hi, I thought i'd start a new discussion on this.. My operated (left) leg is 1 inch longer than the other post op. My physio says this should reduce as the muscles around the hip tighten, but 1 inch seems like a lot!
has anyone else had this? do you have to wear special shoes? I can definitely feel it when i walk. I"m 4.5 weeks post op now, still on one crutch and it still burns around the swelling at the hip but most of the other pain has gone. Just the leg length to deal with! i have to do my "out to the side" exercises on a step so that the leg can hang down before I move it out to the side, otherwise I have to pull my hip up to get it out to the side!
My op leg is slightly longer post op - not 1"! More like a few mm. Have you had it properly measured by your OS? I found it weird to begin with but 7 weeks on and physio and walking with no aids concentrating on my gait has made it hardly noticeable now. I think my pelvis had been overcompensating on the other side so it takes a while to straighten everything out. I would give it some time yet as you are so early in recovery. You will have a clearer idea further out of the leg length difference and it may go completely over time.
I am 3 weeks post op and have a 1/2 inch leg difference. I also found it very difficult with my lower back hurting trying to compensate for the difference. I started walking around the house with 1 shoe on the non operated side. This seems to help. I am finding the more I walk, the more the difference isn't bothering me as much. So because my body is getting use to it or that helps the muscles adjust or a combo, I don't know. I know it's really frustrating, and if you are like me, I am not a patient person, it seems to be taking forever! Part of my frustration is I didn't know this could be an issue. I had prepared myself for the pain and dependence on others and time for recovery. So when I stood up for the first time and right away noticed the difference, I was shocked. I guess, as with the all the other issues, we just have to be patient with our body's to adjust in its on time. My PT people gave me a lift for my right shoe, (left thr) that is only 1/4 inch, so it helps but allows for some pull on left side. The lift is just a small wedge that goes inside your shoe.
I would not know, but hopefully i get the same after my LTHR as that leg is an inch shorter due to a RTC back in the 80's and has caused no end of problems.
Yes - lots of us get this - but 1 inch is a lot. It is usually caused by swelling in the pelvic area, and subsides after a few weeks. In my case shoe lifters were not recommended, I was told that it may make recovery longer as you get used to walking with them rather than walking correctly. I was on sticks for 6-8 weeks after my operation, slightly less after my revision. I found those abductor exercises very hard too - as is the whole recovery. It seems to take from 12 to 18 months to recover properly from this - My THR was Oct 2015, revision Jan 2016, and I was thinking as I walked home from work today that I only just consider myself anything like properly back to normal now.
Always remember, you are NOT alone, this forum is an absolute mine of help and information.
I had a left thr 3 weeks ago and have around a 10 mm leg length discrepancy (lld). It's starting to really get on my nerves!! Walking requires so much more effort because of it. Physio said she wouldn't advise any treatment for it until after 3 months have passed to allow the tissues and muscles around the hip to settle.
I'm a podiatrist and so not too worried about it as it can be managed well. A heel lift in the shoe of the other leg usually helps as well as building up the sole of the shoe if the discrepancy is a large one. Your pelvis may be twisted which can give a false lld - physio will certainly help. Your adductor muscles (inner thigh) could also be tight. Make sure you get a referal to the podiatry department from your Physio if they can't get the heel lifts for you or your gp. You could also see a private podiatrist if not nhs. An orthotist can help with your shoes if needed. The main thing is not to worry too much about it at this stage it is still early days.
4 to 5 weeks is sort time give the time. My operated leg is 1.3 cm longer
then non operated leg. I was not alowed put insole into my shoes till after physio thar was after 10 weeks. Now I'm wearing insole in my right shoe
not to have sore back and keep balance. Did any one mesure your Legs?
1 inch seems to be lots. Do some streching excersice, try hydro therapy it help lots. Go for short walk if you can. My non operated leg need to be done and hopefully they will sort out length leg discrepancy it is written in paper.. Im working in nursing home and even with insole in my shoes I
survive. You are early stage it could resolve by self and with time. Just
have a patience im sure you will be OK.
Take care think positive big heeling hug Madlađź’—
This forum is excelent I would not survived the pain ,melt down without