6 weeks post surgery frustration
Today is 6 weeks and 4 days since my surgery. Have not posted so quick synopsis.
Tore 30 May playing tennis
10 June surgery. full cast
23 June VacoCast
2 weeks 2 days first PT
Was planing to move from US to Europe on 18 June so bad timing.
At 3 weeks 6 days had 2nd PT when we got to Europe. PT here in Estonia said I am behind with the travel time gap. Did light ROM exercises during that period. No weight bearing
Have had 8 sessions in 3 weeks here. Do not walk well with boot still. Boot set at 5 to 15º when ¨walking¨. use a crutch.
The protocol my surgeon gave was thrown out a long time ago. Dr here expects more motion.
I walk on treadmill at 60% weight in PT with airlift. Slow but feels good. Have very little dorsal flexion after warmup and stretch.
Flexion and leg/foot strength seem to be holding me back. calf muscle has shortened.
In a week and half I have another travel week (no PT) before we arrive to our new home where I will have to start with another PT and another conflicting protocol.
Know everyone is different and I am not far off from averages but any tips, experiences or advice would be appreciated. Especially on ROM and transition to walking with boot.
Filed under: Uncategorized and
Rom, I am just shy of a week out of my cast. And have great rom just by practicing spelling the alphabet with my foot and doing motions most of the day. It has worked well enough that I went from not being able to flex my foot without forcing myself for 3 minutes to move my foot to almost
instantaneously. Hope that helps.
Wow, that was bad timing. Poor you. Swapping PT and protocols too. Celia has some on her page that may be worth you having a look at. Personally I think you are doing ok. I haven’t had any PT yet- 7 weeks after ATR. Just do my own tiny bit of rom n stretching at home. As for the walking in boot thing- I actually put a lift in my other shoe this week to ‘even me up’. It has made big difference n feel that I am walking as normally as you can in these things. Lots of sites do them., Also using one crutch opposite injured leg felt like my stride/ gait was more normal. Good luck with your recovery and settling in to your new home. Keep us posted on progress.
Cecilia (not Celia).
Pepsin - no, pspain! - can you stand on your booted foot and lift the other one? If so, you should be able to walk PERFECTLY in your boot, no crutch. Today. The boot has to fit well - snug and supportive, not painful - has to be stiff enough (most are, as long as the straps are snugged up), and has to transfer your weight from the ball of your foot to the front of your shin. That’s basically what a healthy AT does when you walk. And you have to try to walk normally - no Pegleg, no duck walking, just hit the heel and roll over the sole to your toes, pushing your knee forward as you go.
Thanks for the feedback.
My lateral ROM is almost normal. It is lack of dorsal flexion at this point which I wonder if is normal or not.
Will give walking with the boot locked a shot today. It has hurt to lift the good leg so have been shy to try more. Maybe not ready yet.
Tomorrow will try with the PT. Goal this week is walking with as normal gait as possible with the boot.