Walking in the boot
Hey fellow cripples
I had my 2nd post op follow up with my doctor yesterday and he cleared me to Full Weight Bear in my boot. Ive tried to walk but it is very difficult, not painful just akward. I know that it will take some pratice to get use to walking with it, but im curious if anyone has a technique that worked for them.
Thanks!
try to walk as normal as possible, keeping your boot foot as in line as possible. you really want avoid swinging your boot foot out to the side. That throws you even more out of wack. congrats on walking and standing!
Matt
I would suggest using one crutch on the opposite side of the injured leg to get used to putting more weight on your injured leg. You should start feeling a little more confident and begin ditching the crutch . . . ’cause that’s all it is.
Maybe try focusing the weight of your injured leg on the heel only . . . but try not to instinctively pull up on your toes as you do ’cause you’ll just end up putting extra strain on your tendon (bad).
With the boot, you really don’t put any significant force on your tendon, but it gets you into the regular motion of walking as you get stronger and gain more confidence. Eventually, you should be rolling from heel to toe in your boot.
Take it slow and be selfish with your healing progress. You definately don’t want to start over by trying to be a tough guy.
Good luck!
Hi,
I have to be honest — I never could walk in the boot. It was VERY AWKWARD and I thought I was doing more harm than good.
When I downsized to an Achillotrain brace I was able to walk right away (7 weeks) and I haven’t looked back.
My PT told me not to be too discouraged as a lot of people find it VERY hard to walk in that boot.
Good luck to you.