Wellness

[depglass]

I'm five weeks out from total knee replacement.  What can I look forward to in buying new shoes?  Will I be able to wear any type of heel at all?  I had DH pull out all the shoes from under the bed (Yikes, he was shocked at the shoes and the dust) since I haven't been able to kneel for a couple years.  Do I have to donate the wedges?  (about the highest I own now, 2 inches)  Or can I optimistically save them for more healing? 

[Kachina624]

I don't wear anything higher than a 1" heel,  but I worn exactly the same shoes after surgery that I wore before. 

[Katcat1]

I think the doctor should tell you what you can wear and when.  After I had back surgery in 1992, I was told no high heels.  I had total hip surgery last year and I have never been the same but I know a few people that had no problems.  I hope you are doing well. 

[spent2much]

---

---

@depglass I'm 7 weeks out of knee replacement surgery.  I haven't tried on a heel yet, although my heels are thick and not very high (about 1.5 inches).  I'd like to wear them to church but I'll have to test them at home first.  If I can't wear them, I suppose I'll wait a while.  But to think I can NEVER wear them again would be disappointing.  I'm about 5' 1" so I kinda need them.  

Tell me, what is your pain level?  The first few weeks for me were almost unbearable.  Still sore and stiff, but I can live with the pain level as it is now.  More therapy... hopefully more pain relief.

[RedTop]

Prior to my knee replacement, I wore Clark's loafers and slides to work.   All those shoes went out the door after my surgery, thanks to a new knee that kept my foot straight in my shoes and didn't create a strange wear pattern.   

My feet have changed a lot in the last few years, and I am always trying to find shoes that feel good on my feet.   I can no longer wear Clark's, Vionics, or Skechers.   I have Nike tennis shoes, Alegria, Cobb Hill, and a pair of shoes from L L Bean that are still comfortable.   I cannot wear flip flops, heels, strappy sandals, or wedges---essentially no "cute" shoes for me.   

[colliegirls]

My sister-in-law wears the same shoes as she did before.

FYI, my best friend just broke her ankle and her orthopedic surgeon said that women's wedges are the No 1 reason he sees broken or sprained ankles. He advised her not to wear them. I never knew or thought about that before.

[151949]

Your doctor should tell you about shoes and if he doesn't you should ask him.

I have never been able to wear high heels in my life due to being born with a club foot and reconstruction when I was a baby. I keep my heel height under 1 1/2 inches and I can find all types of pretty shoes within that. I would think until your doctor totally discharges you from his care you should be in a good supportive walking shoe like New Balance.

[muttmom]

I'm 5 weeks out of TKR.  My doctor said there is no reason I should not be able to wear the same shoes I wore before surgery.  I keep my heel height under 2".  My usual shoes are about 1" wedge. 

[Lilysmom]

@depglass et al, I am in a cast now for a broken foot.  Second time I broke it in two years.  Both times in the month of April.  Tried the boot for 8 weeks with no success so I am in a cast for five weeks.

I just went through a shoe buying spree.  I bought five pairs, all either flat or low heel under 2".  Not going there anymore.  There are some nice dressy and casual flats these days.  Keep your eyes open.

For those of you who have gone through major surgery, best of luck!!!  My ortho doctor has them lined up in offices on both sides of one hallway.  Holy wow.

 LM

[depglass]

I'm about the same as you, sore and stiff, but tapering off pain meds.  Since I broke my ankle two years ago I figured TKR would be the same, pain wise.  Was I wrong.  Part of my problem was I used a highly recommended surgeon who does a lot of sports medicine stuff.  And his associated therapists at the hospital have pretty much the same attitude.  (Suck it up, Buttercup).  Well, I don't play football and I figure I'm entitled to a little belly-aching.  For three weeks I was kicking myself for doing this, now I'm over the hump and happy.  I can now walk on uneven ground like the woods and beach for a short distance  with good stability in the new knee. That was out of the question before.  I'm still in PT for one more session tomorrow.  My only advice to anyone is DON'T SKIP THE PT.  Mixed news on the shoes, not good about the wedges.  Phooey.