walking with a limp

Lotty, I am just past 8 weeks and almost in the same situation, although my bend is way behind. I have to make a conscious effort to remember to bend my knee when walking, going down stairs etc. My straight leg is sitting at 15, I think this may be what mainly causes the limp and once this improves the walking should improve as well. Maybe someone else can confirm if this is the case.

Hi Lotty . .without being a doctor and seeing you it's impossible to know if the limp is a physical thing or a mental one. . In my case, I had to keep telling my knee to bend, as it was so used to walking without bending . . the brain wanted to go on doing the same thing. My physio suggested exaggerating a little the lift and bend of the knee until the brain got the hang of it!  My physio did  also say it was better to keep using the cane rather than walk with a limp . . If bending the knee is still painful, it may be this which stops you, and unfortunately, it's better to bend through the pain!  In my case, it was a matter of concentrating hard on the proper movement. . heel first, proper bend in the knee. . .it took time, but in the end it works.  However, I have to say that even at 17 weeks, if walking a long distance, I prefer to use a walking stick . . .but then, I also have foot and hip pain to contend with!

I wish there was an absolute time to give you. Everyone is so different in every aspect: Amount and type of damage done prior to surgery, the damage done by surgery, how long you you were limping before the repair etc. Walking without a limp is far more dependent on your extension (straightness) nthan bend, Untill you are somewhere between 0 and 5 degrees you will probably have a limp. To help with this, slow down your pace,stride to your normal length, hit heel 1st, ball of the foot 2nd and toe last. Do this on every step with both legs. It's not uncommon to want to hurry back into being normal you forget how you were before it all went bad. BTW you only mentioned bend and not extension. Has that even been checked?

Hi Lotty,

You are doing fine and are fairly early in the great TKR journey. This is not a race and we are all differrent. Using a crutch outdoors is good as it makes people aware that you have a problem and possibly be a bit more considerate. Watch a TKR operation on video on  Utube and you will know why you are still limping. Slowly everything will improve but be aware a full recovery can be anywhere between 6 to 12 months. Don't forget meds, exercise, elevate  and ice in that order,it is what will speed your recovery, you will have bad days but the good days are what you should remember. Good luck on your journey.

Regards Paul

hi dotty im 9 nearly 10 post op and I still walk with a limp though I bought some sketchers go walk and dont limp as bad in those cos I think there so spongy and pliable? ?? I also walked on a beach last week and that was easier too?? I still use 1 stick when im out cos it helps when my leg gets tired and also like someone else mentioned it alerts others to the fact you have a problem then their not letting door's go on your face or banging your bad knee ouch!!!!

I walk with a bad limp and was told this was more to do with the issues with straightening rather than the bend (I may need further surgery on this though). However when I was still in hospital practising my walk down the corridor I recall a nurse reminding me to bend my leg when I walk. I've limped for that long I don't think I can remember how to do that Lol.

I was also told that because my leg was so bent I had to use both crutches when outside to force me to stand straighter. They apparently don't like us using two for as long as me but in my case it's better (I'm almost 12 weeks post).

I was told to take shorter steps though to keep control.

With a bend of 90 that shouldn't have any negative impact on your walking.

I think as we become more confident our walking will improve. At the moment we probably concentrate more on not falling over or being knocked into.

Could be mental or muscles need strengthening. Marching and standing tall helps practice a few steps at a time and in water. Train your brain and try to think as if your knee is normal and hopefully it will be.

I went out walking for the first time - not around supermarkets or Ikea as I have been doing...the great world outside. No crutches or stick and I felt my leg tightening as I went. I tried to bend my knee more than usual, had to stop and really bend it before going on. watched my shadow to see if I was limping... a little but not that noticeable.  Seeing Doc this afternoon and have physio tomorrow.

I'm 9 weeks  tkr and I look like I'm in a parade all by myself when I walk!  I have issues with my quads and for me I find it easier if I exaggerate the bending of my knee, like I'm maching.  I do heel, toe, bend my knee as high as I can and also swing my arms. I'm sure my neighbors enjoy my little parade around the block lol!