What to avoid after surgery for Achilles tendon rupture

After surgery for Achilles tendon rupture,禁忌 mainly include bearing weight too early, vigorous physical activity, neglecting rehabilitation exercises, improper wound care, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. These behaviors may interfere with tendon healing and even lead to complications. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Bearing weight too early: In the early postoperative period, the Achilles tendon has not yet healed stably. Putting weight on the injured limb too soon—such as standing or walking—can subject the tendon to excessive stress beyond its tolerance, potentially causing re-rupture or poor healing, thereby prolonging recovery time. Patients should follow medical advice and use assistive devices (e.g., crutches) to gradually transition to full weight-bearing.

2. Vigorous physical activity: High-impact activities such as running, jumping, sudden stops, or playing ball sports must be avoided during the recovery period. These movements can abruptly increase tension on the healing tendon, raising the risk of re-tearing—even in the early stages of healing. Typically, high-intensity activities should only be resumed gradually 6 to 12 months after surgery, and only after clearance from a physician.

3. Neglecting rehabilitation training: Prolonged inactivity after surgery may lead to ankle joint stiffness and muscle atrophy, impairing functional recovery. Under medical supervision, patients should begin with passive joint movements and progressively advance to ankle flexion and extension exercises and calf muscle strengthening to maintain joint mobility and muscle strength.

4. Improper wound care: It is essential to keep the surgical wound clean and dry. Avoid getting the wound wet, scratching it, or applying medications without medical guidance. Moisture promotes bacterial growth, increasing the risk of infection—manifested by redness, swelling, or discharge—which directly compromises the healing environment of the tendon. Severe infections may require additional surgical intervention.

5. Unhealthy lifestyle habits: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided after surgery, along with reducing intake of spicy and irritating foods. Smoking impairs local blood circulation, while alcohol may exacerbate inflammatory responses, both of which hinder tendon tissue repair. A balanced diet rich in protein, calcium, and other nutrients supports optimal tissue regeneration.

Patients must strictly adhere to medical and nursing instructions, attend regular follow-up appointments, and adjust care plans according to their recovery progress to create optimal conditions for Achilles tendon healing.