THR #3 Done
- Thread starter mkmn
- Start date
I had RTHR anterior approach on Dec 14, 2017. I am currently experiencing increased pain on the lateral side of my right thigh. The area is at least 6 inches long and three inches wide. On the pain diagram chart the area is WXR1F. I have had this pain since surgery. It has not gone away.
I would describe the pain as muscular. It feels similar to a very deep bruise. It is very tender to touch. At times I feel some nerve pain (burning, sharp or shooting pain) but the majority of time the pain is localized and does not radiate. I would NOT describe the pain as achy. I feel the pain while at rest and while walking. It does not increase with weight bearing. There is no skin discoloration and minimal swelling. I've had two broken femurs and this pain does not seem the same so I don't believe it is the implant.
I also have some localized sacroiliac pain which at times does radiate mainly in my back. I don't believe the two are related.
I continue with leg length difference contributed primarily to my fused left ankle. I am using a heel lift about half the day for my left leg.
I do no formal PT. I work full time and walk for exercise. I am taking Tylenol 1000 mg 3 times a day for pain. I get little relief from the pain. On a scale of 1-10, the pain is always at a 1-2 and the past few weeks has increased at times to a 4. Ice does not help. Heat aggravates the pain.
I have no pain in my incision or implant area. This is my second hip replacement (different hips). I have some numbness in my left thigh from that THR but the pain I am experiencing in my right thigh is very different from that.
Ideas? Is this typical healing?
I would describe the pain as muscular. It feels similar to a very deep bruise. It is very tender to touch. At times I feel some nerve pain (burning, sharp or shooting pain) but the majority of time the pain is localized and does not radiate. I would NOT describe the pain as achy. I feel the pain while at rest and while walking. It does not increase with weight bearing. There is no skin discoloration and minimal swelling. I've had two broken femurs and this pain does not seem the same so I don't believe it is the implant.
I also have some localized sacroiliac pain which at times does radiate mainly in my back. I don't believe the two are related.
I continue with leg length difference contributed primarily to my fused left ankle. I am using a heel lift about half the day for my left leg.
I do no formal PT. I work full time and walk for exercise. I am taking Tylenol 1000 mg 3 times a day for pain. I get little relief from the pain. On a scale of 1-10, the pain is always at a 1-2 and the past few weeks has increased at times to a 4. Ice does not help. Heat aggravates the pain.
I have no pain in my incision or implant area. This is my second hip replacement (different hips). I have some numbness in my left thigh from that THR but the pain I am experiencing in my right thigh is very different from that.
Ideas? Is this typical healing?
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Hi @kmgraxy
I'm sorry you're struggling. Since you provided a lot of info, let's have @Josephine look at this.
I've tagged her for you so please check back in case she has questions.
Best wishes for answers, relief and a peaceful weekend!
I'm sorry you're struggling. Since you provided a lot of info, let's have @Josephine look at this.
I've tagged her for you so please check back in case she has questions.
Best wishes for answers, relief and a peaceful weekend!
That reference was very useful and your description perfectly describes Trochanteric bursitis and ITB (ilio-tibial band) issues which very often go together.
Thank you @Layla for your kind words and @Josephine for being so helpful. I will follow the tips on the links provided.
Over six months since my third joint replacement (left knee 2011, left hip 2014 and right hip Dec 2017).
My most recent posts talked about leg length difference - LLD. Since this forum has been such a help to me over the years, I wanted to post an update to advise and encourage others who might be struggling with LLD over an extended period of time.
Many of us experience the feeling of LLD after joint replacement. With this last hip replacement I felt a significant difference that didn't seem to stabilize over time. I was experiencing back and leg pain and although I have walked with a limp since my car accident in 1989, my limp was worsening. I should also note that my left ankle and foot are fused.
After a couple months I started using heel lift inserts of varying height in my shoe which provided limited relief. Finally, after 4 1/2 months I spoke to my primary doctor about it and she felt I would benefit from a physical therapy assessment. I did this and the PT watched me walk with and without my shoes. He measured my legs and found a discrepancy of well over an inch. He explained that my hips and knees were finally even and now the deficit caused by the ankle and foot fusion was now evident. He stated that exercises and gait training was not going to correct the issue for me and referred me to an orthotist.
I met with the orthotist who put me through similar paces. All along I was thinking I would likely get some sort of orthotic or lift to put in my shoe. Turns out my LLD is too significant for that. He had to build up a shoe for me. As a woman in her 50s my heart sank a little. I immediately pictured some sort of ugly orthopedic shoe. I was relieved to find he was willing to work with me and build up a shoe using my favorite brand and style of shoes.
It took a couple weeks and adjustments to get it right, but I now have two pairs of shoes that are built up for me. I cannot even begin to tell you how life changing this has been for me. I can stand without bending my right knee. I can stand without significant discomfort. Recently I did a one hour presentation while standing with very little difficulty. My gait has completely changed. My limp has improved. My left knee pain has decreased. My SI joint pain is decreasing every day. I can walk further. My posture is totally different. I finally feel even!
I posted this to encourage anyone who is struggling with significant LLD long term. Get a proper measurement and assessment. Have the courage to accept what needs to be done. When I first saw my shoe it looked bulky and ugly. But then I realized that no one looks at your shoe eye level except snakes and rodents. People look down to the top of your shoes. Really, very few people have noticed or commented on my adapted shoe and if they do, I make sure to tell them what a big difference it has made for me.
My most recent posts talked about leg length difference - LLD. Since this forum has been such a help to me over the years, I wanted to post an update to advise and encourage others who might be struggling with LLD over an extended period of time.
Many of us experience the feeling of LLD after joint replacement. With this last hip replacement I felt a significant difference that didn't seem to stabilize over time. I was experiencing back and leg pain and although I have walked with a limp since my car accident in 1989, my limp was worsening. I should also note that my left ankle and foot are fused.
After a couple months I started using heel lift inserts of varying height in my shoe which provided limited relief. Finally, after 4 1/2 months I spoke to my primary doctor about it and she felt I would benefit from a physical therapy assessment. I did this and the PT watched me walk with and without my shoes. He measured my legs and found a discrepancy of well over an inch. He explained that my hips and knees were finally even and now the deficit caused by the ankle and foot fusion was now evident. He stated that exercises and gait training was not going to correct the issue for me and referred me to an orthotist.
I met with the orthotist who put me through similar paces. All along I was thinking I would likely get some sort of orthotic or lift to put in my shoe. Turns out my LLD is too significant for that. He had to build up a shoe for me. As a woman in her 50s my heart sank a little. I immediately pictured some sort of ugly orthopedic shoe. I was relieved to find he was willing to work with me and build up a shoe using my favorite brand and style of shoes.
It took a couple weeks and adjustments to get it right, but I now have two pairs of shoes that are built up for me. I cannot even begin to tell you how life changing this has been for me. I can stand without bending my right knee. I can stand without significant discomfort. Recently I did a one hour presentation while standing with very little difficulty. My gait has completely changed. My limp has improved. My left knee pain has decreased. My SI joint pain is decreasing every day. I can walk further. My posture is totally different. I finally feel even!
I posted this to encourage anyone who is struggling with significant LLD long term. Get a proper measurement and assessment. Have the courage to accept what needs to be done. When I first saw my shoe it looked bulky and ugly. But then I realized that no one looks at your shoe eye level except snakes and rodents. People look down to the top of your shoes. Really, very few people have noticed or commented on my adapted shoe and if they do, I make sure to tell them what a big difference it has made for me.
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So glad to hear that you've found a good solution to the LLD issue. And very glad you found a PCP who listened, a PT who didn't try to take on an issue that was better solved with orthotics and an orthotic specialist who understands the need to be comfortable mentally and not just physically! Seems like the trifecta for someone with a significant difference. I hope all continues to go well for you!
MammaT
supremo
Encouraging update. Glad they were able to help. Regardless of our specific issue, the right shoes are critical. I’m going to an old fashioned shoe shop today to get fitted for walking shoes. I have foot issues that thr can’t fix.
