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Orthopedic evaluation or comprehensive balance assessment or both?

Posted by ksey @ksey, Sep 27, 2016

I have had right leg ankle surgery several years ago and now wear a brace. I also have had a right knee replacement and later a right knee revision. My walking has deteriorated to the extent that I walk with a cane and my balance is terrible. I am 73 years old and hope to at least go for walks again with my husband. Should I be looking for more orthopedic information or concentrate on my balance. My husband feels that I need a comprehensive balance assessment. Has anyone experienced problems such as those I have described. Thank you.

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tonyc55 | @tonyc55 | Sep 27, 2016

Sounds like you need a neurologist instead of a orthopedic evaluation

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flor | @flor | Sep 28, 2016

IN 2012
HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY BALANCE AND AT MAYO CLINIC AFTER MY KNEE REPLACEMENT I WAS SEEN BY AN DR. NEFF AND HAD A HEARING AND BALANCE EVALUATION I SUGEST FOR YOU TO GO TO AN OTC DR. AND SEE WHAT HE THINKS. I WALKED WITH A WALKER NOT BECAUSE MY KNEE REPLACEMENT BUT FOR MY LACK OF BALANCE

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Moderator
Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Oct 4, 2016

Ksey, thank you for sharing your concerns on Connect. Although I am a moderator for Bones, Joints & Muscles, I also experienced these issues as I had my left ankle fused and my right knee replaced. After my knee replacement, I struggled with balance due to the resulting overcompensation with my other leg, whether it was due to pain or distrust in my new knee or both is unclear. Ksey, what sort of changes in leg strength have you noticed recently? Do you have a leg that you consider your “good” leg or “strong” leg?

I would also like you to meet @amberpep, who discussed issues very similar to yours on a recent thread for Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Amberpep, you discussed that you were going to try Tai Chi for seniors. How has that activity improved your strength, balance, and pain?

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1 reply
Barb | @amberpep | Oct 4, 2016
In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Ksey, thank you for sharing your concerns on Connect. Although I am a moderator for Bones,..." + (show)
@JustinMcClanahan

Ksey, thank you for sharing your concerns on Connect. Although I am a moderator for Bones, Joints & Muscles, I also experienced these issues as I had my left ankle fused and my right knee replaced. After my knee replacement, I struggled with balance due to the resulting overcompensation with my other leg, whether it was due to pain or distrust in my new knee or both is unclear. Ksey, what sort of changes in leg strength have you noticed recently? Do you have a leg that you consider your “good” leg or “strong” leg?

I would also like you to meet @amberpep, who discussed issues very similar to yours on a recent thread for Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Amberpep, you discussed that you were going to try Tai Chi for seniors. How has that activity improved your strength, balance, and pain?

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Hi there .... well, since I don't have a working DVD, I have not tried it. But going to the therapist I did for 3 months worked wonders. She was amazing. She spotted things about my ;walk that no one had ever seen, or said anything about. The things she had me do were so simple, yet so helpful. I have not fallen once since then. But, I also have tried to slow down when I'm working around the house or yard. I tend to be rather
"schushlick," which is a good old PA Dutch word meaning "scurrying around ... doing things quickly ... hurrying from one thing to another." That was me and I still do guard against it.
Since I'd had the Revision, I felt the best place to start was with an Orthopedist; he gave me the Rx for going to the P.T. Good move for me.
Abby

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