Worked at small public University in Northeast Missouri back in the late 90's through 2003. We had faculty/staff/student basketball games at the rec center every day at 11:00 AM. Had a blast!
One day I was bringing the ball up court and planted my left foot to accelerate past defender...felt like someone stepped on my heel and felt a pop. Turned around...no one was there. Never even hit the ground. Just dropped the ball and started walking towards the sideline. Felt my Achilles and knew something was wrong. Wife at the time (now ex) was doctor (resident) at hospital across town. She drove over, picked me up, and we headed back to hospital.
Walked right up to the doctor's lounge and she got the Orthopedic surgeon. He knew right away it was blown, asked me when I wanted surgery. I went home, got showered, and was back at hospital for 3 PM surgery. Home by 9 PM that night. Strange thing is after it ruptured it really didn't hurt. After surgery, another story. SUCK!
I was on crutches for 4 weeks and we were getting ready to move to across the state...oh, and had two young daughters, 5 and 3 years old. I got off crutches and and was walking gingerly across the yard and felt a pop
Back in hospital the next day for MRI...yep, you guessed it, ruptured it again! Another surgery and this time 6 weeks on crutches. Rehabbed it and actually played a little slow pitch softball the next summer. But my days playing basketball were certainly over.
Now I run, bike, hike, swim, lift weights, kickbox, other cardio, and don't have any problems with the Achilles. Only lasting negative is the side of my foot is very tender to pressure. Doc said he must have nicked a nerve. Aside from that, all is well.
Best part is the doc was neighbor in this small town, and billed me only what the insurance covered. I walked out of there for very little money out of pocket. Helped that my wife was a doc in training at the hospital. That was 15 years ago...
Do your physical therapy and you will be good to go!
