Riding after Achilles tendon surgery? Hope required!!

C

Carsmore

Well-Known Member
Joined
2 September 2009
Messages
357
Visit site
After injuring myself a year ago and being out of the saddle since, I have FINALLY managed to get to see a foot specialist. Unfortunately, its looking like surgery to remove the achilles tendon, smoothing the heel bone then reattaching it back on. 3/4 months of a "toe down" pot then wearing a special boot for a time afterwards.
My main worry, that is after probably losing my job over it all and having sheep and 5 horses to see to, is Im concerned that I wont be able to ride again. Would the pressure that you put on your achilles tendon while having your foot in the stirrup be too much?
Has anyone got experience of having this kind of surgery? If so PLEASE let me know that there is light at the end of the tunnel! PM me if you prefer.
 
I didn't have the surgery but did damage the tendon quite badly.

The only exercise I was given by the physio was the one where you stand on the edge of a step and then allow the heels to drop down to stretch it, but I guess you are a long way away from that. Mine isn't perfect but I did get some movement back in to it - a good physio should be able to help.
 
Thanks for that Motherhen. I have been under the physio for a year while doing the stretch execises. They havent helped but then they have only just realised that surgery was required so I have wasted a whole year! Grr! So hopefully the surgery will help my day to day living. Its the thought of having the tendon taken off and then reattached. EEk makes me feels sick just thinking about it! Do you mind telling me when you had your injury and if you are riding? I am concerned that the pressure of riding would make it ping of the bone again! Im probably been a drama queen! Ive just recovered from a hysterectomy then had to have an operation last week on my mouth so I am really woe is me now! I want to know who the hell has got a bloody voodoo doll that looks like me!
 
my brother had to have his achilles replaced as he snapped it not sure if the same but he is now fine and plays rugby every weekend, it did take along time to get right though and he had to take it slow to make sure he didn't damge it again and had a good physio. so slow and steady i would think
 
I damaged mine about 13 years ago - for the first couple of years it just hurt ALL the time, then i found a physio who gave me the stretch exercises as well as massage and acupuncture (I had pain from the heel up into the calf). if i do a lot of walking it aches and running is really out of the question.

it is much better now, i don't ride that regularly but that is more due to circumstances and other injuries, I certainly don't have a problem getting the foot at least level or just beyond.

However my heel is now a better barometer than the Met Office and twinges in a breath taking manner at the first hint of rain
frown.gif
 
I ruptured all the ligaments in my ankle a few years ago now (everything BUT the achilles) and whilst not the achilles, I did have to have all the lateral ligaments removed and replaced with plastic ones and so I can give you my experience as that surgery involved a treatment of 3 months in plaster non weight bearing followed by physio. It IS hard however you will come through it. I could not ride for over a year....however after some time i was able to resume normal activities and can now do 98% of everything I used to be able to do riding wise. Yes I have to be very careful and weigh the pros and cons of doing things, etc and if it is hurting I must stop however a few years ago they said I wouldn't be able to ride on it and now I do ride and even jump again....so don't despair.
 
Thanks everyone for your replies, its made me a little bit more positive about it all. So, basically, its time and patience that is needed. Not familiar with using the latter but hey ho! Very encouraging to hear that you are jumping again eventrider!
Im thinking that it might not be a bad idea to sell to nags to lessen the hassle of looking after them and also to take away any temptation to do anything I shouldnt! They need to be doing a job and it wont be good for them to be taking a year off. Give myself a complete break and time to recover. Then start agian when Im in a better condition.
 
When you start to ride again could you aim at a lower standard than you used to do. Good luck with your recovery
 
Hi Carsmore

I'm hoping you're still around and can let me know how you've got on with riding after your achilles tendon repair surgery.

I ruptured my right achilles in January (full rupture) and re-ruptured again at the end of March so have been through 8 months of surgery, plaster in the and toe-down position (equinus they call it, how appropriate :)) then Vacoped boot.

I'm now able to walk relatively limp free, am back driving again and life is pretty much back to normal so my head is now getting into the horse riding space. My 3 main worries are rising trot, reacting to a spook or bolt and dismounting. I'm quite comfortable with my heel in neutral riding position but it's just the additional stretch and strength needed for rising trot and that instinctive heels down reaction you get when a horse spooks or goes to bolt, I had 3.5cm removed from my tendon so it's never going to be as long as it was and I still have a massive fear of it snapping again. Dismounting may sound like a daft worry but landing on my toes without full calf strength will mean my heel will be forced down but I suppose I could overcome this one either by dismounting on the mounting block or falling off sideways lol.

I'm hoping you can give me the same glimmer of hope that you were looking for when you first posted.
 
Hey Carsmore,

You've been through the mill eh? I jolly can't cope with hospital or ops so to me your awfully brave. Don't think you are being a drama queen but defo light at the end of the tunnel if you take your time. Patience is not a virtue of mine so I can sympathise. Ooh means you can eat lots of chocolate and have everyone running round for you!!! heavenly :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top