THR Overcoming a limp
- Thread starter Liz Don
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It's very common to have this feeling. Muscles and tendons atrophy pre-op from lack of use or you walking wrong to try and stay off a sore hip. Very gentle stretches and continuing to walk will strengthen the area again. It just takes time and lots of patience.
I agree. It takes time for the hip tissues to settle back into their normal pattern. One thing I noticed was that I had retained a shortened stride and unconsciously tightened up the muscles, like bracing for pain, as before surgery. I had to really concentrate on relaxing the hip area and let it naturally stride. I hope that makes sense. After a little distance, it really made a difference. I also had a weird habit of curling my toes on that foot that I didn’t know I was doing beforehand. It took a little bit of the heel-toe practicing to stop that as well. Weird stuff your body does to compensate for pain. Don’t worry. Your body is pretty good at sorting this stuff out as it continues to heal. It sounds like that’s exactly what it’s doing. Hang in there. Patience and persistence are key. Keep us posted.
Yes , Liz, you will learn to walk normally, given time.
It's only just over 3 months since your surgery and complete recovery can take as long as a full year. That means you still have plenty of time for improvement. Where you are now is not where you are going to end up.
Even though you can now walk without support, it would be a good idea to keep using a cane until that limp has gone. Even if you don't use it early in the day, when you're fresh, use it when you're tired, or when you're not on flat ground.
I remember that I used to develop a limp whenever I got tired. That was my notification that it was time to stop what I was doing, and take a rest.
@Liz Don I think you will learn to walk normally.. it's still fairly early in your recovery.
Keep working on your gait and focus on that when you walk. Hopefully you are still doing that?
Did your surgeon give you any exercises or recommend physical therapy for you? You are probably at a stage where that could be very beneficial for you.
3 months is still early, please don't get discouraged.
Keep working on your gait and focus on that when you walk. Hopefully you are still doing that?
Did your surgeon give you any exercises or recommend physical therapy for you? You are probably at a stage where that could be very beneficial for you.
3 months is still early, please don't get discouraged.
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Hello @Liz Don
It is advised you use an assistive device until you’re no longer limping. Concentrate on heel-toe walking also. Your gait will improve with time since you’re only three months into a recovery that lasts a year...even longer for some. Please try to be patient.
Look forward to progress in the months to come.
It is advised you use an assistive device until you’re no longer limping. Concentrate on heel-toe walking also. Your gait will improve with time since you’re only three months into a recovery that lasts a year...even longer for some. Please try to be patient.
Look forward to progress in the months to come.
cstinchcomb
member
Hi Liz Don,
I had my left hip replaced in 2014 and recovered superbly with certainly no limp. I am due for the right this coming Tuesday.
After the left was done, I used two crutches regularly for 4 weeks, for gait training. Perfect steps, perfect posture, practice practice practice. Abs in, shoulders back. I did this well beyond the point that I needed the crutches for support -- it was all about posture and gait training. Lots of walking with the crutches.
After I was done with the crutches I switched to two hiking poles -- there are videos of this if you search for Nordic Walking. This is awesome, helpful for more effective cardio training, and once you are able to do so they are excellent for hiking in steep terrain, should you desire to do so.
For me personally, one single support like a cane was not helpful in reminding my body to be even, but everyone is different and you should use whatever helps you. They're just tools.
Kind wishes for continued healing
I had my left hip replaced in 2014 and recovered superbly with certainly no limp. I am due for the right this coming Tuesday.
After the left was done, I used two crutches regularly for 4 weeks, for gait training. Perfect steps, perfect posture, practice practice practice. Abs in, shoulders back. I did this well beyond the point that I needed the crutches for support -- it was all about posture and gait training. Lots of walking with the crutches.
After I was done with the crutches I switched to two hiking poles -- there are videos of this if you search for Nordic Walking. This is awesome, helpful for more effective cardio training, and once you are able to do so they are excellent for hiking in steep terrain, should you desire to do so.
For me personally, one single support like a cane was not helpful in reminding my body to be even, but everyone is different and you should use whatever helps you. They're just tools.
Kind wishes for continued healing
Thanks cstinchcomb for the reply. Is it common that if you have one hip replaced, even the other is affected? I mean what causes a bilateral hip replacement? Because my hip replacement was caused by an AVN but now am scared when I hear many people talking about replacement of both hips. Advise me please
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Some members have experienced degenerative issues in both hips simultaneously. Through the suggestion or advisement of their surgeon, they may decide to have both hips replaced at the same time. Try not to fear what may never happen. If it becomes necessary to have your other hip replaced, you’d get through it, just as you’re doing this time. You’re doing well. Keep up the good work and stop by often. We’re here for you!
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HI again @Liz Don
I’m betting with time you’ll notice you’re doing these things again. You really have many more months of healing and it often happens that months down the road, you accidentally catch yourself doing something that had become increasingly difficult, if not impossible right before your surgery. Patience is key, brighter days are on the way!
I’m betting with time you’ll notice you’re doing these things again. You really have many more months of healing and it often happens that months down the road, you accidentally catch yourself doing something that had become increasingly difficult, if not impossible right before your surgery. Patience is key, brighter days are on the way!
cstinchcomb
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Hi Liz Don, so sorry for not responding earlier. I think that many people only need one replacement. When I had my first in 2014, my surgeon told me that I had about 5 years on the second one, pretty accurate.
zauberflöte
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@Liz Don I hope you are doing well! I perceived my legs different lengths between hips #'s 1&2. It's all fixed now. I had all the limp symptoms you have mentioned for both hips, although less so for #2. I walked tilted to one side for 2-3 months, then I'd notice my shadow tipping from side to side as I walked, and one day I noticed that was gone. A friend told me that I limped Eight Months after #1! I was appalled. Since I felt I was walking well I just carried on. No-one has said anything about a limp since then. But after the second hip, my pelvis felt more balanced, and I have less S-I joint pain and rarely have piriformis pain any more. The second hip was also replaced due to garden variety osteoarthritis; I have more elsewhere, lucky me.
As to squatting and bending the back-- I am sure these will come back in time! I am fine with squatting, but it took a full year with each hip. I fold at the hips nearly 180 degrees, but since my back has never been flexible (and nor my hamstrings!!!), I doubt I will ever get my nose to my knees. If I couldn't do it when I was 15, I won't expect to do it 50+ years later
As to squatting and bending the back-- I am sure these will come back in time! I am fine with squatting, but it took a full year with each hip. I fold at the hips nearly 180 degrees, but since my back has never been flexible (and nor my hamstrings!!!), I doubt I will ever get my nose to my knees. If I couldn't do it when I was 15, I won't expect to do it 50+ years later
catlover55
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Hi liz, just read through your thread and wondering how your recovery is going. I also had my THR on 20th of Feb and recovery seems to be going well. Hope you are also recovering well. Best wishes.
Yes catlover, its good to know that your recovery is going on well. Am also recovering so good. I can now walk without a cane, can work, stand for long, and my limp has reduced.the only problem now is squating.
How is your limp? Keep me updated please.
How is your limp? Keep me updated please.
