weak legs after surgery - Cerebral Palsy Message Board

mdctlew · 05-06-2005, 04:54 PM

HI Okay the casts are off ! tristin had the surgery one month ago for hamstring lengthenings on both legs . for some reason he cant bring his left foot up . when I asked the dr he said he didnt know but it wasnt from the surgery ,
we have excercised both legs all week and I can tell they are getting stronger but wow we have a long long way to go .
when he stands both legs are now straight but when he trys to take steps he isnt bending his knees .
we go to a new therapists monday and I am hoping and praying she will help us . we have had SO many therapists that have not helped us at all .
we are stretching him every 2/3 hours . he cannot wear the AFOs they gave him because he has stage 2 pressure sores on both heels .due to the casts . augggggg sometimes I wonder if there will ever be a good end to all this . debbie

Steffers2318 · 05-07-2005, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdctlew

HI Okay the casts are off ! tristin had the surgery one month ago for hamstring lengthenings on both legs . for some reason he cant bring his left foot up . when I asked the dr he said he didnt know but it wasnt from the surgery ,
we have excercised both legs all week and I can tell they are getting stronger but wow we have a long long way to go .
when he stands both legs are now straight but when he trys to take steps he isnt bending his knees .
we go to a new therapists monday and I am hoping and praying she will help us . we have had SO many therapists that have not helped us at all .
we are stretching him every 2/3 hours . he cannot wear the AFOs they gave him because he has stage 2 pressure sores on both heels .due to the casts . augggggg sometimes I wonder if there will ever be a good end to all this . debbie

Aww, I hope everything works out for you and your son!! It sounds like it will be worth it in the end, because he can straighten his legs now...the strength just has to be built back up with the therapy and it sounds like you are working hard at that. I was supposed to have the surgery on Monday, but I can't now...I was disappointed, it would make things a lot easier to be able to straighten my legs...so just try to look on the bright side!

JellyRJFan · 05-07-2005, 05:10 PM

It's common for hamstrings to be weakened after lengthening. I had mine done 6 years ago this June, and they are still weak. As for the back-kneeing, I'm pretty sure that's quite common as well. I used to do it while walking, but now I only hyper extend while standing or laying down.

Zagreus · 05-08-2005, 04:11 PM

And the greatest discomfort comes once the cast is removed. The cast has been supporting the leg and the muscles have atrophied. Your child is probably feeling more soreness now than ever. Once you're back in PT, you'll be able to help your child rebuild the muscle tissue and the situation should gradually improve.