hello
have posted on here a fair few times and everyone has been so kind and helpful, but this recently this has been preying on my mind. I have had a THR due to arthritis. A friend due to a fall off a segway, (which was previously pinned etc till bone failed and replacement essential) also had a THR Recently friend said to me that I should not be limping. and to be fair I don’t always, (my op 1/2/19) hers op before christmas. However, due to having a slightly larger muscle mass and that I could not move as freely as I would have liked, plus going back to work, I feel that at times I do not walk as freely as she does. such as not being able to walk without a limp like she does. When I do stretch it helps but do not always get the time. So sorry if long winded, but at times I feel like that I am getting there and then I get this. I think also that I wear ballerina type shoes for a change to bulky shoes, have hardly wore sandals as well.
I’m only 1 week post op (THR Anterior approach) so I’m not sure I can be of much help. Prior to surgery I walked with a limp and was successful in getting rid of it by concentrating standing straight and walking heel to toe(I also used a cane outside of the house). I have been using the same method post op with my walker and cane and have been successful so far. It did take a a bit of concentration at first but after a while it became second nature. I read about this method on various boards. Everyone is Different, that method just happened to work for me.
Hi. I had my hip pinned in march. Ive been walking quite well outside with a walking stick,but I do have a slight limp. My shoes are flat but not low like balllet type shoes. I really think your shoes should be more supportive around the ankle area,than you can relax more when your walking. My shoes are less than 2 cm of the ground but are a stylish brogue style. Regards linda. Ps. I hate running shoes/ sports shoes.
Hi, it is important to not walk with a limp. Dont worry about time frames as we are all different. walk slow and steady, heel first. Take yr time and concentrate on walking straight. If you need a stick at times..so be it.
Also, DO yr exercises every day. They are important for the rest of yr life. I have had 2 THR and when i dont do my exercises i know the difference.
Good luck
Hello again,
Good to hear from you.
We need friends to say things like this…
Mine also arthritis linked. My friends said similar.
So, healing not going as well as hoped.
Action needed. For me loosing a stone, 2.2 kilo, in weight, more stretching, using a light cane on rough terrain bird watching for another month.
See doctor if worried too, but we need our friends!
Luv
Mic
X
Hi, had my THR done on 18/04/19, I dont limp any more but if I sit a while I have to stand & stretch before walking. Try to do your excersises when you can & im sure your limp will go, everyone is different & recoveres at a different rate so dont worry, you will get there!
firstly we are all different. However it is important to do the exercises as people have already said
There are other things
Tai chi classes or adapted pilates help with balance and suppleness
Be aware of the way you are walking, try to concentrate for a while each day on heel/ toe walking. You have probably been walking askew for a long time and your muscles need re educating
Aquatherapy helped me
Walking poles have helped many
carry a lightweight folding walking stick in your bag, use when tired or limping badly
Stretch on standing after sitting for a while
All the best
Maggie
Walk with both crutches making sure that you are walking with a good strong even gait until such time that you can toss both! Do it right and you will soon get there. It is a big error to struggle with just one or no crutch!
Cheers, Richard
hi. have to agree with everyone else that we are all different and geal differently. if you’re limping you do need a stick or something to help walk balanced. all the advice folk have said already is very true. I’m only 8 weeks post OP but already I’ve learnt to accept the stage I’m at at the minute.
as for your shoes - I’ve found ones with a strap across the front of my foot more supportive than my ballerina type shoes I normally wear. I read somewhere you need support to your heal as well and I found a pair of sandles with the heal supported but the toes open.
anyway best wishes
I have limped since my first THR in 2009 but with exercise and massage I am correcting it. Find a Sports Masseur and go once a week ask him/her to free up the muscles that you need to walk without a limp it will help a lot. Good Luck.
I haven’t anything new to add really. Try not to feel discouraged. I limped for a while, probably for several months, but it gradually improved. Now I’m fine. Concentrate on how you’re walking, heel to toe. Try to wear shoes or sandals with a decent sole. Doing your exercises regularly is useful. Take it steadily and hang on in there… (I could say find a more supportive friend, but perhaps that’s a bit rude!!)
Hi PierinaAnn,
I know how you feel, if I walk correctly - shoulder blades down, heel to toe I do not limp, when I get lazy the limp returns. Had hip op April 2018, saw friends last Monday who knew me before my problem with the hip and the six years of waddling very badly, they commented on my not limping, it definately returns as I said when I do not hold my posture correctly.
I’ve had 2 replacements at different times. Sounds like your shoes aren’t working for you. Try a more supportive shoe. How about a training shoe/sneaker? There are also many fashionable shoes that can give you more support and comfort. Try a sports store or a regular shoe store. If you explain your needs they should be able to help you.
It’s been almost 5/2 years since my new hips arrived. The way I move has never been the same but I have learned to go with the flow. Sometimes I limp sometimes I don’t. All-in-all I feel great. Everyone is different and comparing yourself to someone else can be dangerous.
Good luck.
Thank you all for tour replies. I had a meltdown after my friend made a complete fuss out of no where, in front of a group of friends!!
I know what I need to do. I have to find time to exercise more but I knew that I wouldnt once I went back to work.But I walk everywhere, I do not drive, I walk to work and at work Its a mixture of walking around and sitting down. But I will do the stretches (like the lunges) where ever I can, even waiting at the lights etc, kettle to boil. We break up on Wednesday so will make sure I do more exercising over the holidays. But I have done my exercises this weekend and have just walked our springer ( with trainers as I always do) and had no limp. Again thank you all they have been appreciated.
think it definitely is harder to exercise especially if you’re working full time. but good luck. you’ll get there. enjoy your holiday 
Exactly how I wish my friend would have said it but thank you,
Hi Ann
Only just seen your post. And I thought you were doing so well too. I, too, have had “friendly” comments. However only you walks in your steps, ie everyone is different and heals differently. No two people lead the same life. Also you said your friend had an accident resulting in the op, whereas you had suffered for a long time. Like weight which can’t vanish overnight, recovery takes time. Neither weight gain nor arthritis comes overnight so why should it go that way. We are all impatient, but you’ve been doing so well, especially with your work too.
Enjoy the rest of the holiday, do what you know you can and as you reminded me - heel/toe. I always take a folding walking stick with me if I know I’m walking any distance and as soon as I feel any strain etc, I use it and it does help.
keep in touch
Thank you for the encouragement I appreciate it. It is hard but I will keep working at it and who knows it will happen one day. I too have a cane which I use only when my leg gets weak from too much walking. It really helps to know there are fellow suffer"s going through the same thing. Good luck keep in touch.