How fast does achilles tendonitis heal

A full tear means your tendon is torn completely and the 2 sides are not attached to each other. For a partial tear: You may need surgery. Instead of surgery, you may need to wear a splint or boot for about 6 weeks.

During this time, your tendon grows back together. To relieve swelling: Put an ice pack on the area right after you injure it. Use pillows to raise your leg above the level of your heart when you sleep. Keep your foot elevated when you are sitting. Remember to: Talk with your health care provider if you have heart disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or have had stomach ulcers or bleeding.

Consider quitting smoking smoking can affect healing after surgery. Not give aspirin to children under Not take more pain killer than the dosage recommended on the bottle or by your provider. Rehab and Activity. You will need to: Stay in good shape and stretch before any exercise Avoid high-heeled shoes Ask your provider if it is OK for you to play tennis, racquetball, basketball, and other sports where you stop and start Do proper amount of warm up and stretching ahead of time.

When to Call the Doctor. Call your provider if you have any of these symptoms: Swelling or pain in your leg, ankle, or foot becomes worse Purple color to leg or foot Fever Swelling in your calf and foot Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Also call your provider if you have questions or concerns that cannot wait until your next visit. Alternative Names. Related MedlinePlus Health Topics.

How Is Achilles Tendonitis Treated? Your health care provider also may recommend: stretching the Achilles for 30 seconds at a time 3—4 times a day putting ice or a cold pack on the heel every 1—2 hours for 15 minutes at a time. Put a thin towel over the skin to protect it from the cold. What Else Should I Know?

To lower your risk of Achilles tendonitis again: Stay in good shape year-round. Drink plenty of water to flush out inflammation, and eat healthy whole grains, vegetables, and fruits to decrease inflammation. Increase the intensity and length of your exercise sessions gradually. This is especially important if you've been inactive for a while or you're new to a sport. Always warm up before you go for a run or play a sport and cool down by stretching after.

Stretch your legs, especially your calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, and thigh muscles. After activity, hold your stretches for 30 seconds and repeat several times a day.

Wear shoes that fit properly and are made for your sport. Replace them before they become worn out. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. Call anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:. Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:. Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if:.

Author: Healthwise Staff. Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional.

Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Important Phone Numbers. Topic Contents Your Recovery How can you care for yourself at home? When should you call for help? Where can you learn more?

Top of the page. Your Recovery Achilles tendon repair reconnects the ends of the broken tendon so that you can use your foot again in a normal way. How can you care for yourself at home?

Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover. Sleep with your sore leg raised. Your doctor will tell you how to keep your leg and foot in the correct position. Keep your leg raised such as on a pillow as much as possible for the first few days. You will need to wear a cast or walking boot that keeps your foot and ankle from moving for 6 to 12 weeks after surgery. You can use crutches to move around the house to do daily tasks.

Do not put weight on your leg without these until your doctor says it is okay. You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. When you shower, keep your bandage and incision dry by taping a sheet of plastic to cover them. It might be best to get a shower stool to sit on. If you have a brace, only take it off if your doctor says it is okay.

If your doctor does not want you to shower or remove your brace, you can take a sponge bath. Do not take a bath, swim, use a hot tub, or soak your leg until your doctor says it is okay. You can drive when you can move and control your foot and ankle, you are no longer using crutches, and you are no longer taking prescription pain medicine.

This usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. How soon you can return to your work depends on your job. If you sit at work, you may be able to go back in 1 to 2 weeks. But if you are on your feet at work, it may take 6 to 8 weeks.