Hi angmares,
Thanks for the comments. I think the most important thing is to not forget about the right leg with the ankle fusion. I subconciously put all my weight on my left leg while standing and walking. Doing simple leg lifts will keep the muscles from atrophy as well as 'flexing' your calf muscle without the ankle moving. Takes some concentration. Stay away from walking long distances... I know that was tough for me because I refused to let my "disability" get the best of me.... BUT, in the long run, it will be less damaging to the back and knee. I've already had back surgery and I'm looking at another along with a left knee replacement down the road. I was stubborn, worked out 5 times a week (leg presses, squats, stairmaster, (ignoring that my ankle could not move and relying on my other leg ), rollerblading, walking long distances to keep up with everyone. My fusion stays super strong but everything else is starting to fall apart due to my own stupidity. Now I focus on my 'core' and keep my mid-section strong and try not to put all my weight on the left. I also do a lot of gardening which gets me outside and active but easy on the body... and it's theraputic! Looking back, I have to say that being in that horrible car accident improved my life in so many ways. I joke with my friends and say that it is a good thing I have a fused ankle because I would buy thousands of beautiful designer brand stilleto's but live in a cardboard box! About your big toe and metatarsals, it could just be an adjustment in your body to accomodate your gate change. There is also soft tissue healing that goes on for quite a long time after the fusion. Bones heal faster than tissue and nerves. I would still let your Dr. know just to be safe.
Comment Reply
Hi angmares,
March 19, 2011 - 4:17amThanks for the comments. I think the most important thing is to not forget about the right leg with the ankle fusion. I subconciously put all my weight on my left leg while standing and walking. Doing simple leg lifts will keep the muscles from atrophy as well as 'flexing' your calf muscle without the ankle moving. Takes some concentration. Stay away from walking long distances... I know that was tough for me because I refused to let my "disability" get the best of me.... BUT, in the long run, it will be less damaging to the back and knee. I've already had back surgery and I'm looking at another along with a left knee replacement down the road. I was stubborn, worked out 5 times a week (leg presses, squats, stairmaster, (ignoring that my ankle could not move and relying on my other leg ), rollerblading, walking long distances to keep up with everyone. My fusion stays super strong but everything else is starting to fall apart due to my own stupidity. Now I focus on my 'core' and keep my mid-section strong and try not to put all my weight on the left. I also do a lot of gardening which gets me outside and active but easy on the body... and it's theraputic! Looking back, I have to say that being in that horrible car accident improved my life in so many ways. I joke with my friends and say that it is a good thing I have a fused ankle because I would buy thousands of beautiful designer brand stilleto's but live in a cardboard box! About your big toe and metatarsals, it could just be an adjustment in your body to accomodate your gate change. There is also soft tissue healing that goes on for quite a long time after the fusion. Bones heal faster than tissue and nerves. I would still let your Dr. know just to be safe.
This Comment
Reply