Had total left hip replacement 5 weeks ago still got limp due to see consultants in a ems time

Bones, joints and muscles
1

due to see consultant in a weeks time only use crutch outside but want to walk with out limp

2

5 weeks? One crutch outside is ok so long as you are walking without a limp. I have known consultants seeing patients at six weeks giving rollicking to folk not using two. Depends on the type of surgery and where you are based, age and such but advice is 2 crutches outside, stomach in, back straight, heel toe, and see how you go. There is no hard and fast rule when you walk without a limp, it could take months, generally 5 or so to feel completely comfortable. Use of a cane/stick is also advisable once you ditch the crutches it will help to ease the muscle strain. Hope this helps
Helen

3

Hi
i had been walking with a limp for years so after my THR 7 months ago it probably took a good 3-4months before i was walking without a limp im now wearing high heels again! Take your time! 5 weeks is early its all healing.

4

It is recommended that two crutches should be used to ensure that you keep a limp at bay. I think using one tends to allow the limp to continue.

5

Definately agree with previous post, if you are using one crutch and you are limping then you need to use two for walking until your muscles are stronger. If you feel it easier to use one crutch around the house as long as you are walking correctly, heel to toe, straight leg, straight back etc and you are not limping then I would think that is ok. Still very early days for you so make sure you focus on your walking technique to get rid of that limp. Good luck with your recovery.

6

I am only 51 and could never imagine wearing heels again, although that may have something to do with an undiagnosed broken ankle 8 years ago!! I am very conscious of how I walk now and prefer brogues and comfort over heels!!

7

THANK YOU EVERYONE KEEPS SAYING ITD EARLY DAYS TO GIVE MY SELF A CHANCE

8

THANK YOU

9

Thank you will give it a go with both

10

i stopped wearing heels before my hip went I have rhumatoid arthritus too so that stopped me. just tried the standing straight and concentrating on heel toe and that worked but will give two crutches a go again.
i think i may have tried to hard as i had a father and now a husband who have broken their hips through falls and havent got back i to walking.
i have put this op of through fear of being like them. My dr said my head went into over drive when i came out of hospital and was to give my self time

11

Thank you so much would help if you were given this advice when they send you home

12

hi Lesley . I’m also 5 weeks post OP- well 6 on thursday. I’m still using 2 crutches outside and building up the distance I’m walking daily . I’m only very occasionally using 1 inside as I feel my leg still isn’t strong enough and I limp so really atm I’m still using 2. like the others have sd it’s best to use crutches /aids till you stop limping , walk straight backed and heel toe walking. I think we all need to remember we are all different and will heal at different speeds. the booklet I got given did say by the first outpatient appt you may be walking with either 2 or 1 crutch ( not none ) and I have read on here before I’m sure where folk have got a telling off from their consultant if not using any as the leg just wont be strong enough after 6 weeks.
anyway good luck at your out patient appt. I keep a diary and I can see from week to week how much I’m improving so I’m very pleased.
julie

13

Thanks Julie sounds like you had your op same day as me.
i think reading everyone coments ive been pushing to hard. Gone back to the one indoors will try two outside. Thinking about walking heel toe is helping.
Your right everyone is different i noticed everyday i get up us different.
i also have RA & Fybramyalagia to deal with too. makes thinss a bit harder.
thankyou and good luck to you too

14

hi. I had my OP on the 23 rd may . agree re your RA and Fybromyalgia making it harder but you’ll get there :slight_smile:

15

Snap thats when i had my op. Thank you 

16

Hi

Yes i can understand that. Its been about 7 years since ive worn heels and it was at 6mths post op that i felt brave enough…im 45 and could only manage making it to the letterbox pre op…now wow life is different!! But i was intentional about taking my recovery slowly and paced myself…it was a challenge keeping my expectations realistic, plenty of times i would be in tears thinking i should be doing this or up to here in my recovery…at 7mths post op i can honestly say i have no regrets…the op wasnt plain sailing with losing a lot of blood during surgery and requiring blood transfusions.

17

Totally!! Be kind to you, slow and steady…you will get there and i hope like me be delighted and amazed at your recovery and how normal you feel!!!

18

Thank you you all have given a lot more hope that it is early days and I should listen to my body and not be so hard on myself and i will get there.

19

I also had mine on 23 MAY. Im not using crutches at all from about 4 and half weeks. I do use treking poles or one pole if I walk outside. i do check if Im limping and apparently not if I concentrate. the focus on heel toe is excellent.
i think everyone if different. I havent started driving yet.
good luck all MAY 23 rds

20

i have found all comments helpful i am driving not to far at the moment and only since the weekend. Consultant did say if i felt confident enough i could from 3 -4 weeks.
Now I’m consentrating on walking heel toe has made it easier with the crutches