columbo

Hi,

I found your page while searching for ’stairs’. I’m at 20 weeks & going downstairs seems to be the hardest motion to overcome. I can now squat, run and almost walk without a limp but going downstairs is still hard.

Thanks for posting.

glad I happened on this site. Had AT repair on 6/22 and am now just beginning limited weight bearing. Just started range of motion exercises and find that while in the air cast it is easier to just sleep on the couch with my foot up. Still trying to get used to going up and down stairs. I have three steps up that I have to navigate at least 10 times daily. Trying to get used to the one crutch but going up and down (no step rails here) but making it. I had the same procedure done 6 years ago on my left foot so was able to use the same boot.. Air cast has been wonderful about replacing the pads, airbags, pumps and the like at no fee at least at that time. This is a really neat site. Had no idea there were so many people recovering.

That sounds right to me, diane. At first, it’s a “leap of faith” to step right past the step the “bad” foot is (half) on. But it’s actually pretty safe, it just takes some getting used to. (I practiced up a lot by doing the same move earlier, in my boot!)

thanks for the sugestion Norm. I have been trying what you suggested and it is working but I seem to be going slower now but I think it is because I am afraid of slipping so I am extremely cautious, but I think if I keep trying it will start feeling normal again at least that is what I hope.

I’m at 18 weeks, and I can make it down the shorter steps outside of school, but the higher ones inside still scare me. I won’t be going to PT for the next 3 weeks as I will be having more surgery, but for the last few weeks I have been stepping up on the box, and then down on the other side…that seemed to help more than anything.

Keep on working…you will get there.

Deanne (aka DREAMS)

Yup, I’m exactly 15 weeks today and have to go downstairs exactly as you described. Unless I go SLOW MO! You got me to thinking- all my PT exercises focused on stepping up onto a platform and then stepping back off it to the same starting place- never up and then down on the OTHER side. Since downstairs seems to be a universal challenge for us ATRers, I wonder why PTs don’t work on it specifically?

I’m 15 weeks and 1 day as I’m posting this reply. I still go down the steps with hands on the rails, with the bad foot planting first, then the good foot stepping down to the next step. I can’t run down the stairs like before, but I’m slower for sure, but I’m going up and down stairs. If someone gets upset at my speed, they can go around me…I’m in no big rush.
I don’t have as much pain as I did when first going down the stairs, just shows that it will slowly get better the more you do it.

Good luck.

“Slow and Steady Wins THIS Race”

Agree with Norm, I would suggest practicing in running shoes and holding the rail, but the main point is pivot your shoe along the edge of the step, let the front of your shoe hang off whan you step down on the stair. Also weak quad muscles make it harder; do not forget to strengthen your quads and knees with squats.
I am no fan of slippers as I re-ruptured with them…

You’re a couple of weeks ahead of me, I don’t think you should be afraid of making a normal step, no matter how slow. I ‘m going down stairs for the last 2 weeks, what I do is put my heel down first and not toes. Then good foot, then repeat. However, this way I don’t do a normal step like my good foot, but I try to push as much as I can, to make my ankle dorsiflex. This way, I have the whole foot standing on the step (except maybe from the edge of it), so it’s easier to make the ankle work like in level ground, rather than hanging the toes out of the step, which also is scary for me, even on my Nikes. My ROM is excellent (actually better than the good foot) and that helps a lot. Also, my swelling on top of the foot is doing pretty good (my skin doesn’t fold anymore when dorsiflexing hurrayyyy) and my toes tendons are finally visible.

My fave and most “normal” way is just to make sure that my “bad” foot is near the edge of the step — about half on the step, and the toe half hanging over air. Then I shift my weight onto it and step onto the next step down with my “good” foot, just like a normal person. No two-feet-on-the-same-step stuff.

This move seems to place no serious tension on the AT, and it doesn’t require the ankle to dorsiflex while WB, because the shoe pivots around the edge of the step, rather than the ankle doing the pivoting.

I’m at almost 12 weeks, and my flexibility is pretty good, but my strength is still too weak to “push off” at the end of a stride, so I share your little limp. So if I put my whole “bad” foot on a stair, going down, it would definitely still complain if I stepped down past it with the “good” foot. But the way I’ve described is totally comfy, fast and “normal”, and seems pretty safe. You don’t want to miss a step, and I’m still very nervous while carrying large objects — especially if they block my view of the stairs!

If you’re nervous that your foot will slide off the step doing it my way, try shoes with better tracti

I tore my left AT about a month after yours, Diane, and my non-surgical (but quick) protocol says that after 8 weeks (= now) I’m supposed to “wean off boot” into two shoes. I’m hesitant, like you. I’m nowhere near strong enough to be able to walk NORMALLY in shoes, or barefoot, though I’m hoping to be there in a week or two the way I’ve been going — which has been great, much faster than 8 years ago, when I tore the other one and had it operated on.
I have the unusual advantage of being a terrible pack-rat, so I kept my hinged “MC Walker” boot since my first ATR! I moved into it (from a semi-rigid “AirCast” boot) about a week ago, with the hinges stopping me from dorsiflexing past neutral, but allowing about as much plantar flexion as I can do.
I LOVE the combo of safety and freedom to push down on the ball of my foot, while walking, and have it MOVE!
Last time, I stayed in the boot until I could walk normally. (Then my physio re-injured me a bit, and I went back into the boot again until I could walk normally!) That seems safe and sensible to me.
On the other hand, the protocol I’m following (from a study that was partly spons

MSM is another supplement that’s supposed to help with tendons. I remember taking MSM after I tore my first AT. Haven’t taken any yet this time, or Chondroitin and Glucosamine.
They all probably can’t hurt. C&G cost some dough and MSM is pretty cheap, as I recall. (That may have swayed my decision in ‘01/2!)

I recommend talking to your doctor and/or PT about it. Here a couple of definitions:

“A muscle spasm or cramp is an involuntary contraction of a muscle. Muscle spasms occur suddenly, usually resolve quickly, and are often painful.

A muscle spasm is different than a muscle twitch. A muscle twitch or fasciculation is uncontrolled fine movement of a small segment of a larger muscle that can be seen under the skin. ”

It’s hard to tell if what you’re experiencing is a spasm or a twitch but your doctor or PT should be able to help.

I have started PT no strength exercises yet just range of motion. I get little spasms in my calf (not excruciating by any means) like a quick sharp pain and then it is gone, perhaps it because I am starting to use my calf muscle again. I have tried to walk barefoot with a crutch for suppport at home and it just felt very awkward, so I tried with my crocs and that seemed to feel a little better. Perhaps I am just being inpatient and hoping it will start to feel normal soon

rosamundi,

What do you mean when you say “my feet are not broad enough for barefoot”?

I’d echo the advice about trying without shoes. My physio recommends it as a warm up. I start in chair, progress to standing, and then carry out balancing and streching, then walking, all in socks; my feet are not broad enough for barefoot. I take it slow and then put shoes on. It makes sense, brain gets info straight from feet not confused by shoes and you can feel everything. But haven’t quite ditched the compression sock yet, but its a light one, very thin, I’ve been told to massage the area too. This morning did some FWB, no sticks, but easy does it, won’t do that straight from sitting!

My first question is what do you mean by muscle spasms? After my last surgery, I had some spasms that were excruciatingly painful, probably as painful as what I experienced when I first ruptured my Achilles. They lasted probably no more than 15-20 seconds but were really intense. I called and got a prescription for Valium, 6 total pills I think and I still have 2 left. Valium is an impressive muscle relaxant but it can also be very addictive so a lot of doctors are reluctant to prescribe it, except in pretty small quantities.

Is the soreness around the incision? Do you get sore after PT or have you started PT yet? If you’re ready for 2 shoes, you should have started PT. “Soreness” is really too vague to say much, but in general ice and elevation worked for me.

Two shoes is a great thing. Try walking around at home barefoot. I was most comfortable barefoot for quite a while after I was FWB and told I could ditch the boot. I wouldn’t recommend anything like a brace or elastic bandage. For one thing you won’t get your foot in a shoe with either one of those on it. Just don’t try to do too much at once.

I am exactly where you are. I am still in the boot, but OK to take it off to drive, then put it back on when I get there. Doc also said only short drives to begin with. Today I drove for the first time since November 3rd. Less than 2 miles. I have to admit, though, since I am cleared to “wean myself” from the boot I just walked out to the car in crocs and put the boot on once I got home and back inside (because I wasn’t getting out of the car.) I felt the crocs gave me plenty of support in terms of managing the brakes and gas. But when I start driving to work again I’ll have to put the boot on in the car. He also said to hide the boot in the backseat in case I get pulled over. I’m still not sure if he was kidding or not about that part.

thanks I have not heard of chondroitin.

hi Diane,
Suggest you try Chondroitin and Glucosamine, which is readily available and inexpensive! The Chondroitin is especially helpful with soft tissue (eg tendon) repair.
All the best.

That’s true, GerryR. After I bought a shoe with a big platform for my other foot, it was SO much easier. The shoe I found was Easy Spirit “Genius” clog. My PT said they were the “perfect shoe to go with a boot!” They are on sale at Macy’s right now. And I think they are cute enough to wear the pair of them some day, hopefully soon.

In the beginning I used one crutch on the opposite side. At when I went without any I didn’t really stride with the boot leg at first. I kind of lifted it with my upper leg and placed it next to the leading foot. So my boot wasn’t going ahead of my body, it was just coming to the level of the other foot. So it was like full step, half step, repeat. And yes, I definitely felt my foot “waking up”. It went away eventually and hasn’t come back. Keep trying, I used to read the blogs about people who “walked all over the place in the boot” and I thought “too bad that’ll never be me,” and then one day, it was!

What you need is a shoe with a very thick sole on your uninjured foot to help even it out. If you don’t you can give yourself some back problems.

Walking in the boot is not exactly the easiest thing in the world because the boot in completely inflexible, unlike your feet. I do not recall having any pain at all when I put weight on my foot even at 2 weeks after surgery. There was discomfort but nothing I would call pain. Walking in the boot does get easier and what you will most likely experience is a fair amount of pain in the heel of your injured foot. That goes away after a week or so. I found trying to use one crutch very awkward and bought a cane which was much easier to use but YMMV. If you continue to experience pain, contact your doctor.

thanks for checking on me. I go see my doctor on Friday so I will know more then but since being on this blog and reading others comments I booked physio for next week before even seeing my doctor it sounds like that is the key to recovery and feeling like your getting better is doing some physio.

Dear Diane been thinking of you, hope your feeling better. I have a boot now. I have been told to start putting some weight on the sore leg. doctor said working the leg promotes healing. thats good ah.

Diane, I too am a mum. My ATR was on Nov15th2009 playing netball. I have 3 children 19, 16, 12. I am feeling the same as you. My mind is just as damaged. Tomorrow I get my boot = week 7. He said I can take it off and have a bath. I will be scared though. Physio will probably be next and I too dont know what to expect. With this blog every one is positive but I dont think its wrong to express our fears, otherwise what’s the point of blogging. We need to express our fears and someone gets back and makes us feel we are not alone. So diane feel free to speak any time. Rest is important but I guess its even harder with a 4 year old - they don’t understand. Hope your family are able to help, I find it hard not being able to do the everyday tasks I once did, it is so frustrating, I know how how you must feel. let us know the outcome of your first physio regards Annette. ps I did not have the operation - the conservative method.

Diane, I too am a mum. My ATR was on Nov15th2009 playing netball. I have 3 children 19, 16, 12. I am feeling the same as you. My mind is just as damaged. Tomorrow I get my boot = week 7. He said I can take it off and have a bath. I will be scared though. Physio will probably be next and I too dont know what to expect. With this blog every one is positive but I dont think its wrong to express our fears, otherwise what’s the point of blogging. We need to express our fears and someone gets back and makes us feel we are not alone. So diane feel free to speak any time. Rest is important but I guess its even harder with a 4 year old - they don’t understand. Hope your family are able to help, I find it hard not being able to do the everyday tasks I once did, it is so frustrating, I know how how you must feel. let us know the outcome of your first physio regards Annette. ps I did not have the operation - the conservative method

I am sure you will be amazed how quickly you progress from there, once you start weight bearing, and rehabbing. Good luck!!!

thanks ruth,
wow it’s great the amount you can do. I am still in my boot using my crutches just in the last couple of days I have tried to not use the crutches when I am in the kitchen so if I fall I have a counter to lean on.

Hey Diane,

i also have a 4 year old, which has been tough even WITH a partner. I really feel for you.

At this point physio will do you the world of good. Where are you at with your recovery? I am 8 weeks post op, in two shoes, swimming and riding a stationery bike as well as exercising on a pilates reformer. I would not be there without my physio. The little goals they help you to reach, it’s all so important to your mental framework to know that you are progressing.

Good luck hey, it must be so tough as a sole parent dealing with this injury but you will get there…keep updating and letting us know how you are going.

Cheers, ruth

i did not start driving ( right leg ATR) till about 3 month or so. I was still in the walking boot but weaning myself off of it. so i took it off to drive and put it on to walk. The entire time i had my left foot at the ready incase i needed to slam on the brakes.

thanks for the comments but I think you misunderstood me I would never drive with my air cast on but my doctor mentioned a driving boot and it is a boot that you put on for the sole purpose of driving has anyone ever heard of it.

I have to admit, I did try to drive in the boot many years ago but it is DANGEROUS.

I now started driving at 12 weeks and only little bits.

I’m with highflyer, don’t drive until you are out of the boot and sure of yourself that you can brake in time.

Hi Columbo,
I would suggest that you do not drive when you are in the boot unless you have a left leg ATR and automatic transmission. As a minimum I think it would be sensible to check with your Doctor first. If you were to have an accident your insurance may not cover you.
Sorry for the negative opinion!

thanks for the feedback and I will take your advice and rent a wheel chair if I need one.

I went to Disney World at about week 8 or so. I could walk with a limp but there was no way I would have been able to walk the whole day. The swelling is what held me back. I rented an electric wheel chair there at the park. I think it was $45 and you got $20 back when you returned it. Plus like said above you and your guests can go to the front of the line.

It seems like there is no reason to cancel your trip. By the end of March, if your course is typical, it seems like you will be walking, probably with a slight limp, and still having some residual swelling and fatigue. If someone can push you, I think you should arrange to have a wheelchair just in case. Better to have it and not need it… Someone on here just recently went to Disneyland and arranged to have a rental scooter shipped straight there. That was brilliant. Besides, I’ve heard you get to go to the front of the lines if you’re in a chair Is your son so young that you have to be able to chase him, or so old he can push you in a wheelchair?

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