Question
I had a total hip replacement in April '07. It is 9months later and I am still experiencing pain in my thigh when walking and after putting weight on the leg then releasing the weight off the leg. I also still have a leg length difference. Mt gait is not smooth, and seems I stand longer on the leg with the replacement than on the opposite leg. The Dr. says i takes a year to get back to normal, but I am far from normal and still actually have pain and not just discomfort. I've been told x-rays look okay, but talk to many people that say after this amount of time they feel fine. I am 58yrs old and think that I should be much better than I am. I have just recently stopped using a cane especially walking around stores or any prolonged time.

Answer
Dear Elaine

First of all, do not compare yourself to anyone else.  Each person heals differently and your body may just take longer to heal.

As far as the leg length discrepancy, most people have at least a 1/4 inch difference in their legs naturally and that can be overcome.  Have your doctor measure your legs and see how much the difference is.  Then find shoe repair person to make you a lift that you can insert into your shoe.  They can normally make a lift up to 1/2 of an inch and then they may have to either cut down the heel of one shoe or build up the heel of another.

I had a difference of 3/4 of an inch and was in constant pain. I had the lift made and at least 80% of that pain was gone within one week and I felt much better and my gait was also better.

I feel that once you get the lift you will see a reduction of pain and you will walk better.

Sharon