14 months after THR upper thigh/glute pains

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I had my left hip replaced 14 months ago. I recovered, have been very active ( I just got back from 10 days wilderness kayaking and camping) but have the following problem. If I stretch my leg and hip by bending forward a lot or climbing stairs or hills I notice a slight pulling pain and weakness in the upper rear of my hip and side of my glutes. I also notice what I would describe as a "crackling" feeling when I walk. I wonder if it is in the scar tissue as the actual replaced hip seems ok. I have also noticed that I do not have the strength back in my hips when it comes to climbing even though I do bikes, treadmill and leg exercises at the gym. When I climb stairs I often have to use the handrail to help pull me up. If I am standing around sometimes my hip area feels "tired". I am a 68 year old female. I will talk to my chiropracter and gym instructor about more strengthening exercises, but wondered if others have similar experiences.

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4 Replies

  • Posted

    hi carol, 

    wow ... 10 days wilderness kayaking and camping ???  are you experiencing this pain now or already had it while on your trip ??

    That is a very physical undertaking where you tested your body ... 

    I am not sure what to tell you - The way I read it seems all normal to me ... 

     let us know what your chiropractor and gym intructor tell you and, of course, when the pain gets worse, see your surgeon - 

    big warm hug

    renee

     

  • Posted

    Hi,

    I had my hip done at the end of April. I have done everything by the book and was back to being active. Walking my three dogs all over. Field walking, beach, forest terrain. 

    All of a sudden I have developed similar pain to you , glutes, front of thigh and a strange sort of feeling over the hip. Also I was driving but am unable to now as I can not lift my leg high enough with out extreme pain around top of leg.

    Went to Gp who gave me a thorough check over and was happy the I plant was still in place but is very worried about the long metal stem that they hammer down your leg. He thinks it could have moved or be damaged or caused a fracture. That would be causing the pain. He has referred me back to the hospital but whilst I wait for the appointment I am back on pain killers!! I am totally fed up. 

    I was worried about bone infection but apparently my temperature is fine . Let me know how you get on please. 👍🏻

  • Posted

    Dear Carol

    As you have suggested it does rather sound as if you need to concentrate on building strength in your thigh muscles.

    Cheers Richard

  • Posted

    "...just got back from 10 days wilderness kayaking and camping..."

    Hi Carol-

      First, congratulations! You are fortunate to be so active after going through a couple of joint replacement surgeries. After similar expereinces, I found that, after recovering from the procedures, and scrupulously doing my physical therapy, I reached a performance barrier. It wasn't bad--2 or 3 hour walks, take a break, repeat. But it was not peak performance, mid-twenties level. And I find that, now, as I get older (late sixties), the 2 or 3 hours is at 2, and I need a nap.

    The same process affects us all, not just joint replacement patients. Nobody is getting any younger. You may just be asking a lot of your body, artificial hips or not. On your most recent trip, for example, you did a lot of bending, lifting, and carrying; more than most of us would attempt. Your body is complaining a bit. Probably dialling back your demands would quiet the situation.

    As for my own experiences, aside from general energy depletion, I developed a case of heterotopic ossification around the joint that limits my range of motion. I ended up having to give up biking (too awkward), and getting an ICE Adventure tricycle, a precision machine and a joy to use. 

    In early stages, HO can give you a crunching/cracking sensation. But there are lots of things that can cause your symptoms; a one-year review with your surgeon might be in order.

    HTH

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