I had THP on Oct 31. Since then, I've gained strength through home excercises, therapy and returing to the eliptical at the gym. BUT, there are two nagging after effects that are driving me nuts. My right hip (the new one) is profoundly stiff when I get up in the morning and my leg shakes awfully when I walk. Is this a normal thing to experience 8 weeks after surgery, and can I expect it to subside with continued excercise? Any input would be so greatly appreciated!
BTW, I just joined Health Boards, so hello everybody!
Welcome to this wonderful board. I don't remember being shaky and stiff two months after my right hip replacement, but I do know that the more walking you do with your new hip, the better.
I was at a rehab facility for two weeks after my hip replacement because I live alone and the doctor thought it best for me to be where I would have others around to help with meals, PT, meds, vitals, etc.
The PT people there said to not do the on - the - bed leg exercises too much - that once a day would be plenty. Those are the ones where you press against the bed to exercise the thighs and legs - also doing ankle pumps.
Maybe others can jump in here with their opinions and recollections regarding shakiness and stiffness.
Thanks so much for your quick reply, Shirley. I go to pt today, so I'll ask what can be done about the stiffness. As for the shakiness, I can only think it's weakness. But for all the excercises I do, one would think it would abate. Ah well, perhaps patience should be applied to my situation as well.
Hi, I'm into my 12th week after my new right hip. I thought that I would recover a lot quicker than I actually have. Perhaps we are expecting too much. My hip at 8 weeks was very weak and I was still using my crutches. My leg still feels weak but I am doing a lot more exercise and walking and don't need the crutches. Hope this helps. Kate
Hi. I'll be officially at week 20 on Jan 4. My hip was still stiff around 8 weeks, but I didn't have any shakiness walking. I did and do have some weakness in the right hip when I started exercising at the gym. It has improved over time, the more I exercised. Maggie
Thanks, Maggie. The shakiness is present only when I first start to move around in the morning, then it disappears. I think with more excercise, i.e. weight lifting, that it will go away completely.
I agree, you need to exercise the leg mussels, the weaknes and shakyness will go away. Walking is the best for the leg & HIP, talk to your PT and doctor also, they should be aware of your contition.
PS - I had my THR 3 1/2 years ago and feel great.
Please keep us updated
Ken
I have not been walking correctly for a year and a half. I broke my hip in the summer of '07, and I've been using orthopedic equipment to get around ever since. At home, I put aside the cane and walk around as much as possible, but I'm wary of outside and wide open spaces.
I found that a walker with wheels on the front legs was the best / easiest for me, it inabled me to stand up streight while walking. It will take time but you will get there! As I said, your PT and Doctor need to know of the shaky & stiff leg problem.
Ken
