Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Conservative and Surgical treatment of an Achilles Tendon Rupture Anticoagulation treatment until day 42
|
Days
0-14 |
|
Numbers seen in hole at back of boot |
| 14-25 |
|
3 |
| 25-29 |
|
2.5 |
| 29-33 |
|
2 |
| 33-37 |
|
1.5 |
| 37-41 |
|
1 |
| 41-45 |
|
0.5 |
| 45+ |
|
0 |
| Week 9 |
|
This plan will give you a general idea of how your mobility will progress over the next 6-9 months.
Much of it will depend on your fitness before the injury but your physiotherapist will plan your treatment specific to you and give you the relevant exercises to follow.
| Week 10 – 12 post injury or surgery |
| Most re-ruptures occur during this phase. |
| You should have been supplied with gel heel pads so continue to use these, or use footwear with higher heels |
| Take care doing activities which stretch your tendon e.g. walking up and down stairs and squatting. |
| Your physiotherapist will help you to learn to walk normally with your weight going from your heel through to your toes. |
| You will be given exercises to do at home and these will include balance, strengthening and stretching. |
| Your exercises will gradually be increased as you physically recover. |
| Swimming and gentle stretching exercises while in the water are particularly good in this phase. |
| If you experience any pain or problems with the wound during this time – stop doing the exercises and seek advice. An aching or soreness is normal however. |
| Return to driving Before driving on the main roads please go to a quiet area, drive around then do an emergency brake. If this is possible without pain or discomfort then driving with care should be safe. Manual or right leg automatic – 12 weeks Left leg in an automatic – 2 weeks |
| 3 – 6 months post injury or surgery |
| Continue to be careful on stairs |
| Your Physiotherapist will continue to progress your exercises to include more weight bearing stretching and strengthening |
| 6 – 8 months post injury or surgery |
| Gentle dynamic exercises may commence in this phase, your Physiotherapist will guide you on how and what to do. |
| If you are ready to, you may start jogging on the flat; this will gradually progress to return you to running and different terrains. |
| You will not be back to full competitive sport until at least 9 months due to healing and recovery of the tendon. |
Contact details
The contact number for the Plaster Room at Frimley Park is: 0300 6134339
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
The contact number for the Plaster Room at Wexham Park is: 0300 6154058
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9am – 5pm
Wednesday 9am – 1pm (closed in the afternoon)
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Plaster room service.
About this information
Service:
Plaster room
Reference:
N/075
Approval date:
28 August 2025
Review date:
8 January 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.