Achilles Tendon Repair

Orthopaedic Associates of Maine

Weight-Bearing

NWB 3-4 wks; FWB in boot by 6 wks; therapy begins 4 wks postop

Key Restrictions

No active or passive dorsiflexion past neutral until 8 wks; remove heel wedges starting 6 wks; discontinue boot 6-8 wks; discontinue night splint at 6 wks; discontinue heel wedge in shoe 12-16 wks; no gastroc/soleus stretching until 12 wks; single leg heel raise only when double leg heel raise is equal (12-16 wks)

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (Wks 4-6: NWB→FWB in boot), Phase II (Wks 6-12: boot to shoe with heel lift), Phase III (Wk 12-discharge: wean heel wedge, unilateral heel raise 12-16 wks, jogging 16-20 wks, agility 16-20 wks)

Notes

Jogging ~16-20 wks once single leg heel raise with good mechanics; agility drills 16-20 wks cleared by MD; monitor incision and tendon scar for mobility throughout