Ankle and Achilles surgery rehab in Manchester
From boot to walking, running and sport after a broken ankle, an ankle ligament reconstruction or an Achilles rupture, with a clear plan in clinic or at home.
Physio after ankle and Achilles surgery in Manchester city centre and at home
Reviewed by Nick Chatziviltsos, PgDip, HCPC-registered physiotherapist (PH114351), November 2026
At a glance
Who it's for: Anyone recovering from ankle fracture surgery, a lateral ligament reconstruction (Broström), or an Achilles rupture treated with or without surgery.
Main goals: Getting out of the boot, walking without a limp, stairs, running, and getting back to work and sport.
Typical recovery: Usually 6 to 9 months to get the most benefit. Up to 12 to 24 months after an Achilles rupture.
Sessions: Usually 8 to 12 over 4 to 6 months, often starting once the boot comes off.
Avoid: Taking weight before your surgeon allows it, sudden stretching or jumping after an Achilles rupture, and missing your home exercises.
Get urgent help: A painful, swollen calf: get an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111. Chest pain or breathlessness: call 999.
Ankle and Achilles injuries often mean weeks in a cast or boot. By the time it comes off, the calf has shrunk, the ankle is stiff and your balance has gone.
That's normal, and it's fixable. But it doesn't fix itself. Pain and swelling can last 6 to 9 months after ankle fracture surgery, and an Achilles can take a year or more to fully recover.
We can help you through the boot weeks, visit you at home if getting into town is hard, then rebuild your calf, balance and confidence in clinic until you're back to running, sport or a full day on your feet.
🛠️ How we help after ankle and Achilles surgery
Every ankle and Achilles plan at Athos Physio follows the same three steps. What changes is which injury you've had and what your surgeon or fracture clinic allows at each stage.
Step 1. Prepare and plan
Where you are now: your walking, swelling, ankle movement, calf strength and balance, measured with simple tests we can repeat.
What your team has advised: how much weight you can take, how long the boot or wedges stay, and when your clinic review is.
What you want back: a full day on your feet, five-a-side, running, netball, the gym or a physical job.
We show you on a 3D anatomy model what was repaired or fixed. It makes the timings easier to understand and stick to.
Step 2. Protect, then get you walking
Home visits in the early weeks. We help with crutches, stairs, the boot and keeping the rest of you strong.
Swelling control. Raising the leg, toe and knee exercises, and gentle soft tissue work once the wound has healed.
Early exercises. Hip, knee and core work, then ankle movements within your limits, as part of your custom rehab plan.
Coming out of the boot. Walking practice to lose the limp, plus joint mobilisation to free up a stiff ankle when it's safe.
Step 3. Build strength and get back to sport
Calf strength, from seated heel raises to single-leg heel raises with weight. This is the biggest gap after any ankle or Achilles injury.
Balance, so the ankle feels steady on uneven ground, kerbs and stairs.
Rehab on the gym floor. Being inside F45 NQ means we can use sleds, step boxes, bikes and free weights.
Return to running and sport, with hopping, jumping and change-of-direction drills, using clear tests and your surgeon's advice.
We finish when you're doing what you want with confidence, not just when you're out of the boot.
In a boot, or just out of one? Your first 60-minute session sets your plan, in clinic or at home. Book your assessment →
🔍 What is ankle and Achilles surgery?
This page covers three common problems. A broken ankle fixed with metalwork. An ankle that keeps giving way, repaired with a ligament reconstruction. And a ruptured Achilles tendon, treated with or without surgery.
The Broström is offered when an ankle keeps giving way after 4 to 6 months of non-surgical treatment. It usually takes about an hour and you often go home the same day.
An Achilles rupture is different. Many people are treated without surgery, in a boot with heel wedges. Rehab is long either way, and it's what decides how well you recover.
Types of ankle and Achilles treatment
Ankle fracture fixation: the broken bones are lined up and held with metalwork, often plates and screws; cast or boot first. How much weight you can take depends on the break. Stiffness and swelling are common.
Lateral ligament reconstruction (Broström): stretched or torn ligaments on the outside of the ankle are repaired or reattached, sometimes reinforced; back slab for 2 weeks without weight, then a boot to about 6 weeks. Balance work is key.
Achilles rupture, treated without surgery: a boot with heel wedges keeps the foot pointing down while the tendon heals; wedges come out over several weeks. Calf strength takes months to return.
Achilles rupture, surgical repair: the torn ends of the tendon are stitched together; usually a similar boot-and-wedge plan afterwards. Your surgeon's protocol comes first.
We follow your surgeon's or fracture clinic's instructions exactly. If you're not sure what yours are, we'll help you find out.
🏋️ Prehab: getting ready for ankle surgery
A broken ankle or an Achilles rupture usually needs treatment within days, so there's little time to prepare. A Broström is planned, so you have weeks to get ready.
What prehab can include
Strength and balance. Calf, hip and balance work to go into surgery as strong as possible.
Crutch practice. Walking and stairs without putting weight through the operated leg.
Keeping fit. An upper body and core routine you can carry on in the boot weeks.
Setting up your home. Clear trip hazards, and plan how you'll manage stairs, showering and getting around.
Planning work and travel. Check how you'll get to work, and whether you can drive.
If you've just broken your ankle or ruptured your Achilles, we can still help before or soon after your treatment. We'll keep the rest of you strong and help you plan the weeks ahead.
🧪 How we assess you after ankle or Achilles surgery
Your first session lasts 60 minutes, in clinic or at home, so there's time to assess properly and start treatment the same day.
Your story (10 to 15 minutes). What happened, which treatment you've had, your team's protocol, and what you want to get back to.
Safety screen. We check your wound, your calf and the clot warning signs listed on this page.
Swelling and movement. We measure swelling around the ankle and how far it bends, including the weight-bearing lunge test once you're allowed.
Achilles check. After a rupture, we check the resting angle of your foot, which shows if the tendon has healed long.
Strength and balance. Single-leg balance and the single-leg heel raise test, when your stage allows. We repeat these to track progress.
Questionnaires. The Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score, the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score after a fracture, or the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool after a Broström.
Your plan. In plain English: what to work on this week, what to avoid, and how many sessions we expect.
You'll leave with the first two or three exercises of your custom rehab plan. If we find anything that needs your surgeon or GP, we'll write to them.
🛠️ Rehab after ankle and Achilles surgery, week by week
Every plan moves through four phases. How fast you move depends on your injury, your surgeon's protocol and how your ankle responds, not just the calendar.
Your surgeon's or fracture clinic's protocol always comes first. Timings vary a lot between hospitals. If anything on this page differs from what your team told you, follow your team.
Protect. Cast or boot, weight only as allowed, raising the leg, toe and knee exercises. Ankle fracture fixation: weeks 0 to about 6; Broström: weeks 0 to 6; Achilles rupture: weeks 0 to about 8.
Restore movement and walking. Out of the boot, ankle movement, walking without a limp, seated heel raises, an exercise bike. Ankle fracture fixation: weeks 6 to 12; Broström: weeks 6 to 10; Achilles rupture: weeks 8 to 16.
Strengthen. Standing and single-leg heel raises, balance work, step-ups, then jogging when you're ready. Ankle fracture fixation: from about 3 months; Broström: weeks 10 to 16; Achilles rupture: weeks 16 to 24.
Return to activity. Running, hopping, change of direction, then sport-specific drills. Ankle fracture fixation: often from 3 to 6 months; Broström: from about 2 to 4 months; Achilles rupture: from about 6 months.
The boot weeks
Raise your leg as much as you can, especially in the first two weeks, when swelling is usually worst.
Take weight only as your team allows. After a Broström, that's usually no weight for the first 2 weeks.
After an Achilles rupture, keep the boot on as advised, often including in bed. Wedges are removed one at a time over several weeks.
Keep the rest of you moving. Toe, knee and hip exercises help circulation and stop you losing strength.
Take your blood-thinning injections if you've been given them. They lower the risk of a clot while your leg is immobile.
Coming out of the boot
This is when physio matters most. Expect a stiff ankle, a thinner calf and a limp at first. After an Achilles rupture, avoid sudden stretching for the first six weeks after the boot comes off, and don't jump down from a height.
Your home programme
Your exercises take 15 to 20 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day at first. Later, it's 4 or 5 exercises, about 20 to 30 minutes, most days. Pain should settle by the next morning.
What helps recovery after ankle and Achilles surgery?
The UK STAR trial tested two ways of treating an Achilles rupture without surgery. It involved 540 adults at 39 UK hospitals. Half had a plaster cast, and half walked early in a functional brace.
At 9 months, there was no clear difference in recovery. Re-ruptures were similar too: 17 in the cast group and 13 in the brace group. The researchers concluded that walking early in a brace is safe.
The trial also showed how long recovery takes. The average recovery score rose from 38 at 8 weeks to 73 at 9 months, out of 100. People were still not back to normal at 9 months.
The trial didn't compare surgery with no surgery. One Liverpool hospital leaflet says the tendon is about three times more likely to rupture again without surgery. Your surgeon will talk you through the options.
Recommended: following your team's weight-bearing and boot plan; raising the leg and moving the toes in the early weeks; daily home exercises, 3 to 4 times a day at first; progressive calf strength for months, not weeks.
Less useful: stopping exercises once you're out of the boot; sudden stretching, jumping or sport before your calf is strong enough; running before you can do repeated single-leg heel raises.
⏱️ How long does recovery take after ankle and Achilles surgery?
Clinic review: ankle fracture fixation: about 2 weeks after surgery; Broström: about 2 weeks; Achilles rupture: often 1 to 2 weeks after injury.
Cast or boot: ankle fracture fixation: as your clinic advises, often about 6 weeks; Broström: back slab 2 weeks, boot to about 6 weeks; Achilles rupture: often 8 to 12 weeks.
Desk work: ankle fracture fixation: almost straight away, if you can raise your foot; Broström: possibly from 2 weeks; Achilles rupture: possibly from 2 weeks, but 8 weeks is advised.
Driving: ankle fracture fixation: when you can walk comfortably and do an emergency stop; Broström: often not until the boot is off, up to 10 weeks; Achilles rupture: at least 9 weeks in a manual car.
Physical work: ankle fracture fixation: at least 2 months; Broström: once the boot is off; Achilles rupture: often 12 to 16 weeks.
Sport: ankle fracture fixation: ask your surgeon; Broström: at least 2 months, up to 4 for contact sport; Achilles rupture: often 4 to 12 months.
Most benefit: ankle fracture fixation: swelling can last 6 to 9 months, improving for over a year; Broström: 6 to 9 months; Achilles rupture: up to 12 to 24 months.
These are guides. Your surgeon's advice comes first, especially for weight bearing, driving and sport.
✅ Life after ankle and Achilles surgery
Getting back to work
Desk workers can often return early if they can keep the foot raised and travel safely
Jobs on your feet, or physical work, usually wait until you're out of the boot and walking well
Driving
If your left ankle is affected and you drive an automatic, you may be able to drive sooner
With a right ankle, wait until you're out of the boot and can do an emergency stop
Tell your motor insurer before you start driving again
The gym and sport
Upper body, core and seated work can carry on in the boot weeks
An exercise bike is often one of the first things back once you're out of the boot
Jogging usually starts on a trampette or flat ground once your calf strength is back
Build back gradually, adding roughly 10% more each week if your ankle stays settled
Related conditions
Sprained ankle: a rolled ankle that's painful, swollen or keeps giving way
Achilles tendinopathy: pain and stiffness in the Achilles, worse first thing
Calf strain: a sudden pull or tear in the calf muscle
Peroneal tendonitis: pain on the outside of the ankle and foot
❓ Ankle and Achilles surgery rehab FAQs
🚨 Physio, GP or A&E?
Most stiffness, swelling and aching after ankle surgery are part of normal recovery. A few warning signs need a doctor quickly. Clots are a particular risk while your leg is in a cast or boot. This list follows NHS and hospital guidance.
Is it normal recovery, a problem with the repair or something else?
Swelling that's worse at the end of the day and eases overnight with your leg raised is normal.
Stiffness and a limp when you first come out of the boot are expected.
A sudden snap or pop at the back of the heel, as if you'd been kicked, may mean the Achilles has ruptured again.
The ankle giving way again after a Broström may mean the reconstruction has stretched or torn.
Throbbing, cramp-like pain and swelling in the calf may be a clot (DVT).
Book a physio (no GP referral needed): stiffness, weakness, a limp or poor balance that isn't improving; ankle or foot aches as you walk more, or a calf that won't get stronger.
Call your GP urgently or 111: wound infection signs: a red, swollen, itchy or oozing wound, or a high temperature (contact your fracture clinic, GP or NHS 111); DVT signs: throbbing or cramp-like pain, swelling, or red or darkened skin in your calf or thigh (get an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111); a sudden snap at the back of the heel, then weakness pushing off (contact your fracture clinic the same day; the Achilles may have ruptured again); the ankle giving way again after a Broström, or new pain and swelling after a fall (contact your surgical team or fracture clinic).
Call 999 or go to A&E: toes in a cast or boot that turn pale, blue, cold or numb, or pain that keeps getting worse (contact your plaster room or fracture clinic now; out of hours, go to A&E); leg pain or swelling with chest pain or shortness of breath (possible pulmonary embolism) (call 999 or go to A&E now).
If you're ever unsure, ring us on 07475 433300 and we'll tell you honestly whether you should see us or someone else first.
Not sure if what you're feeling after surgery is normal? Book a free 15-minute call and we'll tell you honestly. Book a free call →
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Most people get the most benefit by 6 to 9 months. Swelling can take longer to fully settle.
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The tendon heals over about 12 to 24 weeks. Full recovery of strength can take 12 to 24 months.
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Not always. Many people are treated in a boot with heel wedges. Your surgeon will talk you through the options.
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Often once the boot comes off, but earlier help in the boot weeks is useful too. Your team's protocol tells us what's safe.
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Yes. We offer home physio visits, which are often the easiest option while you're on crutches.
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Usually not until you're out of the boot and can do an emergency stop. Tell your insurer first.
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Desk workers can often return within 2 weeks. Physical jobs often take 2 to 4 months.
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Often from around 3 to 6 months, depending on your surgery and your calf strength. We'll use clear tests to decide.
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A painful, swollen calf, a hot or oozing wound, or a new snap at the back of the heel need a doctor quickly. Chest pain or breathlessness needs 999.
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Usually 8 to 12 over 4 to 6 months. We'll give you an estimate at your first appointment.
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Your first 60-minute assessment and treatment is £95. Follow-up sessions are £55 for 30 minutes, £95 for 60 minutes or £135 for 90 minutes. See our price list for all fees, including home visits.
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Yes. Book a free 15-minute consultation and we'll tell you honestly whether physio is the right next step.
📍 Book ankle and Achilles surgery rehab in Manchester city centre
Athos Physio is inside F45 NQ, 77 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2BU, a two-minute walk from Piccadilly station and Piccadilly Gardens. We're open 7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, so you can come in before or after work.
Your first appointment is a 60-minute assessment and treatment (£95). Follow-ups are £55 for 30 minutes, £95 for 60 minutes or £135 for 90 minutes. We work with Bupa, WPA, Vitality and Aviva, and you can see all our fees on the price list.
Can't get into town? We also offer home physio visits and online physiotherapy. Not sure physio is right for you? Book a free 15-minute call and we'll talk it through.
Call or WhatsApp 07475 433300, or book online.
Other services: Physiotherapy and active rehab · Sports massage · Pregnancy and postnatal physio · Home visits · Online physio
Written by Nick Chatziviltsos, physiotherapist and founder of Athos Physio, BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, HCPC registered. Last reviewed: November 2026.
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Athos Physio is a full-service physiotherapy clinic
We offer injury rehabilitation, post-surgery functional strengthening, deep tissue massage and pain relief, and strength training expertise. We support you in becoming pain-free so that you can achieve a limitless life experience. If you want to speak with us before booking a session you reach out via WhatsApp, call us or email us.
We are based in Manchester city centre a couple of minutes walk from Piccadilly train station and Piccadilly Gardens Square