I’m having surgery to remove a haglunds deformity and reattached the achillies with a plate/screws in the new year. For anyone that has had this or a similar procedure done, how’d did your recovery go and how long until you were back walking comfortably and then swimming/biking/running?
I had this procedure in January 2019. My Achilles was partially detached, split down the middle, heel bone had a piece cut off, and then it was reattached with Arthrex Speedbridge anchors. I was in a cast on crutches for 3.5 weeks, then a boot and crutches for another 3 weeks, then partial weight bearing for a couple of weeks. All up, about 2 months until I was (just) walking around the house unaided. My doc let me get in the pool as soon as the cast was off (3.5 weeks) to swim only with a pull buoy. I was probably swimming normally around week 6-7 but not pushing off with that foot until week 10-12. I started riding the bike on the trainer as soon as I was in the boot (3.5 weeks), just 20 mins the first day, then 30 mins, etc. I switched out a clip less pedal for a platform pedal and rode with the boot on. By mid-late April, I could swim and bike as much as I wanted and both felt normal. I had an initial loss of power on the surgery side on the bike but that naturally resolved very quickly. Walking and running took a lot longer. Basically, I was walking with a limp until late May and while I could do daily life activities, long walks (longer than 30 mins) would cause swelling and some pain the next day. Over 4th of July weekend, I managed a 50 min somewhat hilly hike and I remember being so thrilled about it. I did PT twice a week for months and did some runs at 75-80% of my body weight on the Alter G in May-June but it was months till I could run on flat ground for 20 mins straight without my heel being sore for days. I was able to “run†from around August but it was somewhat painful and I had a ton of compensation issues going on from that leg getting so weak post-surgery. It took me around 18 months until running felt normal. I had previously been mostly a runner (run 20+ marathons, competitive in AG at local races, etc.) so my expectations of what running “normally†is may be higher than others. It probably took 2 years out until I really was back to running like I wanted to, albeit at much lower mileage. The surgeon told me that I had a lot of damage to my Achilles and that if I wanted to keep running for years, I should focus on triathlon instead of just running (I was a 50-55 mile per week runner for years). Someone who didn’t have as much damage to their Achilles would probably have a quicker timeline than me. My two pieces of advice are: 1. Do not rush the timeline the first few weeks and months after surgery. 2. Really max out on physical therapy. I did PT for several months but I wish I had continued for longer. I still had a lot of calf weakness and compensation issues from being non-weight bearing for 8 weeks.
I’m having surgery to remove a haglunds deformity and reattached the achillies with a plate/screws in the new year. For anyone that has had this or a similar procedure done, how’d did your recovery go and how long until you were back walking comfortably and then swimming/biking/running?
I can’t tell you exactly because I just had a similar surgery yesterday but my protocol is:
Cast: 2 weeks, non weight bearing
Boot: 4 weeks with no weight limitations, begin PT
PT said he can get me doing a run / walk program in 4 months
Doc said I should be back to my current shape in 6 months
I had the tendon sliced down the middle, haglunds removed and about 20% of my tendon cleaned up then reattached.
I’m not putting any money on my timeline and I’m not going to rush it. I’m going to do whatever my PT says and listen to my body. He’s an avid runner and works for our local hospital system at a D1 university and works with their athletes. He recommended the doc I chose because he has been very successful getting his runners back to original form.
I’m trying to set realistic expectations for returning to any training & patience is not my strong suit! I’ve just moved the surgery back to March & coming to terms with 2023 just being a 0 year in terms of any racing.
I’m trying to set realistic expectations for returning to any training & patience is not my strong suit! I’ve just moved the surgery back to March & coming to terms with 2023 just being a 0 year in terms of any racing.
I think it comes down to how much Achilles damage there is. I was lucky to only have 20%. I don’t think they know that until they do an MRI. My plan is to try to get a late season sprint in.
I had a very similar procedure done 4-weeks ago. My understanding was that a little over half my Achillies was detached for removal of a heel bone growth and a bunch of associated scar tissue. I’ve been using the Knee Rover scooter since.
So far:
No rigid cast, but surgical dressing removed after a week and transitioned to the boot.
Stitches removed after about 4-weeks. But use intermittent, with recommendations to begin flexing the foot.
No weight on the foot for about 6-weeks.
I started riding the trainer at about week 3. I used the Dremel to cut the back out of an old shoe and started for 30-minutes sessions Trainer Road endurance rides at 50% of their already low intensity. The only tricky part of the trainer is climbing on and off while keeping the leg un-loaded. I’ve been slowly increasing the %%, and will be back to normal by post-op week 5 but still choosing very low intensity 30 to 60 minute “endurance” or “tempo” rides from the catalog.
PT anticipated to start in January. I think it would have been sooner, but schedules were pushed back for some Holiday vacations.
The trainer rides are very low intensity and I feel zero heel pain or discomfort while on the trainer. They may not be providing much training stimulus, but I feel a lot better when I do them–hoping that they’re at least slowing the decline / loss.
I agree with not rushing things, but am hoping to be back cycling with no restrictions in January. Swimming could start now, but wall pushes would have to be avoided. Like others, I’m expecting a 6-month recovery to get back to normal walking / running and loading of the foot.
I had a similar procedure. Partial tear at the insertion point on the back of the heal. Had a screw/anchor put in and achilles bolted to it.
my advice… take it slow… If you try to push it, it will push back. Took 2 years for me to feel normal again. +1 year to really get back to any meaningful running. Doctor said 6 months but that was definitely not the case for me. always had some sort of pain until the 2 year mark.
Shit man do not have the surgery. It’s a very long recovery. I’ll send you a PM with details.
no idea, just replying to wish you well. Keep us updated.
pacco wrote:
I’m having surgery to remove a haglunds deformity and reattached the achillies with a plate/screws in the new year. For anyone that has had this or a similar procedure done, how’d did your recovery go and how long until you were back walking comfortably and then swimming/biking/running?
I can’t tell you exactly because I just had a similar surgery yesterday but my protocol is:
Cast: 2 weeks, non weight bearing
Boot: 4 weeks with no weight limitations, begin PT
PT said he can get me doing a run / walk program in 4 months
Doc said I should be back to my current shape in 6 months
I had the tendon sliced down the middle, haglunds removed and about 20% of my tendon cleaned up then reattached.
I’m not putting any money on my timeline and I’m not going to rush it. I’m going to do whatever my PT says and listen to my body. He’s an avid runner and works for our local hospital system at a D1 university and works with their athletes. He recommended the doc I chose because he has been very successful getting his runners back to original form.
best wishes for your recovery. How are you feeling today?
pacco wrote:
I’m having surgery to remove a haglunds deformity and reattached the achillies with a plate/screws in the new year. For anyone that has had this or a similar procedure done, how’d did your recovery go and how long until you were back walking comfortably and then swimming/biking/running?
I can’t tell you exactly because I just had a similar surgery yesterday but my protocol is:
Cast: 2 weeks, non weight bearing
Boot: 4 weeks with no weight limitations, begin PT
PT said he can get me doing a run / walk program in 4 months
Doc said I should be back to my current shape in 6 months
I had the tendon sliced down the middle, haglunds removed and about 20% of my tendon cleaned up then reattached.
I’m not putting any money on my timeline and I’m not going to rush it. I’m going to do whatever my PT says and listen to my body. He’s an avid runner and works for our local hospital system at a D1 university and works with their athletes. He recommended the doc I chose because he has been very successful getting his runners back to original form.
best wishes for your recovery. How are you feeling today?
I am doing pretty well actually. Stopped the Oxycodone after four days and have moved on to ibuprofen / acetaminophen twice a day. There isn’t a ton of pain but I’ve been pretty diligent about staying off it. I bought device called an iWalk that serves as a hands free crutch and tried that today. I’m hoping it will keep some strength in my upper legs and hips. Thursday will be one week post op too so I’m starting my at home workout plan I created. Kind of excited to get back to some physical activity again. I’m also being very diligent about my diet. I’m watching what I eat and supplementing vitamins A, C and E along with zinc, collagen and extra protein to hopefully help speed the healing process. Thank you for asking!
I took collagen when I was recovering from a surgery in summer 2021 - same thing, got nutty about my diet 
or nuttier
glad you’re doing ok. Keep us updated.
Haglund’s deformity, haven’t heard that in a awhile!
After years of chronic pain, I had surgery for the Haglunds deformity back in 2010. They split the tendon down the middle, shaved bone, cleaned it up, PRP, (Platelet rich plasma sprayed over it all). Hard to remember the timeframe but I think I had a cast for a few weeks, walking boot after that for another few weeks. PT and started back jog/walk. My tendon wasn’t detached but there was a lot of fraying and pain to the point I had been told it was give up running or have surgery because the Haglund’s deformity. I remember the surgery was in May, and by November I was able to do a half marathon (not fast like my old times, but was able to complete one pain-free.) After this I had years where it was okay, although there are still times it hurts, but I’m smarter about just stopping now and backing off. I will say once in recovery phase eccentric calf raises are your friend, and I feel like overall calf raises are the best thing to keep it in check.
My background was in running and I switched it up to triathlon a few years before the surgery. I think being able to switch it up with the other disciplines helped to keep it at bay. Not competing these days, but I will say I was back running pretty hard by 2011 and kept it up for a few years after that before other life otherwise got in the way.
Long term I will say watch the speedwork, hills, and don’t try to come back too fast. Always better to listen to the body (so much easier said than done.)
pacco wrote:
I’m having surgery to remove a haglunds deformity and reattached the achillies with a plate/screws in the new year. For anyone that has had this or a similar procedure done, how’d did your recovery go and how long until you were back walking comfortably and then swimming/biking/running?
I can’t tell you exactly because I just had a similar surgery yesterday but my protocol is:
Cast: 2 weeks, non weight bearing
Boot: 4 weeks with no weight limitations, begin PT
PT said he can get me doing a run / walk program in 4 months
Doc said I should be back to my current shape in 6 months
I had the tendon sliced down the middle, haglunds removed and about 20% of my tendon cleaned up then reattached.
I’m not putting any money on my timeline and I’m not going to rush it. I’m going to do whatever my PT says and listen to my body. He’s an avid runner and works for our local hospital system at a D1 university and works with their athletes. He recommended the doc I chose because he has been very successful getting his runners back to original form.
best wishes for your recovery. How are you feeling today?
I am doing pretty well actually. Stopped the Oxycodone after four days and have moved on to ibuprofen / acetaminophen twice a day. There isn’t a ton of pain but I’ve been pretty diligent about staying off it. I bought device called an iWalk that serves as a hands free crutch and tried that today. I’m hoping it will keep some strength in my upper legs and hips. Thursday will be one week post op too so I’m starting my at home workout plan I created. Kind of excited to get back to some physical activity again. I’m also being very diligent about my diet. I’m watching what I eat and supplementing vitamins A, C and E along with zinc, collagen and extra protein to hopefully help speed the healing process. Thank you for asking!
I also used the iWalk when I was in the non-weightbearing stage. Sort of switched between using that around the house and the knee scooter going out in public. I think it definitely mitigated the loss of strength and stability in the upper limb/core. Keep that leg elevated otherwise. The first few weeks kind of go slow but you’ll be able to get in the pool and bike on the trainer in a boot soon.
The iwalk looks like a game changer!! My job was going to be very challenging on crutches or with the scooter plus I have a 2 & 4 year old so this thing gives me hope to still be somewhat helpful with them.
It’s super helpful reading everyone’s experiences & how they can differ.
The iwalk looks like a game changer!! My job was going to be very challenging on crutches or with the scooter plus I have a 2 & 4 year old so this thing gives me hope to still be somewhat helpful with them.
It’s super helpful reading everyone’s experiences & how they can differ.
In my opinion, if you can stand the down time, I’d say do it. For me, it was more than racing. I couldn’t wear certain pairs of shoes or else my foot would kill me for a couple days. If I chased my son around, it would hurt after and the following day. For racing, I have my sights set on our SC Tri Series events - aquabike division from June - September with hopes to do our final sprint as a full sbr in October. Normally I get on the podium in my AG and finish top 10-15 OA in most races but all expectations are thrown out the window. It’s more about being around 200 awesome people a couple times a month. Plus, I plan on volunteering for the first couple races of the year.
I also have a 3 day, 250 mile Alzheimer’s ride that I plan on doing in July.
So far, after day 6, the pain is very tolerable. I am taking some Advil and Tylenol but will probably end that tomorrow. I’m sure it will be worse during therapy but at least I know that means I’m making progress.
One question I forgot to ask is which foot is it? Mine is my right so driving is out for 6-8 weeks which really sucks. That’s why I chose to do it around the holidays.
Best of luck on your decision!
I had surgery after I tore my achilles a few years ago. The loss of strength in the leg after a few weeks was shocking to me even though I was told it would happen.
The one thing I learned about later was blood flow restriction. Apparently this can improve recovery and perhaps reduce some of the atrophy. I would advise asking a doctor of physical therapist about it.
On another note. During my rehab I met a guy who was recovering from a torn rotator cuff. His progress was amazing. I heard the PT say he’d never seen anything like it. He was eating 8 eggs, two steaks and bone broth every day, plus a collagen supplement powder. His hypothesis was with those foods his body was getting all the nutrients (protein, amino acids, collagen, etc…) it needed to repair/build the tissue. He was ripped and cut. Based on what I saw, that hypothesis was “not wrong”. I adopted something similar (not quite that quantity) and some mild arthritis in my knees went away.
This is extremely interesting regarding that diet & supplementation. I honestly hadn’t thought about it in that context, just worried about getting lazy with eating and succumbing to my sweet tooth while being pretty sedentary.
It’s my right foot so driving will be impacted but I’ve been in a boot before and learned to use my left foot pretty effectively.
My surgery got postponed until February 8th so I’ve got another month to get as fit as my foot allows before going in.
This is extremely interesting regarding that diet & supplementation. I honestly hadn’t thought about it in that context, just worried about getting lazy with eating and succumbing to my sweet tooth while being pretty sedentary.
It’s my right foot so driving will be impacted but I’ve been in a boot before and learned to use my left foot pretty effectively.
My surgery got postponed until February 8th so I’ve got another month to get as fit as my foot allows before going in.
Just figured I’d continue to share my experience - got out of the cast (splint really) and into an aircast. It was extremely painful which was disappointing because I almost had zero pain before the splint came off. Dr said I could walk on it as long as I could tolerate the pain. I couldn’t put any weight on it at all. After a terrible night sleep, I woke up and tried walking on it and it felt much better. I did 20 laps around my kitchen with about 40-50% of my weight on it and it felt pretty good. Afterwards, I took a shower with my foot out of the boot since the surgery. Needless to say, it was pretty swollen but after elevating it, it felt fine. Taking it easy the rest of the day. I’m on Advil and Tylenol 3x per day. Next dr appt is Feb 6. Boot comes off for shower only.
Just had my surgery finally yesterday morning. They gave me a nerve blocker and after almost 24 hours, I still can’t feel my foot!! I didn’t sleep great but am in no pain whatsoever. I’ve got plenty of oxycodone waiting on deck when the time comes.