Struggling to Lift Your Heel After Knee Surgery? Here's What to Know - Rehabilitation

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After knee surgery, especially following a significant injury like a patellar fracture, it's common to experience challenges with mobility, including difficulty lifting your heel. Let's address your concerns one by one.

1. Why Can't I Lift My Heel When Lying Flat?
The inability to lift your heel while lying flat may stem from several factors. Post-surgery, the muscles around your knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings, may be weak due to disuse and atrophy. This weakness can hinder your ability to perform movements like heel lifts. Additionally, swelling and pain in the knee can restrict movement and make it difficult to engage the muscles effectively. It's also possible that the surgical procedure itself has temporarily altered the mechanics of your knee joint, affecting your ability to perform certain movements.

2. Bone Healing and Flexibility
Your doctor mentioned that your bones have not fully healed yet. This is crucial because the healing process can limit your range of motion and the types of movements you can safely perform. While you can gently flex your knee, it's essential to avoid pushing yourself too hard, as this could jeopardize your healing. The "limit" for flexing your knee will depend on your pain tolerance and the doctor's recommendations. Always consult your physician or physical therapist before attempting to exceed your current range of motion.

3. Walking and Use of Crutches
Using crutches is a common practice during recovery, especially if you feel unstable or weak when putting weight on your injured leg. It's important to gradually increase your weight-bearing activities as tolerated. If you feel that your leg is still weak, it's advisable to continue using crutches until you feel more confident. Daily practice of walking, even with crutches, is beneficial for regaining strength and mobility. However, ensure that you are not forcing yourself to walk without adequate support until you feel ready.

4. Flexing Your Knee vs. Heel Lift
If you can flex your knee, that is a positive sign of recovery. However, it’s essential to focus on both flexion and extension (straightening your leg) as part of your rehabilitation. While it’s okay to prioritize knee flexion, you should also work on lifting your heel as it is a crucial part of regaining full function. If lifting your heel is painful or impossible, consult your physical therapist for tailored exercises that can help improve this function.

5. Choosing the Right Rehabilitation Specialist
For your rehabilitation, a physical therapist (PT) is typically the best choice. PTs specialize in restoring movement and function after injuries and surgeries. They can provide you with a structured rehabilitation program tailored to your specific needs, focusing on strength, flexibility, and functional mobility. Occupational therapists (OTs) generally focus on helping individuals perform daily activities and may not specialize in the physical rehabilitation of injuries like a PT would.

In summary, your recovery process will take time, and it's essential to be patient with yourself. Continue with your home exercises, and consider seeking professional rehabilitation support to guide you through this challenging phase. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider will ensure that your recovery is on track and that any concerns are addressed promptly. Remember, every small step you take is a step toward regaining your strength and mobility.