If you’ve ever had an Achilles tendon tear, you know how severe this injury can be.
A ruptured Achilles tendon can prevent normal walking or daily activities like going to the bathroom. Physical therapy may be a good option to treat tendon rupture. Physical therapy can increase range of motion, strengthen ankle and foot muscles, and reduce overall pain. The therapist might use heat, ice, or other modalities as well as exercises. For Achilles tendon treatment, the primary focus of a physical therapist is on exercises.
After removing the cast, you can start exercising. We can speak more clearly after 4 to 6 weeks of tendon rupture exercises. Exercises done too soon can cause tendon re-rupture, so it is important to allow enough time for tendon healing.
Motion range
The exercises to repair Achilles rupture usually start with gentle range motion exercises. These exercises can range from passive range of movement to active range. Some of these exercises are
- All directions: Passive range of motion for the ankle
- Ankle pumps
- All directions: Active range of motion
- Ankle alphabets
- You should exercise slowly and carefully. If you feel pain, immediately consult your physical therapist.
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Once your ankle has regained mobility, you can work on strengthening and flexing your muscles. Strength can be increased by stressing your tendon. This can help reduce the chance of future injuries.
- Ankle exercises using a resistance band
- Resistance exercises for hands
- Calf elevation
- Short arc quad
- straight leg raises
These exercises can be used to improve stability.
- Stretch
- Stretch from toe to wall
- Drop your heel
- Towel calf stretch
You can also do other exercises, such as Balance, proprioception, and Plyometrics. These exercises help reduce tendon weakness, increase range of motion, and decrease pain and swelling. Your physical therapist will recommend that you do all of the exercises as instructed.
