Calf and Achilles Exercise

I am in the process of recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon and I have approximately another week in the CAM Walker boot. My physio has issued me with stretches and strengthening exercises to complete in lots of three, seven times a day, and to hold each for 30 seconds. I have also been told to expect pain when I do these exercises.
I have noticed recently pain in my calf muscle has increased, and that my good Achilles tendon is starting to hurt. Is this a common experience during Achilles rehab? I have also found that when I complete my stretching first thing in the morning I am not as flexible with my injured Achilles as I was the day before.
After full recovery from this injury I will not be going back to playing soccer as I am now 35 and this is the first major injury I have experienced. I am thinking of attending a gym to assist with my recovery and to build on my fitness and strength. I am now 5 weeks post surgery, can you please advise when I should commence working out at a gym?

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

The pain in the other leg is due to stiffness due to compromised movements due to the injury. You should start doing physiotherapy on both the legs and with decreasing pain after around 8 weeks when you gain enough strength you can start with gym. With increase in pain you can take pain killers and apply ice packs.

Initially you should do it slow and with time and strength training your Achilles tendon will be fine.

Take care!