THR

Sarah69

Hi, sorry another question. After my THR ive found that I now have 1 leg slightly longer than the other is that normal? I do get back ache because of this now!

barbara12

Hi Sarah
I haven't had my THR yet , but mu consultant said that you can end up with one leg slightly shorter, and may need insoles for your shoe,this must be such a pain for you especially has its effecting your back.
I would go back and tell them if I were you, and make sure you get something done about it.
The one things that worry's me if they have to build up one shoes with insoles, it may mean we are limited to what shoes we wear.
Hope you get something done sooner rather than later x

stickywicket

It is fairly normal, especiallly if you have problems in other joints. However, that doesn't mean to say you should just live with it. Far from it because, as you've discovered, it will impact on other bits of you. As Barbara says, you need an orthotist (unless it's a small difference which you can rectify by just having an ordinary insole in one shoe). Ask for a referral, Sarah.

constable

Hi there,

I felt like you do, one longer than the other. But now I am 18 months down the line, all seems well. I dont know how long you have been since your op. But if you are unhappy you should go back to your doctor.

Sarah69

I had my op in May this year. I went to see my dr last week she does know that walking is affecting my back and she is just referring me to see a physio. I'm very wary of all this as it took 27 months and going round the houses of getting a diagnosis for my hip, I really don't want to go through all that again.

lazicat

After my THR my surgeon told me that he had managed to get my legs the same length. However when I started to walk my new hip felt very mechanical , leg longer & felt like I was walking on a stilt. However now 4 months later it feels like it belongs to me & is the same length , so just took time to get used to & my posture improve as my OA had fixed me in a bent position. I still get pain in my other hip , spine & shoulder & a soreness in the new hip when I do too much.
Perhaps time will help you , or perhaps like me there are other problems caused by the long process to get treatment causing your posture to change & put strain on other joints.
Hope you feel better as time goes on.

hileena111

It does seem to be normal......I have one leg slightly shorter than the other but that has nothing to do with my THR...thats to do with the kypho scoliosis.....a C shape curve in your back

Love
Hileena

knuckleduster

I had a right THR in December 2010 and ended up with my operated side longer which makes me sway from side to side and the technical name is a Trendelenburg limp.
When I complained to my consultant about the way I was walking he said "you have to remember we only carry out replacement joint operations as an effective means of pain relief". He didn't actually say it doesn't matter you don't like the way you walk, but I'm sure that is what he meant. I had some extra physio because I was having problems with my back and wanted to improve my walking, but he kindly said I was as good as I was going to get and didn't think an insert into my shoe would make much difference. I now go to an osteopath who straightens me up :shock: and I do daily exercises to help with the muscle tone. I also spoke to him about an insert, but he didn't think it would make much difference and could lead to other problems. But, everybody is different, so have a word with your doctor or physio and see what they recommend. One thing I try to make sure I do, is stand straight. I've noticed since the op I tend to curl round on my right side and I think that is due to the muscle damage which I incurred with the op. I'm sure you will be fine with the right help and advice .

Janet xx