Surgical — Achilles Tendon Repair

Sanford Health

Weight-Bearing

NWB in post-op splint; CAM boot with wedging: wk 2-4: 25% BW 2" wedge, wk 4-6: 50% 1" wedge, FWB in CAM boot by wk 6; wk 6-7: WBAT boot 1/2" wedge; wk 7-8: WBAT boot 1/4" wedge; wk 8-10: progress to normal shoe; boot/AD d/c by 8 wks

Key Restrictions

AROM only PF/DF x 6 wks (no PROM); limit DF to neutral x 6 wks; no ballistic motions (running, plyometrics) through intermediate phase; avoid extreme DF combined with active PF; no running until 6+ months; BFR allowed after suture removal per physician

Timeline & Phases

4 phases: Immediate Post-Op (0-2 wks, NWB), Early Rehab (2-6 wks, progressive WB in boot), Intermediate (6-12 wks, wean boot), Late Rehab (12-24 wks), Return to Sports (24+ wks). ADLs by 14-16 wks; RTS 24+ wks (sport-specific noncontact drills)

Published

04/2026