> D) Some gait training may be in order. Perhaps he locks his knees as he
> walks and comes down hard on his heel in his stride. A video or observation
> may help. Practicing walking with the knees bent, like a sterotypical old
third
> world person who looks like they are shuffling but they are not, they are
> merely walking with knees and hips soft and providing the spring action to
> absorb body weight without the straight leg jolt to the joints......this kind
of gait
> training..........
>
> Let us know what you discover.....


As requested, I am letting you know what I discovered, and requesting more
information.

After suggesting that he walk 'softer', he has returned for a next session very
(my word)
happy with the improvement. Not perfect, discomfort still there, but a marked
improvement.

He seems to feel that the long term answer is in walking differently.



He states clearly there is an improvement from walking 'softer', he said in the
house if he
is without shoes he also makes an effort to land more flat footed.

The phrase with 'softer joints' he used many times. He gives the impression that
is very
beneficial.

He also states that he must walk slowly if he walks faster he can feel the heel
striking
harder and shocks going up the legs. It is definitely more noticeable without
shoes.

He is the sort of fellow who when he walks wants to get where he is going.

I am sure his natural impatients is part of why he walks in a compromising
manner, still he
is motivated to change.

Therefore he (and now me) suspects 'gait training' to have the largest part of
the solution.

His words,

"I really don't understand 'like a stereotypical old third world person who
looks like they
are shuffling', means, are there other images you can give."


He very much would like to start jogging again, and if failing that at least not
have leg
pains from just walking.


More thoughts, more imiages, more suggestions if you have them please.

I suspect if we can get the right picture in his mind it would be good.


Halie