Hi Everyone I am day 9 after THR and doing fine; home after 48 hours, no swelling or wound activity. I am walking on one and sometimes no crutches around the house. (Sleeping is my only major grouse at the mo) I am doing my exercises but no physio yet and I am sure my operated leg is longer than the other!! Has anyone experienced this?
Yes, my leg felt quite a bit longer and when I stood in front of a mirror my hip looked higher. However, now 10 weeks post op and my leg feels the same length. So it was the swelling and scaring inside which does take many weeks to settle. Getting walking was the best thing I think.
Good luck, Paula
Yes, I've written about this on here. My consultant asked me to wait until he sees me at 8 weeks as it often settles down. I was convinced one leg was an inch longer than the other but it has, at 5 weeks settled right down- I think.
Hi ....yes 2cms and I dont notice it....you must use a stick to keep your walking posture correct...Kind regards Ian.
Thanks Ian, walking stick always and forever?
Hi Howeller
Yes, I am 4 weeks post op and initially felt as if my operated leg was longer than the other. I felt as if I had a stiff metal rod in it from knee to hip. My surgeon explained that the brain has to get used to the new hardware that is in your hip which it does over subsequent weeks. I now feel fine and legs feel the same length. Often the pre operated leg is shorter than the good leg because the cartilage has worn away, hence the limp. This was true in my case. The poor old brain has to adjust from walking with a shorter leg, probably with distorted gait to a normal leg with normal gait. It all settles down as the first few weeks progress.
Some people do have a continuing problem with leg length
You are in very early days - be patient, I am sure all will be well
Kind regards Linda x
I felt exactly the same thing after surgery Howeller. The physio in the hospital said that because there is often no cartlidge in the problem hip, when the new joint goes in at the correct height, it will feel like it is higher. I am now 2 weeks post surgery and concentrate more on my form when walking than speed, so I try not to limp and stand straight. It seems to be working well, was well as doing my exercises daily. Oh, and you said sometimes one and no crutches? You shouldn't go to one crutch until you can walk without a limp on two and you shouldn't go to none until you can walk without a limp on one I think? Don't overdo it by doing too much too soon - voice of experience here . Good luck with your recovery.
Good morning .... It sounds as if you are doing really well - 9 days post op and no cruthces around the house !!!
how is your gait ? I agree with first walking without a limp and watching your posture - I don;t think the cane is needed forever and ever ...
take one step at a time and take your time ...
warm hug
renee
YES me too!! I'm day 10 today and using a stick. I am concentrating on my posture as Ian mentioned. I'm not concerned as it's still early and figure it will settle. Surgeon said he will do his best to get leg length the same so only time will tell 😄
Does it also depend if you had an anterior or a posterior op? I've heard that the anterior op has a quicker recovery time because it's not cutting through muscle like the posterior. My surgeon doesn't do the anterior so I had to have a posterior.
Gaylene, how do you know whether you've had anterior or posterior ? My scar is right on the outside, neither front nor back.