Achilles Tendon Rupture Rehabilitation Protocols
4 Achilles Tendon Rupture rehabilitation protocols from 4 institutions. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.
Compare by institution
| Institution | Weight-Bearing | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts General Hospital — Repair | NWB in splint/boot 0-3 wks; PWB wk 4 (progress 25% BW/wk); FWB by wk 7 in boot; boot D/C… | Avoid over-elongation of Achilles; conservative approach for augmentation, re-rupture, revision, chronic… |
| Saint Louis University (SLU) — Non-Operative | NWB on crutches wks 0-2; WBAT using crutches wks 2-4; wean crutches wks 4-6; FWB wk 6+ | Plaster cast/rigid boot with foot in 20 deg PF and 3 wedges (22/16/10 mm); remove wedges progressively; wear… |
| Sanford Health — Achilles Tendon Rupture (Non-Operative) | NWB in cast (max plantar flexion) x 2 wks; boot with 40° heel lifts: 25% WB wk 2-3, 50%… | Must begin within 48 hours of injury; avoid DF past neutral x 8 wks; avoid tendon stretching x 6 months; no… |
| University of Colorado Anschutz (CU) — Repair | NWB in splint wks 0-2; TDWB in boot wks 2-4; WBAT in boot wks 5-6; FWB wk 7+; boot D/C wk… | No ankle/foot ROM wks 0-2; PROM limited to DF 0 deg with knee flexed to 90 wks 2-4; no passive Achilles… |
All 4 Achilles Tendon Rupture protocols
Achilles Tendon Rupture — Repair
Massachusetts General Hospital
Achilles Tendon Rupture — Non-Operative
Saint Louis University (SLU)
Non-Operative — Achilles Tendon Rupture (Non-Operative)
Sanford Health
Achilles Tendon Rupture — Repair
University of Colorado Anschutz (CU)