Post Recovery Hip Problems

[Hitchhiker]

I had a hemi hip replacement in July after a fall. I have been in Rehab since then and was doing well until several weeks ago when I began having hip and inguinal pain. My therapy has been ramped down but still having the pain. The PT thinks it could be overuse. I am not able to walk without limping on the injured leg. Any information or help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Josephine]

Hello, Hitch! Welcome to BoneSmart. Does the name indicate your favourite activity?

My first question is, have you obtained a doctor's opinion on this?

It is entirely possible for your pain to be caused by over-use. The principle structure that springs to mind is the psoas muscle, pictured here.

The psoas, as you can see, arises from the spine up near the diagphram, runs along right under the groin area and is attached to the inner side of the hip bone, right under the joint. It's the muscle that enables you to lift or bring your leg forward and/or across the other one and internally rotate it.

You can also see the adductor muscles forming a triangle from the shaft of the bone with the point attached to the pelvis right under the groin. This could be responsible too.

There are specific exercises that can help but you do need rest as well to allow the inflammation to settle. Some pain meds would also help, specifically NSAIDs like ibuprofen (forget what the US equivelant is but I'm sure some people will chip in and say!)

Finally, would be a very good idea to get a medical opinion just to make sure is nothing more than just irritated muscles.

 

[JudyS]

HitchHiker WElcome to BoneSmart. I had a right hip replacement in June. I am not sure what a hemi is. If I was having any pain causing limping, I would be at my surgeon's door.
I have had different muscle or tendon issues and my pt , who I am going to for spine problems, said it is totally normal for about 8 months of so.

Hope you get it figured out and feel better soon
Judy

 

[Hitchhiker]

Thank you so much for the quick response . The diagram and illustration were excellent. I am going to schedule an appointment with the ortho surgeon on Monday. I am most anxious to have it diagnosed and treated. The PT has put it off way too long trying to give me exercises and ultrasound . Thank you for the encouragement.

 

[Josephine]

When someone "fractures their hip" it means they have broken the neck of femur which, under certain circumstances, has to be replaced with a prosthesis that is a bit like the femoral part of the THR. The acetabulum doesn't need to be touched because it's generally in good condition. Thereafter, the recovery is much like a THR,

 

[JudyS]

Thanks Jo I continue learning so much from you
Judy

 

[Josephine]

I just can't help it! I'm a born teacher!