Limping

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I am almost 4 weeks post thr posterior. I am worried because I am walk with a limp, I no longer need the walker and only use a cane when I leave the house. Will this limp go away. I am 53 a female and very active it's driving me crazy

2

Four weeks is to early in your post op stage to be worried about a limp which I'm sure will eventually go, you are probably favouring your bad side and not quite placing it down onto the floor as you walk so causing a limp, have you had physio where they teach you heel toe walking, sounds daft I know but sometimes we use the foot too flat or to much on toes.

3

4 weeks, you are still early in the process. your limp will go away. I find I still limp when I am tired, but that is from years of limping and reactionary, not from the hip itself.

​Your swelling it still not all the way down, PT will get you walking without a limp. I have had mine replaced twice, the first time they did not do PT, and the doctor just told me after about 3 months to focus on not limping. The second time through (20 years later) PT strengthened my legs and hips and limp went away naturally.

4

Concentrating on walking was the key for me, trying to make sure I walked with long strides and of equal time each leg. After a long time of limping you have to retrain the brain and body. It works and 4 months post op I no longer limp.

5

Very early days yet. I found hydrotherapy very good. I also downloaded an app pocket physio which is good. Very deliberate heel toe walking as an exercise also helped. It can take months though.

6

Thanks guys all very helpful!!!! I just get a little antsy is it too early for the stationary bike

7

Ring your surgeon or his her secretary or your physio and ask the question, its probably not going to be a problem but no one on here will be able to say yea or nay,

Don't try to rush it though

8

Afternoon. I'm 12 weeks out and I'm still limping. I too was active and it's been a bummer having to rely on the crutch. I limp but I noticed it's getting better...a little better. I started physical therapy and the therapist says it's the weak muscles of the hip. Plus having a stiff joint due to being 6 weeks non weight bearing. Also have bursitis. But therapist says it's all fixable with correct exercises. Have you started physical therapy? We all heal at different levels. 4 weeks is not long. This operation was so major. Give yourself time. And take care of yourself! Best of luck for a speedy recovery!! 🤗🤗. LD

9

I have been given exercises to do and I do them every day. I do not see an actual physical therapist I go back to the doctor at 6 weeks. He says he doesn't think I need a physical unless I'm not where I should be at my next appointment

10

I was the same but paid to see a private physio to check I was doing the exercises correctly, to check I was walking ok and to get some extra exercises as I was having calf pain. That was at about 4 weeks post op. I thought it was worth the money. Best wishes.

11

Well here's hoping all goes well for you!! Will say a prayer for you!! 🤗🤗 LD

12

It's very early days, your limp should go. When you go to physio they should be able to advise you on exercises that will help, and the best way to walk. Good luck.

13

hi dayday, 

we all seem to want to get rid of the walking aids as soon as possible .. 

especially around the 3-4 weeks mark - instructions given to us differ as well - 

I agree with previous posts and as annoying as it sounds, you are still early in recovery from major,invasive and brutal surgery - about 22 muscles, tendons etc were severed , joint forcefully removed, bone cut , hardware put in - 

The purpose of the walker or crutches is to avoid a fall or sudden twist.

The implants have to grow into the bone, a process that takes 4 to 6 weeks, a fall or other sudden twisting force on the leg can risk implant loosening or injury to the leg.

It takes time to get your body in balance again, relearn how to walk while body is healing. 

We recover differently from each other - I was in a pretty bad shape before surgery and have walked with limp (and pain) for a long time - 

My brain seemed to be programmed on how to take the easier way of walking and has a tendency to go back to "default"  mode -

Be patient, darling -

big warm hug

renee