Osteoarthritis after hip replacement...

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by Guest Posts on Mon Oct 10, 2016 12:44 pm

Osteoarthritis after hip replacement...

On behalf of our guest visitor, Judith:
I had an arthroscopy on my left hip in 2000 and a full hip replacement in 2013 when I was 50. I took a long time to recover from this but am finally seeing the benefits. My concern is that I still occasionally find I limp and that the hip joint hurts. Is this normal? My worry is that I know I will have to go through this operation again in the future and that I may end up being unable to walk.
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Arthritis Care
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by Arthritis Care on Tue Oct 11, 2016 10:41 am

Re: Osteoarthritis after hip replacement...

Hi Judith,

It sounds as if you’ve been through a lot during your years of arthritis in the hip. I’m glad to read that you are now seeing the benefits of your hip replacement surgery.

Although it has been a few years since your operation, it may be worth getting an appointment with the surgeon who carried out the operation to discuss your concerns. If that isn’t possible (e.g. because that surgeon has left their post) then another Orthopaedic consultant could investigate. Solutions to your problems may include exercises to support the new hip or specialist footwear to help with your walking. The doctor may need to refer you for further tests (e.g. x-ray or MRI scan) to get a clearer picture of what is happening with your joint. Assuming that you are no longer a patient with the Orthopaedic department that carried out the operation, your GP would be the first-port-of-call for discussing the situation. Your GP may then refer you back to the Orthopaedics department.

It is understandable that you feel worried during this time of uncertainty. I hope your GP and, later, your Orthopaedic consultant, will be able to offer information and advice that will help. In the meantime, if it should help to talk things over, you are very welcome to call the Arthritis Care Helplines on 0808 800 4050.

Best wishes,
Rachael, Helplines Worker

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Nicola Footman
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by Nicola Footman on Tue Oct 11, 2016 3:17 pm

Re: Osteoarthritis after hip replacement...

Hi Judith

You've definitely had a few years of problems with your hip and therefore the chances are the musculature surrounding it maybe quite weak. This can definitely contribute to symptoms you describe such as limping and discomfort.

As mentioned already it maybe worth gaining an orthopaedic opinion. A check x-ray can help to confirm if there is any loosening of the joint replacement and tests can be done to ensure there no other complications. A GP or Orthopaedic surgeon can refer you to physiotherapy where your hip can be assessed and any relevant advice/exercises can be given. This can be extremely successful in treating the symptoms youve described.

Good luck!

Nicola
Nicola Footman
Senior Physiotherapist - BSc (Hons) MCSP SRP
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... ootman.php

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