Well I have reached the one year mark and pleased to say all is well - except I still limp?? The Consultant said that one leg was shorter than tuther now and that's the reason for limping. He said that I have to build up the muscle in the thigh and then I will stop limping??? Has anyone had this problem AND does exercising get rid of the 'short' leg situation?? I still cannot walk very far without suffering later on in the day but hopefully this will pass - I can only hope eh!
J X
Well done. I'm only 2 weeks post op so don't know answer but imagine as time goes on and muscles strengthen it will continue to improve. onwards and upwards
Dear Sandra
Muscle strength is important of course but how you are walking is very important too. IMO I believe that it is a mistake to toss your aids before you are able to walk in a strong balanced way with a good gait. Doing it early will only benefit your ego!
Yes, when I realized this and started using both crutches again for proper support for a short time I improved fast and shortly afterwards when I had gained the additional necessary muscle strength I got rid of the crutches and progressed very quickly.
Hope this helps.
Cheers Richard
hi jean,
congratulations on your one year anniversary ...
How much is the leg length difference? how was it measured? and how is your other hip ?
Your surgeon is probably right that with proper exercise the muscles will lengthen and get stronger - just make sure that you walk correctly - posture, movement, finish step heel to toe etc.
did he/she talk about getting a shoe lift or wedge ?
let us know how you are getting on okay ... so many people are here on the forum who will benefit from the discussion ...
big warm hug
renee
Hi, the Consultant just had me move my leg around on the examing table and that's when he said one was longer than the other - could be guess work?? No mention of any shoe lifts/wedges - would they help me and where do I buy them from? My other hip is ok as the reason I had a replacement was the fact I fell awkwardly - no arthritis I'm pleased to say. I have and always have had very good posture - stems from my school days when we had to walk around the Hall with books on our heads. I cursed it at the time but thankful in later years ha ha.
JX
totally agree Richard. I could get round my flat without aids but continue to use one....just find it easier than two as small flat. Outside I use both crutches and am watching my gait all the time I'm walking. I try to not put pressure on crutches unless gait changing. I don't intend to ditch crutches until I walk correctly as my new hip was fitted in the position to do that and walking incorrectly may cause problems later.
Dear Sandra
That's good to hear. When I had my primary THR twenty years ago I left hospital walking well with two sticks though I only needed on. Ditched that within a couple of days and did not do any exercises, just walked and basically just got on with my life.
The recent revision proved to be very different and I have had to learn to do things rather differently!
All the best Richard
hi jean,
that makes a difference - your surgeon probably has a good eye and can tell when there is a difference in leg length -
depends how big the difference is, really - there are over the counter ones that might help to make up for the difference ...
LOL on walking around with book on head - my mother made me do it, hoping I would walk more lady like - hmmm - maybe I can do that again ...
I am still limping as well, especially when I try to walk faster and become sloppier ...
maybe give it more time -
angel blessings
Dear Jean, yes excersices are very important to get muscles stronger.
Im 10 months after left hip replecement and my leg is longer about 1,5 cm .
Im wearing insole in my shorter leg. My operated hip right one need to be done as well and im on cancelation list. Few day ago i started have a pain in operated
leg i menage the had ex ray and tomorrow i have scan. I also managed to
get hold of hospital physio and had the appointment. He give me list of streching excersices and also have physio in hospital for 4 to 6 weeks because
I need loose my musles they are still to hard. Do some streching and hydro therapy are great. Good luck. 💗
Hug Madla.
Afternoon Jean. I don't think exercises get rid of a short leg. The limping can be due to weak hip muscles. Prior to my hip replacement I was almost 2 inches short. Dr gave me back almost my whole length back. Being careful not to stretch the sciatica too much as that would give me a dropped foot. I'm a year out and still limp. Not too bad but I do limp without the use of my cane. My muscles surrounding the hip were very weak and under developed especially the butt muscle. It's going to take a long time to get them stronger as they have been that way for years. Do you use a cane? If so does that help in keeping you from limping? If so then you're hip muscles are weak. Are you still exercising them? I've been going to gym now for about 7 months now. I was going prior to surgery too. Best of luck to you and hope all goes well for you. Hugs 🤗 Linda
hello sweet marla,
I hope that you get your surgery date soon - it is normal that your operated hip/leg starts hurting because she is supporting you while still healing --- I had the same problem -
and you have such a physical job ...
of course your muscles are still a little tight and weak -
Very good that you get physical therapy and still doing hydro therapy ...
don't work too hard okay ---- give your self plenty of rest ...
big warm hug
renee
of cours not marla, but Madla
It is 14 months since I fell, broke my hip and had a replacement. Pleased to say I am now doing all the prohibited things again. I went for my final appointment at the hospital and was discharged but told to build up the muscles in my thigh to get rid of my limp. I am still using a cane to help me walk.
The only problem I have is that I can go for several days feeling fine but then I get hip and backache so have to resort to tramodol - is this normal after 14 months?
Also find that after exercise, especially walking, I get hip/backache pain??? Can anyone relate to this please?
Regards
JX
Dear Jean
I would suspect from what you have said that your back is very likely to be the cause of your pain issues. If I am right you need to see a good chiropractor, preferably not a McTimoney one as they cannot offer the same skill set.
Good luck, Richard
Morning Jean. I’m 14 months and still using Tramadol. Mostly due for the nerve pain and sensitivity. Like you I get good days thinking I’m finally over this then I’m having pain back and nerve pain! I do have back issues, herniated discs, scholiosis, and loss of disc height. I take tramadol every now and then and only 1/2 pill. I use to take edge off. I’m going to try a spinal stimulator for 7 days. Dr says that it would take care of all my issues. Also said if it’s going to work I’ll know within 3 days! Here’s hoping 🤞. Wishing you all the best. Hugs 🤗 Linda
Hey Jean, Yes, I had a similar experience, my operated and straightened leg was longer than the other leg causing a slight limp. Also, the imbalance was causing back pain as my spine became misaligned. Consulted a chiropractor who diagnosed the leg length difference and recommended a 1/4" heel lift shoe insert for my non surgical leg. As a result, the limp was cured and my back realigned itself after a few days. Best wishes on your journey to pain free living.
Hi Jean
I read your post and had to stand up and check if my leg length difference was still there. It is - but my body has now adjusted to accommodate it.
I am approx. 22 weeks post second thr following my first in February 2017. Following my first op I had no feeling of leg length difference however following my second op I immediately felt a difference. If I stood on one leg and measured my height I was 15mm taller than when I stood on the other. A heel riser in my shoe cured my limp. The surgeon was adamant there is no leg length difference and hypothesized that I had LLD before the surgery and the limp was a result of this being corrected.
my private physio was saying that this is quite serious and will need orthotics.
. This was all taking place around 6 weeks post op - I was discharged by both the surgeon and nhs physio at this point and was quite anxious about things.
. I decided not to use heel lifts even though they made walking much more comfortable at the time. My main rehab has been walking and swimming with some cycling and gym work and although still a bit wooden and sore sometimes I am on the whole really pleased with my recovery.
. My advice is that I think your body can adjust to cope with 15-20mm LLD given time. Good core strength will help your support your back whilst you change shape.
. Good luck and best wishes Paul