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Cannot lift my leg after hip replacement
I had a hip replacement in September and I still cannot lift my leg if I try it’s painful. I can go upstairs but when seated or lying down I cannot lift it. It’s so heavy, like there is no muscle. And it causes bad pain if I try to raise it. Next month will be a year.
Has anyone else had this problem?
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I have that problem too. I found out that my Psoas muscle was damaged when my hip replacement was done. I am still upset as I waited 2 years not knowing that was done. Too late to go after doctor!
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1 ReactionMe too. My ortho skipped town and left the practice. My new ortho that is very sweet said after seeing my latest MRI "well I wouldn't have done it that way". I also got bursitis in that hip after a few years which can happen.
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1 ReactionI had right anterior hip replacement, three and a half years ago. I haven't been able to raise my leg since. I've had every test possible and saw three neurologists. One doctor told me it was scar tissue, i was told it's an impingement. I saw four physical therapist. I can't raise my leg to put a sock on or my pants.I have to raise my leg manually to do so. If I try to raise it on my own, it is so painful in my groin, that the pain is felt in my right middle of my butt. Very sharp pain. I just had left interior hip replacement seven weeks ago, and it is wonderful. On my three month checkup, they are going to send me to a specialist that works with iliopsoas impingement. I'm still trying desperately to find out what the problem is! My follow up appointment is the end of November for my left hip.
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2 Reactions@palmat47
I had bone on bone in my right knee and I was badly misaligned that caused me extreme pain if I stepped the wrong way (presumably a nerve impingement). Sixteen days ago I had my knee replaced and the new knew straightened (functional alignment) and, lo and behold, no more pain from stepping the wrong way. Three years ago I had my left hip replaced (same surgeon) and prior to the surgery I had left knee pain; after the hip replacement, the left knee pain disappeared.
Did the same surgeon do the first procedure? It sure sounds like referred pain, likely a nerve impingement. If yes...what did he say about your pain. It seems you are looking at living with the pain forever, a revision or a possible neurosurgical intervention.
@palmat47
I have the same issue and it’s been seven years. Tried everything different doctors shots medication. Hope you find something that works.
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1 ReactionI can really understand what you are going through. It too took me a long time to be able to move . I finally found a good physio Therapist showing me the right strengthening exercises. Please do not give up, with diligently doing the exercises it will gradually improve. It is hard work. Good luck
@shantosa
Agree. A very good physical therapist should be able to relieve your issues. I had a Superpath procedure and my surgeon had a therapist develop a rehabilitation protocol. I actually used the creator of the protocol as my therapist and I recovered quickly. For whatever it is worth, I am attaching it.
My recall is that I found the massaging of the leg seemed to help the most.
Physical therapy protocol for Superpath THR patients (Physical-therapy-protocol-for-Superpath-THR-patients.pdf)
Hi Palma, and sorry for what you are going through.
I had my right hip replaced this March (I'm 70 y/o male, very fit) and it cured toe pain I was having pre-surgery - pain in my right groin when trying to raise my right foot. I was lucky to get it 6" off then ground.
You mention groin pain when trying to raise your right leg. Sure seems like something from that surgery is causing this.
One thing that surprises me is the time that has passed since the right hip replacement. Have you been in pain this long? Seems like the Drs should have found an answer a lot sooner.
Past is past. Hopefully the specialist in iliopsoas impingement can find some answers and get you some relief.
All the best to you!
Joe
I'm in no way a Dr. Seem like the pain in muscular, rather than neurologic. I think if the pain is due to neuropathy, you'd feel constant, or much more frequent, pain in your right groin.
Are you seeing a specialist for iliopsoas impingement in your right leg? That sounds like a good move. You now know how well a joint replacement can feel post-op (your left hip replacement).
@palmat47
You have not mentioned if an MRI was ordered and if so the findings. Has a gluteus medius tear been ruled out?
I had the same. It has been 13 months since the THR. I have slowly also loss the ability to walk other than a few feet at a time. I have been to the Orthopedics as well as having a nerve induction test. They now want to send me to Neurology, saying it is "likely" a damaged femoral artery. I also had a consult with additional ortho on having a revision surgery thinking it all is related to my nickel allergy and even stainless steel contains some nickel. On short, no one.can provide a definitive diagnosis or offer a cure. Meantime, I have no life as I cannot walk. But like a fool, I keep searching for help. At times, at age 71, I get the feeling of being bounced around long enough that I will die on this ride to nowhere. I sincerely hope you gain a better outcome.