Physiotherapy
Why have I been fitted with this boot?
The Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest in the human body, but also the most frequently ruptured. When the Achilles tendon ruptures, the body produces swelling, which makes a glue that can stick the tendon back together. This only works if the ends of the torn tendon are held together, which the boot will do. The tendon gets stronger as the weeks go by, and so the rules about what you may do will change.
We will see you regularly to adjust the boot, below is an example of what to expect.
These time-frames may vary slightly dependent on your medical history.
Time since rupture:
0 to 4 weeks
- Do not remove or adjust your boot.
- Please do not get the boot wet.
- Contact physiotherapy if you have any concerns or discomfort in the boot.
4 to 6 weeks
- There will be a bit of movement in the boot, but still do not remove or adjust it yourself.
6 to 8 weeks
- You may remove the boot to wash your skin and apply a clean liner.
- When you take the boot off for this, make sure your toes stay pointing down, away from you, and your foot does not go down on to the floor. You will be shown how to do this by your physiotherapist.
8 to 10 weeks
- At this point, the boot is flat to the floor and allows near normal walking pattern. The boot can come off overnight, but you still may not walk without the boot on (even in the house).
Blood thinners
Achilles tendon rupture can cause a blood clot in the leg or lung, which is a medical emergency. You will have been given advice about treatment to thin your blood and reduce this risk, this is often injections to be taken for the first 6 weeks after injury.
This treatment is important.
What to do if the boot is uncomfortable
If the boot is uncomfortable, it could be because it is rubbing. Please contact the physiotherapy department closest to you, if you think that the boot may be rubbing.
Contact your local out of hours medical provider, which may be accident and emergency or urgent care, if you experience any of the following:
- Pain in the calf, thigh or chest.
- Sudden onset of shortness of breath with no physical exertion.
- Swelling of the leg.
- Increased or decreased warmth of the leg.
- Redness in the leg.
- Bluish skin discoloration.
Can I walk in the boot?
Once you have been fitted with the VACOped, you are able to weight bear. You may need to use walking aids to help balance during the early stages.
Driving
Your insurance may not be valid whilst you are being treated within your VACOped. Do not drive whilst wearing the boot. You will be unable to drive until you are able to wear normal footwear.
Physiotherapy for achilles tendon ruptures
Once fitted with the boot in clinic, you will be referred to the physiotherapy department. Your first appointment will be 4 weeks after your rupture. At this appointment they will check to make sure that the tendon is healing.
An adjustment will be made to the boot allowing a little more movement when you walk. You will be seen again at 6, 8 and 10 weeks for the same checks and adjustments.
The boot will likely be removed 10 weeks after injury, you will need to bring a shoe for your injured foot to that appointment. Ideally a lace up shoe like a trainer. You will then progress to using a small heel raise in your shoe for the first 5 weeks.
Useful websites:
Please visit the OPED website for more information.
Contact us
If you require further information, please contact us on:
- The James Cook University Hospital Telephone: 01642 854453 or 835593
- The Friarage Hospital Telephone: 01609 763046 or 763048
- Redcar / East Cleveland Hospitals Telephone: 01642 944682 or 944708
Email: [email protected]
Patient Experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the patient experience department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print by emailing: [email protected]