I am almost 7 weeks post op and just started weight bearing last week. I'm 28yrs old and have had a broken hip for 3 years, 3 surgeries to try and correct it failed and so here I am with a hip replacement. I limp extremely bad and did before the surgery as well. Recovery is going slow but I am getting discouraged about the bad limp. Anyone have any advice on ways to strengthin my leg to help progress it along. I have done physio excersices everyday my strength is increasing I'm hoping to start aqua swim therapy soon once it's cleared with my surgeon. How long did you limp and does it get better? I feel like the limping is worsening not improving.
Hi Joellynn,
As you previously has a broken hip for three years, you recovery might be a little slower. Don't push yourself. It sounds as though you are doing very well so far, and I'm sure you'll find yourself getting stronger each week. I understand the frustration as you've been through so much already. Take things slowly. You'll be happy you did in the end.
Best of luck!
Hello Joellynn. So sorry you had to suffer so much. I know the limping is very discouraged and frustrating. I too limped prior to surgery I was 1 & 1/2 inches short. I had rhr surgery in July 3 weeks later I find out I dislocated it. Had to have total hip revision. 6 weeks non weight bearing, no hip flexion past 80 degrees and no hip exercises for 6 weeks. Dr said so bone could grow into the hip. It was terrible. Finally when I was able to bear weight again I had a bad limp. Now I'm not limping as much but still have it and I'm 7 months in. Weakness of the hip is cause. Muscles need to get stronger but it's hard getting there. Having to deal with tendonitis and bursitis and now nerve pain. It's been a slow and long recovery. But it will get better. It can take a year to get better so it's important to continue with your exercises every day. Wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery. Hang in there it will get better. With all your surgeries I'm sure that has hindered your recovery but with determination and being kind to yourself you will get there. Rest when you feel like it's to much, ice for pain and swelling, heat for helping stiff muscles also is very soothing. Massaging to loosen up the muscles. come back here to let us know how you are doing and if you need to vent!! HUGS 🤗 , LD
Hi Joellynn,
The key to recovery is understanding that the intent of the exercises is to return you to the strength and range prior to surgery. Then to the actual ability of the joint/muscles prior to the injury.
I was very mobile prior to surgery and not using assistive devices. What I was not able to do, however, was abduct my hip (open my hip - knee past my hip). I was amazed at how much muscle atrophy I had as a result.
Keep small daily goals, achieve them ,plan for setbacks every so often, and you will win the race. And never forget Elevation and I'VE!
Kristen
PS...take your time and use you walker or cane for as long as you need them. It is better to walk 30 steps in excellent slow form than to rush and walk a longer distance in poor form. You are retraining the brain and the hip as to what is correct.
Thank you. It's hard kind of going through this alone as I am so young and don't know anyone who has went through the same thing. Sometimes ashe much as I want to rush this process i need to remind myself to go slow.
Thank you for the kind words. I do feel defeated with not being at the same start as everyone else who has had a hip replacement, this journey in life has just taken longer then I hoped. Recovery is going really well I get stronger and can tackle new excercises and tasks weekly. Putting my foot back on the ground again has made me feel limited and I feel like I'm back to wear I was since its difficult to walk. I have new stretches to help with the stiffness that seem to help. I guess just the taking 2 steps forward and 1 step back is a Little over whelming for for me. I am a mother or 4 with a 6 month old so I'm Eagar to get back to walking with my kids!
The limp is partially built into us from the years of bad walking posture and limping we have done before the operation. Our bodies have gotten used to limping, and continue to so long afterwards.
I am over 12 months post-op, and still limp when tired. I am now taking Pilates lessons to try to strengthen my core muscles and improve posture all round.
Graham
Thank you, yes I use crutches and the walker. I am not able to walk Comortably as the limping and not walking on my foot has given me a lot of pain as well in my foot and ankle so I am still slow and using my aids which u know I will have to for a while. I understand my leg with never be as it once was, going through what I've been through I'm not looking for full recovery I'm just hoping to gain my mobility back it's been very hard noto be mobile for so long. I don't want to limp because of other problems it can cause to my body, I'm hoping to do all I can to improve it! I just hate how slow the process is, but I know it takes time🙈
So true! I sometimes catch myself limping even though i'm no longer in pain. As soon as I realize it, I stop myself and walk properly
Oh well of course you are!! I can relate some. I so want to be able to enjoy my grandkids but it's hard right now. Just take it one day at a time enjoy the good days and tolerate the bad as best you can. Like you I'm disappointed that i am not at the level as others but my circumstances are different than others and so my recovery is different. We all heal & recover at different times. Prayers that all will get better soon!! LD
hi joellynn,
warm welome to the best hippies forum - so many great responses already from fellow hippies here -
well, as you know, we all heal and prgress at our own individual rate and cannot compare ourselves to others ...
The way i understand it is that you just started walking (weightbearing last week) - you are doing great - doing your exerises and inreasing strength is wonderful .. remember that you just had major invasive surgery where tendons and musles were cut and manipulated ...you are learning to walk again -
have you seen your surgeon already for follow up appointment ? usually that takes place around 6 weeks post-op -
one step at a time, darling - be patient and gentle with yourself and ome bak here anytime you have a conern or question, okay ...
big warm hug
renee