  (2) Within 7 to 12 weeks, ① walk with partial to full weight bearing under the protection of brace, 20 to 30 minutes/time, 3 times/day; ② flexion and extension training of the ankle joint until sufficient joint movement is restored to meet the requirements for normal gait on steps, 20 to 30 minutes/time, 3 times/day; ③ forward step training, 20 to 30 minutes/time, 3 times/day ④ Training of independent basic activities of daily living.  (3) From 13 to 20 weeks ① Continue to exercise the flexion and extension of the ankle joint until it is completely back to normal, 30 to 60 minutes/time, 4 times/day; ② Exercise the balance of the body until it is back to normal balance, 20 to 30 minutes/time, 3 times/day; ③ Exercise the downward movement of the foot until it is completely back to normal, 20 to 30 minutes/time, 3 times/day; ④ Conduct functional training of the lower extremity on a stationary bicycle, 20 to 30 minutes/time, 3 times/day. (4) Lower limb functional training on stationary bicycle, 30 minutes/time, 3 times/day; (5) Lower limb muscle strength through straight leg raising training, 20-30 minutes/time, 4 times/day; (6) Lower step functional training and double lower limb standing balance training, 20 minutes/time, 3 times/day.  (4) From 21 to 28 weeks, ① training of straight forward running on flat ground until normal running, 20-30 minutes/time, 3 times/day; ② training of the ankle joint to achieve the maximum muscle strength and flexibility required for daily life.