I am two weeks post posterior THR and wondering how far I should be walking. Is it okay to push hard or should I hold back and do 5/10 minute walks. I have not been told anything and will not see physio for another 4 weeks. I am comfortable walking around the house with one ctutch.
I am at two weeks also, but with the anterior method. I walk about half a mile a day and try to walk a little farther each time. My house is at the top of a hill, so as I increase my distance I will have to deal with returning uphill.Don't overdo, but start out with short walks and see how you feel. Bump it up as much as is comfortable for you.
Hi Jen
I am 4 weeks post TLHR posterior approach. At 2 weeks I was walking half a mile 3 times a day I asked my consultant if this was to much because same as you say I didn't want to overdo it, he said as long as it isn't causing any pain it's fine. I have increased that now up to 3 mile a day but although I can walk around the house with a cane he also advised me to use both crutches while walking outside untill my 6 week post op appt, he said you run the risk of soft tissue damage if you don't. Good look on your recovery and happy walking!!
I am seven weeks today and only doing half an hour most days since the rain stopped. Had huge problems with a swollen knee and feet unable to wear shoes just slip ins.
My hands are badly marked by the hand grips as they are huge and I have tiny hands.
I do do between 2-400 stairs a day though x
At that amount of time, my surgeon told me to try to take 2 or 3 short walks a day. I didn't have a lot of energy at that time and my leg (side of THR) felt "heavy" and I tired easily. I increased amount of walking when I felt better. Every person progresses at their own pace. My doctor told me to not overdo, pay attention to my body. I followed that guidance and was very happy with my progress. Some people can walk more/further earlier, but I was in no contest with anyone.
Dear Jen
I would say having had a couple of posterior hip replacements that push as hard as you are comfortable with and if any pain you have pushed too hard so have a day to test up.
I suggest using two arm crutches when walking outside until you are walking strongly with a good gait. I did not bother with physio....just did the exercises and walked and walked. Made very quick recoveries both times. Good luck. Richard
I think it is amazing you are walking that far up hill as well. I am certainly not ready to walk that far yet but I will keep extending.
With you and Anne68156 both walking half a mile at two weeks I feel a bit useless but I am sure it will not take me long to catch up. I thought it was better to take two crutches out with me it seems safer.
I am swelling when I walk and sit, that is a big reason I am not walking much. The swelling reduces if I lie down, so I think slow and easy is best for me.
I did walk a bit more today and could feel my thigh bone aching. After reading the replies I think slow and sure is best for me.
Thanks RichardKen.
Jen just do what feels right . No competition with others just you getting back to better than you were before x
Just for the record Richardken how long was it before you were walking without any walking Aid, only this being all new to me unsure if I'm doing well or not I'm currently 4 week post THR.
Dear Philip
As everyone is very different in so many ways you and others really should not use my recovery as their bench mark. The important thing is not to allow the speed of your recovery to be deturmined by others experiences.
My first total hip replacement was carried out in 1997 at age 55 by a very skilled surgeon in Wales here in the UK. The prosthesis used had a titanium stem and ball and used a poly cup and the surgery was carried out using the posterior approach.
I only needed one walking stick when I left hospital and after a day or two I was able to do without even that. I do not remember needing any pain meds after leaving hospital and did not have any physio and I was not given any exercises to do. I just walked and walked and walked on mostly rough unmade up country tracks that lay outside my back door.
I was very fit and had a bmi of about 22. I did not smoke and drank very little and as I had no idea what to expect or the speed of other people's recoveries I did not self limit the speed of my recovery by that of other people. Being self employed I was quite used to pushing myself and all these factors will have played a part in my recovery.
The only restriction that I remember was to avoid twisting my leg for the first six or eight weeks to allow the bone to lock into the stem as this was not cemented in position.
Cheers Richard
I would check with my surgeons triage nurse.
How do you walk so far. It ism’t My legs and hips it’s my hands which stop me doing any more!
Have you tried using the fingerless cycle gloves they make using the hand grips on the elbow crutches far more comfortable.
Thanks for that information Richardken yours was a remarkable recovery. I do realise you can't use anybody else as a benchmark I will carry on at my own pace and hopefully in another 2 weeks at my 6 week post op consultation restrictions will be lifted, need to get back to my cycling.
Because the pain from the arthritis got so bad I had to start using a walking stick everytime I went out, it used to hurt my hand, I tried putting foam on but that was not successful. I seemed to get used to using the stick over time and stopped noticing my hand hurting after a bit so using the crutch is no different for me.
Dear Philip
I'm happy to talk on the phone as that is often the most productive way and this applies to anyone......Just message me.
Cheers Richard