Hip replacement

Posted , 9 users are following.

11 months ago I had a left hip replacement every since I have weakness and pain walking up stairs or hills, I have trouble getting up from sitting down and can't get up from the floor without support

My DR says my X-rays look fine but I know something is not right. 

Does anyone no what this could be or has any one alse experienced this. 

Thank you for any help anyone can give me.

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Posted

    Hello,  that sounds grim.  Is the pain inthe joint or the muscles or around the scar?  What post op follow up care have you had? With your consultant or physio or other?  It seems from others on the forum that experiences vary so greatly from how one reecovers and what post op care you rcv.  The latter point is my bone of contention with NHS depending on where you live..  How active /fit were you before your THR?  The weakness maybe because you have not built up muscle strength around the new joint to support it.  This is so important. The simple exercises given by hospital are really insufficent.  Fine in initial stages but not to build up more strength and support.  Also deep massage helps. 
  • Posted

    This sounds as if your supporting muscles have weakened.  Were you able to do the exercise regime regularly and religiously daily 3 x p day?   I say this as I too was very weak as totally unable to do the exercises due to terrible pain.  I have since started slowly slowly and doing pilates and now noticing to feel the strength and support of the muscles. But like you was unable to walk far.  You could see physio and get some advice to get an exercise regime.  The muscles slacken very rapidly with lack of use so it is not surprising.  Good news is that they can be retrained. 
  • Posted

    Hi, I agree with the two replies you have had.

    I had a right ceramic total hip replacement in July 2013 but until recently knew something was not quite right.  

    I did all the exercises that I was given and more besides but still had discomfort.

    Very recently a young Doctor suggested I try a deep muscle massage as this might be the trouble along with scar tissue. I found a lovely lady locally who had just started to practice this and went along to see her (she is a retired nurse, by the way). From the very first treatment I was 1,000,000 per cent improved. I now see her every two weeks and will have 'maintenance' treatment for as long as I feel I need to. She tells me it was the deep muscle in the bottom and lots of scar tissue. If you can find someone near to you who practises this procedure do try it.

    I still walk with a slight limp but am working on this.

    Good luck to you. Do keep us all posted.

  • Posted

    I am also dealing with the same thing for 4 years already  I can not walk up and down stairs but I also have problems walking a long distance sitting for a long time also standing too long also causes pain my doctor did not send me to physical therapy after the surgery he said it was not needed I have seen multiple orthopedics they ran test X rays MRIs and Bone Scans everything look great but my blood work showed there was inflammation so they referred me to a Hip Specialist now those doctors are doing all they can to find out what is causing the pain there running test to see if its infected or if the doctor not putting it in right might causing the pain I wish you luck with this I know it can get frustrating but don't stop seeing your doctor until the pain is gone
  • Posted

    Hi Glenys, I am also 11 months post op. I am having extra physio although I can't go up or down stairs normally. There is no strength. Though I can get up from a chair. I avoid anything involving getting down on the floor. I have to turn over and push up with my other leg which is difficult without something to pull up on. Some of my muscle has wasted so I am exercisiYou should ask your Dr if you can have more physio. I do have femoral nerve damage which causes pain. Look up on the net to see if you have any symptoms. Any numbness in your inner thigh, no knee reflex, andparts of inner shin and knee numb or irritating if touched. My x ray also looks normal. It could be that you just need a lot of physio. Hope this helps.
  • Posted

    Hi there glenys. I'm five months post op with anterior hip replacement.at this time I also have very hard time getting up from a low seat.

    I'm on your bus now.So a lot of sitting.The hotel b.r.almost on the floor.Like for a little child. I liked never get up from there.This is also 15 day trip over the thousand miles I'm grateful I have a few tramadol.

    There may be nothing major wrong. Perhaps you just need more time to heal.smilesmile

  • Posted

    I had a LTHR back in Feb..

    It took me 16wks to be able to climb stairs..I still cannot get up from a kneeling position without support,but I had this issue before my hip replacement .

    Ive been told it's caused by weakness in my lower back muscles and arthritis in my spine,I just have to live with it.

    My new hip though is pretty good,apart from slight groin pain whilst driving.

    Hoping to have a RTHR ASAP.

     I'm thinking of buying an exercise bike,just need to try one before buying..

    Anyone else used one,thanks.

    Hope you improve Glenys.

  • Posted

    It sounds to me like the muscles supporting/surrounding your hip are weak. They were cut during the hip replacement, you have to build them back up. Since you had a hip replacement you probably have not using those muscles for quite sometime. Doing everyday activities, your muscles will eventually get better, but if you want results faster, you have to work out those hip muscles! I hope this helped!
  • Posted

    Well my new exercise bike arrived this Monday..

    I've used it every day,easy spinning for 15mins to start and gradually building up the time and resistance...

    The model is a York performance 215 costing £209 delivered..

    It's a fantastic bike with a great little performance display console,and a very low step in height for us folks with hip issues..I can fully recommend it to anyone wanting to build up their Abs & Quads post op.

    Im waiting for my second THR in a year,so hope building up the muscles pre op will speed up my recovery.

     

    • Posted

      Does anyone know the long term effects of various exercise equipment.   Do any of them cause extra erosion on the joint.  I am very wary of wearingthe joint out vs the benefits of developing the muscles.  I can feel the click just doing stretches which I guess is normal with the ceramic ball moving

      At least it doesn't feel a cause for concern intuitively. But I'm not using my rowing stuff. . Is there anyone in the site either avoiding or embracing rowing so to speak. ...

    • Posted

      From what I have researched non weight bearing exercise ie swimming and cycling (not MTBIng) is good for building up leg muscles which helps to support hip joints..In fact the latest NICE guidlines from the NHS say that together with weight reduction this form of exercise could? help prolong the time before a joint replacement is needed.

      My main reason for the bike though was to improve my cardio vascular activity,the lack of which, with all it's health implications, since my THR has always worried me,it can be a vicious circle making you prone to other illnesses.

      I can only speak for myself but after using the bike for 20-40mins every day this week my hips and general well being feel much better,and I'm hoping to slowly increase the intensity,we'll see how it goes?

      I know this is probably partly psychological but even so if it works then why not..I believe rowing is something best avoided if you have joint issues?

      I should add,always get the advice of your doctor before starting any exercise programme,it might not be right for all..and if it gives serious pain then stop straight away.

       

  • Posted

    Forgot to say I'm still planning on having my other hip replaced,just waiting for the call.

    The left one 8mnths ago has settled down pretty well which in a strange way worries me,the next one might not go as well. Hmmmm.

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.