Difference in how we walk?

Question

I injured my knee and ankle pretty badly back in 1999. I have periodic problems with both and sometimes it's bad enough to put me on a cane.

Here's the thing though. I work as a warehouse attendant for a hospital. I am on my feet all day moving around at a fair pace and pushing heavy carts full of supplies that I have carried to the carts. That does not cause me anywhere close to the pain that shopping does.

If I spend even half an hour strolling through the aisles at the grocery store or Wal-Mart my knee gets stiff and sore and I have to keep taking my weight off of it to ease the pain. I have to lean on displays or my cart just to bear the pain. But I can go for 8 hours at work without it hurting that much.

What is the difference in how we walk when walking slowly as opposed to quickly? I want to know if there is something I can do to change the way I walk slowly that will more closely emulate how I walk when working and ease that discomfort.

Answer 1

The shoes you wear at work are not giving you any problems, so you should wear them away from work, too.

Make sure that your pace of walking is the same as at work. If it is not safe to go that fast with a cart, you can leave the cart and bring your groceries to the cart.

Time of day may also be a factor. Try shopping on your day off and see.