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Stiff and sore still after 8 months - is this normal?

Posted , 10 users are following.

mary59544
mary59544

I had my left hip replaced about 8 months ago and it seemed to be doing ok but it has always been stiff.  I had my right hip replaced 8 weeks ago and it feels fantastic - nothing like the left side.  Now i seem to be having more pain with the left hip and it seems stiffer every day, I have started PT for both hips but honestly the one i just had done is fine it's the left one that seems really bad. I have heard that one replaced hip seems to feel better than the other. Is this normal - I guess i just need some reassurance that it is just sore from having to bear more weight as the right hip recovers but I'm getting really concerned that all is not ok with the left one.  I do have an appointment in 10 days to see the surgeon (hopefully as sometimes I get referred to the nurse practitioner) anyway i would welcome hearing from others that may have experienced something similar. The hip feels stiff and I still have pain in the front of my thigh, when I walk i get sometimes get a really bad pain in the front of my upper thigh on the left side. I don'e need to walk with a cane anymore but i walk slow and it takes me a minute when I get up from sitting to get moving its super stiff after sitting.  I am doing some small exercises at home and have now started to ice it.  I don't have a fever or any redness on the leg so I hope that means there is no infection.  Any thoughts on whats going on.  Thanks for letting me vent smile

2 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • lynnn47443
    lynnn47443 mary59544

    Posted

    Hi Mary!

    Had right hip done 5/30/17 anterior approach..then left hip 8/25/17 anterior approach.

    I do sometimes have stiffness with first hip. Though just got back from Florida vacation ; and played a lot of pickle ball. Was great! Am 52. 

    Replaced right hip first..then needed left. Surgeon said left was worse shape; but, we did right first; as that is where I felt pain.

    Any way..think it’s a time takes time thing. Was told by both PT’s that I worked with and doctors that it would take full year. 

    Am very pleased with where am today. Wish you best!

    Lynn

  • lynne56429
    lynne56429 mary59544

    Posted

    I have been through 2THR- but just finished my 5th surgery total - what the revision specialists have told me, each hip surgery is a bit different. Your stiffness may possibly be due to scarring from your surgery- physical therapy and possible chiropractic evaluation might be if some help to determine the reason. Best regards
  • shaunny123
    shaunny123 mary59544

    Posted

    I am 6 weeks out now and only feel pain with the incision. I’m taking Lyrica to help with that but I’m also concerned about why the pain has persisted. I too have an appointment coming up and will keep you abreast of what my doctor says.
  • Anne68156
    Anne68156 mary59544

    Posted

    Mary, I had my left hip replaced seven months ago and I'm scheduled April 10 for the right one to be done. Like you, I have stiffness in my left thigh. It is as if the muscles are really tight and sore. I am hoping that having the other hip done will help and that everything will even out. I spoke with the surgeon's PA about the discomfort. X-rays looked fine so she had no explanation for it. Additional pain medication did not fix it. 

    • mary59544
      mary59544 Anne68156

      Posted

      Hi Anne,

      Yes this is just what i am experiencing with the left hip but the right one is great so I hope you have a good outcome with the second hip like i did.  Like you the surgeon's PA said the x-rays looked fine but i am still concerned and am seeing the surgeon to ask him what he thinks is going on.  I sometimes feel like the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz!! I am just hoping it gets better as I am unable still to enjoy going for a long walk without suffering pretty bad thigh pain afterwards. Did you have PT and did that help you? I sometimes wonder if the PT could be making me worse!

    • Anne68156
      Anne68156 mary59544

      Posted

      Mary, I did have PT for several weeks following surgery. But that stopped a few months ago and now I just walk. Please let us know what the surgeon tells you at your next visit. I would love to be able to resolve this thigh issue.

       

  • frederick55191
    frederick55191 mary59544

    Posted

    In December 2016 I had posterior THR on right hip. Had absolutely no problems. Doc decided to use anterior approach on my left hip THR this past Feb (2018). Still having thigh, hip, and now knee pain on left side, Using some over the counter pain meds at least every other day. Doc said to give it time. Hope time and warmer weather will help!
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