Today is Day 13 post-op.
At my first physio session, I was allowed to switch from the VacoPed to the Künzli shoe. It’s a dream. I immediately got two shoes – one for the left (with the ruptured Achilles tendon) and one for the right. The right one also has 4 cm wedges inserted, so the plantar-flexed position is kept in sync.
Finally I get to wear a sock again! (In this case compression socks) and 2 sticks (here they call them “Röllelis”), which are meant to further stabilize my Achilles tendon.
Then came the big moment: “Stand up,” the physiotherapist said to me.
“Completely without crutches?” I replied.
“Yes, just stand up.”
With very shaky legs, I was finally allowed to stand again. She explained to me that once the stitches are removed, I’m allowed – and supposed – to put full weight on it again.
One day before the stitches came out, I started doing the first small exercises.
I’m also now supposed to incorporate the foot into my walking pattern and start partial weight-bearing (up to 15 kg).
At first, it felt strange – if you’re used to keeping the leg completely in the air – but I got used to it quickly. Thanks to the much lighter Künzli shoe and the height compensation for the healthy foot, walking already feels much more natural.
