assess for insoles.

tkachev
tkachev Member Posts: 8,332
edited 3. Mar 2012, 13:54 in Living with Arthritis archive
I found out today My THR leg is 2cm shorter than other leg and orthotic lady thinks this is exacerbating the foot pain so gave me some insoles for my 'good foot' and one for the' bad'. My big toe joint is stuck, my foot is swelling and I turn my foot out to the left plus I'm in a lot of pain so I'm hoping this will help. She already noticed my spine was more aligned(might help with the back ache).

I'm pretty sure my THR surgeon said my leg was still same measurement as pre op and that was a good result as it wasn't always the case.

It was a good appointment as I didn't even get to sit down in the waiting room before I was called in. Its great when you get answers.

Elizabeth
Never be bullied into silence.
Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
Accept no ones definition of your life

Define yourself........

Harvey Fierstein

Comments

  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,280
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elizabeth
    Im glad your appointment went well, it does make you think why they didnt double check when you had your THR, I have read that it is common for your leg to be shorter after a THR.
    Hopefully when you get the insoles, things will feel much easier for you. x
    Love
    Barbara
  • mig
    mig Member Posts: 7,154
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hope you dont have to wait too longand they work for you.Mig
  • tkachev
    tkachev Member Posts: 8,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thankyou Mig and Barbara.

    I had OA diagnosed in my left foot a few months after the THR which fits in with the shorter length/ more stress theory.

    During the 2 and a bit years since being diagnosed I have had 2 foot scans, an x ray, appointments to check damage every 6 months and an ankle brace.I just wonder why they didn't suggest insoles earlier?

    All the best
    E x
    Never be bullied into silence.
    Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
    Accept no ones definition of your life

    Define yourself........

    Harvey Fierstein
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I'm glad you had a good appointment tkachev. Orthotics can make a big difference. I certainly wouldn't still be walking without them. I hope it works for you and solves a few painful problems.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • tkachev
    tkachev Member Posts: 8,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks Sticky. I' glad it has worked so well for you. That is encouraging.
    My foot felt a little bit sore today.

    Elizabeth x
    Never be bullied into silence.
    Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
    Accept no ones definition of your life

    Define yourself........

    Harvey Fierstein
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elizabeth
    I am pleased that your appointment went well and that you are now having the insoles.
    I hope these make a big difference to you and the pain and discomfort you are experiencing at the moment eases.

    Love juliepf x
  • jilly
    jilly Member Posts: 503
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi I have been left with a leg difference of an inch ,it as caused me a lot of trouble , I have had both knees replaced in the five years since having my THR ,I am sure the length difference had a lot to do with it . I also have a bad back .
    I think i left my hip to long before having it replaced ,the specialist said it had caused the shortening, he said before i had the op it would happen. I have my shoe built up instead of insoles , it is limiting as to how many shoes you have to wear has you can only have 2 pair a year.
    I hope the insoles help you, it is hard walking with a leg difference it seems to cause lots of strains on the rest of your body
    It is good when they listen to you and get it sorted, it takes time for your body to improve after you get the insoles but it should help you in a while, hope it goes well for you . ...jillyx
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elizabeth

    So pleased for you that it was a good appointment and let's hope the insoles help you.

    I have been told that my legs are the same length but due to a slight curvature of the spine, my hips are "lopsided" and have been since my early teens. Nothing was ever suggested to change this. Years and years ago I had a pair of shoes where one heel was made higher but I could not get on with them and chucked them away. I do have a certain gait but have always managed. Now I am falling over more than I would like :roll: but not sure if it has anything to do with my scoliolis or not.
    I have no pain, only from the bruised knees when I fall. :roll:

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • tkachev
    tkachev Member Posts: 8,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Slight Curvature of the spine and lopsided hips are the very words she used! I do have a gait always put that down to pain and weight gain. Maybe that is an issue with your recent falls??? (not the weight gain of course as you are nice and slim).
    I'm finding it difficult to adept to the insoles at the mo but did have an arduous 'option evening'. I'm still suffering badly.
    It is early days but will see it things get better as Jilly pointed out it can take time.

    She was lovely lady and explained things clearly. I have my follow up appointment through too.

    Thanks for your good wishes Julie.

    Elizabeth x
    Never be bullied into silence.
    Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
    Accept no ones definition of your life

    Define yourself........

    Harvey Fierstein
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elizabeth,

    Quite a few things cross my mind as to why I am falling every now and again. It could be the curvature if it has become more curved, it could be the symptoms caused because 2 vertebrae were irritating my spinal cord, before the op to prevent more damage, it could be as a delayed result of my three toes op. I am only falling post op of those two ops, 9 months after the toes op and 3 - 4 months after the spinal op. Could be a combination of all three. Why do things have to become complicated? :roll:

    I am sure with practice it will become easier to walk with the insoles, Elizabeth. I remember how weird it felt when I had one of the heels built up on a pair of shoes all those years ago.

    Love
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elizabeth, I hope the insoles help. You might have to wear them in/get used to them more gradually than recommended.

    I have insoles for my leg length discrepancy since my first hip operation and they lessen my limp. I also had insoles for my feet since my last op, they improved my gait. They take awhile to get used to and made me ache at first as I was using different muscles. They do limit the shoes I can buy.

    Speedy
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.