Dorsiflexion Improvement
Posted , 3 users are following.
Hello All
I am 9 weeks post op and was given full weight bearing. I am going to Physio for last 2 weeks. I am trying to see what it would take to improve my dorsiflexion. I am able to put weight on my leg but the dorsiflexion is not improving. I am stretching the calf but very much limited. Slightest of the stretch gives me a lot of pain behind by heel and surrounding areas. I don't know if this is normal. I am kinda scared that I won't get my dorsiflexion back after being hopeful for 2 full weeks with no real improvement. Appreciate the comments.
Thanks
0 likes, 5 replies
thesixer ravishanka39759
Posted
There is hope! I am 11 weeks post op and my dorsiflexion is just starting to improve. I have been in PT since week 7 (so this is my 4th week of PT 3x/wk). My PT has me doing a lot of lunges and squats to improve my dorsiflexion. It has been very painful but I am beginning to feel more activation in my calf and less pain. Everything has been very slow but I definitely notice an improvement each week. My PT does a lot of hands on manipulation and massage with my foot/ankle before we begin our session and this really helps a lot. Hang in there -- things will get better. It just takes a lot of time.
ravishanka39759 thesixer
Posted
Hi there, that is really good to know. My PT does the same, flexing my ankle before the exercises. However, my PT is 2x/wk only. I currently only doing the step up's and down's, single leg stands and little bit of calf stretching, I am really hoping to see some improvement soon as I am not really interested in second surgery. Would really appreciate if you can keep me updated about your progress.
thesixer ravishanka39759
Posted
Just checking in to see how you are progressing..? Are you gaining more dorsiflexion? I saw my OS last Tuesday and he has ordered a Dynasplint dorsiflexion boot for me. It is a device that you wear up to 8 hrs a day and you tighten it to increase dorsiflexion. I will get fitted for it this week. I'm hopeful it will help me regain dorsiflexion. Right now my ankle is "stuck" at zero degrees (dorsi). It's a scary feeling. I will continue to my PT sessions along with the dynasplint device. My OS said if the dynasplint does not work, I will need another surgery to remove scar tissue.
maureen58756 ravishanka39759
Posted
Two weeks is a short time. Don't stretch until you feel pain or you might end up worse off. Just do the what the doctor says and be patient.
ravishanka39759 maureen58756
Posted
Thanks for you comments. I am trying to take it sow but my Physio is pushing me to do more and more of calf stretching and activities . Within 3 weeks now, I am able to walk with no aid and my leg started to have less inflammation and pain. However, I visited my doctor's office today and the PA is telling me that we will monitor for 1 month and if this doesn't improve , we will do a second surgery which could include, scar tissue removal/ bone scoping. I am just beyond frustrated to even have to talk about a second surgery now. I am hoping this flexion improves in the next coming weeks.