How to deal with chronic arthritis in the right hip

Hi, I've had two hip replacements and because I couldn't walk for so long before I got them, I have been left with muscle atrophy in and around the groin area which is very painful.

I've attended physio for this, receiving massage (which occasionally helps, but not for long), and have used FreezeGel, which helps short term, as does the essential oil infused with turmeric. Voltarol, which contains diclofenac, can be helpful, but can only be used sparingly and not on a regular basis.

I'm trying to think of something positive to offer, and I suppose I have to say that Tramadol (I am allowed 1 per day to get me moving) and paracetamol are the only drugs I find helpful. I also take 1 Ibuprofen daily (which my doc allows even although I have high blood pressure too.

When we go on holiday we take a cottage with a hot-tub, which is just a beautiful relief! Not something I could afford every day!

I know your pain, and hope you find something that helps.

I truly sympathise, February must seem a long way away. Could your GP try to get the operation expedited as you are so much pain? It is always worth a try.

Can you get a walking stick to help you to keep moving? The more active you can stay, the better. Not easy, I know. What about a hot pad for when you are sitting? The op will make a difference. Good luck.

Sorry to hear you are in pain. Certainly seems like you will need a new hip. Same thing happened to me.
It’s only 4 weeks til your hospital appointment but in the meantime take a look at our long running hip and knees thread which is rarely on active so find it under health forum. Look for the 👯‍♀️ 👯‍♀️
It’s full of helpful information from those who know, advice and a lot of friendly support.

Thanks all. The appointment in February, is to see a consultant about having a hip replacement. Hopefully I won't have to wait too long for one. The pain has suddenly got worse during the last few weeks despite going to an exercise class and walking .

As a both Hip replacements recipient.
I suggest the Hip and Knee forum on here, absolutely invaluable.
But tbh the only thing that will stop the pain is the Hip replacement. You can try lots of painkillers but the pain won't really go away. You have my sympathy, it's horrible.
I did have a Steroid injection but on my knee which helped for a few months, but that's been replaced now (that was much worse than the Hips). I had a 6 month gap betweeny knee and my second Hip about 2 years ago.
Hopefully a new Hip isn't far away for you. Best of luck

Before my hip replacement, I found Flexiseq Max gel helped (advised not to use Voltarol due to high BP)

Addiction to codeine is not automatic. The fact that it is said to be addictive doesn't mean everyone who takes it is likely to become addicted to it. Most people do not.

It is an effective painkiller, which is why it's prescribed.

Is it not worth reducing the pain so that you can walk and move more? Good luck anyway.

I’m in quite painful arthritic pain with hip, knees and ankles, but not as bad as you. I try and walk a couple of times a week 2 - 3 miles. I can only do this if I use ibruprofen gel on joints prior to walking, walk with walking poles and take codeine before I walk.

LucyAnna3

Before my hip replacement, I found Flexiseq Max gel helped (advised not to use Voltarol due to high BP)

I use that for pain too. It’s been very helpful.

I do sympathise Retired65. Like you I am struggling with seveere hip pain. However its coming from the hip replacement I had done six years ago. Been to see consultant , given steriod jabs and pain killers for now. I have stopped taking tablets, I rely on IBUPROFEN 5% from Superdrug. I alternate with extra strong Hemp cream from A----n. Also bought myself a rollator, and make the effort to walk out each morning, for exercise. I do hope you can find something that deals with your pain.

I have arthritic knees. On GNetters' recommendation I tried Flexiseq, but it killed the skin in the area used, and did nothing for the pain. I now use Voltarol which takes the edge off the pain. I asked the GP about long term use and she put it on repeat prescription for me. A soak in the bath every morning followed by a short walk gets me moving.
I hope you are offered surgery soon.

I’ve looked at Flexiseq but it is expensive, and contains no drugs and I could not find independent drug trials on its efficacy.

When Arthritis is felt in the groin area that is the final stage a replacement will be the only cure, but be optimistic the pain will disappear immediately afterwards.

For pain relief in the meantime I found Nurofen Plus was best but only take it when you need it

Baggs

Addiction to codeine is not automatic. The fact that it is said to be addictive doesn't mean everyone who takes it is likely to become addicted to it. Most people do not.

It is an effective painkiller, which is why it's prescribed.

Codeine can cause constipation, however, which can bring its own problems.
I was threatened with hospitalisation after taking prescribed codeine after an operation.

I was prescribed Naproxen before both my hip replacements with a stomach protector. It really helped with the pain. As has been said the pain disappears straight after surgery.

Hello, Retired65, I am sorry you are in such pain. I have osteoarthritis in both knees and one hip. I had a painful flare up in the summer and attended a private physio for a month. As well as recommending rest, elevation, ice and exercises, he used a cooling pain relieving gel, Biofreeze, which helped a lot as I can't take Ibuprofen and Voltarol wasn't much help.
So I've been using it daily since, I order it from A*#*#n, £9.99 and one pump dispenser lasts a couple of months. Hope this helps you.

Thank you all. I will be trying out Biofreeze.

Same. I'm struggling to sleep with the pain. Can only take paracetamol which hardly touches it. Moving around helps, but sitting and lying down is horrendous

I attend a hydrotherapy pool twice a week, it really helps. It might be worth seeing if there's one in your area

My physio advised doing my exercises in the local pool, so much easier with the support of warm water. I need to get back, haven't been since November...

Have you considered changing your bed or buying a topper? i ask as I've never had a problem until recently when we have been forced to sleep on a spare bed . The pain on my left hip is awful. I read a review of a mattress where one person said they had seen a specialist who suggested a spine operation . The person quoted a price in several thousands as they wanted to pay privately to get out of pain asap. The review went further and said that after changing the mattress the pain went. Some toppers come with a trial so maybe worth a try?

Acupuncture worked for me before I had my hip replacement it 40s. My physio did it a couple of times a week and then showed me how to do it. I also had a powerful TENS machine with 4 heads . The hip replacement was fab, not painful and is still in place 25 years later. Enjoy the new life it offers.