Hi all. Now 6 weeks post op and really struggling with the walk. Had physio this week who gave some advice but I still walking with a stiff leg as if I have forgotten how to walk. Any tips anyone ? Sue
I'm at 3 months out on a TKR and still at time walk stiff legged. I find myself doing this as the day goes on and my leg gets tired. I also throw my leg out to the side, but I've done this all of my life.
Walking in swimming pool, as long as incision fully closed, worked wonders for my walking.
In actuality, you have to learn how to walk all over again. The biggest thing to remember is...
HEEL - TOE!!!
You literally have to concentrate on kicking that leg straight out in front of you, landing on your heel and rolling the foot to your toe. This will feel VERY WEIRD at first...just think of being at your first band camp in high school and learning how to do this for drill. Same thing. You just have to learn how to walk correctly again...plus extending that knee out straight in front of you helps with regaining your ROM. NO SHUFFLING!!!
It seems silly and, yes, you have to really concentrate while you're doing it. Took me a month to do it correctly so it became automatic again. Not an issue...very normal. Heel-toe...heel-toe... Just keep doing it.
Thank you. I went to your reply first ! My physio told me this on Wednesday but it is just not clicking with my leg and thought there maybe some other magic formula. I shall get out and practice. Sue
Thanks Jenny, going to try this. Sue
No magic...just hard work.