Well, I can't see a specialist for awhile so don't know what to do. I understand that "in the old days," they used to fuse hip joints to stop pain. If mine seems to be naturally fusing, I wonder if that is why there is no pain? I'm so confused. I was told by an ortho doc almost three years ago that with the joint broken down, nothing more would happen. But now I am told that my muscles are atrophying because of disuse since the wrecked joint doesn't let them move so a hip replacement might make things worse. Why didn't the ortho doc see that coming three years ago? With my lower back and knee on same side in pain and the right ankle of other leg hurting from the odd movement, I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place. Very disappointed with the medical profession.

@mamie, that sounds very frustrating. I know first hand at what compensating for a bad joint can do to your healthy joints. I had arthritis in my right knee as a child and used me left leg for everything, which resulted in left ankle arthritis and eventually right ankle arthritis. So, I can understand your concerns about your other joints. Have you discussed this with your provider? While there may not be many options for your hip, have they talked with you about ways to preserve your other joints?