Can pain from osteoarthritis hit instantly? I mean, no pain one day, then limping with it the next??

IanMac43
IanMac43 Member Posts: 1
edited 15. Apr 2025, 20:30 in Chat to our Helpline Team

Hi. I’m Ian and I’m new.

Yesterday I was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in my left hip, after a recent MRI scan. I felt no pain until one day, during the first week of June last year. I was on holiday on the Isle of Man when I felt a sudden pain, like I had pulled or over stretched my groin. I thought nothing of it and expected it to be gone again, in a few days. 10 months later and I still have it. I’m a 54 year old male, reasonably fit and healthy and not (much) overweight.

Although my symptoms seem to match my diagnosis, I doubt it slightly because of how quickly, without any warning or build up, my pain started. Non pain one day and nothing building up over a period of time, the next I am walking with a limp.

So my question is… is this possible???

(PS. In 5 of the last 7 days I have either ran 5k, been downhill mountain biking or competing in motocross racing. So I am very reluctant to let this hold my life back.)

Thank you in advance for your help.

Comments

  • helpline_team
    helpline_team Posts: 3,930

    Hi @IanMac43

    It can be difficult that Osteoarthritis - where the wearing and repairing in the body leads to bony changes in a joint - can be developing in the background and then can reach a point where you can experience functional problems.

    Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip | Hip pain | Versus Arthritis

    The hard thing here is that it sounds like your first X-ray has diagnosed the hip as severe. In a situation such as this, you'd be given advice over strengthening exercise and physiotherapy. But if the pain is not improving, you'd be advised to keep in touch with the GP and they may suggest you see an orthopaedic specialist.

    I'm attaching the link to our exercise information.

    Exercising with arthritis | Top tips, specific exercises

    I realise your hobbies are very physical - you may want to keep up with exercise as suggested by a health care professional and notice your pain levels and try to listen to your body to see how you are feeling. You'd be very welcome to ring us here on our freephone 0800 5200 520.

    I hope that's helpful

    Guy - Helpline Team

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 843

    Hi @IanMac43

    I had my right hip replaced last May. I was happily walking along the path one day when all of a sudden I had excrutiating pain in my hip which threw the top of my body forward it was so bad. I had nothing before that and the pain just got worse to the point it was destroying my life - I couldn't do anything at all, not even sleep. 16 months later a wonderful surgeon gave me a shiny new hip. When he discharged me, he pointed out that my left hip was actually far worse than my right hip but, it causes me no pain and apart from him telling me, I wouldn't have known. I do now get the odd twinge if I do too much but so far it's manageable.

    I think all of us who have had our hips done, and those that are waiting, have different journeys with their hip diagnosis, treatment etc. I would say to keep up doing what you can while you can. You will soon find out about it when your body says no.

    I would recommend however keeping updated with your medical team/physio - if it does go, it's likely to be quickly and you will be grateful for a quick referral to orthopaedics in that case. The waiting list can be very long and you don't need that when your hip pain is controlling your life to the point you have just pain. I was 67 when diagnosed.

    Trish

  • helpline_team
    helpline_team Posts: 3,930

    Hi @Trish9556

    Thanks for your post to the Helpline and sharing your experiences of hip arthritis and surgery.

    All the best

    Guy - helpline team

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