Answer from Dr Merkl:
During the first eight weeks, a specially designed shoe (e.g. Vario Stabil from Adidas) is worn. With this shoe, cautious cycling or ergometer training is possible from the third week onwards. From the sixth week, training of the calf muscles is intensified. After four months, the ability to play sports is usually restored - depending on the muscle build-up. The risk of a new tear is highest within the first three months after the operation, which is why maximum forces should not be applied to the tendon. The maximum tear strength is reached after eight to twelve months, but the tendon will never be as resilient as before. However, I consider cycling to be an optimal form of rehabilitation for this injury. It doesn't matter which pedalling system or cycling shoes you use.
