When walking, you use your Achilles tendons to raise your heels off the ground and stabilize your ankles. Without Achilles tendons, you cannot walk without mechanical assistance. Most people do not have to worry about rupturing their Achilles tendons because the tendons are very strong and easily withstand normal day-to-day activity. Athletes have a much higher risk of breaking this tendon, especially those who play sports that involve sudden stopping and cutting movements. A completely ruptured Achilles tendon requires surgery to repair.
Step 1
Obtain a strong brace or post-surgical boot to stabilize your foot or feet without Achilles tendons. The firmer these braces are, the better. Before attempting to walk, make sure your ankles are securely braced.
Step 2
Use 1 crutch or a cane if only 1 foot is affected. Use 2 crutches or a walker if both feet are affected. The affected legs will not be able to actively help you walk; it will be like walking on a prosthetic leg or legs.
Step 3
Use your crutches or walker to stand up very carefully. You should have a friend or family member around to help stabilize you the first couple times you do this.
Step 4
Place as much of your weight as possible on the walker or crutches. The weight on your feet should be as straight down as possible; try not to bend your ankles too much.
Step 5
Begin to walk by moving the walker or crutches out further in front of you. Once the walker or crutches are firmly on the ground again, place as much of your weight on them as you can and move your feet slowly forward in whichever way is most comfortable. Repetition this motion to walk without the Achilles tendon. Again, have a friend or family member around to stabilize you until you get used to walking in this way.
Things You'll Need
- Post-surgical boot or other strong ankle brace
- Crutches, cane or walker
