Leg length

Kelly

Hi, folks!

I am 3 1/2 weeks post left anterior THR.  My left leg feels longer than my right leg, and I sink slightly to the right when I walk.  My partner thought I was over-exaggerating because I was thinking too much about it, but it becomes even more obvious when I try to “speed walk” to avoid thinking about it.

A quick Google search says that this may be normal after surgery, but I am wondering for how long?  My doctor assures me (from X-ray, not follow up) that my legs are equal lengths.  My first follow up is not until the 3 month mark.

Also, at this stage I still have tightness and discomfort in my hip.  I have read so many accounts of people saying, “Yay, the pain is gone!” but that hasn’t been my experience yet.  Just checking in with people who are further along than I to see if any of this is to be expected.

Thanks so much!

Kelly

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    • April 14, 2018 at 12:51 pm #9442
      Kelly
      Participant

      Hi, folks! I am 3 1/2 weeks post left anterior THR.  My left leg feels longer than my right leg, and I sink slightly to the right when I walk.  My par
      [See the full post at: Leg length]

    • April 14, 2018 at 1:09 pm #9443
      Jennywren
      Participant

      Hi Kelly. My experience was exactly the same as yours. My left operative leg felt about an inch too long at first! Completely freaked me out as i envisaged a life of heel inserts!

      After about 5 or 6 weeks everything seemed to even out and now i hardly notice any difference at all. Im now 18 months post op and feel as i did before the hip pain started. The tightness and discomfort you mention will ease gradually – its a major op with a fair amount of muscle damage that needs to heal and that takes time.

      Good luck with your recovery!

    • April 14, 2018 at 3:24 pm #9444
      Kelly
      Participant

      Thank you, Jenny! 🙂

    • April 14, 2018 at 8:28 pm #9445
      ForceD
      Participant

      Kelly,

      I’m about the same timeframe post-op as you. At my 2-week follow-up with my surgeon, he told me that “generally” the operative is made 6mm to 8mm longer than the non-operative leg (he measured mine at the time and I was at 6.5mm). My understanding is that the extra length is added to allow settling, and the aim is for both legs to eventually be the same length.

      Regarding the tightness and discomfort you’re experiencing…are you doing physical thearapy? If not, you ought to be. If you are…how often, and are you doing the exercises on your own on days you don’t go? For me that really seems to be aiding my progress.

      Dan

    • April 15, 2018 at 7:55 am #9446
      Kelly
      Participant

      Hi, Dan!

      I was given a book of suggested at-home PT exercises, and all are very easy (ankle pumps, quad sets, active knee range of motion). There is a new set to start at the 4-week mark. Thanks for responding!

      KS

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