I actually think that you are making good progress, especially ascending the stairs. Good for you!
As for walking properly, you have a lot of muscles that were used to limping along, they take time to figure out their new way.
Do you think that maybe a cane would be more helpful than your crutch? I ask this because I am trying to picture walking with a crutch plus doing the " heel toe" method and it seems like that would be part of the issue?
I may be worng but it's a thought and maybe worth a try.
The issue I seem to be unable to overcome is the ability to walk “properly “.
As the weather permits I’m taking short walks outside, today I walked 1.5 miles, using one crutch, which I carried at intervals throughout my walk. The problem I have is bending my left knee when I walk…. My leg goes stiff my thigh goes hard and I limp….. I’m walking heel toes and I’m watching my shadow as I walk so I don’t kick my leg out…..
When does the thigh go hard? At what distance into your walk does this start happening?
You just had surgery on October 20, maybe the 1.5 walk is too much too soon?
I know it's frustrating, but you can't hurry up the healing. It takes time.
I'm sorry if you mentioned this and I missed it, but are you still doing an icing regimen, especially after your walks?
Ice is the best way to directly deal with the inflammation in and around your knee.
You could probably benefit from a massage at this stage, too. But I've heard they are very expensive in the U.K.?
Something that you can do yourself. which worked great for my sister who's had both knees replaced, is to place your hands over the sides of your knee- left hand on left side and right hand on right side (of your surgical knee.)
Then do gentle reverse circles with the circle direction moving upwards and towards your upper body/hips. It will be the palm side of of your hands/fingers doing the massaging but you shouldn't be pushing in with your fingertips.
It should be easy enough to do and will feel so good to the soft tissues that are inflamed and sore. You can vary your pressure to what feels best for you but it should never feel painful.
There are many muscle attachments on the sides of your knee that you will be soothing by doing this.
Using a nice lubricant like Bio Oil or even any lotion that you have in your home will work and use sparingly.
Your hands shouldn't be over your incision when doing this either, so it's just the soft tissues on the inside and outside of your knee getting the massage. Your thigh muscles could benefit from some massaging, too.
I hope this makes good sense and is helpful.
United Kingdom
) I didn't take another bath for a LONG time and waited until my bend was much further. Even today, my hubby wants to make sure he's home "just in case". I just took a bath last weekend after not doing one for quite a few months and was able to get in and out fine by myself. 
( I can’t believe it took me this long to figure out how to add the emojis ) 
