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On my 4th hip replacement Legg Calves Perthes Dz

Posted , 6 users are following.

vickie06043
vickie06043

1st THR at age 35. 64 now. Nursing was my career & horseback riding my passion. I have walked with an altered gait since the age of 4 years. But walking none the less.

Wondering about using Nordic walkers for exercise? TIA

1 like, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • carolSte
    carolSte vickie06043

    Posted

    Ive been wondering this too Vickie. Walking with a stick now but feel maybe i would be more balanced with nordic walkers possibly. Just cant seem to get off the stick without a significant limp which I really want to improve.
    • vickie06043
      vickie06043 carolSte

      Posted

      Hi Carol

      I'm looking into this. Due to my 4th surgery & the hip dz I don't hang a lot of butt muscle mass but I think these Nordic walkers would definitely help build some strength while walking. My orthopedic surgeon says walk, walk! One day at a time. One step at a time :-)

      Vickie

    • carolSte
      carolSte vickie06043

      Posted

      This is my 17th surgery Vickie and my muscles just dont want to play ball! I feel so well and happy otherwise but just dont want this limp. Im walking 2 miles a day and still doing my exercises - had complex reconstruction - replacement plus extra metal and bone grafts. Please let me know what you find out. Im seeing physiotherapist again on thursday so will ask her.
    • vickie06043
      vickie06043 carolSte

      Posted

      Will do & let me know what you find out as well. Have a blessed day.

  • RichardKen
    RichardKen vickie06043

    Posted

    Dear Vickie

    I've been advocating using,walking poles for time because they help one to maintain a good upright stance and allow you to reduce the loading on your operated leg and give you much needed confidence. Then as you regain lost muscle strength you can reduce pressure on the sticks.

    Please give them a decent time and report back here.

    Cheers Richard

    • vickie06043
      vickie06043 RichardKen

      Posted

      Thx Richard

      I'd never heard of Nordic walkers until I read it here on the forum. I walk with such an altered gait...would hope to gain some strength at least. Doubt I'd increase the buttock muscles much cuz I don't really have a lot to work with...lol

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen vickie06043

      Posted

      Dear Vickie

      When I had my total hip replacement twenty years ago I did not do anything apart from walk. No exercises and no physio and my recovery was quick and steady so just get those sticks out and walk and if you over do it rest and then walk but ensure that you have a good action and a good posture and gait, that's really important. Speed will come naturally.

      Cheers Richard

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen vickie06043

      Posted

      Dear Vickie

      I replied to another thread and suggested swimming. I found it was very effective in every way which was quit a surprise to me. As soon as I'm through my hip revision I will return to swimming.

      Cheers Richard

  • marilyn35763
    marilyn35763 vickie06043

    Posted

    Hi Vickie, had a bilat hip reply June 2013. Have thigh pain all the time. Horseback

    Riding my passion too. Bef surgery riding was painful. Now it isn't but walking is! Seeing a gait (human) specialist who says I don't use my toes when I walk. She gave me some exercises and says to think of my knees as headlights. After surg I became knock kneed. Am also getting Accupressure. Has been a few weeks. So far still having pain. I'll give it six weeks. I think walking with the Nordic walker will put you on your toes more which could be helpful for using the correct muscles.

    • vickie06043
      vickie06043 marilyn35763

      Posted

      TY for your encouragement. We have to just keep making it a day and a step at a time. Seriously thinking about those Nordic walkers! Wishing you the best!
  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK vickie06043

    Posted

    I was advised by my private physio to get walking poles as I was having shoulder pains after being on walking sticks for so long.  

    I found that the altered grip was easier, and the spring in them absorbed some of the shock as you plant them down too.

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      Dear Graham

      That's useful feedback. it's always good to having their effectiveness confirmed by another actual user!

      I suppose on thinking about it that,the ideal in the early stages of getting back to weight bearing would be a very reduced gravity situation and as one progresses to gradually increase gravity!

      An alternative could be a full body harness such as I used to use in a dangerous building situation and be suspended with a bungie cord so that you could alter your effective weight as you progressed to mend. Then there is walking in a pool but that may be difficulties

    • RichardKen
      RichardKen

      Posted

      As was saying pool walking may make it difficult to establish a good balance and gait! Many possible options out there!

      Cheers Richard

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK RichardKen

      Posted

      I went in for weight loss before the operation to help - and I'm sure it did just that.  I lost over 5 stone (77 pounds).

      Graham 🚀

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