Can I go back to sports after Achilles Tendon surgery?

Yes, it is possible to return to sports after Achilles tendon surgery. However, the timing and process of returning to sports will depend on various factors, including the type of surgery performed, the extent of the injury, your healing progress and the specific requirements of the sport. After Achilles tendon surgery, there is typically a period of immobilisation and protected weight-bearing to allow the tendon to heal properly. This is followed by a gradual rehabilitation program, which includes physical therapy exercises to restore strength, flexibility and function to the affected leg. We tend to keep you in a cast for 2 weeks to allow your wound to heal. After this you are in a CAM boot with wedges in the heel for 6-8 weeks. You are encouraged to walk and weight bear in this boot. You will regularly be seen by your physiotherapist or podiatrist to do a functional rehabilitation program and to gradually remove the wedges in the boot. There is a long period of rehabilitation with or without surgery and this can be 6-12 months in duration. It is important to note that returning to sports after Achilles tendon surgery carries some inherent risks, and there is a potential for re-injury. Therefore, it is crucial to progress gradually, listen to your body, and follow the recommendations of your health team.