1. < Joint Replacements

Muscle spasms years after hip replacement surgery

Posted by Sam22 @sandigrant, Nov 8, 2018

I have been going to physical therapy to try to strengthen my muscles two years after hip replacement. I get frequent spasms in my thigh and my therapist is stumped. The trigger is stretching the muscles while on the balls o my foot. I do deep breathing to relax the muscle and after a few seconds let’s like it never happened.

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Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Dec 29, 2018
In reply to @owieann "I had a hip replacement in 2015. My surgery, on march 9th went well. My recovery..." + (show)
@owieann

I had a hip replacement in 2015. My surgery, on march 9th went well. My recovery was fantastic......i was cycling again by the end of April.
Beginning in November of last year, I had terrible leg cramps/charlie horse that would last for hours. I would wake up in the morning with it. I had to crawl from my bed to the bathroom, take a muscle relaxer and soak in tub loaded with Epsom salts. That helped. This went on for about 6 weeks on and off. I dont know why. It hasn't happened again but now and then, in the same leg, I get a sharp stabbing shooting feeling in my thigh. It's in the middle of thigh between the knee and pelvis and seems to start or shoot from the outside of my leg. It happens when just standing on my leg...no special reason. There is no warning but the pain is sooooo bad that my knees almost buckle.
I know my right side is stronger than my left (surgery side) not sure how to just strengthen one side as I walk, swim and cycle on both legs.
Anyone have suggestions?

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Hi @owieann - Welcome to Connect! Great bunch of supportive people here! And congratulations on your quick recovery from the hip replacement. I haven't had a THR - I've had my knee replaced and doing another knee replacement next month. Thankfully, I didn't have the kind of cramps or shooting pain you did so I can't give you any advice - just moral support! I'm going to tag a few people who have had hip issues to see if they can share any insights... @beatricefay, @mariemotte, @laura1956, and @scottb32. Meantime, I'm curious about your cycling - were you actually riding outside in less than 8 weeks? That's so brave!

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2 replies
owieann | @owieann | Dec 30, 2018
In reply to @debbraw "Hi @owieann - Welcome to Connect! Great bunch of supportive people here! And congratulations on your..." + (show)
@debbraw

Hi @owieann - Welcome to Connect! Great bunch of supportive people here! And congratulations on your quick recovery from the hip replacement. I haven't had a THR - I've had my knee replaced and doing another knee replacement next month. Thankfully, I didn't have the kind of cramps or shooting pain you did so I can't give you any advice - just moral support! I'm going to tag a few people who have had hip issues to see if they can share any insights... @beatricefay, @mariemotte, @laura1956, and @scottb32. Meantime, I'm curious about your cycling - were you actually riding outside in less than 8 weeks? That's so brave!

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Thank you for your response. Yes, I was cycling on the road that soon after surgery. I do have to say, prior to my surgery, it was difficult to walk but I was able to cycle indoors at home. However, getting to and on my spin was difficult.

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Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Jan 16, 2019

@yaya333 - You sent me a private message regarding the best place to find people who can relate to hip replacements. This is a great link to join. Maybe @lioness or @owieann can help me welcome you. I know it's scary going through any kind of joint replacement. Can you tell us more about what led to your surgery and where things stand now?

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1 reply
Scott | @scottb32 | Jan 16, 2019
In reply to @debbraw "@yaya333 - You sent me a private message regarding the best place to find people who..." + (show)
@debbraw

@yaya333 - You sent me a private message regarding the best place to find people who can relate to hip replacements. This is a great link to join. Maybe @lioness or @owieann can help me welcome you. I know it's scary going through any kind of joint replacement. Can you tell us more about what led to your surgery and where things stand now?

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Had right hip replaced 6 weeks ago. Was very uptight and the doctors put me at ease. Much better than expected and the pain was minimal. Wish I had had the procedure much earlier!

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2 replies
nursnis | @nursnis | Jan 16, 2019
In reply to @scottb32 "Had right hip replaced 6 weeks ago. Was very uptight and the doctors put me at..." + (show)
@scottb32

Had right hip replaced 6 weeks ago. Was very uptight and the doctors put me at ease. Much better than expected and the pain was minimal. Wish I had had the procedure much earlier!

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Had mine done 2 yrs ago - very easy - Need the other one done I think - won't be nearly as fearful this time.

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lioness | @lioness | Jan 16, 2019

@scottb32 Sounds like you have good results from your hip surgery that is great main thing is to listen to Dr about rehab on the hip Being at ease is so important for your surgery and recovery .

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owieann | @owieann | Jan 17, 2019
In reply to @debbraw "Hi @owieann - Welcome to Connect! Great bunch of supportive people here! And congratulations on your..." + (show)
@debbraw

Hi @owieann - Welcome to Connect! Great bunch of supportive people here! And congratulations on your quick recovery from the hip replacement. I haven't had a THR - I've had my knee replaced and doing another knee replacement next month. Thankfully, I didn't have the kind of cramps or shooting pain you did so I can't give you any advice - just moral support! I'm going to tag a few people who have had hip issues to see if they can share any insights... @beatricefay, @mariemotte, @laura1956, and @scottb32. Meantime, I'm curious about your cycling - were you actually riding outside in less than 8 weeks? That's so brave!

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@debbraw

You mentioned that you are scheduled for a knee replacement. That must be coming up soon. Hope you are well and ready for surgery

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1 reply
owieann | @owieann | Jan 17, 2019
In reply to @scottb32 "Had right hip replaced 6 weeks ago. Was very uptight and the doctors put me at..." + (show)
@scottb32

Had right hip replaced 6 weeks ago. Was very uptight and the doctors put me at ease. Much better than expected and the pain was minimal. Wish I had had the procedure much earlier!

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@scottb32
How is recovery going?

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1 reply
Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Jan 17, 2019
In reply to @owieann "@debbraw You mentioned that you are scheduled for a knee replacement. That must be coming up..." + (show)
@owieann

@debbraw

You mentioned that you are scheduled for a knee replacement. That must be coming up soon. Hope you are well and ready for surgery

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@owieann - Thanks for asking about my upcoming TKR. Yesterday, I had pre-op appointments ALL day from 9am – 4pm. Although it was a long day, it went smooth as could be and every single person I met with was kind and caring – blood work, EKG, CT scan, Xrays, nurses, the Orthopedic Surgeon. To a person I was impressed! And all my tests had good results, so I think I'm all set. My surgery is scheduled for 8am on 1/29. Interestingly, my right TKR was done 4/18/17 by the same doctor. Shortly after, he started using the robotic assisted technique. I'm adding a link to an article about my doctor and the new technique. While I can't say I'm looking forward to the surgery, I AM looking forward to getting it behind me - and excited that this new technique might make recovery a little easier!
https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/orthopedic-surgery/news/robotic-full-knee-replacement-in-florida/mac-20431030

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Scott | @scottb32 | Jan 17, 2019
In reply to @owieann "@scottb32 How is recovery going?" + (show)
@owieann

@scottb32
How is recovery going?

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Recovery has gone well. Went back to traveling this week with work. At the hotel, I used the stair master and for the first time in years was pain-free. Lost some stamina but that will return. Hardest recovery aspect has been convincing my brain it won't hurt stepping with the right side. Thanks for asking

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