Question
QUESTION: I had a right hip replacement twelve weeks ago.  I am 65 years old. I walk indoors every day (about 2000 steps) using crutch and holding onto stair rail, but when I go out I am afraid of falling over as I feel unsteady so I use a rollater (frame on wheels).  I also do other leg strengthening exercises given to me by my physiotherapist but my walking is still very slow.   My consultant tells me he also inserted some "releasers"  into my leg at the time of the operation as I had been unable to straighten my leg for about six months before the operation.  I had hoped that I would be "up and running" by now and am a little disappointed that my progress is so slow.   I have no pain in my hip but both my legs feel a little numb and wobbly. Do you think I will still make progress and eventually be able to walk unaided as I did a year or so ago.  Many thanks

ANSWER: Anne

If you are walking with a crutch in the house, the reason that you don't use it outside may be due to anxiety that you might fall on uneven pavement.  It's a real fear and one that I also had.  Please ask your doctor if you can get a physical therapist to walk with you outside.  If you don't walk outside, you'll never get over the fear to do it.

The numbness you feel is probably due to slight nerve damage.  This happens sometimes with hip replacement patients and normally lessens over a period of one year to 18 months.  If it does not get better in that time, I have been told it will not get better.  After one of my surgeries, I had numbness, and although it got better, it never quite disappeared.

Ask your doctor about doing pool walking.  Walking with pool shoes is a wonderful exercise that can strengthen muscles without imapact and is very soothing.  Most community centers now have special pools warmed to over 80 degrees for arthritis patients and some even have hydro-riders (bikes that can be put in the pool) for exercise.  I know that the YMCA and the JCC definitely has them and maybe even some community recreation centers have them too.

Best of luck to you.


Sharon

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Sharon.  My physio is arranging for me to go to an hydrotherapy pool (although I don't like the water!) and I will certainly give it a try.  I am very anxious about falling over because I have had many falls and have fallen since my hip replacement although, thankfully, no damage was done.  I know I have to overcome this fear although I do feel very unsteady on my feet.  My right foot also turns out to the right and, when walking, my heels tend to hit one another so this doesn't help.  I am hoping, as my muscles get stronger, my gait will improve a little and perhaps I will feel more steady.

Answer
Hi again Anne

To me, it truly sounds as if it's muscles and once they get stronger you will be fine.

I know the pool isn't for everyone. Personally, I don't like to get my hair wet, but pool walking is good exercise.

Best of luck to you.

Sharon