How to recover after Achilles tendon rupture surgery

  Non-surgical treatment and rehabilitation: The main principle of non-surgical treatment is to fix the ankle in plantarflexion position with a cast or brace. After 4 weeks, the cast was replaced with a below-knee cast, and the ankle joint was changed to a neutral position with reduced flexion angle, allowing partial weight-bearing. 8 weeks later, the cast was removed and replaced with a removable brace or cast with a 2-2.5 cm heel pad. After 12 weeks, start active functional exercise.       2.Patients with surgical treatment: After surgery, the ankle can be fixed in a short leg cast or splint with mild plantarflexion. In the 4th-6th week, partial weight-bearing exercises should be changed to full weight-bearing exercises, and the ankle dorsiflexion exercises should be strengthened.  In the 6th-12th weeks, resistance exercises, step-up and step-down exercises and short-distance walking exercises were strengthened.  After the 12th week, Achilles tendon pulling exercises are practiced and running and jumping exercises are gradually started. However, as each patient’s condition is different, the timing of postoperative rehabilitation exercises may also depend on the severity of the patient’s own condition and recovery. The patient should be reviewed regularly to determine the appropriate start of the next step of rehabilitation.