Walking after TKR
Posted , 6 users are following.
Hi everyone.
i was walking outside on 2 crutches, fairly easily, holding them very loosely and walking without a limp. Inside I was using 1 crutch.
last week the physio took one away - tried me on a stick but said I was too wobbly, so left me with one. I was quite happy and confident when I left him, but over the past week I seem to be limping so much more and relying on the crutch more.
Does anyone have any tips please for walking properly?
0 likes, 8 replies
linda04825 susan33930
Posted
susan33930
Posted
caroline46398 susan33930
Posted
Wear good footwear - runners trainers or supportive walking shoes.It will come - dont lean to one side - keep one crutch loosely for balance is better than leaning. When you know you are walking correctly for a short distance work on increasing stride and then distance. There is no rush - better to stay on crutch or stick as cold damage hip or other knee if limping - it is really important not to limp. Take meds as legs limps because its expecting pain so train it to know it is okay to walk normally. Imagine you never had the op and can walk normally - and you will.
patsyrose susan33930
Posted
Patsy
Dubgirl00 susan33930
Posted
susan33930
Posted
I saw the physio yesterday and he took the crutch off me, gave me a walking stick, had me walking properly up AND down stairs (never done either before) and he said I'm over thinking it and I need to relax and my body will walk as it should do.
he said we're not taught how to walk as toddlers, our bodies just know, and if I relax and don't think about it, it will do the same now. I think I am worried that because I have limped for so many years I will continue to do so and I do have to remind myself to walk heel, toe etc, so I can't win!!
pam1313 susan33930
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And stairs......don't mention stairs! I've just posted new discussion entitled "stairs" - if you take a look you'll see I'm a wimp lol!
susan33930 pam1313
Posted
I have also been bad for years and had the too young excuses (I'm 49 now). I didn't wear a brace bit my leg was bent both ways - I couldn't straighten it and was also bow legged - so I think my muscles have a lot to catch up on to remember what they should be doing! And that's why I worry they will remember to limp rather than walk properly.
However, I have been doing what the physio told me and trying not to think about it as much and relax (easier said than done), swinging my arm. I don't think I'm limping, so I think it's right when he says you over think it because you're worried). But I am struggling abit on one stick.
I don't do too bad on stairs, I first went up one step at a time (both feet on it) and then I started to lift my bad leg up as if I was going to stand on the step but didn't do it, just so I knew I could get the stretch. Now I can walk up the stairs but relying on a stick and looking a bit like the Hunchback of Notredame's sister, but at least I get to the top! I can only come down properly occasionally . I think it's just a matter of strengthening more each time and also believing you CAN do it.
We will get there in the end. It's a shame we can't help each other up and down those stairs and pass each other the tissues too!
take care, sorry I'm not full of tips, but it's the same old - keep trying and we will get there!
Susan x