Still Limping

Just a thought. Over on the Yahoo ankle group it was well recognised that one should concentrate on correct walking technique and then the speed would come with time. Several members recommended the use of walking poles to make this easier to acheive.

Cheers Richard

Hi Jean. Just a thought did the physiotherapist give you walking sticks as mine did as I linked and he told me I needed to use the crutches to ensure I was walking the right way whilst he worked on building up my muscles. I am aware it can take a long time to not limp but you need to ensure you get the right help. Keep us posted

Had very real problems post left hip replacement, and felt i was only getting worse, the more exercise I did the worse I felt, back pain, that became bulging discs, except for swimming in the local heated pool. non-weight bearing exercise.

Eventually got to see the physio at the hospital, not given the correct urgency so should have been seen sooner than I was, but thats another story.

Physio delighted with some of my strength, and utterly horrified at how weak some other muscles were, she gave me very specific exercises to do, my walking came right within about a month, and also lost the limp.

Got some more advice from the physio's about leg length differences and how to overcome, shoe insert in oppsite shoe solved most problems, and some hints on what to do to help myself, which is way more than the surgeon did.

Hello Jean. I know what you mean! I'm going on 7 months and still limping!! Today during therapy they had me walk with and without cane. She told me I was not putting all my weight on this operated leg and when I took steps with that leg I was taking short steps than with my good leg. It was like I was hurrying up to get off that operated leg. So I had to be aware of my walking and follow through when I used that operated leg and bear full weight. I tried it and it was hurting my glutes and she said she was ok with that as my butt muscles were engaging. It was tough!! With cane I was still limping too not as bad as without but again as I became aware and followed through with that leg and weight bear I wasn't limping. She said it's a mixture of weakness, fear on my part and the hip still reverting back to how I was prior to surgery, using my lower back to move that hip. Mind over matter to use this new hip as it's designed for, but I'd been walking like that for years it's gonna take time to retrain my mind, my hip joint and muscles to all work correctly. Exercises are very crucial in getting back to walking correctly. Getting those muscles stronger. I get discouraged and cry sometimes but I know I'm getting better but it's a slower process than others. I hope all goes better for you. Hang in there I promise it will get better!! Hugs 🤗. LD 🤓🤠 Let us know how you are doing!!

Hi Jean

Me too. Go back and see  the surgeon as mine told me last week at 5 mon ths he would expect NO pain.Maybe you have muscle damage like  me and I have been referred back to NHS physio as well as shedding out a load of money  on private massage. If your muscles are hard and tight they wont relax until it is unknotted and exercise will NOT do that.Where is your pain?

Ithink it depends on the exercise.  As Renee keeps telling us, we need to strengthen our core muscles.  

I have just started Pilates sessions, and am already finding that lower back pain has gone, and limping has decreased (My THR was at the end of Oct 2015, with revision on it Jan 2016), and my posture has improved greatly.

Graham

Hi Jean,

I am now 4 1/2 weeks post op for my LTHR. My Surgeon said that I am making great progress but cautioned me to use the cane as long as I felt there was a limp...using it would be better in the long run to eliminate/reduce the limp

He noted that people who attempt to walk without a device and move too quickly have more problems with a limp. He also point Ted out that each time you transition your assistance (Walker/cane/no device) that you should slow your pace to ensure the focus is on the proper action/gait and not the speed. Speed will come with proper form

Kristen