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Very frustrated cannot get rid of limp

Posted , 14 users are following.

sue50140
sue50140

nearly 6 weeks post op and limping quite badly without crutch.  Any views how long it takes to walk properly unaided.  My knee seems to be the hindrance, any thought on exercise to strengthen leg very welcome.

1 like, 24 replies

24 Replies

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  • renee01952
    renee01952 sue50140

    Posted

    hi sue,

    yes, so frustrating - I agree with previous posts - Use aid or at least take it with you when you go for a walk -

    In addition to all the trauma etc. you might not be in balance when you walk -

    The "flamingo" leg-standing is good  to strengthen and balancing -

    make sure your body is straight, shoulders relaxed - lift foot and step heel to toe -

    It will feel unnatural (was to me) and tedious, but makes you aware of the wobble - this might also help to keep your knee in the right position instead of turning in or out -

    I will say it again, be kind and gentle with yourself ....

    big warm hug

    renee

     

    • sue50140
      sue50140 renee01952

      Posted

      Thank you so much Renee, I will try all you say.  It's so good to talk to people who have been through this and willing to pass on their expert knowledge.  Xx
  • MichaelTN1UK
    MichaelTN1UK sue50140

    Posted

    The other thing to consider is that we were never taught to walk. It just happened. 

    I believe that one of the muscles we need to work runs down the outside of the thigh - just to the front of the seam on a pair of trousers. If you do the famingo, you can feel this working. 

    It does take a lot of concentration to think about the mechanics of walking and I certainly had to focus on the muscles used for each part of the stride; from lifting my leg, toswinging it forward, to placing the heal and then lifting the toes. 

    Finally, if you can do the flamingo, try it with your eyes shut. When our eyes do not communicate the type of terrain we are standing on, our muscles and tendon have to work harder. Try it and see.

    Michael

  • EAP26437
    EAP26437 sue50140

    Posted

    Hi.  My approach to walking post op was to walk with intent.  I'm a dance teacher so I went back to my teaching roots.  I made sure I had done the exercises first, including standing on one foot on the replaced side.  Then I went out for a walk.  I made sure I had my core lifted, my shoulders down and I practised the heel side toe of a walk with a gentle swing from the hip making sure that the toes travel forward ( and not turned out).  I agree with another reply  its been a long time since we learnt to walk.   
    • sue50140
      sue50140 EAP26437

      Posted

      I will take that all on board.  I have been doing Pilates for many years and have a good core but will try to practice the heel toe walk.  Thank you but I feel I have a long way to go.  Sue
    • rose0000
      rose0000 sue50140

      Posted

      You will be surprised one day it will just come together x
  • belleAUSSydney
    belleAUSSydney sue50140

    Posted

    I'm three months post-op and still limping (with pain). It's definitely getting better, but slowly. Bought myself some new walking shoes yesterday which I hope will help.
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