Hip weakness

[Jud61]

About five weeks ago all of a sudden I found I could no longer lift my right leg even a couple of inches from the sitting position and pain is in my hip and groin. The left leg seems stronger and I can still lift to get a sock on but bathing and getting dressed on my bottom half has become impossible now. I seem to be spending all my time looking for mobility aids to help me. It's hard to know if this is my cmt getting worse or is it wear and tear on my hip joint. I certainly have arthritis in my other joints! Anyone else older with cmt recognise this problem?

[missspain]

sorry to say i think you need hip replacement ,the same thing happened to me,think you need to see doc and have X-ray.

wishing you the best x

[Paulina]

Hi, sounds like a replacement may be needed.... I've just had my second one done. Think my knees will be next it sucks but we need to fight on.

[Amanita]

Hi, Jud,

My pain also started very suddenly in my groin, just when walking. The physio (who knows about CMT and helped me after my CMT diagnosis a few years ago) gave me exercises, which didn't help, and said it was definitely not arthritis. In spite of that my GP referred me to an orthopaedic surgeon- and by the time i actually saw him, I felt a fraud because the pain had mysteriously vanished. However from the X-ray he confirmed arthritis, and predicted I'd need a R hip replacement in anything from a few months to two years. Now the pain is no longer my groin but in my hip joint; it hurts a lot with every step and keeps me awake at night. Today, a year and a half after my first orthopaedic appointment, I saw the surgeon again and signed the consent form to join the waiting list for a hip replacement. He is going to use a "locking" version, which helps to deter dislocations due to weak CMT muscles.

I hope that you will have pain-free spells, even if you do need a hip replacement.

I have to use my hands to lift my R leg into the car. Getting footwear on is a huge challenge, especially the little gel toe supports that help me not to put my weight on the tips of my curled toes. I am looking forward to the post-operation period with a degree of trepidation as it is already more than hard enough to do stuff living alone. As with you my R side is weaker than the L., though I am right-handed.

I wish you the very best of luck.

[bb123]

Thank you all for this information. I currently live in Indonesia, but we were back in the USA to visit family over Christmas and after flying back to Indonesia in January my right groin suddenly started hurting when climbing stairs (and sometimes walking). My hip in the back has hurt off and on for years. The groin pain has continued until now. And the back hip pain is becoming constant, but not severe. So I plan to see an orthopedic doctor here this month to get an X-ray and see if it is arthritis or not. We will return to the USA in September for a few months so will likely get a 2nd opinion there, depending on what the X-ray shows. I am 59 years old and really don't want to get a hip replacement because up to now I have been physically active with the gym and playing tennis. But the pain is not improving, so I think it is time to get it checked out. My CMT wasn't diagnosed until 7 years ago and has been pretty mild compared to others. This hip problem is the only thing that really affects my lifestyle.

[Ladywonder in reply to bb123]

Swimming helps with hip pain and I was only 50 when my hip was replaced but suffered for 3 years it's actually good now but harder on us and runs more risk if you wait to long

[bb123 in reply to Ladywonder]

I know swimming should help, but I find I have to be really careful with the leg kicks because of the groin pain. I got my hip x-ray this week and it shows arthritis in my right hip. Good news is that my left hip is okay. I will be seeing a 2nd orthopedic surgeon in the USA in 6 weeks, so will get all my questions together for him. The pain is better today, but I am at the office and mostly sitting. I notice it more when I am doing alot of walking or stair climbing.

[Ladywonder in reply to bb123]

I think it's more you don't notice the movement or pain in pool not necessarily swim but move. I totally understand groin pain etc .I had 2 hrs sleep for 3 years due to hip pain . Sleep is a beautiful thing these days good luck with doctor!

[Ladywonder]

I had a hip replacement year ago due to arthritis but knees need done as well our gate is what causes wear and tear differently hence a quick downside don't delay in getting x-rays and replacement done sooner than later because of CMT and all side effects that can take place . Trust me I was crutches and walked 3plus years almost in wheelchair for life with pain deteriorated that much don't let them say wait !

[Ladywonder]

Get a stay on your hip and surgery as soon as possible if it's arthritis in it I had same thing almost as if it happened overnight 3 years later finally new hope only after it was almost to late for replacement thank God for finding a surgeon with amazing ability or I'd be in a wheelchair and in pain . I have agressive osteoarthritis in my knees as well they are next just so much more risk for us CMT people very scary . You will find a way to manage putting sock on I literally had to sit on bed and adjust my hip/leg till I found away to put a sock on until that was even painful then had to rely on my family ! Good thing they love me good luck keep us posted