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Limping after hip surgery

Posted , 9 users are following.

joni33776
joni33776

I had an anterior total hip done 4 weeks ago and am doing pretty well except for the pretty bad limp I still have. The limp then makes my knee hurt. I am doing the physio, but am so discouraged with the limp. Is this common? How long will it go on for?  I had my follow up a couple of days ago, and the surgeon says all  looks good. 

1 like, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • chrizzy
    chrizzy joni33776

    Posted

    Hi Joni, pleased to hear your doing well and I wouldn't be to worried about your limp if your surgeon isn't. It is very early days yet.

    My physio gave me a great tip which is working for me, and I have had a limp for years. He said to put weight on my walking stick as I put my bad leg down to give balance and keep each foot on the floor for the same amount of time.

    It takes some concentration but does feel like I'm not limping. A habit I need to get out of.

    Wishing you well with your recovery.

    • joni33776
      joni33776 chrizzy

      Posted

      thanks, I am doing physio both land and pool exercises. I do have a lot of weakness in my left leg. I am using the cane, but believe it or not, my arm hurts from using it so much.. slowly,,,, progress.. 
  • herse
    herse joni33776

    Posted

    Hi Joni

    It is common . I had a limp and it was diagnosed as a trendenburgh gait ( not sure of spelling !) it meant the muscles are really weak on operated upper leg around hip and intensive exercises are needed . 4 months on I have had hydrotherapy and a programme of hip and leg exercises and I am just about there not having a limp. It's crucial to get good physiotherapy. It's hard work to correct but it can be corrected.

    So even if you don't have t g then your muscles will need strengthening so limp can disappear. Hope this helps !

    • joni33776
      joni33776 herse

      Posted

      Thank you so much for your input. I am an impatient patient. I am working on strengthening those muscles.. 
  • julie40975
    julie40975 joni33776

    Posted

    Hi Joni

    4 weeks is still really early. Are you using your crutch/crutches? I tried early on not using at all and limped badly so went back to one. Your muscles need time to heal so be careful. It's a marathon you know! Your knee will hurt first of all all the twisting and pulling from the op and secondly from weight bearing. Take it easy little steps and lots of rest. I'm 15 weeks and still have some groun pain and need a stick if I'm walking around the supermarket but each day there are improvements I understand it takes up to a year to feel normal again whatever that is!!

    Take it easy

    Julie

    • joni33776
      joni33776 julie40975

      Posted

      thanks Julie, 

      As part of my surgery, I had 8 physical therapy home  visits. Why they smash them into the first 3 weeks is confusing for me, except that maybe patients lose interest. My physio was encouraging me to not use the cane after 2 weeks, resulting in my knee pain. I am a nurse, and I ended up ignoring him and doing what I could comfortably do, and knee is easing up. Plus using lots of ice- 2-3 times per day. 

      thanks so much for your input, it makes me feel so much better

  • Mollyjr
    Mollyjr joni33776

    Posted

    Had anterior 8/19/16. Noticed big change in week 7 back to normal. 
    • joni33776
      joni33776 Mollyjr

      Posted

      that would be so great. I am looking forward to being back to normal. I'm probably overdoing way too much. 

      Thanks Mollyjr. 

    • Mollyjr
      Mollyjr joni33776

      Posted

      Yes it's important to not overdo. I'm still not working out like I used to but at least I'm walking and dancing like I used to. Hang in there. 

  • judith12644
    judith12644 joni33776

    Posted

    Hi, I had posterior, so can't really comment. However I did use a crutch until I went for my only physio appointment at week? 6. The physio walked around with me, said I was doing ok, and discharged me without my crutches. At first I limped a bit, but? then my walking gradually improved.

  • amanda1827h
    amanda1827h joni33776

    Posted

    Hi its very early days.please remember that you have had a major operationItcan take months to heal.Some people over a year. The more supple you are the better.Just take a day at a time.Regards Amanda
  • renee01952
    renee01952 joni33776

    Posted

    hi joni, 

    I just read your previous discussion (for some reason was not posted !!!) - You are really doing good - perhaps too much too soon -

    Even though you had the anterior approach which has less restrictions than posterior, you still had major surgery ..

    You are learning to walk (properly) again and this involves the whole body - especially the knees are involved getting you balanced and keep you balanced while you are taking steps - It is almost by default that the body falls back in to the old, pre-op, way of walking -

    make sure your posture is correct - stand straight, shoulders relaxed, soft back -

    walk heel to toe and use your cane correctly -- 

    I am many moons post-op, Joni, and still limp sometimes, especially when I am tired -

    Take care and please keep us posted ...

    you are doing great ... keep listening to your body

    big warm hug

    renee

     

    • joni33776
      joni33776 renee01952

      Posted

      thank you for your kind words renee. I feel like I am starting to turn a corner.. I am a nurse practitioner, and sometimes very hard on myself with my expectations
    • renee01952
      renee01952 joni33776

      Posted

      dear joni , 

      I am sure that you are a very loving and supportive nurse, so why not treat yourself like one of your patients ???

      Be gentle and kind with Joni - some praise and encouragement because she is doing great !!!!!!

      angel blessings

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