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Very frustrated cannot get rid of limp

Posted , 14 users are following.

sue50140
sue50140

nearly 6 weeks post op and limping quite badly without crutch.  Any views how long it takes to walk properly unaided.  My knee seems to be the hindrance, any thought on exercise to strengthen leg very welcome.

1 like, 24 replies

24 Replies

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  • Kate53CornUK
    Kate53CornUK sue50140

    Posted

    Sue, I know your frustration. I am six months post op from first hip and three weeks from second. The first time around, at my six week check, my consultant said any sign of a limp then go back to a stick or crutches and slow walking until you get rid of the limp again.

    It took me quite a while to get a normal walk going. I think the new joint, that was now in the proper position, had thrown out my whole leg and I also felt that my knee was feeling wrong. I just carried on walking until everything settled down

    If you haven't seen the surgeon again then I would ask him for advice.

    • sue50140
      sue50140 Kate53CornUK

      Posted

      Thank you Kate seeing my man on Monday will ask question.  But very reassuring will stick to my crutches a bit longer.  Sue xx
  • maggie93798
    maggie93798 sue50140

    Posted

    The same happened to me. Go to GP, limp badly in, ask for extra physio and hydrotherapy, or if you are at work ask via OH when they start talking about phased return etc. Download pocket physio app, it helped
  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK sue50140

    Posted

    When I was 10 weeks post my hip operation, I still needed my sticks - so don't beat yourself up over it, it all takes time.  After my second operation, which was not quite as invasive (they worked on my acetabulum - socket - not the stem in the thigh bone), I was walking without sticks quicker, but have had stamina problems.

    It all takes ages, "about as long as a piece of string" as I used to be told.  I just kept on with the exercises, and suddenly one day woke up and it all seemed to work without the sticks.

    Graham - 🚀💃

    • sue50140
      sue50140 Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      i will keep up the exercises and stick work.  Yes very frustrating seeing all the able bodied people walking easily. Sue x
  • Mabelsmum
    Mabelsmum sue50140

    Posted

    Sorry I don't have any advice just wanted to say I know exactly how you feel I'm 4 weeks post op. It is incredibly disappointing when all you want to do is walk without a limp. I'm limping so bad at the moment when I try and walk without my stick, honestly I could scream. We will get there just need to be kind to ourselves. To make matters worse my Physio said I still walk like an old lady. I'm 53!! I think she's harsh to be honest. I'm doing the exercises she has given me and hoping I'll improve by my next visit. 

    Try to keep smiling. 😊

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK Mabelsmum

      Posted

      Mabelsmum,

      Some physios just have no idea what it is like to have a THR. They are usually fit young things, whereas we have suffered years with our joints, and are trying to learn just how to walk properly again when our legs have been cut, dislocated and generally abused in the surgery.

      When I saw my consultant at 4 weeks, he just threw in a comment "I see you're still using a stick and limping", and like you, I could have screamed "well what do you expect" at him.

      At 10 weeks, I was still limping with the stick, when he operated on me to try to correct his initial mistake.

      Take their comments with a pinch of salt, you know when you can and can't do something, just becontent that you are recovering at your best rate.

      Graham - 🚀💃

    • Mabelsmum
      Mabelsmum Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      Thank you Graham, funny my Physio is of retirement age. If her exercises weren't so helpful I would have changed to someone different. 
    • Kate53CornUK
      Kate53CornUK sue50140

      Posted

      Well said Graham.

      Mabelsmum - I am with you - 53 and just over 3 weeks post op. We don't get physio here in Cornwall after the op, walking is enough. However, I did have to go after my first hip because I had a lot of pain in my lower spine. My PT was a grumpy git and was often rude. He told me I was holding myself all wrong and gave me exercises that were impossible and painful. When I went back he told me off and he was lucky I didn't poke him in the eye but I did say

      "Listen. my osteoartritis is a badge of honour. I have spent a lifetime doing a physical job, played netball to county standard for 20 years, carried children and carried my parents when they both had cancer. When you get to my age you are entitled to walk like a duck when you are in pain. Now if you don't mind, you can go away and find me someone nice"

      He did and the next one was lovely and gave me accupuncture for six weeks which really helped. 

      Being a bit older is sometimes useful!!!!!!

    • MichaelTN1UK
      MichaelTN1UK sue50140

      Posted

      My wife saw a physio yesterday and she (physio) was sitting with one leg wrapped around the other (crossed over the knee and then the ankle wrapped around the back of the calf).

      I wanted to shout at her: "Don't you, of all people, not know how much stress that puts on your joints and arteries - think of the varicose veins?!!".

      But we have to sit back, think and give a magnanimus smile (and deep breath out). In short, they know plenty of theory. 

  • rose0000
    rose0000 sue50140

    Posted

    I completely understand, I felt the same, I thought mine would never go!

    The limp is almost certainly due to muscle weakness, and simply needs strengthening.

    Things that worked for me (you should have your six week check first to have restrictions lifted otherwise you can damage tender repairing muscles if done too soon):

    Stationary bike did wonders to build up my muscles and was easy to do and completley pain free

    Clam shells (look on you tube for examples)

    Lay on the floor if you can/or your bed and clench your bottom and lift up keeping your feet placed as close to your bottom as you can (do not allow your feet to lift up)

    Bear in mind you will barely move when you first start, but keeping going and you will soon see an improvement.

    As much as walking without causing pain or fatigue, building up slowly. Lots of people using walking poles as this keeps your posture correct without offering the support of a crutch.

    Massaging your muscles in the thigh to release and stimulate them into action and to help with any swelling

    Standing on operated leg like a flamingo, with non operated leg lifted for as long as you can counting higher and higher.

    Commit to an hour a day if you can doing these things, and your limp will soon go. You are learning to walk again and it does take time, lots of time.

    It took AGES for my limp to go, and six weeks is still very early on, try not to feel disheartened you will get there Sue. 

    • joyce49985
      joyce49985 rose0000

      Posted

      I am 68, in excellent health, doing Zumba for over 3 years and totally trashed my hip in an accident this having thr. I also was frustrated because I am 11 months post op and still have a limo. Gave done 2 rounds of physio and strengthening. Didn't seem to help a lot, and was told it could take a long time. But, just recently, it seems to be lessening quite a bit. Still have hope. Will talk to Dr. at 1 year check. Otherwise, can't even tell I have a fake hip. Feel great, never had complications, etc., steps, no problem. Hang in there. We'll get there.
    • sue50140
      sue50140 rose0000

      Posted

      Thank you Rose lots to do and think about.   I will keep up the exercises xx
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