Still clunking after all these weeks ...

[Hip Op Dj]

Hi, I am still clunking as my heel hits the ground ...

I know this is common, but I wanted to know how long it will last? (5 weeks post op today)
Is it a sign that my muscles are not tightening up?
Should I be doing more or different exercises so that the muscles will tighten up?
If I clunk is it a sign that muscles are loose and therefore more prone to dislocation?

Jo, you previously asked me if it hurts?
It does not!
Does it bother me?
Only so far as the questions I have asked above!

Also I watched the video re prostheses making noises but this dealt with squeaks and not clunks?

Any advice anyone?

 

[Josephine]

So long as it doesn't cause pain, then yes, I think working on the muscles is a good idea. Are you still seeing your PT? Perhaps you could get some advice from him.

 

[JudyS]

All these weeks is still really early in recovery. From my experience and talking with my wonderful pt it is the muscle weakness. I got my muscles back to being strong enough then had knee surgery on that side and was not allowed to do the exercises for a number of months.
The clunking kind of felling like the implant is separating , then going back into place happened again. thenn more strengthening and the clunking was gone.
judy

 

[littlejimmy]

I seem to get my clunking when I'm stood up doing things in the kitchen....probably when I twist at the torso and so on. I am not getting pain with the clunks but there is a tight sort of pain in the inside thigh area and a general ache in my buttock, especially around the scar. Still, I am feeling stronger every day and walking further and further and have even started getting around the house without sticks. I am worried about putting too much weight on my right side since it has been restored to almost full length after years of shortness due to Perthes and I think my natural gait is leaning slightly to that side...although I seem to lean less when I use a stick in my left hand.