I had LTHR uncemented almost 6 weeks ago. The last 2 weeks i progressed from a walker to a cane and the past few days i have been walking a kilometre at local park with the cane. The path is undulating in a couple of places so not competent flat. However i have developed bad lower back pain which radiates down to my knee and ankle. Before i had the hip replacement the leg was shorter than the other but had now been evened up. Also already have severe degeneration in a disc in lower back and hypermobility in ankles which already causes ankle pain even with specially made orthotics. However the pain i am experiencing now i think is all coming from my lower back. Has anyone else experienced this and if so how did you resolve it. Have no benchmark re exercise and walking distance as don't see surgeon for first checkup until 6 week mark next week. Am thinking i need physio once restrictions are all lifted. Thanks in advance for and advice.
Hi Lindy - have you tried McKenzie back extension exercises? They are designed to relieve disc pressure on nerve bundles that exit the lower spine. The disc pressure is due to conditions such as disc herniation. The nerve bundles head down to the leg, knee and foot, hence "referred" pain is felt in the leg. The McKenzie exercises serve to open the space between the discs. Sounds like you may be aggravating an existing back condition while getting used to the change in leg length dilute to your hip replacement. Leg length difference is one of the issues I'm dealing with after a thr. If you google McKenzie back exercises, you'll find plenty of info on how to do. Go very slow so as to not create other problems with the new hip. Good luck! Gary
Hi Lindy
It sounds as if you are doing great at 6 weeks. My story is similar to yours, I have a difference of just over 1cm in my legs and have suffered with back pain for years.
i am now 14months post op and still having problems with my ankle and foot. I was walking without any aids at 6 weeks and at my check I was told it was plantar fasciitis. I've had this before and knew this was different.
Over the recovery period I have been for various opinions. The orthopaedic surgeon told me it was from the tibula nerve, the 1st physio said he thought it was from my back, the 5th vertebrae. Another physio has said it is more from the hip replacement.
I had a nerve conduction test and was told there is nerve damage in my foot but there isn't anything they can do. Now I'm being told it takes at least 2 years for nerve damage to repair.
I can't really give any advice only time heals. I wish you more luck than I have had and look forward to hearing of your progress.
All the best Brenda C
Hi, Physical Therapy (physio) is extremely important after a FHR. The therapist will show you how to tighten all the muscles back up to get you in alignment. You mentioned that your legs were uneven and the surgery helped to align those back up. Prior to this second surgery, your body (back & legs) would have being used to overcompensating for the difference in leg lengths. Now your legs are the same length, your body will need to re-adjust to support you.
I'd get into PT as soon as possible. This should correct the issues you are currently facing. Use ice packs and elevate your legs as much as possible. This is also help with the aches & pains.
Wishing you the best, and keep us posted
Gary, after reading this post yesterday I did Google the McKenzie stretches. I have been using them before getting up out of chair because I am always hunched over (comically pronounced). They help so much - remarkably so !!
Just wanted to say thanks for the McKenzie reference.
I would think that altering your leg length is effecting the way you hold yourself so please consider seeing a chiropractor...not an osteopath!
Good luck
Richard
hi lindylizzie,
6 weeks post-op is still early in recovery from this major surgery - walking with a cane at 4 weeks might have been too soon -
During surgery muscles, tendons etc. were severed, joint forcefully removed and not so subtle manipulation took place as well - oh, then the banging and sanding to have hardware fitted is also intense ...
No wonder your body needs time to repair these damages while also getting back to normal ...
I had a 4 wheel walker, rollator, which I was advised to use for at least 6 weeks -
It kept me balanced while learning to walk properly again .. still I had muscle aches, stiffness and even some swelling -
walking with a cane is challenging, especially when the path is not nice, hard and flat - I live in the woods (bungalow park) and also dealing with uneveness (gravel, or mud after all the rain) - for some reason I limp, waddle when using a cane - favoring one leg or the other, but not in balance ...
1 kilometer is a good distance and perhaps too long - I was told that it i better to walk shorter distances a couple of times a day -
I hope all goes well at your 6 weeks appointment and let us know the outcome of your visit, okay ....
big warm hug
renee