'New' hip pain following THR

NickOll

Hi, Having been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis three years ago I had a THR at the beginning of Oct. 2023. Recovery seemed to be progressing well (I think), with increasing hip mobility and strength, and MUCH reduced pain (apart from 'recovery process pain' I would say). The Consultant was 'happy' at the 10 week review appointment.

For @ the past 8-10 weeks, although hip strength and overall flexibility / movement have continued to very gradually improve, I became aware of a 'new' pain emerging, not too dissimilar to the pre-op. pain, but centred around the Greater Trochanter area . This has gradually become more severe. It seemed a logical step to visit the Consultant who operated, which I did two weeks ago, when the pain was less severe than now, approaching the pre-op. level and having a similar negative effect on movement in general. Associated knee pain has also returned, plus groin pain (which never has gone away for more than a day or two). The Consultant had no explanation other than it being part of the 'healing process'.

I have not spoken to anyone who has experienced (any) 'new' pain following a THR. In fact no pain at all seems very much the norm.

So, in summary the 'ball & socket pre-op. pain' virtually disappeared, to be replaced by this 'Greater

Trochanter pain', similar in both severity and its effect on mobility in general.

I have a GP appointment pending.

Any enlightenment or advice would be appreciated.

helpline_team

Hi@NickOll

I'm sorry to hear this is going on for you.

I'm glad you've got a GP appointment coming up.

Here at the Helpline we are not medically qualified and post-operative pain probably needs to talked over with a healthcare professional.

Sometimes it can be helpful to speak to a physiotherapist who is familiar in supporting people with post-surgical recovery.

If you were interested in peer support, you might post on the Living with arthritis forum.

Hip replacement surgery | Treatment options | Versus Arthritis

All the best

Guy - Helpline Team

Anna

Hi @NickOll and welcome to the online community,

Everybody’s experience of joint replacement is different of course, but many of our members have posted about their THR and it makes interesting reading!. I’ve posted a link below to a detailed thread where members discuss their THR surgery and their steps to recovery afterwards. I hope you find it useful, and you could post a question on the thread too - I’m sure someone will respond:

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/61897/thr-my-new-life-as-a-bionic-person

Best wishes,

Anna ( Moderator)

Janlyn

@NickOll I can second Guy's recommendation that you seek help from a medical professional and especially from a physiotherapist. I had my THR nearly 11 weeks ago and the only pain/soreness that I have that seems similar to my previous pain is if I overdo my walking. My physio did say that my muscles would take some time to recover and if I walked too much then I would start to limp as I started to depend more on my good leg. He has insisted I will recover my previous level of strength and flexibility but must concentrate on the appropriate exercises and when walking not to overdo it and take breaks regularly.

I hope you get some answers/help from your GP appointment.

drcrispy25

@NickOll Hi, I had a THR in January last year and like you, had the initial relief and progress but then got pelvic pain and back pain, which was worrying. My physios and consultant explained that it was common to experience new pains related to returning to a better walking style and posture. They said that it was like “unfurling” from the more hunched and hesitant me from before the op. They gave me some additional exercises and gradually everything righted itself. Best advice, see someone from your team if you can because they will have lots of experience with different patient journeys. Hopefully, like me, your unexpected pain is a good sign. 👍

Nurina

Hi. I had my THR 8 weeks ago. Since I started serious exercises and walking longer I'm more in pain than 4 weeks ago. Physiotherapist and Consultant say that I'll have aches for at least 6 months due to the posture reeducation. My back, knees and bottom ache a lot, almost the same as before the surgery. I have to do painful exercises to force my pelvis, knees and lower back to a correct posture. When everybody says this is Roller Coaster, it's true. Maybe you need the help of a specialised Physiotherapist that will guide you to get a good posture. Good luck

NickOll

Thanks very much to all for your input.

I saw a GP last Saturday, who used to be a Physio. She suggested exercises and I'm awaiting a Physio referral (instigated by her).

I have to confess that after the initial 6-8 weeks, 'exercises' were more or less abandoned, with my emphasis being on walking. This week - exercises resumed - I certainly haven't felt any worse !

Janlyn

@NickOll Sounds to be a good plan. I saw a chiropractor yesterday who I had been seeing pre-op. He told me only short walks as he could see from my exercising that once tired I was letting my foot on my operated side turn inwards. He said the muscles take some time to recover and doing the appropriate exercises properly was vital. Anything else would cause soreness/pain and lead to poor walking/limping and putting strain on my other hip/knees. Sounded sensible advice. The exercises that apparently will work for me are squats, lunges, marching on the spot and stretching my leg out backwards/diagonally.

Good luck - I hope you have a good physio visit.

NickOll

I hope your exercises are 'working' Janlyn.

Alas the relief was short-lived (or imagined) ?

I'm inclined towards Greater Trochanter Bursitis (or similar) and guess what, it seems recommended exercises etc. are different to the 'usual' ones !?

Of course, actually getting a Physio referral will be a start..............................

Janlyn

@NickOll So sorry your relief was short-lived or even imagined - we do like to be optimistic don't we? I do hope you get a physio referral soon - if you suspect what it is can you find out what the likely exercises would be?

Mine do seem to be working although I think I've a long way to go. As I probably had been going downhill for 4 or 5 years I suppose it won't happen overnight. Definitely walking in short, sharp bursts rather than one longer walk helps too.

Take care.