I had a total hip replacement march 27th 2018. Everything seemed to be improving with physical therapy twice a week. Released for back to work at six weeks ,since returning limping and pain developing again like during my second week post op.There is a lot of walking involved and some physical activity involved but have been given less demanding work, except for the walking. I ice every night helps some just really wondering if this is normal and need to wait it out or if there might be a problem developing. Surgeon did give me a ok at six week follow up, xrays were good too.
If everything was okay with your x-rays I’d suspect you are just doing a bit more than you should, without realising it. As we get fitter it is easy to overdo it. But why not contact your consultant and ask? Just to be on the safe side.
Hi Richard,
Are you in the states as they seem to have a slighty different approach to THR. Did you have the anterior THR as six weeks seems very early to go back to work. I am not seeing a physio for another two weeks, which will be six weeks after op. Sometimes rushing the healing process might not be the best policy. The bones will still need to heal whatever THR you had.
I have to say - I have just started back to work at 12 weeks instead of 6 because they moved me from 3 years at a desk back to a field position! I overdid it while home and developed bursitis - that and haven’t been in my feet all day for 3 years - but I’ve said all that to say this: my OS told me I couldn’t hurt it at 12 weeks (I know you are at 6)... unless I did something insanely stupid and continued to repeat it. I am struggling as well though... I have found that it helps to freeze water bottles for icing during the day, Salonpas creme (not gel — but not on the incision), and I have much need of my cane to help alleviate some of the pain and to get my gait back without a limp... his last words to me were “Let your pain level tell you when your day is over”... I feel for you - hoping the best - and will monitor responses to keep up with your progress!
Hi Richard.
I had surgery March 15 RTHR POSTERIOR
I returned back to work at 7 weeks
So your ahead of me. I seat at computer drive and walk lots for work.
I have found I have more pain as well since going back and told to listen to body which is hard as I want to push it and prove to myself I am better then I was and can do it all
. Limping is bad.
I was told use a cane if still limping, as muscles and fasa (not sure how to spell it) take longer to fully heal and it’s all holding new hip in place
Hard to do as I needed cane for a 9 months before surgery and don’t want it. I was told 12-16 weeks for recovery and full recovery could be a year. Damage we do by pushing it can last our life time
I would talk to physio again. And see what they think.
If you can I would book to see them after a day of work and they could evaluate your condition at that time.
Good luck.
I would just slow down. I had a second opinion and the second doctor shared with me that thigh pain is typical as the hip is inflexible and the bone is flexible. Until you fully heal, you should expect thigh pain. Remember that it can take up to two years to feel normal as you body has been traumatized. Hope this helps