uneven leg length after THR
Posted , 15 users are following.
2weeks post op I am doing well with my exercises,although still dependent on tramadol for pain relief.
I cannot come to terms with being told my op leg is half in longer.I am 63 and very active. Could have waited longer for the op but
decided to go ahead to give myself more active years.I love to walk and cycle.
Now I will limp or wear heel raises.I am afraid this will strain my other hip which,although stiff gives me no pain.
The surgeon says he will put it right when he does the other hip!
I had no intention of having another operation for years yet.
Has anyone experienced this situation.I could really do with some positive support
0 likes, 26 replies
lorrena_45824 janet86017
Posted
Yes, I had RTHR on June 28th and now my right leg is longer. It makes my left leg ache when I walk. It throws my whole body off. I will see my doctor for the first time since surgery on Wednesday. I don't want a lift as I wear sandals or I'm bare footed most of the time. When I spoke with the nurse about my concern she said they would make it right when they do other hip, I did not plan on having that one done. I'm very active and clean homes for a living can't afford to be laid up that long.
Lorrena
janet86017 lorrena_45824
Posted
I can relate to everything you are sayingasI too wear sandals a lot and are very active.Lifts and insoles won't work with these.
My surgeon just says he will make them even when I have the other hip done.It is worn but gives me no pain so why fix what's so far ok.
I think I will have to wear trainers or flat strap shoes-mary Jane's I think they are called.
Coming to terms with this is hard but necessary.
Otherwise I am doing well and feeling fine after a rough 2weeks.More optimistic.
lisa82142 lorrena_45824
Posted
It’s been 3 yrs for me now...and my 1/2” leg descrepancy has caused my unopersted leg to become achey, I now have to wear lifts and am told the only way to correct it is to operate on the unopersted leg...super frustrating since it was never a problem before. I’m now terrified that it won’t be equal and i’ll Be stiff and still uneven. I would think with all the technology that this would be something they could see before closing you up.
daniel88466 janet86017
Posted
It's a minor accomodation for an eventual pain free hip. Pre op instructions were very evident to me including leg length differences. Easy fixes for this minor problem.
Rocketman_SG6UK janet86017
Posted
Graham
noplaybarbie janet86017
Posted
Yes I have the same thing except mine was done intentionally. My surgeon told me he left it longer on purpose because he knew my left needed done soon also. He said the same thing, he will even it out when he does the next one. I had rthr in May and getting my lthr on Friday.....Hang in there.....Barb
renee01952 janet86017
Posted
hi janet,
I don't really have anything to add to previous comments -
my right leg was about 1 cm shorter pre-op because of wrong posture and limping -
according to surgeon he "straightened" it out which made it feel like too long - than left hip detoriated rapidly and needed THR (not known beforehand) - he made sure that legs were at same length for as much as possible - there always will be some difference to begin with -
he also made me aware of my prelvic and how that also was affected by THR - the whole thing felt wacky and unbalanced after 2 THR -
try to be aware of your posture and walk heel to toe - also when sitting, make sure you sit on sitzbones and distribute your weight evenly over the bumcheeks - (I am a crooked sitter, so to speak - always have the right bum higher than left one )
be well and let us know how you are getting on...
big warm hug
renee
linda38528 renee01952
Posted
As usual lovely response, but this is also a very good explanation of this vey common problem.
Hugs for the beautiful (inside and out) Renée.
L
rich1960 janet86017
Posted
I went today for my 2 week post op & the Physician asst. told me that my longer leg should even out with the other, I hope he is correct !
I was given the clearance to drive again !!!
Good Luck with everything !!!
wlee rich1960
Posted
Hey Rich,
Congrats! I was given the OK to drive at my appt too a couple of days ago But I'm just 2 weeks today and not loving getting in and out of the bucket seats. It's amazing how far we've all come in such a short amount of time and it was made so much easier by having this board and all the great people. Enjoy ur freedom??
rich1960 wlee
Posted
Thanks !
We have bucket seats as well, but they are not to bad to get into. I just have to be careful that when I get in that the incision area does not get impacted .
You know my wife is happy, that she does not have take me to P/T etc...
Good Luck in your receovery
