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Range of motion and lingering pain

Posted , 5 users are following.

Jayfer
Jayfer

I'm 15 weeks out from bilateral THR anterior approach. For the most part, my recovery has been great. I'm only 45 and was otherwise in great health prior to surgery. No walker or even cane after about 1 week. Back to work (from home at first) at 2 and a half weeks. Released from physical therapy and driving after 4 weeks. Currently up to walking 10,000 steps at day.

But two issues still. One is that my range of motion is still limited and doesn't seem to be getting better at this point. I do exercises and stretching, but not sure if I should be pushing even more yet. For example, I'd like to get back to occasional motor cycle riding with my husband, but I couldn't possibly sit/straddle seat behind him now. I can put my socks and shoes on, but still not comfortably/easy as I used to even 6 months to a year before surgery (before things started getting really bad and steroid injections stopped helping). I've been told I also have SI joint arthritis, and at 6 weeks check up, my surgeon said I could still expect to get better, but possibly never the range of motion I had before. This is a bit depressing given my age. Plus, I've already had to give up running, which I loved. What are others' experiences getting better range of motion from this point (15 weeks) out?

Also, although I've been of anything stronger for a long time, I still need to take ibuprofen regularly. It's rare for me to be able to go a day without it. The pain is in my right hip (which strangely enough was my better hip before surgery), right knee (please don't be another joint failing me), and sometimes my lower back. Can I expect pain to get better from this point, or am I destined to keep taking ibuprofen? I hate having to regularly take meds like this.

Thank you all! This forum has been a lifesaver even though I don't post much.

Jennifer

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • steve86482
    steve86482 Jayfer

    Posted

    It may take up to a year or longer for complete healing. You may never get your old range of motion back. I am a 66 year old male one year post surgery. I was riding my Harley 4 months after surgery. Was a bit hard to straddle the seat last summer. Now I have no problem. Keep walking and exercising and it will get better
  • kimberley38758
    kimberley38758 Jayfer

    Posted

    Hi Jennifer,

    15 weeks is still quite early when it comes to flexibility.  By the 12th week, the soft tissue and surrounding area around your hip will be healed completely (according to my surgeon).  After that point, unless your doctor has told you otherwise, there should be no restrictions.  What that means is that you must still listen to your body when it hurts, but you should be able to start gently stretching the leg muscles back to a normal range.  This will take some time, so be patient. 

    You mention that your other hip (good hip) is now hurting at times, plus there is some pain in your right knee.  The exact same thing happened to me.  After going through a FHR, your legs and hips will have been stretched out.  Not only will you have to regain motion again, but you will also have to strengthen to realign your entire body (lower back - abdomen down to your knees and ankles.  If out of alignment, which is very normal after this procedure, you will need physio to help strengthen everything back up again.  Until this has been done, you will likely be out of alignment, hense pain in other areas such as your knees. 

    Again, this is normal and with time will get better.  In the meantime, search the internet for strengthening exercises after a total hip replacement.  'You Tube' will have videos of things you can do.  It worked for me.  I no longer have pain in my right knee and I'm doing very well.  Now at 8 months post FRHR.

    Best of luck, and keep us postedsmile

    PS. Don't forget to use a heating pad to help warm up muscles prior to your workout.  Stretch the muscles gently.  Always stretch after your workout and use ice packs to calm the muscles back down. 

  • jim100
    jim100 Jayfer

    Posted

    Hey Jennifer,

    I'm 19 weeks out from bilateral hip replacement, posterior approach. I too suffer from range of motion issues. I am just now able to touch my toes, but no where near being able to tie my shoes or cut my toe nails. Also, I can't yet touch the floor. I'm working hard on stretching and notice some improvement but it is taking time. I'm coming to the realization that I may never be 100% again. I do take Tylenol arthritis or naproxen maybe two or three days times a week, especially after a hard day at work or if I over do it stretching. Hang in there and good luck. It sounds like you are doing well.

    Jim

  • Dsilk05
    Dsilk05 Jayfer

    Posted

    Hi. I'm 5 months post and I want to know the same thing. Surgery was easy, recovery was great but my range of motion doesn't get any better. I have pain or discomfort at the joint or groin sometimes. I was doing well the first couple of weeks. I feel like I have to stretch every morning in order to get going as well. My thighs feel tight. I do need to replace my other hip too.

    I wish you and me well.

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