When can I bend to put my shoes on?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi all,

I am getting so frustrated with the mixed messages. My physio who isn't linked to the hospital where I had a left hip replacement minimally invasive posterior approach, said that I will NEVER be able to bend at 90 degrees again. Surely this isn't right? I'm finding it difficult to get hold of my consultant to check but will give it another go tomorrow .Any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Lucy

PS I'm 5 weeks post op! 

2

No I’m sure that’s not right!

Eventually you should be able to do everything 

3

Im 7 weeks post op and I still am about 2" short of being able to comfortably bend enough to tie my shoe on the operated leg.  WIth the anterior approach, they say as long as it doesnt hurt, you should be able to bend over enough to do what you need.  Seems 3 months is the magic mark for alot of people on this forum, where they feel back to normal for the most part!  

4

I get confused too..my Dr said I have no restrictions. Except he suggest I don't do any activities with jumping or higher impact..only because it puts wear and tear on joint..everything I read confuses me..there are always limitations...I had latera anterior approach..9 weeks post op..

5

I had first hip done 2 years ago. Can certainly bend to put on she's and socks and cut toenails. 

Just had second hip done so back to restrictions. I hope I get back to being flexible again. I have been told to always bear restrictions in mind to help new joint last as long as possible.  Some people don't ever get that full range of movement back. I have a friend who can't reach her toes after 2 1/2 years. I suppose it depends on many things. 

6

Hi lucy,

This is a big worry for me as well. I have no idea whether it will be safe to bend over. After op I was sent home without any guidance, no physio, nothing. As the surgeon was negative about doing anything like cutting toe nails, putting on socks. It is not like you can speak to the surgeon only his secretary, he did not appear for the six week check up, just someone from his team. It is a case of muddle through as best I can therefore, I am learning from this forum.

7

I went for my 6 week consultation with the surgeon. He said I can do anything now, bending, twisting, anything and yet when I read other replies that say the opposite , I get confused and don’t know what to think.

8

I am sure that is incorrect, we do have to wait for a while before bending, but eventually it's OK.  I had a standard posterior replacement, then revision on the same joint 10 weeks later. I was bending very gently at 12 weeks after the revision.  See the 'dislocation risk' graph I produced.

See my website for tips from many hippies on this forum, the address is in my personal info here ...

   http://patient.info/forums/profiles/rocketman-sg6uk-907025

and at the bottom of the moderator's "useful resources" page at

   http://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147

Best wishes

Graham - 🚀💃 🤸    ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

9

Ni Laura, I went for my 6 week last Thursday and was told the same thing, no restrictions but I still cant comfortably bend down to tie the one shoe!  Surgeon's nurse said for the rest of my life, that when I go to pick something up off floor, to put the operated leg straight back in back of me, which I actually already do as it is more comfortable, so its pretty much habit.  That was about it really though.  Guess they figure most people wont do certain things if it hurts, which will hopefully subside in time and will leave us able to do whatever we need to do!!!

10

And if one has had both hip replaced (as I have) then what does one do?

 

11

Hi Laura..I am confused as well...at my 4 week check up my Dr said I have no restrictions..I'm 9 weeks and still I am cautious..although I am riding my horse..not like normal but I'm happy to just be on...my surgeon has worked with alot of equestrians..and they are all riding...jumping jumps ect..I want to get back to yoga but I'm unsure.

12

Gosh your laymans guide is fabulous Graham! Well worth a read- cheered me up ! 

13

Im 7 weeks and was given ok last week at post op checkup to ride or do whatever, but I just dont feel comfortable getting back on my horse quite yet.  The thought of getting that right leg over my horse without pain has me a little timid!!  Hopefully my 9 weeks I will be ready to at least ride at a walk in the round pen!!

14

Well that makes all my efforts worth while

Now I am even going to the gym 3 times every week ... to take off the weight I put on in the recovery, I find that my legs are stronger than before and I am now faster than my wife when out cycling

15

The normal period for restrictions is 6 weeks. So, unless you have a more complicated situation for some reason, I’d go with that. I’ve had both hips done at different hospitals and, in each case, was advised not to bend beyond 90 degrees for six weeks.

Do you have a long-handled shoehorn? I find that really useful, even now I can bend.

16

By the way, I was told that modern operating techniques mean there is less risk of dislocation from bending, so that may be why some people haven’t been given restrictions.

17

i went to physio the first time I got my hip because of no experience and afraid if I didn’t do it my hip would pop. After that I had my other hip  and no physio and I recouped better and faster. Now I don’t recommend it if you’re not certain you can do it. I was walking without any help by the 3erd day at home. Now I had revision surgery on my fist hip that I was having pain since 2014. They released the muscle that was rubbing against the metal and my pain was gone. I’m 5 weeks post op and doing everything with caution but sleeping on my side. I do the exercises to strengthen my muscles. I’m able to squat which I couldn’t do it before. It depends on your disposition.

18

Dear Lucy

That is such utter rubbish!! Yes you need to take care for the first few months. Building up your hip and thigh muscles will safeguard your hip as regards to the danger of a dislocation.

Cheers, Richard

19

Hi lucy

I'm 19 weeks post op I can put my shoe on with a shoe horn I'm only limited because my muscles are so weak.

The stronger you get the more you can do. I can sit on my bed and touch my toes. Give yourself time. You will be very stiff because you've had restrictions hence stopping your normal movements. Do some gentle exercises if it hurts the groin area then stop, my physio says 90% of pain that people say they have is usually muscular. Good luck

Penny x

20

Like you say utter rubbish or not everyone is different. If you’re not positive or sure of yourself keep nursing your walker until you graduate to a cane. The longer you wait the more you will struggle.