Hip pain

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Di Graham
Posts: 21
Joined: Wed Nov 16, 2016 2:22 pm
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by Di Graham on Fri Oct 11, 2019 12:14 pm

Hip pain

Had my right hip successfully replaced back in 2015 and now need my left hip done.
I'm in the process of selling my current property and plan to move into a retirement apt when it's ready next January. Because of this I feel unable to put myself on the local waiting list as my GP says it'll be around March 2020 before I have an operation.
In the meantime he's advised me to take iboprufen to ease the discomfort and prescribed 400mg capsules. Currently I'm taking two after breakfast and manage the rest of the day without medication.
I'm 75, very active, and want to continue with walking/Tai Chi etc in order to keep myself fit, not to mention running a house/garden.
Am I going to be making things worse by doing some of those activities and are there any other ways to ease the pain, other than pain killers. I own an IR lamp and a hand held ultra sound machine both of which I've used in the past for sports strains/sprains etc.
I live alone and what little family I have live a long way away.

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Arthritis Action
Posts: 97
Joined: Wed Sep 28, 2016 1:27 pm
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by Arthritis Action on Mon Oct 14, 2019 3:44 pm

Re: Hip pain

Exercise definitely won't make things worse and if anything walking and especially Tai Chi can help a lot with the pain of osteoarthritis. Heat can sometimes help with muscle pain and there are often tight muscles around a damaged joint so it's worth a try. Gentle stretching may also help, although if your pain is severe and you definitely need a new joint, then pain-relieving medication in the short-term may not be such a bad option if it keeps you going. I would be extremely careful of ibuprofen though as like all anti-inflammatory drugs, although it can be very effective, it can suddenly and unpredictably cause gastric problems including bleeding ulcers, even if you are also taking a stomach protector such as omeprazole. Etoricoxib is a safer alternative although no anti-inflammatory is without significant risk. Simple painkillers such as paracetamol and codeine are much safer in the short term although may not be as effective for your arthritis pain.

Dr Wendy Holden
Medical Advisor to Arthritis Action and Consultant Rheumatologist

Arthritis Action
56 Buckingham Gate
London SW1E 6AE

020 3781 7120
www.arthritisaction.org.uk

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Matthew Rogers
Posts: 40
Joined: Tue Apr 17, 2018 12:01 pm
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by Matthew Rogers on Thu Oct 17, 2019 12:04 pm

Re: Hip pain

Research shows that becoming more physically active is extremely beneficial for those with arthritis. For people with leg pain specifically, there is an exercises programme called ‘ESCAPE-Pain’ (http://www.escape-pain.org/) that has 12 years’ worth of high quality research supporting it. This programme has been proven to reduce pain, improve your ability to perform daily activities and help with some of the psychological symptoms of arthritis such as low mood. It also includes self-management education sessions to enable you to understand your condition and take control. If the level of your pain makes this impossible at this stage, perhaps this would be something to try after the replacement.

You can also find information about exercises you could try at https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/livi ... exercises/

Some people find pacing their activity and flare-up planning useful. Meditation and relaxation exercises can often help with pain and some of the psychological effects of arthritis. You can find out more here https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/livi ... actsheets/

and here https://www.iosteopathy.org/osteopathy- ... arthritis/

You have had the surgery before, but there is a great You Tube video to prepare you for a hip replacement surgery that you can access at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAL_TrQdtTY&t=9s
Matthew Rogers
Head of Professional Development, the Institute of Osteopathy

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... rogers.php

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Tracy Corbett
Posts: 65
Joined: Wed Sep 27, 2017 12:19 pm
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by Tracy Corbett on Fri Oct 18, 2019 6:44 am

Re: Hip pain

I agree with my colleagues. Research shows that exercise, particularly the types exercise you mention, will be beneficial especially as you prepare for a second total hip replacement. The Tai Chi is very good for balance and hip/pelvic strength and stability which will help you rehabilitate afterward. I would continue.
Tracy Corbett
Chartered Physiotherapist

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... orbett.php

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