Hip arthritis, how to hip replacement

[Petrof]

Hi members,

I am looking for advice about my hip osteoarthritis.

I have arthritis in many joints incl neck and back. The worst at the moment is my left hip. I am 65 and am quite active, walking the dog, yoga, indoor climbing and also still work in a school. However, the left hip bothers me more and more especially after sitting and I find myself having to limit my exercises.

I was wondering, if someone could advise please how to go about possible hip replacement. I have no idea what stage of arthritis the hip is and when to approach the GP about it etc. I have very recently completed treatment for blood cancer and it might come back in the future, so would love to enjoy my activities as long as possible, whilst I can, which my arthritis it stopping me.

I would be really grateful for any advice, please.

Thank you, Petrof.

[Happyrosie]

the conventional way to obtain a diagnosis is to see your GP who will know what to do as far as blood tests and referral on to an orthopaedic specialist is concerned.

In many areas you can self refer to your local physiotherapy service. Search the NHS website for services local to you. Probably a six month wait to be seen.

Or you could see a physio privately, which you could probably do within a few days at a cost of say £50 for a first consultation. A physio might indeed ascertain that you dont need an operation but that specific exercises might do the trick.

good websites for advice are one or more of the arthritis charities, just google “arthritis charities” and you’ll come across Versus Arthritis and Arthritis Action, to name just two.

[Petrof in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you very much. I will make an appointment with a GP.

[Runrig01]

if you haven’t had an X-ray for a while, you will need one to confirm which stage your OA is. Most GPs initially refer to physio or the MSK team, before considering referal for surgery. The waiting list for replacement surgery is very long now, and waits to be seen by a surgeon to get out on the list also long. I would recommend doing exercises to strengthen up the quads, as that will take the load off your hip. It’s definitely worth seeing your gp, as hip pain can be referred from your back.

[Petrof]

Thank you very much.

[Jalia]

I would advise you to get an up to date xray and to speak to your GP to arrange this. You need to know how advanced your arthritis is and whether surgery is needed at this stage.

[Petrof in reply to Jalia]

Thank you. Yes, I will do this.