I'm not a doctor. This guide shares my own experience of a 10-hour CMT foot reconstruction, backed by research I've referenced throughout. Always check with your surgical team before changing your diet, supplements or medication.
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    Achilles Lengthening in CMT: Recovery Guide

    Why a tight Achilles is lengthened during CMT foot surgery, how it's done, and what to expect from calf weakness and stretching afterwards.

    Last updated: 4 October 2026

    I'm not a doctor. This guide shares my own experience of a 10-hour CMT foot reconstruction, backed by research I've referenced throughout. Always check with your surgical team before changing your diet, supplements or medication.

    My experience

    My Achilles had tightened over years, pulling my foot into an equinus position. It was surgically lengthened so my heel could sit flat. The calf weakness afterwards was real, and I had to work hard to rebuild it.

    Why the Achilles tightens in CMT

    In CMT, the muscles that pull the foot up weaken faster than the calf muscles that pull it down. Over time that imbalance leaves the calf and Achilles dominant, tightening the tendon and pulling the heel up off the ground into an equinus position.

    How it's lengthened (percutaneous vs open, gastrocnemius recession)

    • Percutaneous lengthening: small cuts are made through the skin to partially divide the tendon so it lengthens as the foot is brought up.
    • Open lengthening: a larger incision is used to directly lengthen the tendon, sometimes with a Z-plasty technique.
    • Gastrocnemius recession: only the upper calf muscle (gastrocnemius) is released, sparing the deeper soleus, used when the tightness is higher up.

    Recovery: casting, boot and the first stretches

    After lengthening the foot is held in a corrected position in a cast to protect the tendon as it heals, then transitioned to a boot. Early stretching is gentle and surgeon-guided. My week 8 update covers the move from cast to boot.

    Calf weakness after lengthening: is it normal?

    Yes. Lengthening the Achilles deliberately reduces the mechanical advantage of the calf, so you will feel weaker, especially on stairs and when pushing off. Combined with the disuse atrophy from being in a cast, the calf can look noticeably smaller. I used whey protein isolate and HMB from my nutrition protocol to limit that loss.

    Long-term stretching to stop it tightening again

    The tendon can re-tighten if you don't maintain range. Regular calf stretches, a gradual return to walking, and ongoing physio are key to keeping the correction. This is a long-term habit, not a one-off fix.

    FAQs

    Will my calf ever get its strength back?

    Much of it, with consistent rehab, though it may not fully match your other side. Strength returns gradually over months of progressive loading.

    How long until I can walk normally?

    Protected in a boot for several weeks, then progressive weight bearing and gait retraining. Expect several months before walking feels natural.

    References