[Guest]

Last October, while tossing a football, I turned to my left to pick it up my achilles snapped. I knew it immediatetly since i had done so to my left achilles 8 years ago. I keep myself in fit condition through excersize. In winter I use an indoor nordic track a atationary bike. In warmer months my wife I jogg about 3 miles 2-3 times a week. My concern is to do now since I have injured both achilles I want to maintain an active life. re any particular exercises I need to do beyond stretching. Is it generally safe to continue to jog, ride a bike, etc.? If I have anor occurance on eir leg I will probably have to have surgery. So far I have had cast on my legs several months to get healing underway. Any advice wouuld be appreciated. Thanks . Jim Coyle

[Guest]

There have been many reports showing that if there is a complete tear of the achilles, surgery should be performed to reattach the tendon in active people. If the foot is only casted, there is a much higher rate of tearing the achilles again versus people who have surgery to reattach it. Therefore, surgery should be thought of as a good option to keep you active rather than something you are trying to avoid. Have a nice day and please write back if you have any further questions.

[Guest]

I have been told that I have a rip or tear in my AT plus bone spurs ( have have RA); I am a 61 year old male and have been in some sort of athletic activty all of my life up until now. Surgery has been recommend both by my reheumatologist and my Orto-surgeron; how long will I be in active after the surgery?

[Guest]

Surgery typically requires you to be in a cast for 4-6 weeks and then physical therapy for another 4-6 weeks. However, these times can vary depending on the procedure so you should talk to your surgeon about actual times. Have a nice day and please write back if you have any further questions.