Achilles rupture recovery delays UK
Long rant, question at end of rant.
I ruptured my right Achilles on 9th July playing dodgeball. I lunged forward, felt the classic “someone’s kicked me” sensation, and immediately lost power in my foot.
I was put in a hard cast for around 10 days, then moved into a VACOped boot with maximum wedge, which I’ve been wearing 24/7 apart from washing.
I had an 'urgent' ultrasound on 5th August to assess the tendon and confirm whether surgery would be needed.
The frustrating part is that I now have to wait until 7th September just to discuss the ultrasound results with orthopaedics, let alone any physio plans. That’s over a month after the scan. I spoke with a private physio who said by now it'll be very difficult to operate on as your tendon is starting the early healing stages/ building blocks.
I completely understand the pressure the NHS is under, but it’s incredibly frustrating when you’re trying to recover from a serious injury and your rehabilitation feels like it’s being put on hold because you’re waiting for appointments.
I don’t want to change the VACOped stages without the orthopaedic team confirming that the tendon is healing appropriately, so I feel like I’m losing valuable recovery time.
I’ve now spoken to a private physio who has experience with lower-limb rehab. If orthopaedics confirms I don’t need surgery, I’m planning to start with her privately so I can hopefully progress my rehab rather than waiting even longer for NHS physio.
I know Achilles recovery is a long process and I’m only around 6 weeks in, but mentally it’s hard when so much of your life is essentially waiting for scans, results, appointments and permission to progress. I'm already behind on VACOped progress according to their information leaflet and speaking with the physio.
For anyone who has been through an Achilles rupture in the UK, did you experience similar NHS delays, and did private physio make a noticeable difference to your recovery?