numbness in foot

[Prettywolf]

Hi,
This is my first post. I have found this site extremely helpful before surgery and now glad to have it again post op. I had my hip re-surfacing 8/20/09 by Dr Su in NYC. Everything on that front went very well. I am pleased with my choice and I am now living without chronic intense hip pain. I only take Tylenol occasionally for muscle soreness. I am frustrated with my ROM and at a bit over 8 weeks post op I can not cross my legs to put a sock on or tie a shoe. What concerns me more than that is the numbness in my foot. It only happens when I go into a standing forward fold or external rotation of the hip to the limit. I've also had extreme back pain when lying on my back and bringing the effected knee to chest. Physical therapists don't seem to know what to do with either and referred me to the doctor. Doctor thought all was within "normal" for this point in my recovery. Suggested perhaps still some deep swelling that may be aggravating a nerve. Wondering if anyone else has experienced similar and if so, how long did it take to go away? Or if you did specific exercises and stayed away from others?

[Pat Walter]

Hi

Welcome to Hip Talk and congratulations on the new hip.

You are still early in your recovery at 2 months post op.  It takes time for the body to heal.  Normally it takes almost 6 months to get pretty well healed and a year or more for complete healing.

I think you are just pushing too fast.  Take it easy and listen to your body.  If there is pain or things are not working easily - don't force it. You are still early in your recovery.

There is no NORMAL - we all heal differently and at different rates.  You can only listen to your own body.  Water therapy or water walking really helps a lot of people.  I was really stiff at the 6 week point and did a lot of water walking and stretches.  It really helped me and the stiffness and lack of motion never returned.  You can see my water exercises and some others on this page  http://www.surfacehippy.info/ptarticles.php that might be of help to you.

Best advice - be patient, go easy and listen to your body - it knows best.  You will be surprised how different your body will react in a few months.

Pat