Significant thigh and hip pain following total Hip Replacemnt

Could the pain be coming from your back I get pins and needles down the front of the thigh and burning this is coming from my back problems

Hi Stephanie

PTs, even with PHDs probably don't have the medical back round for a diagnoses like this.  When I was working with one earlier this year and asked about the source of a particular difficulty the refrain was inevitably "Your body is a mystery" which got old quickly.  Likely you will need the opinion of a doctor trained in nerve damage and assessment.  My reading on the anterior approach is that trauma to the femoral nerve is not uncommon.  This is something that often be determined by tests and IIRC is also something that can sometimes be treated.  The pain in the side of your leg sounds like it might be a tight IT band, a long stretch of tissue that runs from the hips down the outside of the leg to the knee.  It's notorious for being a source of pain and referenced pain.  I have had some success with deep tissue massage and foam rolling to keep mine somewhat under control- at least it's better than the beginning of the year.  If permitted by your GC or surgeon I'd recommend using a foam roller to help with the IT band and arranging for some good deep tissue massage to see if you get any relief for that.  The front o the thigh could also be muscle trauma from the excessive stretching of tissue that occurs in Anterior but you might consider an appointment with a nerve specialist to zero in on the problem.  There are specific meds for nerve pain that might be of additional help.  Hope you can feel better soon.

hi Stephanie, I had posterior and was in awful pain down side of leg, as well as burning and tingling. GP diagnosed nerve pain and I was put on amitriptyline for a while which cured the nerve pain, but still had other pain, turned out it was to do with my muscles healing and needing stretching, which my osteopath worked on and also bursitis. My surgeon wont treat bursitis he says it will heal in time especially If I lose weight. Hope your pain resolves soon. 

Evening Stephanie.  I’ve had this problem.  The pain in your thigh could be from a compressed nerve, the femoral cutaneous nerve.  Runs down front and side of thigh.  Also,  possible bursitis of the hip and tendonitis.  These are all things I’ve dealt with.  It’s been 6 months that I’ve been going through that.  I had a hip revision after dislocating my first hip replacement 14 months ago.  I’m just now able to walk without my cane!   A lot of work strengthening of  the hip muscles. I found that the whirlpool has really helped!!  The jets hurt at first but it’s gotten better.  The warm to hot water is so therapeutic.  I also had IT band issues and dr gave me an injection.  I’ve had a nerve conduction study done and the nerves in my operated leg are affected. But I’ve also got back issues, herniated discs, scholiosis, and other stuff so am going to try spinal stimulator next Thursday.  Dr said this could help with nerve pain and sensitivity.   I hope I gave you some ideas to explore in what you are experiencing.  It’s tough having this surgery only to go through more pain.  Wishing you all the best and God’s blessings to you for a speedy recovery and healing. Hugs 🤗Linda

Oh I’m also taking lyrica 75mg 3x day.  Hugs 🤗 Linda

Oh also my first surgery was anterior, second was bilateral. Dr did have to lift butt muscle off.  😖😩

This may sound naive but have your leg lengths been measured?  I had the same problem following surgery in April and my operated leg was found to be 2cm shorter than my other leg.  After X-ray it was discovered that the new hip had subsided further down into the bone.  This resulted in a very painful front of thigh and burning sensation and an inflamed muscle.  I am now waiting for an appointment to have inserts for my shoe to lift my leg to match the other one.  In the meantime I’ve bought heel inserts from the chemist and it is already feeling better.  Mine was a relatively simple solution so I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you. 

Hi, I have exactly the same problem, burning, numbness and tingling of my thigh and down the side from where they cut me open. Also weakness and it feels like my thigh is really tight when I walk.This is also like a dent a nd becomes painful at times. I have had both hips done, nearly 5years ago now and one leg is great. I have been back to my surgeon numerous times, I,ve had bone scans, my back scanned, infection ruled out. I saw another surgeon (the leading one in my area) he said there are 2 tears in the muscle but he wouldn,t operate unless these tore right through. I keep thinking it will get better but as I am only 53 years old I am missing out on doing a lot of things that I used to be able to do. I hope this helps