Limp

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I am 5weeks post op is it normal to have a limp when walking with no sticks?

2

I had my op last August and did limp for a while. Then I seemed to improve but sadly the limp has now reappeared, I put it down to lack of exercise as my husband has been ill in hospital and I have sat round a bed for many days. Thankfully he is getting better so I now have to get back into exercising to get rid of the limp.

3

Hi Ruth , I am 6 weeks post op . Saw dr on we'd he said I have a limp because my abductors and adductors ( thigh muscles ) need strengthening . Been referred to physio . Dr will see me in 3 months by  then he expects to see me walking without crutches and limp . I hope he is right cause at the moment it is more painful thN it was before . Drove car for first time today hurrah !!! X

4

I think the generally accepted theory is that your body has naturally compensated for your bad hip over the last few years, muscles have grown accustomed to this "accomodation" and now you have been given a perfectly aligned new hip you will need to train your leg muscles again to walk better.

My surgeon has told me that they are good at getting rid of the pain....they are not so good at curing the limp !

It is a case of re-educating your leg muscles, a good physio. will give you some exercises to help.

Walking with no sticks at just 5 weeks is a major accomplishment, well done...now keep up the exercises.

5

I would say yes as you have had major trauma surgery but it should settle in time. If in doubt have it checked but mine settled completey after 10 weeks

6

Yes it is but, mt PT advised me not to walk without sticks until I could do it without limping, heel first then toe slowly.

7

thank you I tried what you said hell first and then toe slowly and it seems to work thanks

8

just so you know sometimes after THR one leg does become shorter then the other, it shouldnt happen but sometimes it does, I dont know if that is causing your limp.

9

Isn't the first drive fantastic???   Ginny USA

10

Hi Ruthann,

Agreeing with the remarks made along with another piece of advice for you: When you concentrate on heal toe heal toe, make sure your posture is upright.  even if you walk slow at first.  Really concentrate on posture.  I have been doing that and my limp is almost gone althoughi believe i will still have a slight one.  Ginny USA

11

Look out other drivers Mary is back on road ! X

12

Hi RuthAnnFox:  There may be another reason for the limp.  My leg feels shorter than the other by about 1 1/4 inches.  When I stand straight it doesn't touch the floor.  When I lay on my bed and put my legs together the feet don't touch in the same place.  The injured one definitely appears shorter. I thought that I was wearing the bone out.   When I saw my X-ray, I understood, because my pelvis is not perpendicular to the spine.  One side is higher than the other.  This is why I limp, not because the leg is shorter.  Before my operation I am going to a chiropracter to straighten the pelvis.  And after the operation when I am healed enough to tolerate the adjustment, I intend to have it done again, so I can start out straight.

You can check this on yourself by lying on the bed and feeling wher your heels touch. It might be an option for you besides the exercises.  I have seen the operations on video.  Some types require the dislocation of the hip.  They also use a heavy mallet to pound the acetabular cup into the pelvis.  Both of those could affect the alignment of the pelvis and hence the limp on the injured leg.  A lot of people complain about the limp afterward. Maybe this is why.  And a visit to the chiropracter is an easy fix.

​Mikey 

13

Thank you for you coment I think my limp is beause I was slightly ambitious walking withousticks at 5 weeks I have now gone back to the sticks and walk perfectly okay I think I will take it steady from now on, my daughter warned me not to run before I can walk!