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Original poster

Osteoarthritis in the hip. What do I need to know?

42 replies

Highmoon · 05/06/2025 09:06

I took up running and also did a lot of walking involving inclines and after a few months ended up with intermittent pain in my groin/hip area. I assumed it would be something temporary and fixable so was surprised to be told by the physio it's osteoarthritis.

I not long ago turned 50. I'm trying to get my head around what this means for exercise and sport going forward. I'm happy to ditch the running forever but love walking/hiking and racquet sports. Just as DC are flying the nest, doing more of those was how I saw my life going in the future years.

Has it restricted your activities? Did your hip deteriorate over a long time or short time? I don't know anyone with this. I asked some questions at the physio but have thought of many more since leaving the office. I don't know if I am allowed to do anything now or if I have to wait until I do the physio exercises and strengthen muscles around the hip joint.

Also, are there any supplements that will help?

OP posts:
Echolalialia · 26/06/2025 11:30

Hi @Highmoon yes it did - it was triggered by a fall, which led to an x ray where I was initially told I only had mild OA and probably not the cause of the pain. I too then assumed tendonitis etc.

But within six months I had an MRI and the consultant told me clearly I had progressed OA and surgery would be a good idea. It was such a shock at first. But I went for it and I’m so glad I did. Problem solved.

Good luck with finding your own way with this!

iwantavuvezela · 26/06/2025 17:29

@Echolalialia can I ask you how long you waited once you went on the list for a THP. I know it is dependent on your hospital / area etc/. I think I might ask to go on the list next month, I am so tired of this constant pain (not excruciating but it's there, cant sleep properly anymore). When I hear of success stories like yours I think, I should just go for it, and hopefully be pain free soon(ish)

Sweetbeansandmochi · 26/06/2025 18:12

I first felt discomfort in my groin/hip in April 2021. I kept really active with modifications along the way because it did deteriorate quite rapidly and caused a lot of back pain. I had my first hip replacement in May 2023 and the other side September 2024. Now, it’s amazing and like it never happened. I found out I had hip dysplasia- which is common for women to discover in middle age, when hip issues start, if it’s wasn’t picked up as a child.

Notsomethingarenad · 24/09/2025 20:42

@Highmoon hi, can I ask did your physio diagnose osteoarthritis just from an examination? I have an appointment with msk clinic soon and am wondering if I’ll get diagnosed there and then.

iwantavuvezela · 25/09/2025 00:09

HI @Notsomethingarenad - when I was referred to the physio I was given a sheet of exercises to do and told it was "wear and tear", not even showing me the exercises to do. I guess that he did know it was arthritis and when I asked if I could be referred for a scan was told that would come later if needed. I paid for my own scan which showed the osteoarthritis as I wanted to confirm the pain / discomfort and see what stage or how bad it was. Good luck with your appointment

Notsomethingarenad · 25/09/2025 02:49

@iwantavuvezela ehay type of scan did you have?

Original poster
Highmoon · 25/09/2025 06:30

iwantavuvezela · 25/09/2025 00:09

HI @Notsomethingarenad - when I was referred to the physio I was given a sheet of exercises to do and told it was "wear and tear", not even showing me the exercises to do. I guess that he did know it was arthritis and when I asked if I could be referred for a scan was told that would come later if needed. I paid for my own scan which showed the osteoarthritis as I wanted to confirm the pain / discomfort and see what stage or how bad it was. Good luck with your appointment

Hi @iwantavuvezela what stage was it at when you paid for your own scan?

@Notsomethingarenad

Yes, they told me at my first appointment that it was osteoarthritis. No doubts.

OP posts:
iwantavuvezela · 25/09/2025 15:03

I realised as I was having constant pain in my hip and had lost range of motion in my left hip that something was going on, and I also knew that if I waited for the NHS I was probably 6months at least away from getting a scan, so I decided to pay for one for myself (My chiropractor I was seeing referred me for one) - it showed then that I already had quite bad arthritis in one hip with some bone on bone action going on (hence the pain) and also arthritis isn the other hip (although I am not feeling any pain). I did it for my own peace of mind and to get an idea of what was happening.

iwantavuvezela · 25/09/2025 15:04

it was just x rays of hips which showed the "arthritis " quite clearly

Original poster
Highmoon · 25/09/2025 16:51

iwantavuvezela · 25/09/2025 15:03

I realised as I was having constant pain in my hip and had lost range of motion in my left hip that something was going on, and I also knew that if I waited for the NHS I was probably 6months at least away from getting a scan, so I decided to pay for one for myself (My chiropractor I was seeing referred me for one) - it showed then that I already had quite bad arthritis in one hip with some bone on bone action going on (hence the pain) and also arthritis isn the other hip (although I am not feeling any pain). I did it for my own peace of mind and to get an idea of what was happening.

How much did you have to pay?

OP posts:
iwantavuvezela · 25/09/2025 18:52

I paid £210 which was for 3 separate X-rays (of both hips) and a report. I think each scan was approx £75 for each individual area of the hip.

NormasArse · 25/09/2025 18:55

A double hip replacement saved me. I’d got to the point where I needed crutches to walk. Now I’m back to climbing hills again.

iwantavuvezela · 25/09/2025 23:54

good to hear that Norma - i'm booked to have my first hip done in 10 days - looking forward to walking again, sleeping and the pain easing

justasking111 · 09/10/2025 23:04

iwantavuvezela · 25/09/2025 23:54

good to hear that Norma - i'm booked to have my first hip done in 10 days - looking forward to walking again, sleeping and the pain easing

How are you doing? I'm going in later this month.

NormasArse · 10/10/2025 20:35

iwantavuvezela · 25/09/2025 23:54

good to hear that Norma - i'm booked to have my first hip done in 10 days - looking forward to walking again, sleeping and the pain easing

How’s your recovery going? Make sure you do all the physio!!

iwantavuvezela · 12/10/2025 11:41

Had my hip replacement on Tuesday and going well - learning to use crutches and getting stronger each day. Pain is minimal (and far better than arthritic pain).

justasking111 · 12/10/2025 14:54

iwantavuvezela · 12/10/2025 11:41

Had my hip replacement on Tuesday and going well - learning to use crutches and getting stronger each day. Pain is minimal (and far better than arthritic pain).

Thank you. My operation is in two weeks. I'm very apprehensive now.

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