Post Surgery
First 24 hours
You will be kept comfortable on the ward with medication. If a nerve block was used your leg may be numb for 24 hours.
You may have a brace on your leg to prevent overstretch and damage to the tendon repair. The physic will instruct you regarding the brace.
The physic will also help you with advice to assist with reducing sitting discomfort following surgery.
Day 1-3
- You must avoid too much hip flexion (bring the knee up to chest) with the knee straight
- Ice - 20 mins every 2-3 hrs
- Walk with the ward physio, using crutches
- You will be allowed to touch weight bear only
- Home exercise programme as advised by the physio
- Education with regard to sitting and car transfers
- Home on day 1-2 post surgery
- Tummy time - lie prone up to 2 hours per day to assist with wound healing
First 2 weeks
- Continue to walk touch weight bearing using crutches
- Keep the wound covered with the dressing placed in hospital
- Take oral painkillers and anti-inflammatories
- Contact my rooms to arrange an appointment at 10 days post surgery (this coincides with expected wound healing I coverage)
- Tummy time and ice continued
Weeks 2-6
- Gradually progress off crutches in next 2 weeks and can stop using brace at 4 weeks.
- You can start driving short distances
- Gentle hip bending exercises, calf stretching, Isometric I hamstring holds, modified squats (similar to sit-to-stand action), exercise bike can start as comfort allows.
After 6 weeks
- Increasing walking distance as comfortable
- Progress from 2 leg to 1 leg exercises (bridges, 1 leg squats, lunges)
- Exercise bike increasing intensity and swimming
- Gradually build resistance training with bands or in gym
- Gradually introduce jogging to running as strength improves
- Full activities and sport from 3-6 months (depending on progress and sport)
The physiotherapist will demonstrate and provide the rehabilitation details at the 10-14 day follow-up appointment and ensure these are done correctly and safely.
Inpatient Exercises
Ankle exercises
Move ankles up and down 15 x 2, hourly for the first few days
Calf Stretch
Hold calf stretch using towel and bent knee - pull toes up towards body - 30 secs x 2
Quads Squeezes
Squeeze quads (front of thigh) lightly - hold 10 secs x 5 Knee remains in the brace and don't straighten knee out yet.
Gentle hip and knee flexion
Lying flat, slide your heel up and down as you bend and straighten your knee. Don't bring your hip past 60 degrees for the first 5 days.
Tummy Time
Lying on your stomach allows the wound to have some time without the pressure of your body pressing down on it. Aim for 20-30 minutes of this every 2 hours while the wound remains very sensitive.
Walking
Aim to walk for 5-10 minutes every 2 hours to keep upper body mobile and reduce back stiffness. Gradually progress weight through leg after first 10-14 days.