Leg Feels Longer

Knee surgeons, like carpenters, need to measure multiple times and cut once. Does it just feel longer or does it measure longer? How is your gait? Are you walking fine?

@steveinarizona It’s her HIP…don’t know the measurements yet - only 0ne Week post op.

Yes. Had both hips done. Left one worse. Left leg 2cm longer

@budisnothome my wife has the same issue. Orthopedic doctor prescribed a shoe lift for her right shoe; gate is better but continues with a limp and it also effects her lower back.

@dannyandebbie yes. My pt gave me a lift and it was almost worse. I gave it back to pt and live with it. Have a fun day

I had a pelvic tilt, made one leg longer. Chiropractor and physical therapist working on muscle imbalance.

@heavyphil

Sorry but the principle is the same. I know that my surgeon considered leg length and gait as part of his design.

My first hip replacement resulted in the leg being about a half an inch longer. Very destabilizing. I coped by adding Dr Foot wedges inside my shoes and by getting a prescription for my shoe repair man to add about 1/4 inch to the bottom of my nice heels. Was not enough but I did not want a noticeable block added to my heel.
I just had my second hip replaced and was evened out. Very grateful, however i had nerve damage that is causing a delay in my recovery.

I, too, had a right THA that did make my leg longer. I put two thick insoles in my left shoe to even them and not walk l I ke a duck! It didn't leave much room for my foot in my shoe. The surgery was actually a mess. A little over two years later, I fell and broke my left hip. It was fixed with screws, which were determined after six weeks to be too long. They were replaced with shorter screws, which didn't help with the pain. I got avacular necrosis in that leg. The pain from both legs was unbearable. I finally found a surgeon that said because of the lack of blood flow, the part of the femur below the break had died and the femoral head died and collapsed. He did a total replacement, and also was able to lengthen it so my legs are the same length. What a relief! However, my right leg is so painful and no reason can be found. I've been in constant pain for nearly nine years from my right leg. The first hip was replaced in 2017, and the left in 2024. I was also told that my longer leg would adjust. It never did and I think it had plenty of time. I hope your hip turns out fantastically. It's sure not a walk in the park. In fact, I'd give anything if I could just move without pain. Don't give up and keep a positive outlook.

Hey Phil,

I had my right hip replaced this March, anterior incision, and that leg did feel longer for a few months.

That sensation stopped I guess a few months ago. It wasn't an abrupt change.

Please keep in mind that with any joint replacement, even a relatively "easy" one like the hip. to can take up to a year for the joint capsule to scar over and get used to the new metal and plastic parts.

Hope that helps Phil.

Joe