PT explains my limp, 20 weeks post-op
I am at 20 weeks post-op, but still have a very slight limp. I have excellent ROM so it was puzzling to me until I asked my PT. He explained that the limp is not due to ROM, but due to the fact that I don’t have the strength to push off with my calf. Time to double down on heel raises.
August 8th, 2015 at 6:02 am
Good luck with the PT and progression!
August 8th, 2015 at 10:23 am
Thanks, ejbvmi! Good luck with your recovery, as well!
August 8th, 2015 at 8:39 pm
Its good to know the little pitfalls that we may come across, the calf really takes a beating in this doesn’t it.
August 8th, 2015 at 10:48 pm
Mattycee, that’s exactly right. I was worried about ROM, but actually have more ROM in my involved ankle than my uninvolved ankle. I quit using lifts in my shoes and am doubling down on calf raises. So far, so good.
Good luck in your recovery!
August 11th, 2015 at 10:19 pm
I had that issue for a while myself (lack of push off strength causing a slight limp). Ironically, you should be able to walk more normal at a slightly quicker pace with smaller steps. I found that the hardest thing was taking a really slow deliberate step, but small quick (but gentle!) steps were easier. I’m just getting to the point where a longer deliberate step feels similar on both sides at 6 months.
August 11th, 2015 at 11:12 pm
@skelonas, thanks for that tip! I will try that out and see how it goes, and it’s always helpful to hear from those ahead of you. I was particularly interested in your six month post (about five weeks ahead of me), since you still describe calf raises as difficult. At week 21, I can do about 5000 of them with both legs, but can still barely get my heel off the ground with only my involved leg.
I think that @Donna and others have been very clear that everybody moves at their own body’s pace…but it’s helpful to hear how things are going for those in your pace group (so to speak).
Good luck with your recovery, and thanks for taking the time to share your experience!
August 12th, 2015 at 9:48 am
Yeah, it’s amazing how easy a 2 heel calf raise is for me vs. my partial 1 heel raise at 6 months. I think my endurance is good, but still just lacking in strength, and it sounds like we’re in the same boat there. As long as we’re moving forward though, we’ll get there!
August 12th, 2015 at 12:06 pm
Agreed, and thanks for chiming in!