The full recovery process from an Achilles tendon surgery can vary in length depending on a variety of factors, including the severity of the injury, the type of surgery selected, the skill of the surgeon, your overall physical health, your dedication to following instructions for post-operative care, and more. In other words, your mileage may vary.
In terms of being able to return to weight-bearing activity without needing a cast or walking boot, a typical timeline is roughly six weeks. However, this is not the same thing as a “full recovery.” You’ll still likely need some exercise and physical therapy to restore strength and range-of-motion to pre-injury levels, and you’ll still need time before you can make a return to “full activity,” including vigorous running or sports participation. Six months is a reasonable timeframe here, although that may be faster for healthy patients who are disciplined with rehab.
Despite the length of recovery time, surgery is often the best choice for the long-term health and happiness of patients who suffer an Achilles rupture. To see if surgery is right for you, please contact Dr. Keith McSpadden at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute at 512-593-2949.
