Knee and muscle pain; also a 14 year old hip replacement...related?

Posted by mnpat @mnpat, Sep 16, 2016

Hello, I am a 73 yr. old woman. I am having pain on the inside and outside of the knee joints. I have had some physical therapy which does not seem to be helping. Now I am also having discomfort in the legs.....mostly calves and thighs. I had a hip replacement almost 14 years ago.... could that possibly be getting loose and needing attention? What would be the symptoms if the hip joint should need to be replaced again?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

Nate Gilbraith | @nategilbraith | Sep 17, 2016

Welcome @mnpat! Let me introduce you to @sma1952 @hosta @popolopo who have had a hip replacement and may be able to tell you what it is like and help with your concerns and questions. I'd also like you to meet @ntp01, @predictable and @dawn_giacabazi who have some experience when it comes to knee pain.

When did your pain start?

popolopo | @popolopo | Sep 17, 2016

In reply to @nategilbraith "Welcome @mnpat! Let me introduce you to @sma1952 @hosta @popolopo who have had a hip replacement..." + (show)

It has never gone away,I the last 4 months it is worse ,I can walk without crutches but I feel something is wrong.

Dawn, Alumni Mentor | @dawn_giacabazi | Sep 17, 2016

Welcome @mnpat

Here is a great link to help. It is a symptom checker.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptom-checker/select-symptom/itt-20009075
What kind of advice has you physical therapist given you if any??

Dawn

popolopo | @popolopo | Sep 17, 2016

She gave me some leg exercises to strengthen muscles

mnpat | @mnpat | Sep 17, 2016

Thank you for replies. A few more details....about 3-4 years ago I experienced my left knee "giving out." Years ago my mother complained about that and I had no idea what she meant. Now I do! Usually happened when I was stepping up with my left foot....suddenly the knee seemed to collapse turning inward. Physical therapist gave me basically strengthening exercises and the issue seemed to resolve.

Now I'm not experiencing the "giving out", but there is pain with various movements on the outside of BOTH knees. Some tenderness occasionally on the inside also. Xray a few years ago revealed arthritis but the knee joint still had cushioning. Even now I can sometimes walk perfectly comfortably....no pain in the joint. But if I walk more than 1/4 mile or so the left knee starts to kick in...on the side. Additionally I have very tight muscles in the legs and see a massage therapist twice a month.

Current PT includes most of the same exercises I did before and lots of stretching. Iliotibial bands are also a problem. I bought a foam roller and am using it regularly....ouch.

I am wondering if the hip replacement is reaching the end of its life....I don't know what the symptoms might be.

I have made an appointment in October to consult with an MD in Physical Medicine and Rehab. I also do water aerobics three times a week.

Pat

mnpat | @mnpat | Sep 17, 2016

In reply to @nategilbraith "Welcome @mnpat! Let me introduce you to @sma1952 @hosta @popolopo who have had a hip replacement..." + (show)

Is this pain after a hip replacement? Have you been back to the surgeon? Everyone is different, but 4 months after mine I was back to walking for exercise (not long distances, but comfortable)

mnpat | @mnpat | Sep 18, 2016

In reply to @nategilbraith "Welcome @mnpat! Let me introduce you to @sma1952 @hosta @popolopo who have had a hip replacement..." + (show)

Thanks. I actually had a hip replacement almost 14 years ago, so I have experience from that. I'm especially interested in hearing from someone who has had the original replacement replaced and what symptoms led to that.

grandmacheryl | @grandmacheryl | Sep 18, 2016

?I'm 71 and recently had my right hip replaced. I had the left one done 6 years ago and so far I haven't had any problems. But my orthopedist regularly x-rays the left hip just to make sure it's OK. If I had your symptoms, I would definitely have the 14-year-old hip checked. Good luck!