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Vice grip pain continues 1.8 yrs post total hip
I had an anterior total hip replacement 1.8 years ago and have had a gradual painful tightening of the upper most front of my leg when walking ever since. I could only walk 150 steps for almost a year before having to stop When I stop so does the pain. I still go to PT and have been able to increase my step count to around 700 before having to stop, although it still hurts at early steps. I had always been a walker and this has been a huge challenge.
I do have spinal stenosis and have had tolerable low back pain for a very long time. The surgeon pretty much blew me off and said, "You need endurance. X-rays look great!" I worked very hard on leg strengthening exercises prior to surgery, so I never believed it was an endurance issue. Having had my other hip done 15 years ago and knowing the healing process tells me that this is just not right.
Sent to an amazing spine doctor. SI joint diagnostic and therapeutic injections done, didn't help. Facet joint injections didn't help. Foraminal injection done, didn't help. Now I'm sent to a pain management group. I have said all along that this feels mechanical!!
I can lift, bend, go up steps, do my PT, side step, walk up rocks, plant a garden, but can NOT walk forward without eventual very high front upper leg vice gripping pain. I would appreciate any and all input that you may have. If it takes spinning around, clicking my heals and saying the alphabet backwards, I'll do it!!!
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Hi; sorry you’re suffering like this.
I have no experience with joint replacement, but reading your post I agree something is definitely not right. I looked up anterior hip replacement, and pain while walking is listed as a red flag. I realize Dr Google is not the Mayo Clinic, but still that info is concerning.
First, I suggest getting hold of all the records related to the surgery, but especially the OP notes. Something may have happened during the procedure that they’re not telling you. (I had a heart valve replaced in 2017, and the OP notes were very revealing).
Also, I would get a surgeon/dr with no ties to the facility where this was done to look at the records and maybe do some more testing.
X-rays really are not the best way to assess spinal stenosis; MRI is best from what I read.
Can you change PTs? I would just get totally fresh perspectives.
My first thoughts are some issue with your hip flexor, or scar tissue from your description of the pain location and how it presents. That doesn’t explain how you are able to climb steps, though.
Or, there could be issues with the implant itself-not seated correctly, came loose, impinging on something, I don’t know.
Just my thoughts.
Please keep us posted.
Hi. I just had my right hip replaced and pre surg pain was mainly from an extremely tight upper thigh. I don’t mean to oversimplify but have you tried a muscle relaxer like Flexeril or Zanaflex? It might be worth a try. I also agree with Phoenix. Get your surgeon’s operative notes and any other records related to your surgery. And if you can, move out of your current system to get a second opinion. Find a teaching or research institution, research their orthopedic surgeons with excellent and extensive experience, and set up an appointment. Check with your insurance to make sure it’ll be covered. I hope you find an answer and relief!