7 Weeks 2 Days (Post Op)
On Monday November 29 (6 weeks 4 days, post op) i went for my 3rd visit to my physiotherapist. She was pleasantly surprised to see that i was out of the boot and walking unaided in two shoes. I told her that eventhough my surgeons protocol reads “at 8 weeks, wean off boot” he told me that i could now walk in shoes. I was walking slowly with a limp but not feeling any pain. Physio started with a heat wrap and then some stretching of the ankle. I then used the wobble board while sitting on the edge of the bed. Then i was taught how to use the Thera-Bands to increase ROM and strength. I then worked on lunges(stationary feet) to stretch. I was also given a lesson on how to walk again. I found that this exercise was much easier when walking towards a full length mirror. I could minimise the limp when i could see myself doing it! With my toes up against a wall, measurements were taken to gauge the distance of my knee from the wall. I spent 20 minutes barefoot on the stationary bike. My therapist gave me my exercise homework and the session ended with e-stim and icing.
Now that i am walking mostly in two shoes (putting the boot on outdoors for protection) i am noticing swelling of the ankle but not experiencing any pain. On occasion i am elevating and icing my ankle, something i have not had to do since first going into the boot. I am noticing that my walking is improving with less limp and a longer stride(good leg going a little further past the injured one). I am concentrating on not pointing my injured foot out. Going up stairs is no problem but coming down them is slower. So far, i do most of my walking indoors and have only ventured outside a couple of times. Since i was given my new homework i have found myself with the tape measure out to determine if i am improving my flexibility. It is slow but sure. I have, for the first time since surgery, driven the vehicle again(just around the block to see how i coped). I did fine and will drive when necessary.
It is great to be walking in shoes again but i am still wary of the injured leg, especially when outside. Nevertheless, i have found myself on occasion forgetting i have recently had surgery and hope i do not become complacent. I still have some way to go and cannot imagine standing on my toes!
I hope everyone is recovering well . Paul
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Brilliant Paul, it really sounds like you’re on the road to recovery. Although I’m a couple of weeks ahead of you I think we’re at a similar point in our progress. I too have just started walking round the house and occasionally venturing out. The stiffness is SLOWLY going away but I can see this is going to be a long term goal. Good luck with your future recovery and remember ‘watch your step!’ Carry on healing