Leg length difference

Posted , 7 users are following.

I'm 11 week post op and feel as though my operated leg is slightly longer than the other. Will this settle in time and is it still early days.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Mi felt that way also. but it was all in my head. now at 5 months I feel like I am standing level for first time when I stand still. I am 40 my neighbor 72 just got his hip down a month ago and feels the same feeling. You got a long way to go. Many strange feelings will come and go.
  • Posted

    While you are healing up all those over wrenched muscles, I hope you are doing your physio exercise, you can have a feeling of leg length difference.

    The only way to find out for sure is to have a long-leg-x-ray, and of course that is not usually a service offered for free.

    ?In my case everybody denied incl Dr's that had a leg-length difference, I begged my GP for the long leg x-ray, as I was sooo sure I was right, turned out I was, but complicated by the fact I had a natural LLD, and then the surgeon added to it another 3/8 inch or 12mm, all together I have 22mm or close to 3/4 inch LLD, but only have to have a shoe lift for the 12mm the Dr gave me, as the rest I had grown with my entire life, so yes it does happen I'm afraid. 

  • Posted

    Hi Linda

    I am just over the year after my THR. 

    When I had my check up with the consultant I mentioned this to him as I was sure my leg was a bit longer🙄 but he said mostly women noticed this😯and it would settle! It still hasn’t and no one listening! I went to a great shoe repair place and he made me an insole to wear in my shoe! It changed the way I walked completely! Go with your gut and get even a basic insole, and see the difference! The length difference for me is very small but I cannot stand straight if I don’t have the lift in my shoe! Have to get my other hip replaced next year so hopefully this will even out my legs😂

  • Posted

    Most of us feel like that - I did, but when the pelvic swelling subssided I was OK.
  • Posted

    Virtually everyone has some variance in leg length regardless of whether they have have a joint replacement. Surgery can definitely can alter that in either direction long or short. As someone already stated perception can be off as well and your body will relearn the new norm.

    Anything less than 1/2 " is relatively benign. It you are getting above that it can change mechanics.

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