Health Organization for Pudendal Education

Hi all,

Drove to the grocery store today and as I was walking from the parking lot to the store entrance, I stopped dead in my tracks (nearly got hit by a car!) by the sudden realization that I was limping! My pain in the last year has been a bit more under control with medication and lifestyle modifications, but I had almost forgotten that when the pain is really bad, it feels better to limp. Basically, I drag my left foot along (looks like a limp) in response to (or perhaps to help alleviate?) the pelvic pain/burning. Does anyody else do this? I doubt if I have ever even mentioned this to my pain doctor and other specialists because I know that none of them have ever bothered to evaluate how I walk.

Do you think this points to a possible cause of my PN pain, or does everyone with PN pain do this? So far I suspect SI joint issues and a mis-aligned pelvis, would this explain the limping?

Thanks!

Yes Julia I limp too. Not realy noticeably, most of the time. My husband notices it if he has his arm around me when we walk together. Although sometimes people say I'm walking better and I didn't realise I had been walking 'worse'.
I'm not sure if it is the SIJD component of my problem, would seem the most likely reason.
The only other thing to be aware of is walking differently to guard against pain. This will usually just make things worse and cause more pain rather than less, it could be something that people do without realising it.
You did talk about your leg being heavy too. My worst one is so heavy, I wouldn't say that this affects walking too much as my front thigh muscles are good(ish) although I 'run' like Quasimodo now. I can't do a straight leg raise on that side anymore, only because the damn thing is so heavy.
I also can NOT jump! I have no bounce left and don't like it!!! The heavy leg also means that I pick my, worst leg up and across when getting in the car, but that is as much a piriformis pain thing as heaviness.
if you are guarding against pain because of the burning or other PN symptoms while walking, try to walk normally, as any changes to gait can have a knock on effect. The process of walking shouldn't effect PN or make it worse. However, there may be other things going on that possibly could.
Take care,
Helen

Yes, I'm a limper too. I walk slower than normal since any jostling/bounce movements stirs up pain levels. I try to correct the limping as much as possible but during flares it is significant. I have no feelings of "heavy" leg.

With the current Olympics underway I recently entertained thoughts of a PN Olympics and what the competitions would be. Timed sitting, walkfast races, dog-paddle swimming, best floater, bench pressing soup cans, fastest completion of medical forms, most specialists seen? Reaching for gold takes on a whole new meaning for us doesn't it? Okay so maybe it's just amusing to me, clearly I have way too much time on my hands lately!!! Must busy my mind more productively.
Cheers, Fall Girl

I don't limp but might be up for some of those PN Olympic sports!

I'll add a few events..

Persistently badgering healthcare professionals (without getting a restraining order)..

Most undesirable side effects from meds taken (this can be broken down into several 'classes' then we all compete at the end)..

and longest time aroused (with or without relief)..

Yeah, guess I need a hobby too..

I am post surgery and trying to learn how to walk correctly but still limp now and then especially when tired. However I have learned after 20+ years of foot pain that also caused limping that you want to stop and give yourself time off. Limping only causes pain all along your body. I just get home to the sofa! As for the olympic thing-I like it - we all need some fun and release from our pain. How many doctors have we gone to that do not have a clue about PN! That number needs togo down over time with the winner being someone whose first doctor visit is with a doctor who at least has heard of it. Take Care,
Janet

I have limped for years almost dragging my worst side to avoid movement there....When I use my crutch on left side I walk better, slower but better...if I dont use it and try to walk faster the the whole dragging and pulling is so much worse and its a flare up for me.

Used to limp/drag the foot on my bad side before PNE surgery.

Violet