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Walking like a penguin

Posted , 5 users are following.

Hopetogroove
Hopetogroove

I 'm almost 4 weeks post op and going for reg walks with just one cane..When I try to walk without cane still do the penguin walk....

3 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • renee01952
    renee01952 Hopetogroove

    Posted

    good mornign Hope - how are you this morning ? Oh dear, yes, the penguin walk - I am 16 weeks (has it been that long?) post op and still wobble - sometimes feel like Frankenstein !   especially when walking unaided ... unfortunately my other hip is in need of THR surgery and acting up ... not condusive to a speedy recovery - so I do my best and be very mindful to keep my posture up right - I am not very balanced yet and it is also somewhat habitual ( I was told by my Physical Therapist) -

    take it one step at a time, baby steps really - be gentle with your self - you are getting there ... 

    warm hug

    renee

  • Pansycat52
    Pansycat52 Hopetogroove

    Posted

    Hi there

    I am 4.5 weeks and have same problem

    What I have found really helps and is something someone on this site suggested: put the heel of your foot down first and follow through to ball of foot and walk tall. You do really have to concentrate on your walking pattern all the time, but it really works. If I do not concentrate, back comes the drunken penguin!

    The brain has to retrain itself to this new way of walking. Don't forget that most of us have been using sticks pre op to steady ourselves and cope with distorted gait and loss of cartilage in bad leg. In most cases this would have meant that the bad leg was shorter than the other. All takes a bit of relearning but all will come good. As with everything on this journey it's just being patient and a matter of time

    Good wishes and best of luck with your walking!

    Linda xx

  • annedi
    annedi Hopetogroove

    Posted

    You have to retrain the muscles but I think that if you don't do it with the cane you should carry on using the cane or you will get into bad habits. I would try and focus on what you are doing with the cane and try to do it a few steps at a time not putting the cane on the ground.

    A good tip is if its sunny walk away from the sun and watch your shadow in front of you the aim being to stop your head going from side to side which it does in a rolling gait.

    • renee01952
      renee01952 annedi

      Posted

      wow .. annedi, great tips  .... just what I need to hear ---
  • rosie86947
    rosie86947 Hopetogroove

    Posted

    Me too but not if I concentrate. Don't just waddle off to do something, stand up straight and concentrate on walking straight and without a limp. Also do your exercises to strengthen your muscles.
    • Hopetogroove
      Hopetogroove rosie86947

      Posted

      Thanx for the tips..makes sense that i have to relearn to walk..been wobbling for awhile. ..still sone pain on operated side when trying to walk unaided..patience..patiience .patience...at least sunny and warm here in London Canada..😎🐑🐔
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