Re-learning how to walk after suffering an injury of the lower limbs like a fracture or after any form of orthopaedic surgery to the legs is a big deal.
I say so because walking after bone surgery is one way of reinforcing your independence.
You are going to learn different walking techniques depending on the injury you have or the power you have in the legs and arms.
In this article, we shall discuss the different types of weight-bearing you will need to understand when you resume weight-bearing status.
Basics on weight-bearing
Weight bearing is the ability to put your weight on your feet while standing. The weight bearing status assigned to you will depend on the assessment from the doctor’s physical examination and the appearance of the x-rays.
Keep in mind that while walking after bone surgery, in most cases you will need assistance from walking aids or crutches.
Do you need to see a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon?
Different weightbearing statuses
These techniques describe the amount of energy you bear on the affected foot following surgery;
Non-weight bearing
You are allowed to move from bed to chair. In this case, no ambulation is allowed on the affected limb (whether standing on the limb/leg or walking). These patients are considered to be in an unstable orthopedic state.
Toe touch
It is also known as touch-down weight-bearing. It means that the patient uses the limb only for balance. As the name clearly suggests, you are allowed to lightly place your toes on the ground while standing without putting weight through that particular foot.
The patient here moves with both his/her crutches during ambulation.
Partial weight bearing
In this case, you can bear 50% of the weight on the affected extremity. The patient will need to walk with the aid of a walker or both crutches. Your physiotherapist or surgeon should instruct you on how much 50% is.
Guarded full weight-bearing
In this kind of weight-bearing, the patient is allowed to ambulate on both limbs but continues to fully use the crutches as well.
Full weight-bearing
Here there is full liberty to walk on both lower limbs with or without an assisting device. If there is any apprehension, the patient is allowed to use both crutches or a single crutch.
What causes difficulty adjusting?
It might feel intuitive to just get up and walk after injury but there are a few things that contribute to difficulty adjusting to normal walking.
- Pain. Pain can be expected but with guidance from your doctor, this should be well managed. If pain is persistent, point this out to your doctor as there might be more than meets the eye.
- Muscle atrophy. It’s a no-brainer that muscles atrophy when injured. This can impede your walking. You will need to start slow and do strengthening exercises in order to rebuild your muscle bulk.
- Proprioception. Proprioception refers to position sense. The ability to tell where your limb is at a different point in time. Some proprioceptors in the muscles and joints are injured during trauma. Through proprioception training, you can regain this position sense.
In conclusion, as much as moving after orthopedic surgery may be extremely important, it is crucial that you comply with the advised weight-bearing status to protect the construct and prevent further injury.
