7 weeks post op - New ball and socket click and jelly feel in top of thigh

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I'm now 7 weeks post non-cemented left THR, a 49 year old woman. A week ago I walked for about a km, then did a little standing dancing to the Time Warp (it was Richard O'Brien's 70th b day if you know the Rocky Horror show). I digress... The next day I noticed my upper left thigh was a bit hot and swollen, stiffish and a bit sore. Every now and then when I went from non-wieght bearing to weight bearing on my left (operated) leg I felt/heard an dull click. Sunday I threw up and runny number twos and got a bit paranoid there might be an infection. By the Monday the swelling was still there so I went to my Dr and blood tests ruled out infection, throid and menopause. When I walk my upper left thigh kind of wobble like a bowl of jelly. This is new since the Friday night. I saw a physio on Tuesday and she thinks most likely a ligament moving from the swelling.

Questions... could it be two things... a bit of the muscle has become un-stitched inside near the hip causing the jelly feeling? Could the occasional click feeling be caused by a gap between my new ball and socket? My left leg is now shorted than it was by 1 cm, correcting a lifelong long left leg. Could this mean I have a gap now it has settled down. Or is this another stage in post op paranoia? Reassuring clucks and clear-headed ideas apprecated

2

From years of chiropractic, I have picked up that it is ligaments that click.  If they tear they are painful and this would explain swelling and heat.  

So so your physio is probably right.  I think 7 weeks might be a bit early to kick your heels up.

Good luck!

3

Hi Minana,

It sounds as though you are over doing things a bit with the walking & dancing.  7 weeks is still very early.  As the doctor has ruled out infection, I would guess that the swelling is just due to stress from all the exercise.  Rest as much as possible with your leg elevated.  Apply ice packs several times a day to help relieve pain and swelling. 

The clinking could very well be from the tendons moving around when you move.  Remember that everything was stretched out and/or cut.  Try to refrain from dancing until you have completed physical therapy (physio).  It takes about 12 weeks for the tissue around your hip to heal.  Everything should be in moderation.  Listen to you body and stop if what you are doing makes it hurt more. 

Hope you are feeling better soon.  Keep us posted!