THR Pain when walking

[trailrunner]

I've read a mile a day is doable at one month so am I about where I should be? What are your experiences?

Tomorrow it will be four weeks since my surgery, so I'm right at the one month mark. My daily walk is just under one mile right now, although yesterday I did a second walk of about a half mile later in the day. I carry my cane but I am not using it. My neighborhood is hilly, so my walk is downhill for the first half, and uphill on the second half. By the time I finish, my hip is a little sore and tired, mostly in the front, but sometimes in the back.

 

[Layla]

Each recovery is different, even with the same person. It sounds like you're doing okay, especially stopping to rest when you're feeling the discomfort. As time moves on you'll make more progress, so hang in there.
Happy Monday!

Please notice that we have merged your newest thread with your original recovery thread. Having your recovery information contained in one place will make it easier for you to reflect back on. It is also helpful for those stopping by to be able to review your history before advising or commenting. Please do not start additional threads, instead post any updates, questions or concerns about your recovery here.

Have a great week!
@VVTory

 

[AlanInAZ]

As other have commented, it does not matter what others do but rather whether you are making some progress. I take walks of varying length depending on how I feel, my plans for the rest of the day and the weather. I pick routes that include spots where I can sit for a few minutes if needed. I have also been using my Nordic walking poles. The Nordic walking technique extends my range and takes some of the stress off my knees. Many videos on You Tube explain the technique. Sometimes I nap after the walk with elevated legs. I normally don't feel too much pain but I do get tired [the Arizona sun gets some blame here].

 

[Eman85]

I've been walking (with cane available) now about a mile a day for this last week I start out fine w/o needing the cane but after about 1/8 mile I am feeling it in my hip so I use it. After I break and sit for about 2 or 3 minutes my hip seems fine for the next 1/8 mile and so on for the rest of the mile. Otherwise I am doing great around the house and trying to keep my going upstairs and down to just twice daily. I've read a mile a day is doable at one month so am I about where I should be? What are your experiences?

The big question is how is your gait for the mile? Old PT and exercise deal that it's more about form than how many reps or how long you do it for. No medals awarded it's all about recovery and back to a healthy life.

 

[Layla]

Happy Two Month Anniversary!
I hope you're doing well and enjoying steady progress.
Have a great rest of the weekend!
@VVTory

 

[VVTory]

It has been 3 months since anterior hip replacement. I have been walking 1 to 2 miles almost daily for the last month. I make sure I stretch throughout the walk. Hip and buttock pain sets in at around 1/8 mile so I stretch and sit for a couple of minutes. When I restart walking the pain is gone but after the next 1/8 pain sets in again. I always take my cane just in case but rarely use it. What do you think is going on?

 

[myglasshalffull]

I think your hip only wants to walk 1/8 of a mile.
Most difficult thing is learning to listen to your body.
Maybe break your walks up over the course of the day not all at once.
My doctor told me it's better to do 3 ten minute walks than a painful 30 minute walk.

 

[VVTory]

You may be right but I've read hip flexor pain is common after anterior surgery and walking is as important as stretching. I was hoping others who have experienced this type of pain could give me encouragement and assurance that it's only temporary. Up until a year ago I was a 3 plus mile a day walker and really it was always the best part of my day. Thankyou for your kind answer.

 

[myglasshalffull]

I was 70 when I slid on ice & fractured my hip necessitating replacement.
I was 3 mile a day walker, did dog rescue & walked various rescue dogs 3-4 x;s per week & I was a server in an extremely busy restaurant 3 days a week.
I don't act my age, don't look my age & I am now back to close to 6 miles a day. This past winter I hiked & felt great.
You will get there, it's just not an overnight recovery. You are on 2nd replacement & even though your first replacement was 8 years ago you may not recall how long it took you to get where you would like to be.
Yes, walking is best exercise for recovery but overdoing it isn't way to go either, you need to ease into it. Like I said, just break up your walks over course of the day & you will still achieve the distance you would like.

 

[Layla]

I agree with myglasshalffull. Give it time, it will come.
Happy Three Month Anniversary!
Have a nice week and 4th of July!
@VVTory