Groin pain. Arthritis or tendinitis?
Posted , 10 users are following.
i’ve already had a half hip replacement after breaking my hip a couple of years ago. I’ve had a lot of problems, but the groin pain in that hip seems to be better now. I cannot believe that I am now suffering groin pain in my other hip! . I know groin pain can be a sign of osteoarthritis, and a surgeon told me i had very early signs of OA but I have complete pain-free range of movement as when I am lying down I can circle my hip in the air which doesn’t hurt at all. I can put all my weight on that leg, I can even stamp on it and it doesn’t hurt but it does hurt if I stretch the leg out behind me, or lift my knee up to my chest and the groin throbs when I'm sitting. I mentioned it to my doctor. She examined me and said she thought it was soft tissue problem and gave me strong anti inflamatories. I've been on them for two weeks but they've done nothing. I've have never had osteo arthritis and I want to ask for some advice from people who have had it. What are the first signs? Do you get the groin pain before any other pain in the hip starts or is it possible that it's just my tendon playing up? is there any way of determining what the problem is? I have Multiple Sclerosis and I know they won’t give me a hip replacement in my other hip so I’m obviously hopeful that there are other reasons for the groin discomfort. don’t want to google too much as I’ll scare myself half to death! Any reassurance welcome!
0 likes, 14 replies
AlexandriaGizmo carol19895
Posted
I'm really sorry that you're having to deal with the problem of pain, it's horrendous to not be able to get a clear diagnosis and the right treatment.
Do you have a hydro pool somewhere near to where you live, I'm presuming that you are in the UK and if so you can be referred by your GP
It's really excellent for easing tight muscles and it could possibly be soft tissue damage you are dealing with.
Have you had MRI to check the cause
carol19895 AlexandriaGizmo
Posted
Thanks. Unfortunately no pool near me and I don't drive anymore. I didn't know if I'd be making a fuss if i asked for MRI when pain isn't bad. I'm just scared it's going to get worse. Didn't realise an MRI would pick up soft tissue problems.
Randyd501 carol19895
Posted
Sounds like Psoas issue which is common after hip replacement see doc and discuss going under fluoroscope and get a cortisone injection into psoas for confirmation
carol19895 Randyd501
Posted
Yes I was referred for cortizone injection 2 years ago after my hip op. as I had awful groin pain after op. That turned out to be stem damaging remaining cartilage which can happen with half hip replacements so didn't get injection. That's an on going worry. This new groin pain is in other groin! I suppose it could be psoas but I'm not very active so how can I have damaged the tendon in my "healthy" hip? I've been limping a lot because of previous op. so maybe that's put strain on it. You can see why I'm fed up!
maree32074 carol19895
Posted
Hello Carol 19895
I feel for you. Interesting that I have OA anywhere else in my body (fingers, arms, shoulders, feet) but not the hips which have both been replaced. I have groin pain from time to time in my right hip and this is due to the psoas tendon. With anti inflammatory and rest it goes away but if it continues I have been told the tendon can be snipped. I am always aware of how to bend, not lift heavy weight etc as this can trigger it. Perhaps google the psoas tendon to see if this could be the problem then see your doctor if you think it could be this.
All the best.
carol19895 maree32074
Posted
So perhaps doing stretching excercises for tendonitis is actually making it worse. I'll rest and keep taking the anti inflammatory pills a bit longer.
maree32074 carol19895
Posted
Hi Carol
A good point to follow is not to stretch up to reach things in top cupboards etc - use portable stairs. I also had sessions in hydrotherapy pool with a physiotherapist for around 6 weeks, twice a week for four weeks then once a week which was amazing.... then I did walking exercises, push ups etc I was taught by the physiotherapist weekly in our local heated pool and then had a relaxing spa. Depends on your doctor or surgeon as to what they suggest for you. I am in Australia.
julie1717 carol19895
Posted
hi sorry your having groin pain in your none OP side. I've not had my OP yet but am awaiting a RTHR. we're all different but for me my symptoms of OA started abt 5 yes ago with pain in hip only when walking any distance. over time this got worse but I just adapted using a stick and bath aids as found hard to climb in / out the bath. till suddenly abt Nov last yr got groin pain and thigh pain and difficulty lifting my leg to walk. simple xray of hip to knee showed severe OA R side. L side mild.
anyway if nothing else a simple xray would highlight any OA and as you say an MRI any deeper issues. I'm sure your Dr is expecting you to re see them if the anti inflammatory make no difference so I'd def re see them. 2 weeks of them is a reasonable time to know if they're working or likely to.
anyway good luck and hope you get the right diagnosis and treatment
PierinaAnn carol19895
Posted
Have you tried using an ice pack on it to, I found that it helped my groin pain pre op and post op. Now my pain has gone. Groin pain was my first sign of arthritis. Hope you get answers soon.
carol19895 PierinaAnn
Posted
Oh I was hoping it wasn't one of the first signs. How long did you get before you needed the hip replaced? Don't think that's an option for me because of the MS so hoping i can keep it at bay. I do use a wheelchair when out so I'm not using it as much as most people. Did you still have complete pain free range of movement in your hip when the groin pain started?
PierinaAnn carol19895
Posted
I had my groin pain for a good few years before range of movement was reduced. Groin pain is deferred pain from the hip.
Eventually I was unable to put socks on and tie laces on right leg. Walking was also a struggle, especially with flare ups. Including standing from sitting.
Would you be able to see an osteopath at all, it did help with pain and movement. Also think about a tens machine, I got a small portable off of Amazon.
And the only other thing I wish I had done was more exercise. I understand with your MS it may be harder but it may be worth asking a physio if there would be any that you could do.
I hope it all works out for you, Carol, let me know how you get on.
Take care Ann
AlexandriaGizmo carol19895
Posted
Hi Carol hope you don't mind me asking the reason why your not allowed a hip replacement because you have MS
Only asking because my bro in law also has it
carol19895 AlexandriaGizmo
Posted
good question! Four different surgeons and have never been told the same thing twice. There was no consultation when I broke my hip, they just gave me the half hip replacement. I wasn’t happy about it but I was told I would have dislocated the full operation. Not sure I believe that but because of the problems I have had with the original operation my walking is now significantly reduced so am now far more inactive. I've never been happy about that operation and wish i could turn back time. I think they thought i was using a wheelchair all the time which wasn't true. I got an apology for the lack of consultation but that doesn't help me. Very lopsided now which I think has a lot to do with the groin pain in other hip.
AlexandriaGizmo carol19895
Posted
Their are specialist in the UK who would I'm sure be able to improve on your bodged hip, I'm in the same boat and when in 2016 I fell and fractured my left hip but was diagnosed as soft tissue damage, this has now left me on crutches full time for one reason and another but I'm seeing a new consultant this year so maybe 🤔🤔 I find most of my pain is in the knee and not much elsewhere which I don't understand because I cannot fully weight bear on the hip.
We have two good hips between us, maybe we could get together for a 3 legged race 🤣🤣