My leg goes out to the right

Posted , 8 users are following.

Hi I had my right hip replacement done just 5 days ago but when I sit down I have to sit with my leg out to the right as it doesn't want to go out straight in front it also seams that my leg is longer so when I walk I keep my knee bent

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    It is early days Clare, my leg was considerably longer when i had my op 10 days ago my ankle on one side was about an inch above the other one.  I am guessing you may have a lot of swelling there.  Try not to bend your knee when you walk if possible.  I think my leg has reduced a bit in length as my leg has reduced in size a bit. It is black and blue down to the ankle though but this afternoon I feel it is a bit shorter. Keep doing the exercises as much as possible although they can be painful at first. 

     

  • Posted

    Leg Length Difference (LLD) is very common, it's usually due to swelling in the pelvic area where the new implant sits.  This can take a few weeks to subside, I know mine did.  I even tried a raiser on the other side, but on advice from the physio I removed it, and it soon sorted itself out.

  • Posted

    Hi Clare 

    Dont worry ,mine was the same for about a month ,was sure my hip was wrong and my leg ,even had an X-ray which obviously showed all was in line . 

    I used to go out for a walk and it took so much effort just to try to control that leg ,thought this is so tiring I will never walk properly again ,looking down walking slowly . 

    I got told it was to do with weak ligaments etc which would strengthen in time and it did. 

    6 months later I was whizzing along ,with only the old memories behind me and I am sure you will be too. 

    Keep smiling fellow hippy X 

     

  • Posted

    It is a bit early to be overly worried about the leg wanting to stick out to the right. No doubt you were walking poorly before the surgery so some muscles are weak and over time you will build them up. As much as possible focus on keeping good posture when you walk with your back straight. Try not to hunch over. Better to walk just a little with good posture than to walk a lot with bad posture.
  • Posted

    It is a bit early to be overly worried about the leg wanting to stick out to the right. No doubt you were walking poorly before the surgery so some muscles are weak and over time you will build them up. As much as possible focus on keeping good posture when you walk with your back straight. Try not to hunch over. Better to walk just a little with good posture than to walk a lot with bad posture.
  • Posted

    Hi Clare,  

    warm welcome to the hippies forum where we share our personal stories and experiences ..

    You are 5 -6 days post-op from a major surgery and as other members already pointed out, a leg length difference feelings is  normal -

    did you have the posterior or anterior approach?

    Was there an xray taken after the surgery and if so, what did your surgeon say ?  

    I am not sure what to say about your leg going out when you are sitting ... is the chair/seat high enough? is it painful? 

    when is your next appointment with surgeon?  

    Maybe you can share a bit more about yourself if you feel like it ...

    how are you doing otherwise?

    big warm hug

    renee

     

  • Posted

    Your leg will not feel like your own for a little while. With all the internal disruptions that have happened it takes a while to get things back to 'normal'.  Give it time.  After each of my replacements my legs would sit off to the side a little due to swelling and not being allowed to fully close or cross them.

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