Question
QUESTION: I am a female 49 years old.  I had my left hip replaced 02/15/2008 and my right hip replaced 04/02/2008.  They used the cementless Depuy (?spelling) summit.  My question is, how long will it be till I no longer feel pain when walking, getting up or going up or down stairs?  I started walking on my own at six weeks post-op of second hip.

ANSWER: Hi Kathie

It seems to me that if you are still in pain, and IF you have spoken to your orthopod about this, and he checked you out and he does not see any problems, I tend to think it may be muscular problems.

Do you exercise at all?  How far do you walk before you feel pain, or are you feeling pain immediately upon walking?

Check to see if your legs are the same length because if there is a difference in your leg length you will feel pain not only in your hip, but in your back and thighs as well.

Are you walking correctly?  If your gait is off, you will feel pain.  These questions are the ones you should ask your surgeon.  

Hope this has helped.

Sharon

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

QUESTION: I walk alot.  Other than that, I have not done any other exercising.  I feel pain right away, more in the left hip which was done first.  I really have pain when going up steps.  It seems that once I am up and about the pain lessens.  My legs are exactly the same length.  My husband says that once I get walking, I walk normal.  So, maybe the muscles just are not healed yet.  Thanks a bunch

Answer
Kathie

Double check with your doctor in regard to the amount of difference in the legs.  If it's more than a half inch, get a lift made to put in your shoe.  Any shoe repair shop can do that for a nominal charge.  That will make walking easier and lessen the pain.

It does sound to me as if this is muscular, but it would not hurt to speak with your doctor and make sure the prosthesis is in place solidly.