Learning to walk

Posted , 8 users are following.

I don't know how I used to walk before my op.

Stupid as that sounds, here is the thing. I know that some legs can "set" at an angle (where the toes point outward) as a result of a THR. But as I had never studied my foot position before the operation, I am not aware if the current setting is correct or not. In either case I am concentrating on placing my heel and then toes in a straight line to ensure I "learn" to walk correctly; my wife watches to keep an eye on me. And, for me, it is becoming natural to walk this way. But this could have been easier if I had observed my walking before the op.

Anyone have an experience or views on this? 

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi, I had a few ops on my hip as a child and remember learning to walk again. My op leg turned slightly to the right so I learnt to hold it straight when I walked. The only time it was a problem was when I was tired and became lazy. Prior to my THR if I lay with legs outstretched my right foot flopped to the right side. Now post op and after 40 tears it's straight! Can't stop looking at it and can't wait to practice using my new straight leg!

    I'm sure once you get the hang of walking properly again it will become a habit, but a good one.

  • Posted

    Alexander technique lessons might be a good idea to learn a good walk. Presumably you will have been told if there is any physical reason why you wouldn't be able to walk properly after the op?
    • Posted

      Thankfuly, I have no problems and it is working out extremely well. It was just one of those things I had wished I did before the op. Just seeing if anyone else had the same thought. Perhaps I am in my own world again :-)
  • Posted

    I am the same trying to walk normal no knowing what normal is to me as i have limped for so long. I also had to learn how to stand straight as i bent towards the left (right hip replacement ) so i have learnt I have a core and I can now stand straight. Walk ok with a crutch slight limp with out. 

    Suexx

    • Posted

      Well I guess 'normal' changes with our age. That is great news that you are walking well with a crutch and a limp without. Perhaps it is jusr a matter of time, confidence and sheer determination that will take you through to the next stage :-)

      Michael xx

    • Posted

      Yea my physio told me quality not quantity so basically i want to run before i can walk if i knew how🤗 I am going back to work beginning of feb, now that will be a shock to my system 😦

      Suexx

  • Posted

    Hi Michael, 

    Interesting, isn' it ?  It is out of habit, I think .... My mother always told me to lift my feet instead of shuffling - 

    To be honest, I find it very challenging to walk properly .. After my 2nd (Left) Thr, my left foot turns a bit inward - to keep my posture straight, heel to toe, relaxed - exhausting and does not feel natural to me yet -

    My muscles seriously ache  - my back, thighs , even groin and around my knees -

    go lightly 

    big warm hug

    renee

    (no what-if's allowed frown)

    • Posted

      Hi Renee

      I am in awe of you. I have had a magical THR experience - the only real side-effect has been that my eyesight has taken a knock (sensation of strained sight) and that gives me a headache (I guess from the anaesthetic). But even so, I would not rush to repeat the experience!

      Planty of ice does the trick for me and limited exposure to all screens (computer etc).

      Big warm hubs to you too :-)

      Michael

  • Posted

    I have always walked with my feet turned out towards the side ever since I can remember. My Dad used to quack when he walked behind me when I was a child. Lol!

    But after the surgery, I still walk with my leg turned out to the side. It hasn't been a problem for me.

     

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