Risk of squat negatively affecting Achilles attachment point

Really looking forward to start GS and C but I have some worries that my local PT could not answer satisfactory.

2 months since surgery for bursit and haglunds deformity. There is a corkscrew 5.0 at achilles attachment to the heel bone.

Ancle mobility have always been low so I squat with a wide stance.

Is there a risk to get back to barbell squat in a moderate way?

Regards
Christer

Hi Christer,
Do you have any more details on the type of surgical procedure? I’m aware of osteotomies for halgund’s deformity but we would need more information on your specific case. The mention of the corkscrew implies that there was some kind of anchoring? Additionally, what has your rehab and post-op protocol looked like so far?
That being said, barbell squatting poses a minimal risk to most achilles injuries, given the options for variability in dorsiflexion and low rate of force production compared to jumping and running. Like most situations it would come down to progressive exposure within tolerance, but it would be helpful to know about the procedure and protocol first.

Thank you very much for the reply.

The bursa was removed and cauterized. The achilles tendon was sliced down to attachment point and cleared both lateral and medial. Part of achilles attachment on both sides left untouched ( so not completely loosened) . Dorsal calcaneus corner sawed of.
Both shanks of tendon anchored with Krakov suture apart from corkscrew as above.
Surgeon was happy with healing and said it was very firmly secured.

Current rehab protocol is strengthening and improving foot and ankle mobility with dorsal flexion, plantar flexion, inversion and eversion with a rubber band. complemented with sitting calf raises.

Regards
Christer

Thanks. Yeah I would just be open with your PT and surgeon about having the goal of returning to barbell squatting. I don’t see an issue in graded exposure (possibly starting with goblet squats), it would just be a matter of timing in the short term and it aligning with your progress/goals. This just comes with having an open discussion with your PT. Long term, there is minimal risk to returning to barbell squatting. You did mention that your PT’s answer was not satisfactory, do you mind telling me what was said?

Well, My PT wanted me to wait for a couple of weeks until I have done the first part of rehab.
He was more interested in my plan of getting back to Karate training, wich by the way feels way more distant. Aikido might work, soft mats.

I took matters in my own hand and did a 410 at 40 kg today.
Felt good, except for the fact that I have no stamina left. Will wait for a couple of days and then continue with 4
10 at very low weights focusing on proper form.

Regards

Christer