In 2001 I blew my knee out (ACL) playing soccer. I had an ACL replacement (auto-graft) and the surgery was a huge success, with a rapid recovery. I have really not had any instability or issues with my knee since then... a limited/brief amount of Physical Therapy got me back to action, but perhaps wasn't enough...
I have a subtle, residual change in my gait and/or step pattern. It has become more noticeable with time. My non injured foot seems to step harder, carry more weight and wears shoes out (on the outer heel area) faster than the other one, friends say that they can tell that there is a hitch in my gait. I am very active, although I pretty much gave up running due to concerns about wear & tear on the knees. The NON-injured leg was my strong, planting leg anyway, so it was always dominant. (the one to balance on while kicking a ball, or push off on while shooting a layup, etc.) I try to consciously change and 'even out' the way I walk from walking on the "blade" side or outside of my injured leg to a more even, stronger step, using the entire walking surface of my foot. I feel certain that there are muscles that have atrophied and/or shortened during the accident and recovery period that have never come back properly.
Anyone ever dealt with something like this? Got any ideas on who might I visit to best look into correcting this? An orthopedic doc? A physical therapist? A massage therapist? All of the above? (I have to watch the pennies, but want to address this issue). Any exercises that might help?
I appreciate any comments you great folks may have... and thank you in advance for them.
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