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Walking without a cane after TKR

Posted , 6 users are following.

joan42572
joan42572

I am 7.5 weeks post-op and can walk several miles with my cane but walking without it is a problem. Taking a few steps moving from room to room or working in the kitchen is difficult as I have to get psyched up, leg straightened out etc and some momentum going before it is comfortable.  Outside once I get going i am only good for short distances before I start to sag to the operated side and my back hurts. My physical therapist has diagnosed it as a weak hip abductor and I'm sure she is right - she has given me exercises, so hopefully they will help.

I am curious as to what it is reasonable to expect and what others have experienced.

1 like, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • susan33930
    susan33930 joan42572

    Posted

    Hi Joan. I'm 9 weeks and still walk with a cane when out. I feel I limp more without and it gives me confidence. My physio signed me off and said use it for as long as I need it!?

    sorry it doesn't help you much though.

    • joan42572
      joan42572 susan33930

      Posted

      Thanks, Susan - That actually does help as it lets me know my situation is not that abnormal!  Good luck with your progress.
  • Oldfatguy1
    Oldfatguy1 joan42572

    Posted

    Safety is the k e y issue no matter when you finally feel you can give up the assistive device. Don't let pride get in the way of common sense

    Continue working on your exercise to build strength and mobility. Take your time, move slowly and rest when tired. Your body will tell you when it's time to move on

    • pam1313
      pam1313 Oldfatguy1

      Posted

      Can I ask how you're progressing.......well I hope? 
    • Oldfatguy1
      Oldfatguy1 pam1313

      Posted

      I came home from the rehab unit Saturday morning and felt like I was doing well. Got the stitches removed Friday and he did away with the immobilizer and allowed me to go from 50% weight bearing to full. He wants me to work with therapy to get a 90° bend naturally (no heavy pressure, etc.) I was at 62 at that time. Home health PT came yesterday and with gentle massage an some easy bending stuff I went to 75. I am at 4 on the straight. Unfortunately a couple turday night I got some sort of gastro upset and was hit with vomiting and Diarehha till late Sunday. Took more out of me than the surgery.(more ways than one). I started driving out of necessity as we both needed prescription refills and my wife is no longer able to drive because of her Parkinson's. Got along fine but won't push things. Will do the home health for 2 weeks then start outpatient PT 3x's a week. After being in an immobilizer for a total of nearly 5 months the leg is new born calf week and will take a lot to get it right. Pain levels are moderate and as good as I ever had it after any of the other surgeries. I'm feeling pretty good about the entire process right now. Just have to keep myself slowed down and keep the ice bags ready as needed.
    • cheryl90571
      cheryl90571 Oldfatguy1

      Posted

      You certainly have been through A LOT, and I am inspired by your positive outlook and your tenacity!

      Wishing you much success as you continue to heal!

      Hello to your wife, too!

    • pam1313
      pam1313 Oldfatguy1

      Posted

      Am so glad you are progressing nicely. You just take it steady and we'll all try to support you like you support us! 
  • davyboyok
    davyboyok joan42572

    Posted

    I am 9weeks PO & can walk quite well without a stick but if walking a fair distance I walk with my cane because it feels safer & is less tiring. Dont worry about how fast you are progressing do what you feel safe with. It will all come together eventually. Best of luck.

  • cheryl90571
    cheryl90571 joan42572

    Posted

    Hi Joan!

    I am 3 1/2 weeks out from surgery and just

    finished my Home Care nursing and PT today. Thursday I begin outpatient PT. I have been using my walker exclusively with some work with a cane, too, because my PT suggested it.

    I have been trying to get more fluid with a normal gait. I realized that with TWO bad knees, I probably haven't walked normally in many years!

    My PT told me to switch it up between walker and cane. I also use one crutch and the railing to go up and down steps.

  • pam1313
    pam1313 joan42572

    Posted

    Joan, I'm 17 weeks po and still use my stick outside! I have muscle wastage and when muscle "twangs" and my leg "gives" I'm so glad I've got my stick to support me. I think I've lost my confidence a bit too but am determined to be up and about so I'll use stick for as long as I think I need to.......safety comes first. I too have also forgotten how to walk normally, I seem to be having to "think" about it all the time.......can't wait for it to become "natural" again! 
    • joan42572
      joan42572 pam1313

      Posted

      Hi Pam - I know what you mean about wanting it to become natural again - even though I am progressing well and am glad i did it, there are times when I think nostagically of my pre-op days - my first steps in the morning are the worst.
    • pam1313
      pam1313 joan42572

      Posted

      And dont you just hate it when folk walk nonchalantly by your house......I could kill 'em......if only I could catch 'em lol! 
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