Toe out

Posted by kesrel @kesrel, Mar 14, 2019

Anybody else had toe out after a total knee replacement? My operated knee is at 2 o'clock when walking whilst my non operated knee is pretty straight. I'm now two months post op. I'm not sure how common this is with a tkr. and wondering if it's likely to cause problems with future wear and tear? PT said to try and walk with foot straight but I've found that nearly impossible.

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Sorry... "My operated knee is at 2 o'clock when walking" should be "the foot on my operated leg is at 2 o'clock when walking" .

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@kesrel

Sorry... "My operated knee is at 2 o'clock when walking" should be "the foot on my operated leg is at 2 o'clock when walking" .

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@kesrel Hi, and welcome to Connect. I have had two TKRs and never had that problem, nor do I personally know anyone who has. I wish I could say something helpful, but I am stumped.
JK

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@contentandwell

@kesrel Hi, and welcome to Connect. I have had two TKRs and never had that problem, nor do I personally know anyone who has. I wish I could say something helpful, but I am stumped.
JK

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Thanks for your reply JK. I've searched the Internet extensively and not found anything so I'm also stumped.

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Sorry I have no time at the moment except to post a link to an article I found: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3323450/

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Thanks for that Connie.

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Hi @kesrel - I am so sorry to hear about your alignment issues when walking. Like @contentandwell - I've had 2 TKRs and never had that problem or heard of it. I understand that your PT says try to walk straight, but I'm curious how it impacts your ability to do your other PT exercises besides walking - like balance and climbing stairs, etc? I would think your body would be misaligned with your toe pointing out. Also, I wonder what does your surgeon say? I'm guessing at this point you've been back for a 2 week check up and an 8 week check up. I would try to pin the surgeon down. This doesn't sound right and I'm afraid that letting it go on might make it worse. Even if you have to get a second opinion I would think that would be warranted. Best of luck on the recovery.

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Thanks for your reply Debbra. I haven't noticed it affecting the activities you mention but it's a bit difficult to tell as my knee is still a bit stiff and swollen so I'm not managing them 100% yet anyway. I don't think it would affect them too bad though.
At my follow up appt. I brought it up twice but didn't really get a response. I do see the PT again next week for a final appt. and will tell them I'm struggling to correct the issue. The person I'm seeing is very good and will take it seriously.
Thanks everyone for your help.

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My PT pointed out to me that my foot wanted to turn out on the operated knee. Mechanically, the body wants to turn out the foot because it causes less
pain than trying to keep it straight. I've seen my own foot turn out when I'm resting, so I think it's just your body just naturally doing something so that you'll feel less pain. I've been really concentrating on hell-toe, etc and watching my right foot and reigning it in when necessary. Hope that helps you.

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@harley105

My PT pointed out to me that my foot wanted to turn out on the operated knee. Mechanically, the body wants to turn out the foot because it causes less
pain than trying to keep it straight. I've seen my own foot turn out when I'm resting, so I think it's just your body just naturally doing something so that you'll feel less pain. I've been really concentrating on hell-toe, etc and watching my right foot and reigning it in when necessary. Hope that helps you.

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HEEL-TOE. Sorry...

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I had TKR 3 years ago and My foot wants to turn in. Doesn't seem to cause problems but kind of strange. Two years ago second kinee re-placed. Things look normal. Just have some sensitivity around both knees. Joint feels fine.

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