Posted by Glenda on June 30, 2004 at 11:48:48:
In Reply to: 57 and facing a THR Diagnosed at age 7 posted by Dorothy Labi on May 17, 2004 at 20:10:20:
I had Leg Perthes when I was in Jr. High. I was fortunate that it was only in my left hip. I was on crutches for 2 years (no weight bearing at all.)
I have had a normal life with regular exercise and was able to walk 2-3 miles a day until about a year ago. The Orthapedic Dr. just gave me anti-inflamatories, which I have been on all this time. I am 52 and started having siatic nerve pain on the left side. When it went to the right side also, I started going to a Chiropractor. It took a few weeks, but the siatic pain went away. I then started having severe pain in my left groin. It got so bad that I used a crutch for 3 weeks. After the third week, I was able to discontinue the use of the crutch, and felt fine for about a week. But the pain returned. I continued going to the Chiropractor and started Physical Therapy, also. I continued this routine for two months, and decided that, since I was still experiencing the pain, it was time to go back to the Orthapedic Dr. He looked at the x-rays, and said that since it looked like my left leg is about an inch sorter than the right leg, that I should try orthodics. He also said that it is very important to keep the hip flexible and mobile, and suggested swimming or water aroebics. He perscribed 1/4inch insert, 1/4 inch outside sole lift, and 1/4 inch outside heel lift. He said that I was too young for THR, and really didn't advise that right now. I am hopeful that the orthodics will work. I'll keep you posted.
Good luck to you,
Glenda