arthritis in hip

[gdixson]

Hi Cathe (or any others with this same problem),
I was just diagnosed with arthritis in my right hip. It is mild. I was a runner and am looking for some suggestions for cardio that will not be to high impact, but still keep me in shape. I will be going to physical therapy to strenghten my adductor, which is where I feel the pain from the arthritis, and to an orthopedic doctor. Any suggestions would be great.
Thanks,
Gloria

 

[cmoroney]

Gloria,

I was just diagnosed with severe arthritis in my left hip on March 14. I have had limited movement on the left leg for about 6 years now. It had never really affected me, until three years ago when I joined karate. It seemed to be harder to do certain kicks.

I have two bone spurs, which has limited my inward and outward movements. I have had NO PAIN with this at all. The strange thing is, I do step aerobics (8" step") - I do weight training, but I also do high impact like plie squats - the stuff that Cathe does. I jog on my treadmill.

The doctor was totally amazed that I have had no pain with this - he said that my arthritis is like that of someone in their middle 70's. I just turned 50 in December. I just tested and received my black belt last week.

He told me to keep doing whatever I have been doing, since it has worked for me all these years. He said that anyone else would have been there to see him ten years ago. I will end up with a hip replacement. I just do not know when.

He said I must have injured while I was younger, for my right hip is perfect. He seemed to think I have a high tolerance for pain. He couldn't get the fact that I do not have the pain associated with arthritis.

So, my take on all of this is - yes, tone it down some - but keep on working out - once you slow down and stop then the pain will come.

I have given birth to 10 full tem babies - I thought that might have affected it somehow - that is when the relaxin sets in - your hips relax to help with the birthing process. Who knows?

Most people who have arthritis have the pain before the limited movement - which I am different. The only reason I went in to see the ortho surgeon, is because my husband broke his leg and this doctor was really nice. I figured he would be able to tell me why my movement has been limited.

Strength training should help this for you - like you said to strengthen the adductor and the abductors. Cathe has great strength training DVD's.

Anti-inflammatories(sp) are good for the pain from what I have read. I haven't had to go that route, yet. I will do that before I consider a hip replacement. These bone spurs is what has made my inward and outward movements so limited.

I hope this has made you feel better and has helped you in some way. You can PM me if you would like.

Cheryl

 

[dlavie]

I went through this as well but unfortunately I had to take the surgical option and have the ball and socket replaced. Life is great now just an ugly scar is the only reminder. I had it replaced in November and I'm doing Step now.

My hip eventually had locked so I had to swing my pelvis to walk.

Getting to know thw ortho surgeon isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Dave

 

[cmoroney]

Dave,

Did you experience much pain with the hip before surgery? I am already resloved to the fact that I will need a hip replacement. I just want to wait until it is absolutely necessary.

How long was your recovery? Have you gotten your mobility back? I have been told that you are somewhat limited after the surgery. Then I have heard that you get all your mobility back.

See, I am 50 years old, but in great shape - I am 5" 6" and I weigh 120 pounds - I am in excellent health (besides the hip), so I am hoping for a quick recovery so I can get back into my exercise routine as quickly as possible.

Anything you can tell me about the surgery and the recovery would be much appreciated.

Cheryl

 

[gdixson]

Cheryl,
Thank you so much for your input. This is very hard for me, as you know very well, I'm sure. I am currently 30 years old and have exercised consistently since I was 14. I will continue being active and look forward to meeting with the orthopedic doctor to discuss everything. I feel lucky, for he is an athlete as well and supposedly very good. It's great to hear that you can still do all that you do with the severity of your arthritis. My husband has been fantastic! I told him the results and the first thing he said was, "Well, get with the doctor and we'll train for the marathon you've always wanted to run before it's too late."
Thank you,
Gloria

 

[gdixson]

Dave,
As with Cheryl, details would be great. That surgery sounds amazing.
Thanks for responding,
Gloria

 

[dlavie]

I covered a lot of this in another thread on this board but a recap.

My family genes gave me degenerative hip disorder. Excessive running (marathon distance), military service and probably bad choices (substance abuse) advanced my problem. was diagnosed at 40 but they wouldn't do anything, pain got worse, mobility got worse. On Nov 1 2005 (I was 46) went under the knife got a titanium socket and a titanium ball assembly (expected life greater than 25 years, they can only redo it once).

Was walking with crutches the day after, was walking without assistance in 2 days, climbing stairs and released on the 3rd day. I was able to drive in 3 weeks, swim in 4. I was back to work in 3 months. I'm just getting comfortable doing step and hi impact aerobics.

I have a Blog http://hipreplacementrecovery.blogspot.com.

I wish they would have done the job 6 years ago, I had a lot of bad habits to erase from the bad hip. The doc says the left one will need replacement in 5-10 years.

Don't be afraid of the surgery if you need it. My father waited until 70, he had gotten so sedentary that he never got active after the surgery.

dave