Question re: discomfort/pain while walking
Almost 15 weeks post-op, and three weeks in two shoes. Walking has been getting better, though slowly — it seems every couple of days, I realize I’m walking much better than I was.
Anyway, things seemed great — a couple of days ago I was walking with a push-off, and without a limp — but I fear I’ve overdone it.
There was much discomfort today. I don’t know how to describe it other than it felt vaguely painful … kind of like a mild sprain might feel. Felt as though I were stretching the thing beyond what it wanted on every stride — even when I shortened the stride significantly.
I don’t know what I expected during the rebuilding-the-walk process. Pain-free? Painful? I don’t know. So I don’t know whether I should be concerned, and back off — and what that backing off would actually consist of — or whether I should grit my teeth and go on. (Note: I’m icing as we speak).
I’d be interested in advice from you guys further along the recovery timeline. Does this experience sound like something you went through? If so … does it get better without rest?
Thoughts?
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I’m not quite as far along as you, a week today in 2 shoes with crutches.
My physio said to me that it was ok to walk and stretch etc as much as I want and to expect some discomfort as everything stretches and gets used to weight and movement again, but not to cause any real pain.
Perhaps you should check with your physio.
Best wishes,
Sam
George,
My PT told me that if you do something that causes pain for longer that 24-36 hours, you over did. He did say to expect pain/discomfort as you get your feet under you again. So according to him, cut back a little for about a day and a half, and if you are feeling better by then then go at it again. This did happen to me and in fact I still occasionally have something like this happen and I am 7 months from my last surgery.
I am still icing both Achilles after any activitiy and I am quite a ways out. I am wondering if it is just a new part of life. I guess it is a small price to pay for getting to go do something fun.
Agree with Smish. Unfortunately it is a long process.
You did the right thing, take a break, ice it. The push off was hard to learn for me. (I did not get far, only 7 weeks - will try again.)
Rest today and hopefully tomorrow you will be in full form. Listen to your body….
Hi George - I also agree with Smish. I am 6 months since surgery, and although I am now running again (up to 20 miles for my weekly long run), I am still having some pain occasionally. A few weeks ago, when I was still very stiff and sore after a long run, I got scared so took a few days off for cross-training (stationery bike), before running again, and that seemed to help. Otherwise, I’m stretching with the night splint and occasionally icing. But like Smish says, I am also thinking that it will be a long time before it feels “normal”, if ever…..
Thanks everyone. I took your advice, took it easy, backed off. It’s a little better today and I won’t try to unleash until tomorrow (unleash meaning walk normally again). Even then I’ll be very careful and try not to overdo it.
I’m a runner (or was before the ATR) so it’s encouraging to hear Gallaj is doing 20-milers at six months. I can’t fathom being able to do that then, but who knows?
What’s frustrating now is reading Tri-Sports Girl — at virtually the exact same place on the recovery timeline — hiking five miles with no problem. And then doing it again the next day.
Here I am struggling just to walk normally. But I’ll get there.
Anyway, thanks very much for the advice and encouragement.