Richard Dube’s sophomore track season changed in a single moment.
While preparing for nationals in spring 2025 as a Marian University track athlete, he began experiencing pain in both of his Achilles tendons. He strained his left first, and during nationals, he ruptured his right.
Richard was devastated, but through OrthoIndy’s partnership with Marian University athletics, which provides specialized orthopedic care to student-athletes, his athletic trainer immediately referred him to dual-fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Stephen Greenfield.
A plan built on clarity
Within days of his injury, Richard met with Dr. Greenfield for an evaluation.
“From that first visit, I appreciated how honest and straightforward he was with me,” said Richard.
After Dr. Greenfield confirmed the Achilles tear, he walked Richard through the full recovery plan. Richard would need surgery, face a nine-to-twelve-month rehab, and miss his entire junior season, but he’d be on track to return to competition for his 2026-27 senior season.
“I was shocked that I would have to take a year off to recover,” said Richard. “But I knew it would be best for my long-term health and ability to compete at the highest level.”
Six days after the initial injury to his right Achilles, he underwent Achilles tendon repair using the minimally invasive Percutaneous Achilles Repair System (PARS) technique, which uses a small incision and is designed to reduce wound complications compared to traditional open surgery. From there, his road to recovery began.
Relearning everyday movement
Early recovery focused on fundamentals. After a non-weight-bearing phase, Richard’s rehabilitation has followed a steady progression:
- Before three months, he was able to walk in a boot and began a progression of biking and doing light activity
- By six months, he was working on agility drills
- At eight months post-surgery, he is back at track practice and able to do nearly everything except sprint in spikes.
“At the beginning, I had to relearn how to walk,” said Richard. “I cannot believe all the progress I’ve already made!”
Support that carries through recovery
Throughout his recovery, Richard has discovered just how challenging an Achilles tendon tear can be.
“For me personally, recovery had its share of highs and lows,” Richard said. “To stay positive, I journaled throughout the process. Looking back at those early entries now shows me just how far I’ve come. I’m grateful God placed OrthoIndy and Dr. Greenfield in my life when I needed them most.”
Today, Richard feels strong and is training with purpose as he prepares for the 2026-27 track season. With a few more months of therapy and continued follow-up with Dr. Greenfield, he’ll be ready to compete.
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Experienced a recent Achilles tendon injury? To get an evaluation with our expert foot and ankle team, call 317.802.2000.
