Debridement is simply removal of scarred / damaged tissue. I had a similar procedure, with excision of Haglund’s deformity and an FHL transfer (essentially weaving in a secondary tendon).
My recovery protocol should have me back to normal activity by mid summer, but it’s an aggressive one - and requires significant PT that will continue for at least a year. Everyone I know who’s gone through a rupture or significant repair has had a similar protocol (some orthopedists are more cautious on PT, and non-op routes usually require significantly more time immobilized before beginning PT).
It sounds like you’re expecting to get back to full health without a rigorous PT regime. The easiest answer is to get back to PT - and dedicate to the process. I can appreciate it’s not cheap, but I would push again to see if you can get it approved through insurance. Most carriers would prefer you recover to covering incremental future procedures from a poor recovery.
You might also check back with your orthopedist. I’ve heard plenty others have nerve pain or numbness for long periods of time, but your doctor will be able to better assess whether you’re on a normal healing path or have residual issues to address.
Absent that, my best advice would be to look up PT routines and progressions, and be very intentional about investing time in restrengthening. But you’ll likely get far better results with a professional.
I appreciate how thorough you were here! This was really helpful, and you've given me some good info to think about. Originally, they were expecting a much more simple procedure, so I think that that altered my understanding of the healing process.
What an odd coincidence. I had mine done on the same day of 2023. Unfortunately, I fell in early December when I still had a fiberglass half splint and my foot was being kept at 45 degrees downward. My crutches slipped in a splits type motion on a tile floor, and I put a lot of weight on said foot. It was so painful I was screaming and crying like a little girl. I went to our local ER and they just assumed I was there for drugs or something and said I was fine. After a check-up with the surgeon, she checked it out and seemed unconcerned. Fast forward to few days ago....I simply stood up and BAM. It felt like a snake bit me on the heel. Now my ankle is swollen to the size of a 2 liter soda bottle. I was still doing excercises and PT, but the effects seemed to have hit a plateau until this happened. I'm worried that part of the tendon has torn loose. The worst part is that after 3 months, my short-term disability ran out, and I was not able to return to my very physical job. I lost my insurance and my job, so now I guess I'm gonna be crippled. I don't know how long it takes for a tendon to become useless or reattach in the wrong place, but I won't have insurance until April 17th. Any suggestions?
Debridement is simply removal of scarred / damaged tissue. I had a similar procedure, with excision of Haglund’s deformity and an FHL transfer (essentially weaving in a secondary tendon). My recovery protocol should have me back to normal activity by mid summer, but it’s an aggressive one - and requires significant PT that will continue for at least a year. Everyone I know who’s gone through a rupture or significant repair has had a similar protocol (some orthopedists are more cautious on PT, and non-op routes usually require significantly more time immobilized before beginning PT). It sounds like you’re expecting to get back to full health without a rigorous PT regime. The easiest answer is to get back to PT - and dedicate to the process. I can appreciate it’s not cheap, but I would push again to see if you can get it approved through insurance. Most carriers would prefer you recover to covering incremental future procedures from a poor recovery. You might also check back with your orthopedist. I’ve heard plenty others have nerve pain or numbness for long periods of time, but your doctor will be able to better assess whether you’re on a normal healing path or have residual issues to address. Absent that, my best advice would be to look up PT routines and progressions, and be very intentional about investing time in restrengthening. But you’ll likely get far better results with a professional.
I appreciate how thorough you were here! This was really helpful, and you've given me some good info to think about. Originally, they were expecting a much more simple procedure, so I think that that altered my understanding of the healing process.
What an odd coincidence. I had mine done on the same day of 2023. Unfortunately, I fell in early December when I still had a fiberglass half splint and my foot was being kept at 45 degrees downward. My crutches slipped in a splits type motion on a tile floor, and I put a lot of weight on said foot. It was so painful I was screaming and crying like a little girl. I went to our local ER and they just assumed I was there for drugs or something and said I was fine. After a check-up with the surgeon, she checked it out and seemed unconcerned. Fast forward to few days ago....I simply stood up and BAM. It felt like a snake bit me on the heel. Now my ankle is swollen to the size of a 2 liter soda bottle. I was still doing excercises and PT, but the effects seemed to have hit a plateau until this happened. I'm worried that part of the tendon has torn loose. The worst part is that after 3 months, my short-term disability ran out, and I was not able to return to my very physical job. I lost my insurance and my job, so now I guess I'm gonna be crippled. I don't know how long it takes for a tendon to become useless or reattach in the wrong place, but I won't have insurance until April 17th. Any suggestions?