Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 9/1/2008

Question
I had a bilateral hip replacement three months apart from one another, I also have a knee replacement five years old.The right side is almost a year old,Im getting really tight muscles and some that hurt  along the side of my thigh and in my thigh..Im walking about a half mile a day. It was at first, one leg then the other, now the right one has muscle tightness around the quads and side of thigh esp where the stem was put in, is this common and am I overdoing it, Im a bit scared as I dont like confinement.
Did I hurt myself or is this a common thing this muscle tightness, and soreness periodically along the side mid thigh....Ive heard this can develop, is there a future of normalcy for me Thanks. Im 65, female.Do i need to stop walking daily., for excercise.


Answer
Hi Susan and thanks for the question.  I see a lot of THR and TKR here in Florida they are popular here. I can tell you this you have had quite a bit of work done. I suspect you may be overdoing it somewhat. The walking is great you may have to go to an every other day routine at first. It all depends to on what your fitness level was prior to surgery. If like most it wasn't much due to pain etc...

Also consider the distance you not only walk but all other activities during the day it all adds up. The muscle tightness is a common problem I would not get concerned about that.
You cannot hurt what your doctor did as far as the hips  and knee replacement. You can overdo it however and that will make life miserable for you for awhile.
I have this problem with my joint replacement patients as well. Most patients want to get moving again ASAP and the fact they do not have pain any longer gives them a false sense of strength and stamina.
Hang in there slow it down  a little change your walking habits around it will clear up. Things will get back to normal but its to soon to expect that yet.
Remember it will take close to a year after surgery for all the tissue around a joint replacement to fully heal.

Good luck and keep me posted. I love joint replacements I have worked with them for years and have had a knee replaced myself.

Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, florida. 33950
www.totaljointfitness.com
www.richardhaynes.com