Question for the Women after TKR

I put on heels at Christmas time, it was a great feeling.  Also last weekend going to a show.  Uses different muscles so short time at first.

carol 20 weeks

You better talk to your surgeon about that one. I would guess that's a decision that would have to be made regarding the strength of the entire leg.

Hi Lorrigrl,

I'm 10 weeks post patella realignment and lateral release, and I started in kitten heels at about 8 weeks (walking very carefully). As OFG said, discuss with your surgeon for the go-ahead, as you really want your knee to be strong and stable.

Hi, high heels should be avoided for first three months. Instead, a well fitting, closed-toe, tie shoe is safest. A good example would be tennis shoes. But, once things settle and you get your strength back, I think it should be fine to wear them occasionally. Risk is actually not from the heels but an increased risk of falling over. So discuss with your consultant and decide. As a precaution always carry flats with you in case you get tired, you can easily switched off. Don’t wear them on uneven ground, unless and until you are totally confident with your gait and balance. Thanks.

Thanks everyone, I was hoping sooner, But do not want to do damage..

Hi. Stay well clear as it will take time for your gait and posture to adapt to your new knee. Heels will over stress your knee and possibly over compensate your body. It's not worth it I would agree with previous suggestion of three months minimum. Maybe longer

Keep off heels as long as possible. At 4 weeks your knee has a long way to go to be completely healed. As your bend is only 86 you have a long way to go

Hi Lorrigrl, I don't wear heels (They just don't look right on us blokes) but until you are sure that all your muscles are back up to full strength I think it would be a bit of a risk and I don't think your surgeon or physio would say do it either, but they are the ones who know fully your situation so it is best to ask them.

Regards Paul

Hello! I usually wear foot wear with a bit of a heel but when I asked my surgeon about when I could wear heels again he advised me to wait a year, so I've bagged them all up and put them in the loft out of temptations way! I treated myself to a few pairs of flat boots in various colours and I also managed to find a couple of pairs of trendy flat shoes. I am only 5ft 2inches and so I love heels to make me look slimmer but it's such a mega operation I am not going to risk messing up my new knee by wearing heels until the Autumn!

Glenda 16 weeks

 

I think it's fairly certain that wearing heels does throw more strain on to the articulation . it's not just the danger of twisting or falling over.  Long term, I imagine that wearing heels will shorten the life span of a TKR the same as it shortens the life span of a natural knee . . Personally, I will never wear high heels again . . but everyone has to make up their own minds about things like that.  Definitely, though, ask the specialist first!