Osteoarthritic Hip

[codswallop]

Has anyone with the above found a way of easing the continuous dull aching pain?I've seen and tried some of the exercises on YouTube,but it's too painful,I've tried some of the creams available but with no joy I'm trying to steer away from strong painkillers. Thanks.

[Cloverjo]

I'm sceptical myself, but my dad and sister have found relief from arthritic pain by using copper and/or magnetic bracelets.

[alavahalf]

Long time sufferer here .. I know it's not practical .. but getting your weight off your feet I found to be the best thing for relieiving arthritic pain in the hip.
The only way to do it is by getting into water, whether it is a bath or a pool.
It wont solve the problem but it will give you something to look forward to .. an hour or two without the knawing pain is quite addictive !

[woofgang]

what does the doctor say? Can I ask what your reason is for not wanting to take pain killers?

[Sqad]

The only exercise that will help is ....swimming. All weight bearing exercises will make the pain worse.

You really only have two choices a) pain killers b) surgery.

It is that simple.

[sandyRoe]

Sqad, Co-codomol (30-500) are no longer effective. Is there anything else a doctor might prescribe?

[Sqad]

sandy...yes....non-steroidal anit inflammatory drugs (Nsaids)......e.g Ibuprofen, Indomethacin and Voltarol.

[sandyRoe]

OK, thanks, Sqad. I'll ask next time I get her to see the Dr.

[bednobs]

before my hip replacement, i hd acupuncture which worked ok (this was for RA though)

[codswallop]

I'm mixing my replies here.I've seen some of the comments for copper bracelets etc.,in general they are a waste of time.As for taking the weight off of your feet I find sitting down the most painful,getting up and walking around eases it just.As for not wanting to take painkillers I didn't want to get too dependent on them,as for Voltarol,no help at all Thank you all for you prompt replies.

[furrypusscat]

Whilst I have osteoarthritis in my hips when I attended the pain clinic, the consultant suggested the pain I was getting in my hips was coming from my lower spine (also have OA there) and he prescribed 4 sessions of acupuncture in lower spine. I have to admit that they did help.

[codswallop]

Hi furrypussycat,after your four sessions of acupuncture,how great was the pain relief and how long did it last before you felt the need to go again?

[furrypusscat]

Sorry for delay in replying, just seen your question. Initially I thought it would be a waste of time and after the first session there didn't seem to be any improvement. However after the four sessions I must admit both hips did feel much better. That must be 15 months ago. I do now have slight pain again in my right hip but have put that down to having undergone surgery 3 months ago to repair a torn cartilage in my right knee and put the hip pain down to the position my leg was in during that surgery. I may of course be wrong in my assumption.
As a result of attending the pain clinic, the consultant put me on Gabapentin at the smallest dose and also Butrans pain relief patches for generalised OA pain so the hip pain relief could be a combination of acupuncture and the medication. I hope you soon find some relief.

[codswallop]

Thanks furrypusscat for your reply,you certainly have "been in the wars" it makes my problem seem quite trivial by comparison.I hope that your pain level is manageable.

[woofgang]

codswallop, what is it you fear about using pain relief?

[codswallop]

Hi woofgang,my pain levels at the moment on a scale of 1 to 10,ten being the worse is about six.I like my golf but not at the moment,I'm afraid if I take more painkillers to overcome the expected pain levels I might get"hooked".If that makes sense??

[woofgang]

Its not usual for someone who takes moderate levels of pain relief to get addicted and things like paracetamol and ibuprofen aren't addictive in the same way that morphine can be. The best way to manage continual pain is to take regular doses of the painkiller of your choice in order to keep the level in your body at a therapeutic level. And yes, if you want to take exercise that you know will cause you pain, then taking painkillers first or well before the expected pain hits, can be helpful. Are you talking about OTC pain relief or something prescribed by your doctor?

[codswallop]

Hi woofgang "OTC pain relief" I'm not sure what that is.I haven't received any medication from my doc's only what's in our medical cabinet ie Anadin for joint pain I was diagnosed with the hip problem last year but it's only the last few months that it has become so painful.

[Gavmacp]

Don't have anything to add but would try pain clinic.
Practical things would be do you carry your golf clubs or pull them? Could you take less clubs with you? I don't know if golf is the best thing for the skeleton but would be loath to suggest giving it up.

[woofgang]

OTC = over the counter, ie not prescribed. If pain is now affecting your life, then If it was me I would be going back to the doctor.