Hi,
Had my THR on Monday, all went really well and I’m virtually pain free. A bit stiff and tender which is to be expected..
I was told that in some circumstances, patients can end up with a slight discrepancy in leg length, but it should only be minor.
However, my operated side seems quite significantly longer now
so much so that if I weight bear on my “bad” side, my good side foot is off the floor! I pointed this out to my district nurse today and she said she would tell my surgeon. Has anyone else experienced this, and does it rectify itself over time?
Thanks
Deb
HI Deb
I had my hip replacement 18 months ago. I was totally unaware that I could end up with a leg discrepancy but I did. I have struggled a bit as I have been left to my own devices, the surgeon wasn’t interested so I bought lots of heel inserts and try different ones until i feel comfortable but i get back pain as i am sure i haven’t got it right. i cant walk bare footed anymore as its too uncomfortable. It hasn’t improved so i presume its permanent.
I have 1/2 inch discrepancy. I find I’m getting used to it. a little padding in my right shoe helps a bit. Probably going to depend on how much difference there is. My first few weeks I felt same as you… seemed strange when I stood up. Not so much any more.
HI Deb,
I had a total hip replacement nearly two years ago and l knew straight away that my operated leg was longer, in fact it turned out to be over one inch longer than my other leg .
My surgeon refused to accept it but did say that the cavity in my bones was narrower than the pin which therefore wouldn’t go fully in .
I pushed to have the difference properly measured by the hospital orthotics department and it was confirmed as 27 mm. I then got a prescription to have my shoe made up by the same amount . 3 pairs were altered without cost initially and then one pair a year there after.
I had to push all the way for this and although i was distraught at first I got used to it and was walking well . Now however my other hip has deteriorated and i need a replacement . I am hopeful that the length discrepancy can be rectified by lengthening my other leg .
i had to push for what i knew to be true
I hope this helps.
Pam
I felt a bit “skew”, but I am normal now. Swelling going down also changed the way I felt. I am in week nine. still limping at times, slow on stairs and get tired fast. I have alternating headaches, nausea and vomit at times. I battle with sleeping… uncomfortable.
my wound pulls and it is sometimes uncomfortable deep inside. I don’t drive yet. also had terrible dizzy spells with nausea and vomiting.
I walk freely. I also do not take painkillers.
best of luck. my replacement was due to an accident and I struggle to come to terms with my new situation.
Deb
Pre surgery we all have slightly different lengths of leg that’s why we tend to walk in circles lol . my experience was that I did feel as if one was longer but this eased over a week or two and with muscles slightly weaker on operated site it can be that the muscles just dont hold the leg properly as they are not up to strength. When I went back to work at week 5 and wore proper shoes I tripped a few times which I normally wouldn’t do . This eased and back to normal now and dont notice anything . My running style seems still to be the same as before .
Hi Deb, think this can be normal for first few weeks, mine felt skewed for about 5 weeks. If you are still uncomfortable at your review at 6 weeks, nag your surgeon/consultant. I was told your hips and pelvis should realign once you are back on your feet, others suggest chiropractic advice. Stay safe and steady on two crutches until you have a good gait, it should ease.
KR
Helen
HI Deb, I too have a leg length discrepancy although the difference might not be as great as yours. It’s been 14 months and no real improvement. I dont think the legs themselves are different lengths, I think that the new hip holds my leg differently than my “old” hip which has lost mass due to deterioration. i very quickly developed low back pain and Im living with it. Some shoes are more comfortable than others and shoe inserts offer a bit of comfort. every case is different and yours might resolve itself over time. i might have to have the other hip done and this might give me some relief. very best of luck to you.
yes I have 15 mm difference and my surgeon gave me a heel raiser to put in my shoe, in order to wear sandals and flip flops I used sticky back velcro to hold them in place lm not 100%happy but its better than the pain and disability I had before, and it stops me tripping on my longer
Hi there,
I’m now 4 days post op for left hip.
I had my first right THR Feb 2016 @ 46
I new my new hip/leg at that time was longer but my surgeon dismissed me, I spent a small fortune on different types of insoles, heel raisers, you name it I bought it but nothing"felt" right.
luckily I had a fantastic GP.
she advised waiting for 6 months for all to settle down and then sent me to the orthotics at my local hospital. I was 28mms longer! I had shoes raised and even a pair of small heel Mary Jane shoes done for a wedding 
they told me if it is 8 mms or less you can have special insoles made, over 8 mms your shoes have to be built up.
you buy your own and I get 3 pairs built up free every year.
now trying to do my exercises I have noticed my new new hip as I call it, well my leg is longer.
I’m not going to stress this time as I know I will have to wait 6 months before I can see the
orthotics department.
hopefully my story might help or point you in the direction you need to go.
your welcome to pm me anytime
good luck in your recovery
love
Sabine xxx
Thanks Sabine, that’s really helpful advice..
Take care.
Deb xx