Leg length difference

Posted , 8 users are following.

Hi I had a TRH Just over 3 weeks I have a LLD of about 3CM I was told by physio to put heel raisers in my shoe that I have done and it helps but now I have pain in my lower back just wondering if anyone has any advice 

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    Clare

    Your TRH is very new and hopefully when it settles down you may not have such a bid leg length difference. Posts on the forum suggest that this frequently improves over time.

    Back pain can easily be caused when you walk with a limp or in my case when I have difficulty in moving my operated leg back so arch my back a bit on every step.

    If you are still seeing your physio ask him/her about it but my advice is to try to walk totally normally without a limp. If this means using crutches or a stick then use them. Recovery after a hip replacement takes a while and walking is an important part of the exercise and rehabilitatioon process.

    Hope this helps

    Mike

    • Posted

      Dear Michael

      You are right to which I would only add that a back that is out of kilter is a back that will usually result in long term pain. In this case please see a good chiropractor. No matter how many pain killers you take it will not solve the problem if your back is displaced.

      Cheers Richard

  • Posted

    I haven't had this problem, but I have read the advice on here not to use heel raisers until your new hip has had time to settle in. 

  • Posted

    Hello Clare

    I feel your pain.  I had a similar issue and my physiotherapist did deep massaging and showed me some exercise to assist. 

    All the best.

  • Posted

    My surgeon told me I could use risers from the start but to keep them slightly less than you need. After 2 months go to even less, keep letting the muscles heal and stretch as you go, with a goal of them being even at 5 months. Mine still are not because my other hip and knee have almost no cartilage. It’s about exactly my loss of cartilage. My surgeon said I would get used to that small of an amount but I have fibromyalgia and get aches and pains anyway so this just seems to add to it. Bottom line is I wear the small lifts. The 2 days I tried without I got a back spasm that took a week to heal. I don’t usually have back issues so knew what it was. Early on my leg had a bigger discrepancy so after healing takes place it will be closer or normal length. 
    • Posted

      I agree, arch supports and chiropractor as well as dry needling and accupuncture have all helped me with pain reduction. Meditation using the Insight Timer app works well, too.

      Namaste smile

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