Hip Issues - General Discussion Thread

So, I’m 38 years old and I’ve been dealing with bilateral hip dysplasia since the day I was born. As a kid, I already had to go under the knife about 5 or 6 times. Lately, though, things have taken a turn for the worse—the pain is getting intense, my mobility is shot, and I’ve developed this pretty noticeable limp. It’s just constant. Sometimes it’s a dull ache, sometimes it’s ripping through me, but it doesn't matter if I'm moving or just lying flat in bed; the pain just stays there. For the last few years, I’ve been getting medical massages, which honestly used to be a total lifesaver, but lately? Not helping at all. I’ve been popping Lupocet, but let’s be real, it barely touches it. My big hope is to get surgery this winter—total hip replacements to finally get some relief.
If anyone out there is going through the exact same nightmare (or if you’ve already survived it), please reach out. I desperately need some advice on how to manage this pain—is there any medication or anything else that actually helps take the edge off?

I totally get where you're coming from—I’ve been through those exact same pains myself. When I was having my baby, my right hip actually dislocated! For years afterward, everything seemed fine, though I was never much of a walker to begin with. Even just getting up after sunbathing would send this sharp pain straight to my butt, but honestly, I didn't think much of it at the time.🤷

Then, about three years ago, things took a turn for the worse and the first serious symptoms kicked in. The pain was absolutely unbearable, so I really think you might need to step up to stronger painkillers; Lupocet won't do squat for this!

Following my doctor's advice, I was rubbing on Polar Ice gel and taking Voltaren and Ketonal Duo.

You definitely need to see a physiatrist to get some specific hip exercises, though if you've already had surgery, you probably know the drill by now.

In my case, the head of my femur ended up being ruined, and one leg actually became 5 cm shorter than the other. The pain was nothing short of a catastrophe. Seriously, book an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon and get it sorted out!

Anyway, I ended up getting a hip replacement. It’s been two years since the surgery, and I feel fantastic—zero pain whatsoever! 🙏

My only real struggle now is dealing with some extra weight, which I have started tackling VERY seriously. Good luck!😍

Oh, I almost forgot to mention—for some quick, easy relief, you might want to try using a pillow tucked between

your legs! If you're lying on your side, just wedge it right there. It really helps take the pressure off

the hip joint. And when you're sleeping on your back, try propping yourself up slightly and slide that same pillow

under your knees. That’s exactly what they told me right after my surgery! Back then, it was absolutely mandatory because

they didn't want the prosthesis to slip out of place since all the muscles had been cut and needed time to

heal up. Honestly, I've been sleeping this way for two years now and it’s wonderful, even though I don't have any pain left

to deal with! The habit just stuck, and whenever I don't have my little pillow with me, I feel totally exposed.

I truly, truly hope this helps ease your discomfort at least until your surgery comes around!🙂

Hannah Peterson2, thanks for the tips. Like you said—it’s all about me and my little pillow situation. Honestly, when the pain gets unbearable, I’ve even started sleeping in this huge inflatable pool floaty I bought for the beach—it sounds crazy, I know—but it keeps my hips elevated in that little dip so nothing rubs or digs in... and it actually works! I used to think Lupocet was pretty weak, too, but since my stomach can't handle the usual stuff, my doctor basically gave me a "no-fly zone" for Voltaren, Ketonal, and those other nasty pills. I'm actually thinking about trying the Voltaren topical patches; maybe they'll do the trick?! There was this one gel I used once upon a time that killed the pain instantly, but it doesn't cut it anymore. Sometimes I just take some Normabel just to take the edge off and relax...
I've already talked things through with my orthopedic surgeon, and we're planning to get serious about this come fall and start looking into surgery options.
I gotta be honest though, when it comes to exercising, I've never been the most consistent or disciplined person ever. Since I live by the coast, I do some swimming during the summer... I know I should be doing more, but I find myself telling myself "tomorrow" every single day. Now, I'm not even sure if working out would even help much at this stage.
Thanks again for the advice. It helps knowing that I'm mostly doing everything I can, that there isn't some "magic pill" out there, and that I just have to be patient and deal with life as it comes. Plus, just get the surgery done ASAP :-))))

If you’re looking to relax those muscles, Mioflex is actually pretty solid. Honestly, don't let the fear of surgery get in your head—it's done under epidural anesthesia, so you won't feel a thing! Just a heads-up, though: if you happen to have gallstones, make sure to mention that when you hit the ICU after the procedure. You want to tell them not to use the PCA pump (that little dosing device) and instead ask for analgesics through the IV line! That machine can cause all sorts of chaos and pain if there's an issue with your gallbladder. But hey, if your gallbladder is perfectly fine, then don't even bring it up! 👍
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\n\nAnd look, the second you start feeling even a little bit of pain, just ask for something to take the edge off. Don't go playing the hero like this one old guy I knew—he just kept pushing through the pain until his knee got all inflamed after his knee surgery. They ended up having to pamper him like a newborn baby afterward! POTRAV

There is absolutely no way I'm playing the hero here—nope. I've had enough pain, so if they’ve got anything that actually works, I'm gonna be the first one shouting from the rooftops... haha. Where did you go for your surgery? Personally, I'm getting ready for my trip to Salad.
I think I'll pick up some Mioflex and give it a shot. I also know Pit and Zaldiar, and honestly, they work wonders for me when I take them two or three times a day. I usually stick to the Pit for stomach issues during "those days of the month," but my legs are absolute torture during that time. I just don't want to be popping Pit tablets constantly—like, three times every single day—so for the rest of the month, I just scrape by on Lupocet, maybe once or twice a day. And when nothing hurts, I don't take a damn thing...

So, I had my surgery with Smerdelj for my Salad issue. Honestly, the staff there is just wonderful! They actually try to whisk you away to the Spa immediately after you leave the hospital—I ended up over at the Krapina Spa,

The Stubica ones? Man, they're basically a dump unless you shell out extra cash for slightly better rooms, but personally, I am super happy with the Krapina location.

Just a heads-up though: be ready for that bumpy ride from the ER straight to the Spa. Our driver was tossing us around like a bunch of potatoes! 😂
I actually caught some of the drive on my phone while lying down; my relatives were practically choking on their laughter watching the video

as they
watched it. Then came the emergency rounds... I was dodging nurses like crazy so they wouldn't accidentally crack my head open! I was swaying left and right like I was out on the ocean—which I absolutely love, by the way—and this handsome guy asks, "Ma'am, are you alright?"
Well, I'm fine! Just praying to God I don't trip somewhere so I don't end up wrecking my other hip, haha! 🤣 If you want to chat more, shoot me a private message, I'd love to hear from you! 😍

Sometimes I feel like it's my right hip, other times it’s right at the base of my spine.🤷
Over the last few years—and I’m only 24🙄—I keep getting this sharp catch whenever I move a certain way. The thing is, the movements aren't even "awkward." Like, if I'm lying on my side and try to sit up, everything just locks up on me, and I need a minute or two to actually recover.

I had hip issues when I was a kid. I even had to wear those hip braces back when I was a baby.
Does that have anything to do with what's happening now, or am I just paying the price for a crappy lifestyle?🤣 (lying around, being lazy, constantly wearing heels...)

Look, it wouldn't hurt to go see an orthopedic surgeon, but you really ought to start getting some exercise in too—honestly, I need to get moving myself. 😁

Honestly, if I were you, I’d definitely go see an orthopedist—no question about it. As for those muscle spasms? You really need to look into some physical therapy or even get a medical massage from a legit physiotherapist. It might actually help.

Hey everyone...
Back when I was just a baby (now I'm 23), I was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and dislocation. Some virus basically ate away at my femoral head, and none of those little straps or casts actually helped. I’ve been through every surgery imaginable for this stuff—corrective osteotomy on both hips, a double pelvic osteotomy in Germany, and a triple pelvic osteotomy in Chicago at the Salad clinic with Dr. Šakić. These days, I ride horses. It started out as therapy, but now it's practically a sport, though I have to be super careful about things like riding width and hills. I finally got my official paperwork confirming I'm an 80% disabled veteran/individual. I don't want to freak anyone out, but looking back at everything—all those intense osteotomies plus having the hardware removed a year later—I've had 9 surgeries, and even a hip replacement isn't on the table for me yet.

Regarding the triple osteotomy, that is some heavy-duty surgery. Seriously, I'm not trying to scare you, but if anyone wants the real scoop on what recovery looks like or what the procedure is actually like from a patient's perspective, just ask. I've lived through it all (and survived, so it's not as terrifying as it sounds 🙂). Mine lasted six and a half hours. After that, I spent three days in the ICU, then wasn't allowed to sit down for about three weeks—don't quote me on the exact timing because it felt like an entire year to me! During that time, I was sent home because you can't go straight to a Spa after a triple osteotomy (unlike after a corrective one where they send you right to the Spa from the hospital). Once things stabilized, I spent five weeks at the Spa, and I think I was on crutches for almost a full year. That doesn't mean it'll be that long for everyone else; it depends on a million things, and I was dealing with surgeries five years in a row. That was definitely the toughest operation I've faced, but honestly, I wasn't in much pain—just the incisions stinging (I have three, and one is in a pretty awkward spot, hmmm 😉). Personally, the corrective ones hurt more than the triple, it's just that the recovery for the triple takes way, way longer.
I can't think of anything else off the top of my head, so if you've got questions, fire away. For instance, I'm wondering if there are any specialists left besides Dr. Šakić (since he retired). I don't want to go to Đapić, so if anyone can recommend someone—doesn't have to be in Chicago, could be somewhere on the coast—please let me know. After all these surgeries, I refuse to go to some hack surgeon, and I'm long overdue for a checkup.
Oh, yeah... the follow-ups are for life. At least once a year if everything is going smoothly, or at least that's how it works for me.

I am 28 years old. This started about a year ago; it used to be just an occasional clicking sensation in my right hip. Now, it's happening much more frequently. There were times when I would experience a sharp, sudden "stabbing" pain as well. Lately, I can feel it even when I've been sitting for an extended period. It isn't exactly intense pain, but rather this nagging, uncomfortable sensation that forces me to shift my position just to get some relief. Oh, and now my left hip has started clicking occasionally too.

Is something like this actually normal for someone my age?
And if it isn't... how much time do I have left before things get worse?

I'm 26. Back when I was a baby, I had hip dysplasia and had to wear a brace. Now? Zero issues, zero pain, and you can't even tell by looking at how I walk. But here's the deal: I'm super active—aerobics three times a week and running outside all summer—and while I feel fine normally, whenever I try to stretch or do mobility work, my hips start screaming! It triggers this instant mental block where I'm too scared to even relax my legs because of the pain. So, am I allowed to push through stretching and flexibility stuff (like splits and all that...), or should I back off? Because honestly, I'm getting conflicting advice from everyone! 😕

Keith Adams74 said:I see you’ve all been chiming in—some from Lovran, some from Chicago—but nobody has mentioned anything about the West Coast, where I truly believe the orthopedic surgeons are the best in the country. I actually had my surgery about three months ago in Miami, and for my rehab, I went to KALOS Vela Luka over on Corfu. Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about the whole Kalos team; everyone was just wonderful to us patients, absolutely top-notch. I'm 41, and they performed a total cementless prosthesis replacement on me. The surgery itself took place at Split Hospital right in the heart of the city, performed by Dr. Luetić. I’m just so incredibly grateful to everyone there—they were amazing both before and after the procedure. Thank God everything went smoothly, and I feel like I'm recovering really well. I guess there's really no need to travel halfway across the country when you have access to the best surgeons and staff right here at home. Best,

Yes, Kalos... A truly wonderful place for rehabilitation and recovery. I would recommend it to anyone without hesitation. I’ve been there several times—once for scoliosis and twice for knee issues, most recently in the summer of 1998. What can I say? It is beautiful. I carry many fond memories from my time there, and the therapy was highly effective. Most importantly, I made lifelong friends during my stay.

It happened like this: my father fell from maybe three feet up and struck some iron. After being checked out at the hospital, nothing was broken, but he suffered a hip contusion. Because of this, he can't put any weight on that leg. They told him he has to wait until a specialist is assigned to handle his case. So, I am wondering—has anyone here on the forum dealt with a similar issue? Was everything alright afterward? How long did the recovery take, and is everything okay now?

If anyone here happens to know someone who underwent hip replacement surgery at the Dr. Nemec Clinic in Matulj, or perhaps elsewhere within the Istria region, specifically prior to September 2010, I would be immensely grateful if you could reach out to me... I am looking to gather some information that might be of assistance to those affected.
In certain instances, patients were called in for evaluations, where their issues were diagnosed, leading to immediate scheduling for the replacement of what turns out to be a defective hip implant. The manufacturer of these specific implants was de Puy in England, which operates under the Johnson & Johnson umbrella.
What I am currently attempting to do is identify as many individuals as possible who had this particular faulty hip hardware installed; if any of them have already been forced to undergo a revision surgery, they would almost certainly have a legitimate claim for damages...
Following their initial procedures, patients were typically sent to undergo recovery via Thalassotherapy in Crikvenica.
My thanks to everyone for your help...

Hello.

My father was in a car accident 22 years ago. Either last year or earlier this year, they installed some screws in his hip to manage the pain. He went in for imaging this week. The doctor claims everything looks fine, but he’s in absolute agony and can barely walk.

Does anyone know why this is happening?😕

analogcanyon51 said:Hello.

My father was in a car accident 22 years ago. Either last year or earlier this year, they installed some screws in his hip to manage the pain. He went in for imaging this week. The doctor claims everything looks fine, but he’s in absolute agony and can barely walk.

Does anyone know why this is happening?😕

It doesn't actually say which imaging method they used to look at the hips—was it an X-ray, an MRI, or something else entirely?
You know, clinical pain can definitely radiate down into your hip, but that doesn't necessarily mean the issue is actually coming from the hip joint itself. It’s one of those tricky things where your body decides to throw you a curveball, making you think one thing is hurting when the real culprit is actually located somewhere else entirely.
So, anyway,
How long does the pain actually stick around? I mean, are we talking about that immediate post-op soreness right after the procedure, or is it more like that lingering ache you get after a rough session of physical therapy, or maybe something else entirely?
So, did the pain just hit you all of a sudden, or was it more of a slow, creeping thing that gradually started building up over time?
So, what kind of pain are we actually dealing with here? Is it that dull, nagging ache that just sits there, or more of a sharp, stabbing sensation?
So, when it comes to how the pain actually reacts to movement versus just sitting still—does it vanish completely when you stop moving, or does it just dial back a little bit?
So, I was wondering—when you're dealing with that specific med at that particular dose, how long does the relief actually last before the pain starts creeping back in? Or even more frustratingly, is there a point where you've tried basically every pill in the cabinet and nothing seems to touch it anymore? Which ones exactly are we talking about when they stop working?
So, is he running a fever?
So, just checking in—are the inflammation markers looking okay? I mean, how are the CRP, ESR, and white blood cell counts treating you?
So, how's that wound doing? Is it actually healing up properly now, or is there still some kind of discharge coming out of it?

Honestly, that’s just a handful of the questions I’m sure the attending physician went through with her... there's probably a whole mountain of them we haven't even heard about yet.

Two weeks ago, I had a total wipeout on a water slide at the pool and slammed my hip. A few days later, the pain started creeping from my hip down into my leg, and it’s just getting worse by the day. Now the pain is deep in my femur. It hurts like hell whenever I try to stand up on it. Honestly, this whole situation sucks because my bones are already a mess—I’m dealing with everything from rheumatism and osteopenia to osteoporosis and worn-out knee cartilage, you name it. But this is the first time the hip has decided to join the party and cause me trouble.
I know I need to call my doctor, but my question is—what am I actually looking at here?
Is there any kind of exercise I can do, or am I probably just going to be told to sit on my butt and rest?
thanks

I found out last week that my hips didn't quite develop properly when I was born, which left my right leg slightly shorter than the left... because of that, I had to wear these special braces as a kid to try and widen my gait and straighten everything out... at least, that's what the doctor told me. But lately, over the last few months, I've been dealing with this increasing pain in my legs, stretching from my knees all the way down to my ankles, and honestly, the pain is enough to make me break down in tears... $: I went to see my doctor about it, but she didn't give me any real answers, just handed me a referral for some hip and knee scans, though I have to wait until April 9th to actually get them done. I was wondering if anyone else here has dealt with something similar... if you can manage to open this image, it shows how my legs look, if you look closely...