What should I do about this dickie hip?

[ILoveMaxiBondi]

I think it is inflammation but I’m not medically trained.

My left hip. It started about 20 years ago when I was a teenager. It gets very “nippy” and “burning” painful which spreads across my lower back and the hip sticks out which makes me lopsided as if my right leg is shorter than my left. I’m “tilted” to the right hand side if that makes sense. I can’t straighten my body.

It doesn’t happen all that often but when it does it knocks me out of action for several days. It’s happening right now and has been going on for over a week now which is the longest it’s ever been for. I deal with it using ibuprofen, deep heat and baths. And gentle walks to keep me from seizing up. Unfortunately I can’t afford not to work right now and I’m a cleaner so I’ve been working as normal albeit a lot slower and no doubt this is what has prolonged the situation. At home I’m taking it very easy to try and compensate.

So I think if I see the GP they will tell me it is inflammation and tell me to do as I have been doing. Am I wrong?

If it is inflammation is there anything else I can do that will help it?

[MissKittyBeaudelais]

You need to visit your gp. It could be treated with medication or physio or surgery. Make an appointment.

[ILoveMaxiBondi]

Thanks misskitty I think I knew that’s what I needed to do but needed someone else to say it. Don’t want to waste GP time if I can sort it at home.

[Frogshoe]

Did you have DDH as a baby? I would ask your GP to refer you to a specialist

[ILoveMaxiBondi]

What is DDH? I’ve never heard my mum mention anything but I can ask her.

[Frogshoe]

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition where the "ball and socket" joint of the hip does not properly form in babies and young children. It's sometimes called congenital hip dislocation or hip dysplasia. I had exactly the same symptoms as you have described as a teenager. I really would see your GP

[ILoveMaxiBondi]

Thank you! I’ll definitely go to the GP and also speak with my mum too.

[BollocksToBrexit]

I get trochanteric bursitis which is inflammation of the fluid sack on the outside of the hip. When it really kicks off, it's agony and feels like my hip is out of place. I see a physio twice a week and have steroid injections when it's really bad.