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Bursitis in left hip replacement
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Sep 23 9:58am | Replies (27)Comment receiving replies
I am on a wait list for THR at Mayo Phoenix. However, I've been diagnosed in another state than Phoenix with left hip bursitis and have been suffering with it for about 11 years. I've had injections that last 2 months and have had to live with flare ups all these years. Ice is the best way to help with pain and sitting too long makes it worse. I don't climb stairs anymore or lift more than a couple of pounds or Ill be in bad pain.. I take 1000 milligrams of Tylenol when it flares and lie down if I can. I've wondered if the THA will help resolve my bursitis, but after reading your blog I just wonder if it will. I'm starting to resolve myself to the fact that I can't be without pain in my life ( I'm 68), and am going to join a gym to try to strengthen my muscles in my whole body to see if that helps. I'll have to do workouts that are easy so I don't flare my hip. I also bought shoe inserts that do help a bit to support my body in turn helping with pain. I'm waiting for a call from the pain clinic. Who knows, maybe I have nerve issues going on. My past Dr. gave me Lyrica and it helped but I hated the side affects of 17 pound weight gain (swelling), and feeling drunk all day long. I pray God we both get relief cause persistent bursitis kills the spirit.
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You asked "I've wondered if the THA will help resolve my bursitis, but after reading your blog I just wonder if it will..." The short term answer is probably - the inflammation will be improved once the damaged joint is replaced.
But, bursitis is a quirky thing - several years after hip replacement, mine flared again. At that time, the ortho gave an injection, AND told me the only "fix" was to keep the muscles strong through use and exercise. He showed me specific stretches to do, my pain management PT gave me strengthening exercises, and I keep moving all day long, no matter how I feel. If I sit too much, especially in the recliner or on a sofa, EVERYTHING hurts.
So your idea to get to a gym is a good one - but I suggest a visit first with a rehabilitation therapist (get a referral from the pain clinic) who can start you on a gradual stretching and strengthening program.
Then comes the hard part - you have to do it every day, whether at home or the gym, no matter how you feel - other wise it doesn't work. If you cannot get up and down from the floor, ask for exercises you can do while standing, with a chair or counter nearby for balance. Also, many stretches can be done on a firm bed. I do at least 5-10 minutes of stretches every morning before I get up, working on loosening arms, legs, back, neck, and hands.
Sue