Posted , 14 users are following.
I am 55 years old. I had a side approach total hip replacement five weeks ago.
I have been exercising religiously.
In the last week I have progressed to one crutch. I have tried walking without this but not very good. I sort of limp from one side to another.
Is this normal?.
How much does everyone walk also. I don't know if I am doing enough or too much? You don't really get told much when you are sent home.
1 like, 26 replies
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Fernlady lesley5362
Posted
Hi Lesley
I've just been given my 1 year sign-off by the surgeon but can remember those early days like yesterday!
I had an excellent recovery but did experience the same problem as you, I felt like 1 leg was a different length (it wasn't). My physio drummed into me how important the daily exercises were that will strengthen the muscles inside and around your hip. This limping from side to side will go away but 2 invaluable pieces of advice - swop the crutches for some walking poles. I'd ditched the crutches after 1-2 weeks & the poles help you to stand stall & walk properly. Secondly, practice walking correctly - really, really slowly, heel down first & roll through your foot to your toe (remember, really slow). You will find that by 'learning' to walk properly again you don't actually limp! Speed will come with practice & every I've shared this with has said it works! I think pre-op, we all have got into bad habits for different reasons (leg length, pain etc) so it makes sense that post-op we struggle to remember how to actually walk pain free! I walked like a lop-sided penguin pre-op but swopping to poles & heel through toe steps corrected this.
Good luck with your recovery and let us know how you're getting on x
lesley5362 Fernlady
Posted
Thank you for that advice. I will try some poles. I have been walking around the house today with one crutch saying out loud ' Heel, toe, heel , toe'! My dogs think I'm mad! It works though until you have a memory lapse. As you say it's all bad habits and weakness .
amanda1827h lesley5362
Posted
Hi Lesley,We are all different at healing.please remember that you have had a major operation. It can take over a year to fully recover.Please. try hydrotherapy. Or a warm jacuzzi.Don't over do things.What does your phsyio Suggest? Regards Amanda h
lesley5362 amanda1827h
Posted
I've only seen physio once. They were happy I was doing initial exercises and signed me off.
Fernlady lesley5362
Posted
I paid to see a private physio & tbh, after the first few sessions she said she didn't need to see me again. She was happy that as long as I kept up the daily exercises & practiced the heel to toe walking (really slowly) I would be fine, and I was. I really can't recommend the walking poles enough. They make you stand up straight & stop you leaning like crutches do x
amanda1827h lesley5362
Posted
madla39168 lesley5362
Posted
Hi Lesley 5 week is to early. Recovery take time and every one heeling
Differently. Give the time. Your body will tell you if you doing to much.
I had physio after 6 weeks, hydro therapy for a 4 weeks and I was told to build my walking. Hydro tnerapy is great and help strength the muscles. You already doing great. Im 7 and 1/2 months after hip replecement
and take while to walk properly. Go for walk do some excersice . Every week will get better. Take day at the time. My oposite hip right one need to be done as well and hopefully soon and I will have to go trough again.
Take it easy and look after your self you will be fine. Listen your body.
Hug Madla💗
lesley5362 madla39168
Posted
Thank you. Yes I have been told my other side needs doing also. Not something I am looking forward to but at least I will know what to expect. 😄
john26737 lesley5362
Posted
Hi Lesley,
I walked in this way perhaps up to three months. I thought it would never end because try as I might I couldn't maintain an even gait. Now at 9 months I have a totally normal gait and can't tell one hip from the other.
Physio and cycling made the difference.
jackie54344 lesley5362
Posted
Yes it is normal do exercise but don't over do it. Listen to your body give your hip n femur bone time to accept new body parts. I am almost 8 weeks out. Postop right n going back this Friday to work easy job and I am finally feeling better as far as my pain I have days where I ache but not tremendous pain anymore it took me about one month for the thigh and knee pain subside I am an active person so it was hard for me to sit still and not do too much I did paste myself. We have to be patient so try to enjoy your time off cause soon you will be back full force my friend. Light n Love to you.
jackie54344 lesley5362
Posted
Yes it is normal do exercise but don't over do it. Listen to your body give your hip n femur bone time to accept new body parts. I am almost 8 weeks out. Postop right n going back this Friday to work easy job and I am finally feeling better as far as my pain I have days where I ache but not tremendous pain anymore it took me about one month for the thigh and knee pain subside I am an active person so it was hard for me to sit still and not do too much I did paste myself. We have to be patient so try to enjoy your time off cause soon you will be back full force my friend. Light n Love to you.