Help! Hip horror!

sorry this was supposed to on another post

Try the Soxon Sock aid from Amazon (cheapest one I just saw was £10) they look weird but do work - I used it before and after my hip replacement. Lent one to my Dad who was having trouble -best present I ever gave him he said, didn't tell him I'd only lent it to him and bought myself another grin. It's not plastic, but material with long tabs for pulling up.

Sounds mad and don't mean to be patronising, but can you cross your leg over the other one to get your socks on?

I have chronic pain in multiple areass and can recommend voltarol emulsigel. Also turmeric, bromelain and ginger caps which work well for me and have also done away with the need for surgery on my wrist. My SIL also takes them and she has had brilliant effects for her chronic and long standing pain from disc problems. Worth a try. Im not saying they work for everyone but definitely worth a go

I so need to have a moan, with all the sensible advice about visiting one's GP.

My GPs used to be great, but I do feel the same about recent visits. I suspect I am written off as suffering from FOLS - Fat Old Lady Syndrome. Lifestyle changes are in hand, but they take a while to take effect!

I so need to have a moan, with all the sensible advice about visiting one's GP. I went recently and saw a lady doctor who I hadn't seen before. She didn't take her eyes off the computer screen the whole time I was there. It was rush rush, rush and I felt guilty for being there. It was awful and has put me off going to the doctors about anything now. How rude? I know this doesn't relate to the post, but just brought back a very bad memory. Rant over.

Socks for diabetics do not have a tight rib and may be easier to put on although they mat not stay up so well - or cut the rib on an old pair for now. OR once on don't take them off for two days?

Acupuncture helped me a lot. And quickly. But is quite expensive if you self pay.

I have this problem - I've found the 'sockon' gadget helpful, what defeats me is pulling on shoes and keeping my toenails trimmed.

I'm going to try sitting on the step and seeing if that helps.

Do you wear trainer socks, I find I can get these on with a bit of wriggling from the other foot.

You can self refer yourself to physio,just go on nhs website, it’s a nice personal way of getting help.

Oh have been in that situation recently. Can offer sympathy and suggest ice packs fo 10 mins ( wrapped in a cloth) to reduce any swelling.

There is a lot of practical advice above and I hope some of it helps. It is awful to be in this situation, unable to do the most basic things.
I would phone your GP and ask to see the duty doctor, they probably have one for emergencies and as you are unable to care for yourself, this is an emergency.
Could you have a phone consultation with your GP?
There is a walk in GP centre in the next town to where I live, anyone can go there and be seen (after a wait), is there something similar near you.
I fell and hurt my shoulder on a Sat night in March, couldn't move my arm from my side, maybe should have gone to A&E, didn't because (1) I thought it was bruising and would go away (2) Sat night in A&E - no way.
Several days later I phone my GP, got an appointment in a months time. A couple of days after this I was so desperate I phoned the NHS number 111 to ask if it was worthwhile me going to a walk-in centre or to A&E, they said that my surgery had to see me within 3 days and that they would contact them to inform them of this. My own GP phoned me the same day, arranged for me to see the duty doctor the same day, she gave me strong anti-inflammatories and arranged for X-Rays. After X-Rays I was referred to a physio.
Maybe consider phoning 111 (non-emergency NHS number) if you cannot get to see a GP in the next day or so.

I use Boots ibuprofen full strength for pain relief. Works a treat and much cheaper than 'big' brands. Also use sitting on stairs method.

Argos and Boots for sock aid. Depressing though! But I've been where you are. Yes go to Doc, but also fend for yourself - ie google strengthening exercises for hip and bum. And then do them same time everyday like going to work! - It took me 12 weeks of boring and sometimes painful (but not injurious pain) to improve my muscles in the area - and really if I neglect it for more than a few days I'm relapsing so it's a priority for the foreseeable future. Can you find a physio and have a one off assessment privately - they will most likely be able to advise best exercise for you etc. Operations all very well but if you can 'self help' its quicker and less damaging. Also take on board the nutrition advice - there's something to it. Meanwhile do not cry over stuck socks

PS Be careful with things like fish oil and Omega 3 oil if you have to take blood thinners. They can exacerbate the thinning.

If you've got anything like cooking tongs you could try those. I had a new hip in April so sympathise with how you feel! I was DH to help but realise not everyone has that luxury.

Osteopath is a good bet. There is also magnesium oil spray (which husband uses, not scientifically proven but it works for him and not expensive from Amazon). Epsom salt baths if you can get in. (and out.)

I found that ligaments are often the cause of the problem so take large amounts of omega-3 oil, and turmeric which is an anti-inflammatory. Lots of vitamin D too. The combination works for me. Can't promise it for others.

The problem is that these things are not cheap. But good luck and pass on what works?

I was trying to remember how I put socks ( and pants!) on before my hip replacement. I think I lifted my foot up backwards whilst sitting on the edge of the bed. What I do remember vividly is the pain that I suffered for years before finally getting the op, so my heart goes out to you. I hope you get a gp appointment soon. Tests, xrays, scans, operations - everything takes so long these days.

Yes, that works for me too.

Yes, I have had the "sock" problem for a few years gets worse every winter. I did buy a "sock aid" from Amazon but for the moment a friend suggested that I sit on the stairs to put socks on and this works for me. Yesterday I bought some shoes that have a zip up the centre and they work too. So, panic over (for the moment). Not a problem in the summer when I just slip on Birkenstocks.

How's the hip this morning , Shizam ?

It might not be the same problem, but what works for me when putting on shoes and socks is to sit on the 2nd step of the stairs (if you have them.)
For some reason the bending over is much easier from there than from a chair or bed height.

I find the topical ointments/gels are quite good at taking the edge off the pain. Voltereze/Feldene Gels.
Even the own brands like Asda do a gel which has helped and it is much cheaper, it's in a red tube, if I remember correctly.

shizam, I feel for you. My daughter had a hip replacement at 15 - in the run up she would lie on the bed and bend her leg at the knee backwards and get her sock on that way. In other words, she used a knee bend, and was supported by the bed, rather than try and bend down towards the foot. Perhaps this will help.