Achilles Tendon Rutpture followed by lengthening of the Achilles Tendon and now Tenosynovitis

I ruptured my achilles tendon June 30th 2007.

They operated 02nd July 2007. After several months of treatment and therapy. I continued to complain about the lack of mobility especially during plantar flexion and dorsi flexion.

I couldn't walk normally in barefeet. After countless appointments and treatments, physiotherapy, ultrasound, massage, heat and cold treatments as conditioning exercises they finally decided to operate.

I have had MRI and Ultrasound scans in 2008. The ultrasound scan showed that the tendon was swollen and extremely thick. The MRI didn't highlight any nerve damage. The tendon sheath is thicker about 400% in comparison to the damaged tissue, there appears to be chronic degeneration of the tissue where it is at its thickest.

The tendon scar is knotted and has indents. I have had another scan 2010 and the scan is very similar to the one taken 2008. I will find out more in three weeks for a full comparison from the surgeon.

The foot tends to swell more at night after a day at work or walking. It is very tender to touch despite having numerous treatments. I was even prescribed gabapentin to help with the pain, numbness, tingling, change in colour and temperature.

I also suffer from immense pain down the lateral part of my lower limb when the foot is at it's worst.

I am able to participate in certain activities but at my own peril however, I suffer from pain afterwards. The tendon from the attachment to insertion is tender, but more tender where it is at its thickest. It will then suffer from tightness.

I have also been prescribed with orthotics to help, which they do but i am now restricted to certain types of footwear. I have invested in MBT's, Fit Flops and then training shoes suitable for my condition. I am 38 years old, female. Who has played sport for the majority of my life, I also teach sport and physical education.



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Joshua Answers:

Hi there Anonymous.

Your story illustrates one of my complaints about surgery.

Achilles tendon surgery doesn't do anything to affect the source of the problem, which is lower leg muscles and connective tissue being TOO TIGHT.

Imagine 20 guys constantly pulling on your Achilles tendon with all their might. All day long, and while you sleep. The tendon is going to get IRRITATED. Maybe even damaged.

That's the Tendonitis dynamic in general.

Specifically on the topic of Achilles Tendonitis, it's not the Gastrocs so much as the Soleus muscle and ALL the connective tissue that intimately connects EVERYTHING down there.

Surgery gets in and cuts on the tendon. Maybe even 'lengthens' it. But then that injured tissue still has to deal with those 20 guys. The tendon itself may have been lengthened, but the tendon wasn't too short, and wasn't the real problem.

You complained of lack of mobility. This is the reason you had, and still have, lack of mobility.

And of course you still have a progressive Pain Causing Dynamic.

There is various free information around on my site that you can use to help yourself lower your pain levels. Specifically and first off, you should learn How To Reduce Inflammation.

And for post surgery self care, which I believe that you would VERY much benefit from, I suggest that you get my Reversing Achilles Tendonitis ebook. Ultimately, what you do for self care to avoid surgery is the same thing you do to recover after surgery.

Thank you for sharing your story. And while you didn't actually ask me a question, I like to finish by saying "More questions, more answers".




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Joshua Tucker, B.A., C.M.T.
The Tendonitis Expert
www.TendonitisExpert.com