New diagnosis Moderate Osteoarthritis in RT hip.

[Bluemind]

I have recently been diagnosed with Moderate Osteoarthritis in my RT hip. (June 2024)

I have been a fit 80 year old with no underlying conditions. However, I was born with pronating feet (turning inward). I developed back pain in my 30's and discovered through manual therapies that

the pronation created imbalances in my structure. I became a Trager Practitioner and Instructor and learned more about being present and attuned to my body. I see my Dr of Osteopathy once a month to maintain better alignment. I get bodywork and acupuncture.

After a fall 2 years ago, I have been in a PT program to strength my legs and arms. While I made some gains, I felt that balancing on one foot was not working for me. My Rt leg became more uncomfortable.

I had xray in June because a deep achiness developed down the side of my leg, around my knee and down my lateral calf. A PT and advanced manual therapist indicated that the radiating discomfort came from trigger points in my rectus femoris (thigh) and gluteus minimus. Hands on work has offered a lessening of the tension patterns.

Since I had a trip planned to Ecuador, my DO gave me a cortizone shot in RT hip, but the immediate relief did not last after the anesthesia wore off. I tried Aleve but it didn't change my discomfort.

For traveling he gave me a RX for Tramadol, as needed. (300 mg/day). I only used it occasionally because it didn't give much relief. I was surprised that an opioid didn't make a huge difference.

Early Sept my partner and I went to Galapagos and spent two weeks in Cotacachi, Ecuador where friends live. Getting in and out of dingy and walking on lava was a challenge. I was able to do the slow paced walking when I could sit to listen to the naturalist. I brought with me a Ta Da cane with a folding seat that made the whole trip possible because I could rest from walking. My partner also used a vibrating machine, that we call a Thumper, to relieve the trigger point pain patterns.

I found that my pain was worse after sitting in a car or airplane for a few hours.

I saw a Dr in Cotacachi who said I should take the Tramadol 300 mg every day, not occasionally. I have been taking it 3x day for 2 weeks ( 3 x 100mg) and I still have the pain patterns. (Maybe it would be a lot worse without it).

We are back home, and I feel I need a master plan for how to manage this new development in my life.

1. Surgery would be my last choice, but after my trip, I'm thinking maybe it should be the first thing so I can enjoy my 80's as an active woman. I have a new life partner who shares my love of travel and curiosity as a way of life!! I would love to hear from others who have had hip replacement and what the healing process was like.

2.I'm confused about how much walking I should do. I know moving is important, but low impact exercise seems it would be best. I'm considering a gym where I can ride stationery bikes.

3. Is there any evidence that opiods are helpful? I don't take any other pills and prefer natural approaches. I am taking CA and MG for osteopenia.

4. For supplements, I saw on Google a recommendation for RediMove as having the best ingredients for inflammation, but I don't know if that's just a commercial.

5. What about nutrition. I read that some foods can be inflammatory. What have others found about this?

6. Is anyone familiar with the Egoscue Method? I was attracted to it because it emphasizes the importance of aligning the body before focusing on exercises. I felt that my PT exercises were deepening the imbalances I had with pronation, and compensations from 2 car accidents.

I'm looking forward to learning from others!

[Runrig01]

So osteoarthritis is what is known as a wear and tear arthritis, as opposed to an inflammatory arthritis. With OA it tends to improve with rest, and worse on moving, whereas inflammatory arthritis is worse with rest and improves with exercise. It’s important to do strengthening exercises as well as cardiovascular exercises. Strengthening the muscles takes the burden off the joint. I worked for over 30yrs as an orthopaedic nurse. Recovery from hip replacement is good. You’re generally in for 3 days, and have to avoid sleeping on your side for 6 weeks. Most patients find the pain post op easier to tolerate than the chronic arthritic pain.

I’d be careful of supplements, in redimove the turmeric and Bioperine interact with many medications, either enhancing the absorption leading to potentially toxic levels of your medication. It can also have the opposite effect, and reduce absorption, meaning your medication never reaches a therapeutic level. This is all because it uses the same enzyme in metabolising. Turmeric can thin the blood, causing increase in bruising. Unfortunately people wrongly assume supplements are safe because you can buy them over the counter, but they can cause many problems, especially with interactions. I’m also not sure how much it would help as OA is not as a result of inflammation. There are many foods that are inflammatory in nature, and you’ll find loads listed when you google. Some people find nightshades increase inflammation, as well as red and processed meats, sugar and alcohol. Most Drs are cautious prescribing Tramadol in the elderly, as they’re at greater risk of side effects like dizziness and lightheadedness, putting them at greater risk of falls. This is especially concerning, when patients have osteopenia or osteoporosis. Sorry for the length of my response, but have tried to cover most of your questions.

[Bluemind in reply to Runrig01]

Thank you so much. I appreciate your thoroughness. Your cautions about supplements are very sensible. You seem to be a voice of reason, based on lots of experience.