Your Achilles tendon connects your heel bone to your calf muscle and is needed to properly run, jump and walk. When it is injured, revision surgery may be needed to restore its full function. Rehabilitation varies according to type of surgery, but all therapies involve applying ice and elevating your leg after exercise, anti-inflammatory medications, getting proper rest and compressing as needed. Exercises concentrate on returning your Achilles tendon and your body to a healthier functioning level.
Walking
Walking is a recommended rehabilitation exercise starting immediately after Achilles tendon revision surgery. Walking without the aid of crutches can speed tendon healing time and increase muscular strength. Start walking at a slow pace the day after surgery. Make certain to wear well-fitted and comfortable walking shoes to prevent further injury. Walk around your living room for five minutes. Use your normal gait, with your arms swinging and your head held high. Stop walking and rest. As you become stronger, walk outside on paved, even surfaces. Gradually increase your walking time in five-minute increments. Stay tuned to your surroundings to prevent tripping, falling or loss of concentration that may cause injury. Watch out for low-hanging branches, small objects such as pebbles or gravel and other people. People may not be watching where they are walking and walk right into you, causing you to lose balance and possibly fall.
Heel Lifting
Achilles tendon revision surgery and rehabilitation needs to reduce stress upon your Achilles tendon. Lifting your feet onto your toes in a toe raise can help. Do this exercise while either sitting upright in a firm chair with your feet firmly planted on the surface or while standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly lift your heels from the surface while keeping the front of your foot on the surface. Your body will be supported with your opposite leg and foot. Lift as high as possible. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Slowly return to the original position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Step Raises
Achilles tendon revision rehabilitation after surgery can put steps to use to strengthen and stretch your calf muscles. Stand with the balls of your feet on a stair. Keep your heels off the stair or step. Slowly use your calf muscles to lift your heels and redistribute your body weight onto the balls of your feet. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Slowly lower your body and return to the original position. Relax 20 seconds. Repeat this exercise five times. Perform these exercises every other day. As you become stronger, increase repetitions.
Back of Leg Stretching
Your Achilles tendon needs to be stretched out as part of your rehabilitation after revision surgery. Do an active stretching exercise by sitting upright on an exercise mat or sofa. Extend both of your legs. Gently and slowly bring your big toe toward your knee, feeling the stretch along the backside of your leg. Hold this stretch five seconds. Slowly return your foot to the original position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
