Introduction
This is the blog of Ogawa Acupuncture and Osteopathy Clinic.
When diagnosed with a ruptured Achilles tendon at the hospital, many people are shocked to hear that they need surgery and that they'll need to wear a cast for eight weeks.
But is that really the only option?
Our clinic, located in Hirano Ward, Osaka City, offers conservative treatment, allowing you to heal while walking using a brace, without surgery or a cast.
What's more, for those who find it difficult to visit our clinic, we also offer house calls within a 30-minute drive from our clinic.
Contents are as follows:
- [Our Proposed "Safe and Minimal Achilles Tendon Treatment"]
- [An Overview of the Process from Injury to Healing]
- [Walking Too Early May Lead to Failure!]
- [Recommended for the Following People]
- [About Our House Call Areas]
- [Easily Consult and Book via LINE]
- [Frequently Asked Questions]
- Reviews of Our Clinic
- Summary (Conclusion)
- References
Our clinic operates by appointment only.
For reservations, consultations regarding symptoms, and inquiries, please contact us by phone or email.
Ogawa Acupuncture and Osteopathic Clinic is located in Kamikita 8-chome, Hirano Ward, southeast of Osaka City, on the border between Osaka City and Higashiosaka City.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9KUCcN8otrGgGbin6
The nearest station is Kinuzuri Kamikita Station on the JR Osaka Higashi Line (a 4-minute walk). We aim to be the most recommended osteopathic clinic in the area, and the closest osteopathic clinic to you.
Our Safe and Minimal Achilles Tendon Treatment
Conventional treatments (surgery and plaster casts) have the following concerns:
Fear of surgical infection and anesthesia
Unwillingness to move or walk due to a plaster cast
Unable to take extended time off work or housework
Uncertainty about whether recovery will actually occur
To address these concerns, our clinic adopts the following treatment approach:
✅ A brace is used to hold the Achilles tendon at a safe angle
✅ Gradual weight-bearing and walking begins after two weeks
✅ Support is provided to help patients continue their daily activities while wearing the brace
✅ House calls are also available (within 30 minutes' drive from our clinic in Osaka City)
✅ Consultations are available anytime via LINE
From Injury to Healing
The healing process is as follows:
Day of Injury to Week 2
As early as possible after injury, the ankle is placed in plantar flexion and the brace is used to immobilize the tendon. With the brace in place, patients can walk with their weight on their heel (1/4 weight bearing). Using crutches will make walking easier. During this time, you will need to visit the hospital two to three times, including the initial consultation.
This brace is used for immobilization and can be purchased new or used to fit the patient's budget.
Weeks 4-6 after injury
With an Achilles tendon rupture, venous blood flow is reduced due to lack of use of the calf. To address this, we gently massage the calf to promote blood flow.
Although immobilization with a brace is still necessary, you can begin to put more weight on the foot (half weight bearing) from the second week onwards. We also gradually increase the angle of the ankle.
With crutches, walking will become easier. As the other leg also becomes fatigued, we will thoroughly massage it. During this time, you will need to visit the hospital once a week.
Week 8 after injury
The plan is to remove the brace at eight weeks.
From week eight onwards, you should wear regular shoes as much as possible and maintain a 90-degree ankle angle.
Theoretically, the Achilles tendon is healed at this stage, but it is not yet strong enough.
From this time until the 14th week, re-rupture is likely, so caution is required.
After this period
For the 8 weeks following the Achilles tendon rupture, patients have not used their triceps surae muscles, which has led to muscle atrophy and their brains having forgotten how to use them.
Therefore, from the 8th week onwards, we will thoroughly train the muscles and senses to make the ankle usable.
From the 8th week onwards, we will conduct rehabilitation approximately once a week as needed. Most patients return to their daily lives after about 5 sessions.
Starting walking too early can lead to failure!
While it may seem like "healing while walking = easy," there are some points to be aware of.
If you start walking too early, the Achilles tendon may become stretched, causing it to lose strength.
Also, the risk of re-rupture increases around 14 weeks after injury, so caution is required.
To avoid these risks, our clinic uses safe braces and plans to start walking as early as possible, based on the latest medical research.
"Safely, but as quickly as possible" is our motto for treating Achilles tendon ruptures.
Recommended for the following people
Want to absolutely avoid surgery
Unable to tolerate six weeks of immobility in a cast
Want to return to work or home as soon as possible
Unsatisfied with the treatment at a busy hospital
Unsatisfied with the treatment at a hospital
Unable to consult with a doctor or physical therapist
Unable to visit the hospital and looking for a clinic that offers house calls
About our house call areas
Our clinic, located at 8-8-10 Kamikita, Hirano-ku, Osaka, can provide house calls within a 30-minute drive from our clinic.
For example:
Our service areas include Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Ikuno-ku, western Higashiosaka, Yao-shi, Abeno-ku, and Tennoji-ku.
→ For detailed area information and house call fees, please check our LINE page.
[Easily consult and make reservations via LINE]
Click or tap on the image below to join our official LINE account. You can communicate directly with Ogawa, so please feel free to ask any questions. Reservations are also accepted.
Ogawa Acupuncture and Osteopathy Clinic Official LINE Account
https://line.me/R/ti/p/@385dxjpt
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) Can I walk the day after injury?
A) It is possible to walk with your heel on.
Q) I would like to avoid using crutches as much as possible. Can I still walk?
A) For the first two weeks, you will need to support your weight on your heel. You can walk without crutches, but using crutches will reduce the strain on your other foot and make walking easier.
Q) Can I receive treatment without taking time off work?
A) Of course, it depends on your job, but with some ingenuity, it is often possible. We strive to work with you to find ways to avoid taking time off work, so please feel free to consult with us.
Q) When can I return to normal activities?
A) The brace can be removed 8 weeks after the injury. You can start wearing shoes from this point onwards, but this may take some time depending on factors such as weight, whether you have diabetes, physical strength, muscle strength, and age. Normal walking is usually possible between 12 and 18 weeks.
Q) When can I start running?
A) Jogging is possible as early as 12 weeks.
For those who live far away and cannot visit our clinic, we also offer remote counseling. We will advise you on the best course of action based on the history and severity of your pain, so please feel free to consult us. (Please note, however, that we are unable to provide diagnostic services.)
Our Clinic Reviews
Our clinic has treated many patients who have not been able to find relief elsewhere.
We have received very kind reviews from some of these patients.
If you are considering counseling, please refer to the reviews for reference.
Summary (Conclusion)
When it comes to treating an Achilles tendon rupture, surgery and long-term immobilization in a cast may seem like the norm. However, at our clinic, we aim to help you return to your daily life as quickly and safely as possible through conservative treatment that allows you to walk while healing.
We have a system in place to accommodate each individual situation, even if you cannot take time off work or housework, are anxious about surgery, or have difficulty making regular visits to the clinic.
Before you give up and think that surgery is your only option, please contact us for a consultation.
Together we will consider the best treatment method for you.
COCO Ogawa Acupuncture and Osteopathy Co., Ltd.
Our clinic is a 4-minute walk from Kinuzurikami-kita Station on the JR Osaka Higashi Line.
If you live in Hirano, Ikuno, Higashisumiyoshi, or Kamikita Wards in Osaka City, or in Kinuzuri, Shibukawa, Kashiwada, or Fuse in Higashiosaka City and are suffering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, please contact Ogawa Acupuncture and Osteopathic Clinic.
We use acupuncture, myofascial release, and chiropractic treatments, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Ogawa Acupuncture and Osteopathic Clinic is located in Kamikita 8-chome, Hirano Ward, in the southeast of Osaka City, on the border between Osaka and Higashiosaka. The nearest station is Kinuzuri-Kamikita Station on the JR Osaka Higashi Line (a 4-minute walk). We aim to be the most recommended osteopathic clinic in the area, and the one closest to you.
Our patients come from Hirano, Ikuno, Higashisumiyoshi, and Joto Wards, as well as the surrounding areas of Yao City, Shibukawa, Kotobuki, and Kinuzuri in Higashiosaka City, and even from other prefectures.
References
Willits K et al. (2010). "Operative vs Nonoperative Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures." JBJS Am. 92:2767–75
Brumann M et al. (2014). "Accelerated Rehabilitation After Achilles Tendon Repair." Injury; 45(11):1782–90
Ochen Y et al. (2019). "Surgical vs Non-Surgical Treatment of Achilles Tendon Rupture: Meta-Analysis." BMJ 2019;366:l4674
Physio-Pedia. “Achilles Rupture” → https://www.physio-pedia.com/Achilles_Rupture
Matthew L Costa, et.al: Plaster cast versus functional bracing for Achilles tendon rupture: the UKSTAR RCT
Health Technology Assessment, No. 24.8
