Thigh pain - is it unrelated to the operation?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I am actually beginning to wonder if the thigh pain some of us experience isn't caused by the operation - this is similar to what I had all the time before the operation.

I know that the 'Lightning bolt' of pain down the leg was OA, and I have not had that since the operation, but this front thigh pain is different.

When I go up or down down the stairs, I get absolutely no pain - but there I am putting weight more directly on the leg, it doesn't do much bending/extension.  As soon as I go to walk, the pain is there in the thigh when I put weight on it, and consequentially I limp. 

​Trying some paracetamol this morning.

Ideas?

Graham

2

I think it is because you are using the muscle differently to when you go up and down stairs, how many sticks/crutches are you using when you go for your walk xx

3

Hi Graham,

I had a bit of this thigh pain at first when I was about a month post op. It was a general grumble not a stabbing pain.  I think the muscles have not been used to the rapid movements involved in walking. Our stretching and PT exercises tend to be slow and at our own pace - walking needs rapid turnover of movements and that is very different. I admire your steadfast walking, I only manage once a day now with visits to the jacuzzi for exercises as well. But I work part-time five days a week so things are quite busy for me. Jacuzzi is the best thing for me at the moment.

Have you tried hydrotherapy?

Shirley

4

I'm pre op but I know exacly the pain you mean, like toothache down your leg?  Mine I think is nerve pain and I'm hoping this will go away after the op.  It's as bad and sometimes worse than the grinding pain in my hip.

I hope you get some relief Graham.  Have you tried some Ibuprofen gel?

Cels x

5

💊🙁

6

Just one stick now - unless i am doing a particularly steep incline.

7

Not tried hydro - not been told by physio/surgeon I can immerse yet.

pain relief gel - will see if the pills help first.

Even I can get 'down' in the mornings !

Thanks everyone, 

Graham

8

HI Graham:

I think it is still related to post op recovery.  The leg muscles, both upper and lower were not working properly pre op.  In my own case, I have noticed the extent to which all musces in the affected leg have atrophied.  Once the op has taken place, they are having to readjust to accommodate the new hip.

I am currently still following the exercise regine that the physio gave me two yers ago, and they do include some stretches.  I have added some of my own, like push ups and squats.  Tried "lunges" that another post mentioned yesterday.  Totally out of the question...!

I would go back toyour physio and ask for an exercise that will stretch the hamstring and the quad, if that is where the pain is present.  I have found a lot of sites, some U.S, that give programs of exercises for post op.  I am a strong believer in stretches, both re and post op, but within the set guidelines and not doing anything that places strain on the body.  

But, given that you are having to have some revision, I would not undertake anything too challenging until you have gone back to your physio or possibly the surgeon for advice.  Massaging with a topical pain killer like Ibuprofen is quite good relief, too, and a lot of the supermarkets have their own products.

I am not post op, so possibly taling out of the "back of my neck...!"

Do hope you find some form relief somewhere.

All the best,

Susie

9

Basically, that muscle  is saying, ease up. Your weight

is only on your operated leg briefly when you climb stairs.

Jodi-france wrote extensively about this early 2015 on this

site. If I am correct it is the psoas muscle, and she damaged hers.

it is of importance in weightbearing and is trying to heal.

too many squats or the exercise straightening the op leg

when lying down, or resting weight-on-one-leg for too long

can tear the new muscle growth. Do you remember in hospital

trying to lift it even an inch? I am 8 weeks and still being careful

not to over exercise..why.. Because I don't want a permanent limp.

The muscle will heal, give it time. By the way I presume you wear

supportive shoes.

It will cause you to limp if you overdo things...don't forget that

you are still supposed to be having a flat lie rest each day.

I have a theory that the method of entry for the op causes

us to have different placed for pain, I do not have the bum pain

which posterior ops seem to get.

let us know how you get on.

Cathie

10

I think you are correct. When I did the weight bearing exercise in rehab, it didn't hurt as much to stand on it as it did when I got off. I was told that they move and cut muscle and tendons and that muscle has to be strengthened again. I know that when I rise in mornings my thigh and knee hurt until I take motrin and move around some. The knee gets better throughout day as does thigh but never goes away completely. I suppose that's why the doctor says to walk walk walk...strengthens that muscle which I assume affects the knee also. Good luck Graham, we keep plugging along haha.

11

Hi Graham, 

I just had physical therapy and mentioned the pain in my thigh  on operated hip.

It is still so challenging (painful) to lift the leg , on bed, or standing which makes it difficult to drive - I need that leg to use the clutch (I live in Holland) - PTmanipulated leg and said that it is still very rigid  - not much I can do about it - apparently leg/thigh muscles are strong - unfortunately this also affects my groin area - YIGH !!!!  slowing down again - before I walk, making sure my posture is straight and yet relaxed ; heel to toe easy steps .... can't rush Graham - when i do, I limp ..... 

warm hug, big guy

renee

12

Deborah & Renee & everyone else,

Thanks, it's nice to know I am not alone .... sometimes even I wonder.

I am making sure I am very upright when walking, straight, relaxed, supportive shoes etc.  It affects my groin area too - ouch!

Just been out with Rocketwoman for lunch in town - so nice to get out and about.  I was barged by 3 separate people, all women, all in a rush to get somewhere.  Why do people not see my stick?  I think I will always have to take 2 just to protect myself.

Onwards and upwards

Graham

13

Yes, Rocketman, that annoys me when people barge into me with a trolley or something. Also when mums let toddlers run in front of me to trip me up.

You feel very vulnerable when out and about don't you.

Shirley

14

Is the second one to beat them with? Hahaha I know exactly what you are saying my friend.....

15

Hi...I am only 14 days post op but I have that same thigh pain....plus it goes into my shin....for me I am guessing it is muscle in the shin......I just wonder if some of us are affected by the spike we have....maybe just takes longer for us? I know my surgeon said that shouldn't be it but when I think of what went on it's like how that isn't affecting some? 

16

Looking atthe net, it's the Quadriceps that are hurting us.

17

Rocketwoman (my wife) says I should use it like a knight on horseback - like a lance !