New here and lots of questions.

Gribbsey

Hi, I am 63 and was diagnosed, a couple of weeks ago, with hip arthritis in my right hip. I also suffer from arthritis in both big toes but have never sought a GP's advice about this. My toes have little bend in them and this has been the case for around 10 years. My hip arthritis was described, by a consultant, as mild; however I rarely have a moment without some level of discomfort. I realise X-rays, have little bearing on pain levels!

Do the group feel that it is worth paying for a qualified Physio to get some more personal targetted help? The plethora of YouTube advice is getting confusing! I have been holding off on painkillers but is this foolish? I exercise daily but it appears to be getting worse; pain on sitting longer than 10 mins and a feeling, following exercise, as if something is going to dislocate! My right knee often burns but I am assuming this is transferred pain from the hip. Should I get this X-rayed too?

Sorry for the battery of questions but, as I said, I'm new to all of this. 😁

Anna

Hello @Gribbsey and welcome to the online community,

No problem at all with asking questions - our lovely members are very friendly and keen to share their experiences.
Exercise is usually beneficial physically and mentally for all sorts of arthritic pain, but it does have to be the right sort of exercise and you do have to start gently and not overdue it.

You might like to have a look at the links I’ve posted below while you’re waiting for some replies. The first is a general one about the benefits of different sorts of physical therapy, and the second is a programme of hip exercises that have proved beneficial to many of our members :

https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/therapies/

https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints/exercises-for-the-hips/

Regarding painkillers - if you are in increasing pain, then painkillers could be part of the answer too. If you’ve been prescribed them by your doctor, then you could start on a low dose and see how it goes. Alternatively, you could speak to your pharmacist who could suggest over the counter painkillers that are suited to any other medication you’re taking.

Do let us know how you’re getting on, and please keep asking questions!

Anna ( Moderator)

Bryony

I know what you mean about youtube exercise advice being confusing.

I definitely think it is worth paying for private physiotherapy if NHS physiotherapy has not been much use or there is a long wait. I've had good and bad physiotherapy help on the NHS, and had to go privately when the NHS physiotherapy was poor.

When you see a physiotherapist, mention your knee and they will advise whether they think it is OA and that X-rays are in order. They can let your GP know to get that arranged.

cocoa

Dear Gribbsey hi I’m waiting fir rt hip replacement have had letter fir op beg july. I was referred immediately after x Ray almost a year ago. I too have painful toes left foot which looks like bruising on joint I’ve not asked doc about this as seems mild compared to hip pain . Am taking co codamol and anti inflammatorys twice a day wirks fir short time then I come off then fir rest but end up taking them again. Have tried just paracetamol am doing exercises physio just gave me sheet of exercises be better if had classes provided by nhs but no such luck. No pain in knees but seem to get pain other areas of legs/ hips so not sure what’s what . I have a lot of trouble when raise leg fir bed or to lay on sofa. Hope you get on ok see MSK nurse fir referral to hosp coukd be in fir a wait ….