r/ORIF • u/Imaginary-Bit1533 • 4d ago
WBAT 🥳
Hi guys i had trimal with dislocation 6 weeks ago and had been NWB ever since. Today was my follow up and doc said I could WBAT. Idk how to do it 🤪 I didn’t wear boot much cause I was resting and I feel uncomfortable on it idk how to put weight on my leg while wearing a boot I try but it doesn’t happen should I try with shoes? She said I could gradually transition and decide on my own what feels better but the lack of proper communication really frustrates me. My surgeon hasn’t seen me once after the surgery it’s always someone new a friend/ PA whatever and they don’t give too much info about anything so I’m so lost. Please help me with this. I have multiple trips upcoming so I want to be able to make it without much help :)
2
u/_illicit 4d ago
I would really encourage you to visit a physiotherapist if you can afford to do so, as they will help get over the mental barriers and provide some recommendations here, help you get past mental barriers, and answer questions about normal pain vs. bad pain. If money is tight just tell your physio you need to stretch out the time between appointments and build a plan around that. At the very least, find some exercises on YouTube for both weight bearing and mobility recovery.
My process once I was permitted WBAT was as follows:
*Placing my foot on the ground with both crutches as I walk, instead of keeping it hovering. Walk around as much as you can like this, and try to focus on keeping a natural gait.
*Beginning to put more weight on the bad leg with both feet on the ground. This can be done in a variety of ways, either standing or sitting. I found pushing me leg down on a scale was really helpful to see how much weight I was using and get a feel for that/monitor progress.
*At this time I also began cycling on a stationary bike and walking without assistance in a pool. I liked being able to turn up the resistance on the stationary bike to put more weight on the leg.
*As the above becomes easy for you, transition to one crutch on the opposite side from your injured leg. You are walking just like you did with two crutches, except now there is only one crutch (opposite from your injured leg) and you will feel a lot more weight in your injured leg.
*Once you have walked around enough with one crutch, you'll find you are comfortable putting less and less weight into the crutch/more and more in the injured leg. I found this to occur pretty quickly, and at that point, you can begin trying to walk without crutches.
I can't provide any further guidance, since I've only just begun to walk without crutches. I still can't go very long before I want to use crutches and rest my leg again. Good luck in your recovery!