How to stop "walking with limp"

I'm at 5 weeks post-op and still limp a bit when I get tired. I've been able to average around 5 miles a day of walking, but only the first 2 are in perfect form. Generally, I try to focus on keeping my steps the same length, upright posture, weight on each leg for the same amount of time. The more I focus on that stuff, the better I seem to do it. When fatigue, and a bit of pain, sets in, it's easier said than done, that's for sure. Every day is getting better, though, and I think in 3 or 4 weeks I'll be able to do a full 5 miles limp free.

Easy, just use two crutches and concentrate on walking well and with a good powerful gait until one day you find that you can walk just as well without.

Cheers Richard

do your exercises, use your crutches or aids and be patient i stopped limping about five weeks postop

I am 6 weeks post-op on right hip replacement and I am limping my doctor said to give myself a full 3 months. I am trying I still use my walker and trying to walk a little without but the pain limits me. My leg length is still prevalent and I know it will happen. I have put myself through a lot before I had both hips replaced so it takes time. I will not rush my healing.

If you find yourself walking with a limp, you need to take a "step back" and use a cane or walking stick. You don't want your body to get used to the limp. You also don't want to stress other muscles and joints because you are walking with a limp. If you're limping because there is pain, then you need to use a cane or walking stick to help. The best way I have found to get rid of the limp is to concentrate on "heel toe" walking. Consciously step with your heel first and roll onto your toe.

I know how hard it is to go back to a cane after being off of it for awhile. I have had to do that a couple of times for a day or two (or sometimes just when I get out of bed for the first hour or so). It feels like you're making backwards progress, but it's better to take it slow and easy rather than develop bad habits that will be hard to break later. I am 13 weeks post surgery.

Don't be in too much of a hurry to discard your crutches and walk putting your heel down first and don't be afraid of bearing weight on the opperated leg.

Hi Pete you may find that one side is sore and will be sore my left once stronger side is the sore side for me so I use 50mg Tramadols from time to time also get a Steroid injection from time to time too I am three years past the operations now at 58yrs and am again asking for a Steroid injection to build up the muscles on the left, has been OK when I get them and been agreed by the surgeon again, it is a condition called Bruisitus , not sure if I spelt it right, we are never the same after the operations but almost normal I guess...

Agree with Chaco. Just try to walk as normally as you can without forcing anything. It will gradually get easier. Listen to your body! I am 11 weeks post op and have walked normally from about 3 weeks. I still feel a bit of deep soft tissue soreness and a little around my knee but that doesn't affect walking. I find I get a dull ache in my pelvic floor if I stand for too long. Good luck.

I do think there's one rule, Pete. Listen to your body! We're all different. Seems to me you're doing very well. I'm sure it will continue that way.

If you're limping, you need a pair of sticks, if you're not limping, then it's time to carry or leave the sticks behind.

When I had left hip replaced it was determined my right leg was shorter than left. The surgeon did an extension with this surgery on my right hip so that my legs will be even. It seems now my right leg is longer than left but he says to give it three months and I will be running. I am praying because the walker has me sore on my left arm and shoulder. I am trying to walk a little without cane or walker but today to sore too move. Maybe soon this too will be over otherwise I feel fantastic.