"Knee and Calf issues after THR"

Wobblylegs
Wobblylegs Member Posts: 181
edited 4. Sep 2025, 10:56 in Surgery - Pre and Post

Hi everyone,

For those who remember me I had a right hip replacement in February this year. I’m currently waiting for the left one to be done early next year. For info I also have very bad disc degeneration, spinal stenosis and facet joint arthritis in my back. Back in week 11 following surgery, I asked others about any experiences with the knee and calf on the THR side. Well I’m now 6 months out and still getting issues. No one seems to know what’s causing it.

The surgeon agreed to see me a few weeks ago which he doesn’t normally do at 6 months but I was worried. He checked my hip and my TKR on that same side and said they are both fine, lots of ROM and strength and it’s more likely my issues are coming from my back as it’s going down my leg. He wanted to check it was strong enough to stand the other side being done. There are no problems with leg lengths either. My Physio agreed with him, my osteopath is not so sure and thinks if things don’t improve soon I’ll need to see a gait specialist.

The issue I have is tightness below my knee and down the side of my calf. If I walk very far it feels like a burning over-use type pain and is very tight. So much so I can’t carry on. My other half thinks maybe time will cure it and 12 months out things will be different and to not to push myself so much. I’m just curious if anyone has had similar as everyone seems to do so well in recovery and I’m fed up I’m not walking any further than before the op.

Comments

  • noddingtonpete
    noddingtonpete Moderator Posts: 1,492

    Hi @Wobblylegs Maybe do what your osteopath says as at least they are trying to do something.

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  • Wobblylegs
    Wobblylegs Member Posts: 181

    Hi @noddingtonpete thanks for answering. I think you’re right but I’m curious if anyone has had anything similar?

  • PJoanne
    PJoanne Moderator Posts: 353

    Hi Wobblylegs,

    I've edited the title of your post, hope that is okay.

    Best Joanne

    Need more help - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • Wobblylegs
    Wobblylegs Member Posts: 181

    Morning @PJoanne,

    Thank you.

    I now think I should have kept the title simple like "Knee and Calf issues after THR". Can you change it to that please as I don't think I can do it from this side?

  • PJoanne
    PJoanne Moderator Posts: 353

    Hi @Wobblylegs

    I've made the change, all the best Joanne

    Need more help - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • Angelina
    Angelina Member Posts: 1

    I have had both hips replaced. The first is great, feels normal. The second, I don't feel was as successful, though the surgeon was happy. Told me off for still being on crutches at 6 weeks.

    After 2 years I found out that leg was shorter than the other. I waddled and went to a physiotherapist. I have orthotics though i should really have a built-up shoe. I manage

    I have been having cramps in this leg at night and pain down the side of the calf, like a burning pain. The knee on this leg is not good, but not yet bad enough for knee replacement. I have Baker's cysts at the back of both knees. No treatment. They affect my walking when I first get up. I can't feel my toes. The doctor says it's the arthritis in my spine. Anyway, really just wanted to say I have the knee and calf issues. My first post, sorry it was such a saga.

  • Wobblylegs
    Wobblylegs Member Posts: 181

    Morning @Angelina,

    Thank you for your story. It helps a lot knowing I'm not alone. I'm hoping my second one goes better than this. But my specific issue is that it's a knee replacement on the same side too! Frustrating eh?

    My leg length has been checked and I'm told it's fine, but I'm not so sure. Maybe I do need to wait until after my second hip. So many have said my gait will change again then and that's when I need to chase it? Meanwhile I'm trying to strengthen ready for the next but I'm limited in how much walking I can do. It's fair to say I'm happy with the hip but disappointed with my progress so far. Your story does help me feel less alone.

  • PJoanne
    PJoanne Moderator Posts: 353

    Hello @Angelina

    I wanted to say welcome to the forum, it's great to have you here. Thanks for posting!

    Best Joanne

    Need more help - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm