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What exercises help recovery & strength after hip replacement?
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Sep 20, 2022 | Replies (71)Comment receiving replies
Thanks, Sue. I am definitely going to keep looking at causes until I get a better answer. (I tried forearm cane but it placed my wrist in a very uncomfortable position. Wish it had a greater angle so that forearm could bear some weight) . I hate the thought of any kind of walker as that seems like a step backwards (I was off the walker within a week after surgery) but I'll try all options. Am hoping a lift in the left shoe is not the next step as that was a failure several years ago -- made back pains worse. Getting old (80 in 2 days) is sometimes a bummer!! Will see if I get in-person PT visit next!
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@oregonjan If you decide to go with a shoe lift, here is what I was counseled (I had a 1/2" difference, reduced to 3/8" after surgery). The lift should only correct 1/2 of the length differential. The lift should be worn gradually, beginning with 1/2 hour, then 1 hour, etc over several weeks until your body adjusts to it - it took your body years to adjust to the length difference, so going the other way takes a long time too. Then, if there is still an issue, a little more lift can be added.
Also, even though a walker seems like "going backward" maybe it is better than not being able to go at all? I was thinking of the forearm or upright type to avoid additional stress on your hand and wrist (I was 61 at my last hip revision, and couldn't use a walker because of my wrists - forearm crutches were what I could manage.)
Just thinking out loud. Good luck.
Sue