hip and back pain

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wakeywakey
wakeywakey Member Posts: 2
in Chat to our Helpline Team

I was diagnosed with right hip arthritis about a year and a half ago . last year i started getting a funny snapping sensation at top of leg /groin area when walking which would stop me in my tracks for a few minutes,and then i was able to carry on .That seems to have eased off ,but pain has increased in hip and mobility (lifting leg,putting shoes on ect ) has got worse .2 weeks ago the pain intesified so i contacted GP and have a appt with physio tomorrow. My worry is i think i have now got sciatica as well same side. I have been finding it impossible to get a nights sleep .To cut a long story short my question is can the physio refer me back to gp im so worried im losing my independence and am in constant pain

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  • helpline_team
    helpline_team Posts: 3,995

    Hi @wakeywakey

    Thank you for posting on the Helpline Online Community, I'm sorry to hear you are experiencing a worsening of pain from your osteoarthritis of the hip over the last few weeks, and how this is affecting your mobility.

    It's understandable that this is causing concern, and you are worrying about losing your independence. Your GP will be able to clarify if you have any back issues such as sciatica, but when you have osteoarthritis of the hip, it can radiate pain into the groin area, down the leg or into the lower back area.

    I'm sharing our information on osteoarthritis of the hip below, which has suggestions for managing pain and stiffness, also the benefits of gentle exercise therapy which we know has good evidence supporting its use to manage the condition - perhaps discuss this with your physiotherapist. We also have some exercise resources on our website suitable for people with arthritis.

    If you are struggling with mobility, it may be worth asking for some support from an Occupational Therapist (OT), you can self-refer for occupational therapy via your local council (Adult Social Care department). An OT can advise on ways to stay independent in your home, they can also suggest any aids or adaptations that may benefit you such as walking aids, or an extra grab rail.

    Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs at night can in fact improve your quality of sleep and reduce pain in the hips and spine. A pillow can help keep the hips in a more natural, aligned position while you sleep, thus reducing pain.

    You may find the following information resources useful.

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-oa-of-the-hip/

    Best Wishes, Nicky - Helpline Advisor

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