8 1/2 weeks Piaf op

Posted , 6 users are following.

I've been working hard to regain my strength and agility since my surgery at the end of July. Leg length discrepancy (perceived of real according to surgeon) has been a big part of my recovery. I finally caved today and put a lift (1/4-3/8) in my athletic (sneaker) and had a great day. Wasn't weary trying to cope and nothing stood out as being in my way. There is a "percieved difference" which is actually real and a perceived that isn't. Today was easy...,sorry surgeon but leg length discrepancy is real and workable with a LIFT!

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    hi wlee, 

    that is wonderful news and thank you for sharing -

    how are you getting on otherwise?

    big warm hug

    renee

     

    • Posted

      My Dr. told me before the surgery that the leg length is often an issue.  However, I do not have a problem with that, just still cant walk without pain, and the front of my thigh is in constant pain, been almost 4 months
  • Posted

    Leg length can be measured, I'm told mine at the moment is about 2inch perceived and a 1/4inch actual, so once I can remove the hip hike it will be approximately 1/4inch.

    I can then have a lift fitted by podiatrists to compensate, at the moment I have exercises to help pull my pelvic lateral tilt back into alignment.

    I'm also told that a 1/4inch is actually liveable with as we all have very small leg length differences any way and if it was the longest leg that has lost length then it just takes time to adjust.

    Does your discrepancy cause you any pain?

    • Posted

      It was my longer leg that lost the length so my perception is definitely more pronounced than the actual difference. But trying to get used to it 9 weeks later is tiring. The lift I inserted under my orthotic is 1/4 inch. Although it is not a huge difference I can see and feel that I'm no longer striking so hazard on my now shorter leg. My only concern is that I don't mess up any of the healing around the replacement parts by changing my weight distribution. I will ask my PT person on Wednesday when I see him. To answer ur question in regard to pain.....more discomfort rather than pain and backaches that I never had before.

    • Posted

      I'm obviously different to you as I had no surgery as you probably realise if you have seen my previous posts, I'm 13 weeks today but only started weight bearing a week ago Thursday and finding it quite difficult but persevering, I'm like you can't say its agony but still some hip and knee pain and also a bit of low back ache, trying not to use meds and not sure if that's the correct approach or whether to take tabs? I just don't know if pain is with me for life now and if I will walk again properly, no one on here has gone this way.

      Hope your feeling better

    • Posted

      I think we're going to be great....it's just different than I expected

    • Posted

      Yea I'm sure(hope) your right, I'm starting hydrotherapy when I'm back after hols, have you tried it

  • Posted

    It took about 4 months for my "recovery".  During my physiotherapy (PT) it was noted that I was walking a bit off.  No big concern.  The closer I got to the 4 months the less I was walking normally.  After PT and back to work I could really feel that I wasn't walking right (no pain).  I pointed this out to my surgeon who suggested a lift. I tried the lift but even the smallest was too high.  My hip surgeon said the Xrays looked normal, everything was where it should be.  Almost 3 years later I still walk funny and have had severe back pain for the last 6 months.  I am 100% certain that it is because of the invisable unevenness in my hip/leg.  I've had several meetings with back specialist and the final conclusion - "there is nothing wrong with your back".  They said "it's your hip, a very common problem",  It was even joked about getting the other hip done to even the length discrepencies out.  No joke though, it has always been the plan to have the other hip done.  I am going to have in done in early 2017.   So, to make my long story shorter, watch out for your back if your uneven.

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.