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Hi all
I had my op 6 months ago and although i have no pain at all, and can do most things including lifting my son everything has been ok. I have had some discomfort but nothing to write home about.
What i do have though is leg weakness. I can feel the muscle wanting to do what my brain is telling me, but as i tense my calf muscle it just feels like cramp. Its better than what it was dont get me wrong which i can live with, but i want to start running again as the weight has piled on.
If i say i can push up on my right toes but cant on my affected left i hope people understand this.
What i wish to know is if anyone has had this after the op and did it improve over a longer period of time. Or is there anything that people can suggest.
I am constantly doing leg strengthening exercises but need something else. I just dont know what that something else is
Hi
Hi, there, reference the calf weakness. I had a real issue pre-op with me left calf (which was also my painful leg). There's 5 things I did. Sorry if you already do any of these:
1) Take 20-30mins a day just tensing the muscle. Lay on your stomach and at the same time just tense them both with toes at 90degrees and with toes pointed (to work the muscle range)
2) Theraband exercises. Laid on your back with the lighter band initially and just go to what your level is. But do it on both legs so the brain recognises the difference between the legs. Repetition builds the neuro links to the movement.
3) Ask around for a slendertone or an equivilent. ESPECIALLY the ones with the small electrode pads. Put them on the calf and let the machine do the work of tensing the muscle. Again this sends the signals to the muscle.
4) Calf raises. I know you probably do A LOT, or at least what the muscle allows. If there's no movement in the lift then do it infront of the table. Put as much weight on the arms as needed.
5) Cycling. Put the seat high so you almost need tiptoes to push the peddle to the lower range. Just use your weaker leg and only place on the level your 'push' allows. Obviously only on an indoor bike.
It is a problem and i fully appreciate what its like to have no control over such a simple action as raising the ankle. It takes a long time to develop. Post Op I had to keep going quite and intense daily routine to get to where i have. I hope some part of this helps.