Libbyj

USA
4 Posts
 
Posted - 05/20/2007 :  09:25:29  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I started walking with my temporary prosthetic (above the knee amputee as of Dec 18, 2006) the first week or April. I go to PT Mon/Wed/Friday I started out with a walker then graduated to regular crutches, 1 crutch, and now a cane. I started having hip pain about a month ago when using 2 crutches. My therapist has been using ultra sound and massage for the past 2 weeks. I have already had 1 cortozone injection back the end of February and don't want to have another. Any ideas other than the meds I'm on as far as stretches or anything to help with the hip pain. It goes from the outside of my right hip down past the outside of my knee. (had partial knee replacement in April 2006)

Libbyj
No.VA

grpt

15 Posts
 
Posted - 05/21/2007 :  21:59:21  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Hi Libby,
I am assuming you are experiencing hip pain on the uninvolved limb. This pain could be caused by the additional stresses and pressure this side has to endure now as a result of the amputation. The cause of the pain could be a result of tight muscles (ie. hip flexors, gluts or even ITB), weak or overworked muscles, insufficient support at your foot (poor footwear) or improperly fitting of the prosthesis. Perhaps you could address these issues with your PT and Certified Prosthetist and they can help determine why you have developed this pain and more importantly how you can get rid of it.

Libbyj

USA
4 Posts
 
Posted - 05/26/2007 :  19:17:23  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Yes, the pain is in the uninvolved hip and knee. I go to the orthopedist this Tuesday so plan on talking to him. The Physical Therapist is working with my hip pain, i.e. ultra sound and some deep tissue massage. There was some tightness in my muscles at first but therapist says not so much tightness now.
I am wearing Avia Tennis shoes as I always had a great fit with them when I taught Aerobics.
I've had the prosthesis adjusted about a month ago and probably need to go back as I am up to wearing 3 socks in the socket and am experiencing some more slipping in the socks with walking.
I was also told that learning to walk would put great stress in my right good/or not so good leg. I was also given some exercises to strenghen my core
I just never dreamed this would be so hard. But I'm trying as hard as I can because I dont' want to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair.
Libbyj
No VA

Libbyj
No.VA