Hello all,
Hope you all had a nice holiday. ☺️
Has anyone dealt with a pinched nerve after THR or even before? Went to my second post op appt and doctor thinks that’s what my problem may be coming from lower back. I also have spinal stenosis. I had already felt burning sensation in shin area on this same leg for couple years prior to THR and just figured it had to do with pain associated at hip.
I’m almost 7 weeks post op and at about 4 weeks developed pain from side of thigh to knee, down the shin and on top of foot. Sometimes in the buttocks on that same side. I was walking a mile a day and about the 4th day began with this. Rested for almost 2 weeks and felt better. Got back to stretches and just doing things around house (sweeping, laundry) and it started again but not as bad.
Doc I saw who was not my surgeon (but is another surgeon in the same office) as my surgeon retired right after my THR, said to give it 6 weeks (continue walking and stretching). By the way I did not like this doctor. Was in a hurry to end appt. And if it doesn’t get better will refer me to a spine doctor.
I want to return to work sooner than that plus I don’t have the patience to wait around and see if it gets better. Thinking of making my own appt with a spine doctor where I live. Any suggestions/comments?
Dear Dsilk
Sorry to hear that you still have this pain. Have you seen a chiropractor yet?
Cheers Richard
Hi, I am now almost 5 weeks post op and getting really bad shin pains down both shins every time I lie down to go to sleep. The shin pains are unbelievably painful. I too have spinal stenosis and I get bad pain (almost like labour pains) right across the bottom of my back above the buttocks. I might be wrong but i THINK the two are connected in some way.
I’ve got a doctors appt tomorrow to discuss this pain because it’s preventing me from sleeping. I’m going to ask for a hospital physio referral because a chiropractor might be a bit “heavy handed”. I’ve been reading up on horror stories about the damage chiropractors have done so I’m initially asking for a more gentle approach.
Dear Sarah
It would be a mistake to think that a chiropractor would hurt you. If you are really apprehensive then seek out one who uses the McTimoney technique.
Whoever you see will take your medical history before doing anything and first they will have sitting on the edge of their treatment bed. They will then feel over your back and shoulders for starters to try to identify where things are wrong.
You will have explained that you have had a recent replacement hip and told them all about your pains and everything else.
I do hope that a consultation will get you started on the path to relief. Even if you do not get the result you want you will be able to eliminate back or skeleton related issues and that will be a major step forward.
Best wishes, Richard
Water therapy was easier on my back. I had surgery on my back prior to THR. I asked the surgeon to consider my medical history with back issues. Surgery can be very hard on knees and backs. Especially when leg is jointed back and forth for the surgeon to see for the components during implant.
Hi Richard,
No not yet. I asked doctor about that and he said a chiro may not want to touch me yet.
Hi Sarah hope ur doctor can tell you the reason for your pain. Keep us posted.
Dear Dsilk
Some doctors just hate to admit that other professionals in the health sector may be able to provide the answers that they cannot!
I've tried to explain to Sarah why she need not be apprehensive about having a consultation with a chiropractor. I know that over many years they have helped me greatly when doctors have failed but it is obviously a very personal decision.
I've recently had a revision of a twenty year old total hip replacement and had no fears about having my back and shoulders corrected recently and have had no ill effects. It is obviously not in their interests to harm their clients <BG>
Good luck with whatever you decide to do or not do.
Cheers, Richard
Richard, I will certainly look one up tomorrow. I know for sure I need an alignment after so many years of physical pain and walking with pain.
I assume the chiro will not mess with my hips just yet? I’d be scared for him to twist my body to align the hips.
Hi Sarah,
Very sorry your in pain. It's very soon since ur surgery. You have been thru major surgery. Lots of adjustments for several weeks/ months. It takes the brain time to adjust to movement and the new prosthesis in the body.
This dovetails nicely with my previous THR surgeries with the ankle & shin pain. Swelling aside. That's because this also has to do with leg length differences. One of the most frequent "side effects" immediately after hip replacement surgery is the difference in the length. It's a real puzzle.
I imagine it must be extremely difficult for a surgeon to assure that leg length will be symmetrical after hip replacement, considering variations in bone density, seating of the prosthesis in the bone, muscle contraction and preexisting leg length differences.Podiatrists help with lifts in shoes 👠 or shoes which are custom made in rare cases . Even arch supports are important and good shoes for the foot can be the pedestal for healing. And relieve shin pain.
Peace & Healing👍
Dear Dsilk
I've already explained what my experience has been over the past 25 years here in the UK. I do not remember where you live but provided you visit a qualified chiropractor I see no reason for your experience being significantly different to mine.
The chiropractor will be working with you so it is up to you what is done or not done, just like when you visit your dentist.
Cheers, Richard