Following a neurologic injury, some people experience a leg that feels stiff, heavy, or both. This can make walking difficult. In this video, you will learn the best exercise routine to relearn how to lift the leg more efficiently and minimize the sensation of having a “heavy leg”.
What causes the leg to feel stiff?
Damage to the neurologic system can cause two problems that significantly impact the body’s ability to move. These are spasticity and abnormal synergy patterns. Spasticity, an involuntary muscle contraction, in the quadriceps (muscles that straighten the knee) can make the knee difficult to bend while walking. This can cause the leg to feel like it is stuck to the ground. An abnormal synergy pattern can also cause the knee to want to stay locked out straight. Both of these movement problems can make the leg feel heavy and make walking difficult
What are the best exercises for a stiff or heavy leg?
The best place to start is lying down with the knees bent. Starting with the knees bent will make it easier to lift the leg. Lying down, can help the body to stay more relaxed and may minimize the impact of the abnormal muscle synergy and spasticity noted above.
Next, try starting with the leg starting from a more extended position.
If that is too difficult, you might want to try using the core max to assist
Next, you can move on to trying to bring the leg forward in standing. Use something under your foot to make it easier to bring forward. I recommend a mini skateboard
Once you can bring the leg straight forward, try adding a step
Once you can lift the leg up onto a small step, try working the end range of hip flexion
One final recommendation that I have is to use a tool to help you work on lifting the leg while walking. A resistance band belt can significantly help to “normalize” your walking pattern if you have a heavy leg.
Other articles you may be interested in:
Pelvic Organ Prolapse: What You Need To Know
Around 40% of women worldwide experience pelvic organ prolapse. Most of them are between 60 and 75 years old. While it is common in those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB), it can also occur in people with penises. Though it isn’t infectious, it’s an epidemic in...
Tea-rific Health Benefits of Drinking Green Tea
Around 600,000 tonnes of green tea is consumed annually — a figure that has grown by approximately 20% in the last ten years. When you understand all the benefits of drinking green tea, its popularity isn’t surprising at all. This grassy, flowery, and earthy...
The power of protein on weight management
Weight management can be a challenging journey for many individuals, but with the right approach, achieving a healthy and sustainable weight is possible. Among the various factors that influence weight loss success, the role of protein cannot be overstated. Protein is...
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Guide to Optimal Health
In today's fast-paced and stress-ridden world, finding effective methods to promote relaxation and restore balance in our lives has become paramount. One technique that has gained considerable recognition in recent years is Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR). PMR has...
Causes of pelvic pain and treatment
Causes Of Pelvic Pain And Treatments Do you experience a sharp, shooting pain in your pelvis that comes on suddenly? Do you have a twisted or knotted feeling when exercising or having sex? If so, you may be experiencing pelvic pain. What Is Pelvic Pain? Pelvic pain...
Avocados: The Superfood that is SUPER good for you
Move aside, apples, because there's a new health-conscious favorite in town that's ready to steal the spotlight. Enter avocados, the green wonders that can humbly boast about their irresistible taste and creamy texture. But even more so about their health benefits....
Is a meat diet healthy?
The impact of meat consumption on health is a complex and debated topic. The vegans will give a compelling argument that meat will kill you. And of course, the “carnivore” (person who primarily eats meat) will give a compelling argument that meat is the healthiest of...
Endometriosis: What It Is, Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatment
Endometriosis affects more than 11% of American women between the ages of 15 and 44 years as well as roughly 10% of women globally according to the Women’s Health division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Sciences. Notoriously common and painful, this health...
Unveiling the Health Secrets Within: Understanding the Gut Microbiome
The human body is home to trillions of microorganisms, forming a complex ecosystem within our gastrointestinal tract (GIT) known as the gut microbiome. Long overshadowed by the spotlight on human cells, this intricate community of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other...
Netflix Documentary Cooked: A review
Highly processed foods in the Western world often take the brunt of the scrutiny when it comes to the concerning rise in the rate of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditions (just to name a few). But maybe the “causal relationship” isn’t that...