osteo arthritis @ 28

lee74ww

Hi , my name is Lee, I'm 28, and have recently been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my hip. This has been caused by femoral acetabular impingement. I have long enjoyed a very sporty lifestyle but over the last four or five years I started developing a dull but sometimes sharp pain in my hip, usually after playing football. At first it was very manageable. I did go to my GP and they sent me to see a physio therapist. After a few weeks of stretching exercises they couldn’t come to any conclusion. This winter when it got worse than ever I couldn’t even take to the pitch. I went to the Doctors, the physiotherapist and then finally a specialist which is when I had an x-ray taken of my hip, and thus found out about the arthritis. This news was a great big shock as I always associated arthritis with older people and never for the life of me even considered that arthritis would be the route of my problems. I think that I will firstly need re-surfacing work on my hip. I was told that this would last on average 15 years. After this, a total hip replacement would be necessary, which would also have the lifespan of around 15 years. As I have read that the second full replacement becomes a lot harder and serious op, at the moment I am trying to manage the best I can. My employer has moved me to a less manual job which has eased the pain slightly. But I do still sometimes end up limping around unable to stop the sharp pains. I also miss my sport massively as it has always played such a big part in my life. I daren't even go on very long dog walks with my family over fears of aggravation. As it is, I'm confused with what to do or think for the best. I was just hoping to hear from somebody who has been through a similar thing to me for advise or chat really.
Thanks for reading, Lee.

helpline_team

Hi Lee, thank you for your posting.
Being diagnosed with arthritis can be a shock to anyone and as osteoarthritis is often labelled as being due to old age, it can be confusing to understand why you may have developed this and it can leave you feeling as lost in terms of what the future may bring and what you can do now to help manage things. It may help to know that we do speak to people who are of a younger age that develop the condition. So far you have done the right sorts of things. Seeking out physiotherapy will help maintain your muscle strength as it is important to keep moving as you need strong muscles to help support the joint. Having to give up a sport you enjoy so much can be extremely difficult also. Not only actively taking part but the social aspect can have an impact on things. Maybe trying out something different may help such as cycling or swimming? It is scary as the feeling of exacerbating the problem is always there but do remember that exercising properly will only be helping the condition.

If surgery has been suggested as an option for you then again it is important to know that, yes replacements are not minor operations however are done commonly these days. We have some good information on surgery at the following link
http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/PublicationsandResources/Listedbytype/Booklets
Also Arthritis Research UK have a good booklet too:
http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis_information/arthritis_surgeries/hip_surgery.aspx

We have a supportive group of forum members who I am sure will respond to your post. You may like to check out our other forums also:
http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/php/phpBB2/index.php?c=1

If you would like to have a chat about things you can always give us a ring on our Helpline.
Best wishes
Jaslin

speedalong

Hi Lee,
I was diagnosed with OA at 27 and had a THR at 30. The new hip became painfree but is not as good as a "real" one and has some reduction in the range of movement. Also despite my best efforts never managed to get the muscles back to as good as normal.
I'm now 43 and need an op on the other hip. Like you I'm hoping for a resurface. I was going to have a periacetabularoctomy in Bristol ...but the surgeon was not keen to do it too soon ... and as a result - it deteriorated too far. I might be too far gone for a resurface but my local consultant is willing to plan for a resurface - but has explained that if he opens me up and it is not possible he will perform a THR instead.

So the moral of this story is, don't leave it too long ... and have regular check ups.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Speedalong