Leg length difference after TKR! What can be done?

Posted by Mamie @mamie, May 12, 2018

My sister, who also has chronic venous insufficiency, had a total knee replacement at the end of February. Has been doing exercises, going to PT, but after more pains, her PT suggest she start using a cane. Pain in legs and lower back. Finally PT measured her and said her "new knee" leg is 1.6 inches!!! longer than the other one. She is devastated that she is now in worse pain than she was before TKR. She was told to build up the shoe of her shorter leg and find someone to add to the bottom of the shoe as well. Now she can't walk around barefoot anymore but has to put on shoes to ease the pain even a little. What can she do? Any suggestions?

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@bonniethompson1234

I understand because I’m there too. I use the shopping cart in the supermarket as a Walker. I also am in more pain after than before surgery. It is saddening to say the least. I do know that physical therapy helped greatly. I’m at two years now and still in pain while my surgeon retired immediately after my surgery and left me without even follow up doctors. And sarcastically I say, I hope he’s enjoying every minute of his retirement.
I hope you can fine a good physical therapist. They can help the most.

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Thank you..

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I had my HIP replaced & IMMEDIATELY knew that leg was longer! After a while, my whole body contoured to that…my spine curved (scoliosis) to compensate. Now, post rev., I think it’s the length it should be, so my spine & whatever else is going to re-compensate to this…?
🤷‍♀️ What ya gonna do?

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It has 14 months. pain has gotten worse. I wish I'd never had it done, doctors aren't helping helping me and I'm in worst pain and I feel handicapped now. Leg is a inch and a 1/2 longer I'm putting an insert in my shoe, but I can't walk across the grocery store anymore. I used to be able to run and hike 10 to 20 miles, now I'm handicapped

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I would go as long as you can before you have a knee replacement. If you can't walk then you should get one. It's been 14 months for me and he made by leg one and a 1/2 inch longer. Is dealing with a lot of chronic pain all over now. I'm worse off than what I was before surgery.

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@sarahleemoore62

I would go as long as you can before you have a knee replacement. If you can't walk then you should get one. It's been 14 months for me and he made by leg one and a 1/2 inch longer. Is dealing with a lot of chronic pain all over now. I'm worse off than what I was before surgery.

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One thing none of these surgeons tells you is that you are never right after the replacement. A lot of people require it because of the level of pain but make no mistake you are NOT the same. TKR is the number one most profitable surgery in the country, Gee wonder what the motivation is? Avoid as long as possible!

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Where did you get your TKR? And was it done Robotically?

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@lawman

One thing none of these surgeons tells you is that you are never right after the replacement. A lot of people require it because of the level of pain but make no mistake you are NOT the same. TKR is the number one most profitable surgery in the country, Gee wonder what the motivation is? Avoid as long as possible!

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I’ve been interested in the posts regarding TKR because of having just had my second in two years. Nine weeks ago, I had TKR on my right knee and it went brilliantly. I’m able to walk pain free finally and get back on the trails, having only been comfortable riding my bike the past several years. My first TKR was two years ago, and the first month wasn’t a picnic but the knee is operating quite well now. It truly takes a year to completely heal from TKR. The most recent TKR was much less painful and I’m shocked at what I’m already able to do. I’m very active, age 74, and I believe the key is to do preparatory exercises prior to surgery and afterwards. I biked a lot and did stretching pre surgery, which I continue. I’ve learned that every knee is different, even on the same person. I have never looked back and am thrilled to be able to now walk again without pain. All I have to do is continue to commit to exercise. I feel very fortunate for my good outcome and empathetic for anyone whose TKR hadn’t been the answer. Good luck to all.

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@lawman

One thing none of these surgeons tells you is that you are never right after the replacement. A lot of people require it because of the level of pain but make no mistake you are NOT the same. TKR is the number one most profitable surgery in the country, Gee wonder what the motivation is? Avoid as long as possible!

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Every surgeon and physical therapist are different. One needs to find the right surgeon and right physical therapist and be willing to go the distance to do the work. There will always be things that could happen. My surgeon is a military surgeon and doesn’t get paid extra to do any surgery. He was upfront with me regarding both my RTS AND TKR. VERY PLEASED WITH OUTCOME. My physical therapist is so qualified and has gotten me thru so much and I need to continue with lifetime commitment to exercise program he has given me.

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@cstucky

I’ve been interested in the posts regarding TKR because of having just had my second in two years. Nine weeks ago, I had TKR on my right knee and it went brilliantly. I’m able to walk pain free finally and get back on the trails, having only been comfortable riding my bike the past several years. My first TKR was two years ago, and the first month wasn’t a picnic but the knee is operating quite well now. It truly takes a year to completely heal from TKR. The most recent TKR was much less painful and I’m shocked at what I’m already able to do. I’m very active, age 74, and I believe the key is to do preparatory exercises prior to surgery and afterwards. I biked a lot and did stretching pre surgery, which I continue. I’ve learned that every knee is different, even on the same person. I have never looked back and am thrilled to be able to now walk again without pain. All I have to do is continue to commit to exercise. I feel very fortunate for my good outcome and empathetic for anyone whose TKR hadn’t been the answer. Good luck to all.

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One year and a half ago I had my right knee done and as part of it, I had leg length repair
My discrepancy was 3cm. I feellike Emelda Marcos. I no longer have to have my shoe built up! Also, the presurgery exercise helped

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I had a total knee replacement 16 months ago.. Been having so much pain with my leg, hips. back, and pelvis just found out my knee was never implanted or aligned right.. Took many visits to doctors to figure out what's wrong with me. I mat have to start all over again.

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