My Achilles Tendon Rupture Journey: Part 1 - The Injury and Immediate Aftermath

As someone deeply entrenched in the world of MSK and movement, experiencing a significant injury myself was both a personal challenge and an opportunity for growth. It happened while I was running. Suddenly, I heard and felt a 'pop' - a noise and sensation I will never forget.

The discomfort was immediate and unmistakable. In the world of MSK podiatry and physiotherapy, we know this as a classic symptom of an Achilles tendon rupture. However, it's entirely different when you're the patient. In those first moments, my professional knowledge kicked in, and I recognised the seriousness of the injury.

The ambulance team arrived swiftly and promptly put my foot into plantarflexion - a position where the foot points downwards, away from the leg, to help relax and protect the Achilles tendon.

At the A&E, a diagnostic ultrasound confirmed my suspicions - a complete rupture of my Achilles tendon. The doctors applied a front cast to my leg in a plantarflexed position at about 30 degrees, which serves to bring the torn ends of the tendon closer together, promoting healing.

I was then referred to the fracture orthopaedic clinic for further management 5 days later. After a thorough assessment, the consultant confirmed that I wouldn't require surgery, to my relief. My immediate management of the injury, coupled with the quick and expert care I received, played a significant role in this decision.

The next step was to place my foot in a wedge boot, designed to maintain the foot in plantarflexion, reducing tension on the Achilles tendon and allowing it to heal. At this point, my rehab journey truly began.

While an Achilles tendon rupture is a severe injury, early detection and the correct initial treatment can make a world of difference to recovery outcomes. In my case, a combination of my own knowledge, a quick medical response, and effective immediate management led to a non-surgical treatment plan.

In the next part of this series, I'll discuss the early stages of rehabilitation, the challenges faced, and the strategies that helped me navigate this journey. It's my hope that sharing this experience will provide a perspective of resilience, recovery, and the importance of expert care.