How to deal with chronic arthritis in the right hip

My OH suffered from hip arthritis on both sides and the only effective cure was hip replacements. Pain relievers helped a bit as did using a TENS unit from Boots but I think the only real answer is the replacement. Hope you don't have to wait too long.

I used bio freeze - recommended by my physio. Excellent product. Relieves pain and discomfort. I bought it from the clinic where I saw my physio. I think it was £9.99

You could possibly ask if a cancellation operation comes up. Good luck I have had both hips done and they were a great help. 1 NHS 1 PRIVATELY.

I'm in the same position (my consultant appointment is 10th of this month) but the GP has prescibed Amitrpyline which does help me sleep at night (as well as needing two new hips I also have burstitis on the right hip) - walking is still a problem but a stick definately helps - hope your appointment goes well and you have only a short wait for surgery

I had my right hip replaced Oct 2023 after waiting over 2 years from my first appointment with orthopaedic surgeon and never received any advice on physio after op still struggled to walk due to low back pain. Finally saw a physio last week who advised me to do some simple exercises to build up the muscles. He said he’d had a good few patients referred via the self referral system due to lack of guidance. Make sure you ask your surgeon about what help will be provided post op.

Before my op I was taking Cocodamol the highest strength, naproxen and Gabapentine to try and get relief from the pain. Now I don’t take any tablets for pain relief and am working on my exercises and can feel small improvements each day.

We do have a topper on our bed. Unfortunately no pools near where we live.

Have you tried Volteran gel?

Actually, your best bet if you can find someone who can take you to appointments, is probably a well-qualified acqupuncurist.

Please, please, please look at the Hip and Knees Part 5 thread on the Health Forum Retired65. I had a total hip replacement in November 2024 at 85 and found masses of help and support there. I can't recommend it enough, so much experience willing to be shared. Do have give it a go!

Before my hip replacement 18 months ago my groin was very painful. Biofreeze did give some relief as did a TENS machine. The physio exercises really did help and I am sure that also made my recovery easier. In the months before the op I did take diclofenac and painkillers - it was the only way I could drive, do my job, do the housework and gardening ( I live alone) , etc. I didn't feel ibuprofen 10percent gel helped my hip pain but did ease the groin pain. I would also definitely second a mattress topper - it made a difference.

If your blood pressure is controlled you should be able to take codeine or even a low dose of morphine. Although long-term use is not recommended with either, providing you wean yourself off it gradually it should do no long-term harm. But ask your GP of course. The problem with both that some people find, is constipation. That is me, but not everyone is affected this way. There are meds that can deal with the constipation to some extent.

Would it help you to use a rollator to get about - even indoors? They can be hired from places such as the Red Cross to at least try out can can be purchased for under £100.

Thank you Madmeg for your suggestions. The doctor did mention the possibility of constipation with codeine and to ask the chemist for something to take overcome this.

Are you seeing an NHS CONSULTANT…I ASK BECAUSE I was referred by physio as this is the new protocol and only after seeing a private consultant who organised CT scans and MRI have I been offered? Not one but two hip replacements paragraph
I have been on the Nhs waiting list to see a consultant for hip pain and lumber pain for nearly 3 years. I hope this is not the case for you but you will not be put on a list until all MRI and CT scan scans are done and that sorry to say can take many months.
Before having a hip replacement I was offered a x-ray lead steroid injection for pain relief which did work worked for three month and now cannot walk very far nor stand for many minutes- as of two weeks ago when I saw the consultant again he didn’t recommend another injection and has put me on his waiting list ?April May.

I have to take naproxen and co-codomol daily..for many years don’t worry about addiction to opiates and don’t resist what the GP advises as the waiting lists are still horrendous..maybe where you live, you might have better luck but in the Midlands, it’s not a good outlook for a speedy operation…
Wishing you best of luck

I was prescribed pain relief patches, they were buprenophine patches, quite powerful, they did help.
I hope you don’t have to wait too long Retired65- my wait for a THR was extended because of Covid-diagnosed 2018, put on waiting list for op end 2019, due to have op April 2020, and finally got the op July 2022! I would urge you to do muscle strengthening exercises both pre and post op, really helps recovery.

Hi. I looked for the hips and knees thread but couldn’t see it on the list!

Try Glucosamine Gel from Holland and Barratt. It’s their own product and I don’t not think anybody else makes it. It’s applied locally of course so it target painful area directly.

It often disappears from the active list seabeeeze. A source of much frustration.

If you look in forums then select the health forum you’ll see it there. Usually quite close to the top of the list.

Hope that helps, I’m sorry I have no idea how to put a link in here for you. .

www.gransnet.com/forums/health/1342446--Hips-and-knees-Part-5

Some excellent advice in this and preceding threads

Thanks cornergran will look.

I am currently waiting for my 2nd hip replacement and if I didn't use a stick and the furniture indoors and my collateral outside I'd be completely immobile!!
I feel your pain....its like having a constant toothache 24/7......
I use lowest dose of jo nodsmol as any higher upsets my digestive system. I also use voltarol which has helped a little. I am going to look into Biofreeze as it has been mentioned on this post by a few people.

Rollator not collateral!!!

Recent studies show paracetamol increases BP by about 5 points on average (systolic).

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7612370/

This study was funded by the BHF.

My doctor suggested topical gel application occasionally was less problematic than an oral dose of ibuprofen.

I have never looked up how much ibuprofen raises BP by the way.