to hip or not to hip
Discussion
Back in 2006 when I was 39, I broke my hip in a car crash. In a nutshell the socket broke out the back, but because I had many other injuries, the hip was not replaced at the time as I was unlikely to survive another general and op. I was told that I'd have arthritis within a year and not to carry more than 10 kilos. As a bathroom installer, that was not an option and boxes of tiles and bags of plaster etc. go up and down stairs all day long!
Now here I am at 47 and the hip's doing alright. There's some pain and a reduction in rotation, but on the whole I get on with things without difficulty or pain killers. However, I haven't been able to do anything that impacts on the hip like running or tennis etc. where I'd have to jump about to get the heart rate pumping and I'm now thinking that my physical fitness will start to go down hill as I approach my 50's onwards. Would this be the time to get a replacement, even though it's not too painful? Trouble is, I was also too young for a hip as they are usually good for about 15 years and 3 in a lifetime (generalising). But if too much time goes by without a replacement, will I be too old to recover my fitness levels?
Now here I am at 47 and the hip's doing alright. There's some pain and a reduction in rotation, but on the whole I get on with things without difficulty or pain killers. However, I haven't been able to do anything that impacts on the hip like running or tennis etc. where I'd have to jump about to get the heart rate pumping and I'm now thinking that my physical fitness will start to go down hill as I approach my 50's onwards. Would this be the time to get a replacement, even though it's not too painful? Trouble is, I was also too young for a hip as they are usually good for about 15 years and 3 in a lifetime (generalising). But if too much time goes by without a replacement, will I be too old to recover my fitness levels?
Not an orthopaedic surgeon but...... If it doesn't hurt too much and it's not stopping you work, or sleep, or live generally then a replacement will be likely not a good idea. I'd be surprised if your gp would even refer you for an opinion.
Forget running though, if you've no history of running then start at late forties you are asking for trouble. What you want to do is put strength into the joints. Assuming you can squat comfortably then look up the 5x5 strong lift programme.
Add cardio with the rowing machine, again, assuming you can do this comfortably. Ideally what you want is an hour with a like-minded physio/personal trainer and formulate a program based on what will be safe for you in the long term.
Basically, don't get a hip replacement just so you can then get fit. You need to try getting fit first and see how that impacts the joint(s).
I'm a podiatrist btw and seen quite a few folk who start running to get fit. You need to get fit to run first in a lot of cases.
Forget running though, if you've no history of running then start at late forties you are asking for trouble. What you want to do is put strength into the joints. Assuming you can squat comfortably then look up the 5x5 strong lift programme.
Add cardio with the rowing machine, again, assuming you can do this comfortably. Ideally what you want is an hour with a like-minded physio/personal trainer and formulate a program based on what will be safe for you in the long term.
Basically, don't get a hip replacement just so you can then get fit. You need to try getting fit first and see how that impacts the joint(s).
I'm a podiatrist btw and seen quite a few folk who start running to get fit. You need to get fit to run first in a lot of cases.
Not sure about the too young for a hip replacement comment?
I'm 32 and am currently recovering from a broken neck of the femur following a cycle crash on ice.
I've currently got 3 canulated screws going through the femur into the ball of the femur joint that sits in your pelvis.
Although I've had good news at my follow up x Rays there is still a chance that the fix won't work out, the bone may die due to having 3 pins in it and I'll have to have a partial or full hip replacement.
Not something I'd want at my age but the doctors have told me its a possibility so I can't see why you couldn't?
I'm 32 and am currently recovering from a broken neck of the femur following a cycle crash on ice.
I've currently got 3 canulated screws going through the femur into the ball of the femur joint that sits in your pelvis.
Although I've had good news at my follow up x Rays there is still a chance that the fix won't work out, the bone may die due to having 3 pins in it and I'll have to have a partial or full hip replacement.
Not something I'd want at my age but the doctors have told me its a possibility so I can't see why you couldn't?
Yours is a different situation though. The OP is generally getting on fine. If you want to the doc and asked for a hip replacement cos you wanted to start running they'll probably show you the door.
In your case you could end up with necrosis of the bone and then your options are wheelchair /hip replacement.... Not much to choose from! I hope it works out OK though.
OP needs to see a real life person obvs.
In your case you could end up with necrosis of the bone and then your options are wheelchair /hip replacement.... Not much to choose from! I hope it works out OK though.
OP needs to see a real life person obvs.
I also have arthritis in my hips (both). I'm 35 yrs old and regard myself as pretty fit. My consultant surgeon told me I'm too young for a replacement yet, injections might give some short term benifit but in the long term it wasn't a good idea. There are multiple ways to get fit / maintain fitness levels without doing running or other impact activities.
Swimming
Cycling
Cross trainer
Rowing
Weight training
Having arthritis in my opinion, is no real hamper to maintaining a high level of fitness. I work closely with my physio and have found my range of movement has increased massively since starting with her.
I'm a firefighter and can still carry out my job and high intensity training without issues. I do however know where my limits are and do not do stuff like running distances even though it's sometimes tempting.
Swimming
Cycling
Cross trainer
Rowing
Weight training
Having arthritis in my opinion, is no real hamper to maintaining a high level of fitness. I work closely with my physio and have found my range of movement has increased massively since starting with her.
I'm a firefighter and can still carry out my job and high intensity training without issues. I do however know where my limits are and do not do stuff like running distances even though it's sometimes tempting.
Edited by Pyrolysis on Tuesday 17th March 19:45
I think you need a proper assessment of the hip and some expert advice. There are options short of total hip replacement that might be suitable.
I used one of the consultants here http://www.sportsortho.co.uk
Consider cycling as a non-impact method of maintaining fitness.
I used one of the consultants here http://www.sportsortho.co.uk
Consider cycling as a non-impact method of maintaining fitness.
All good input so far, thank you.
You're never too young for a hip but the consultants say you should put it off for as long as possible when you're fairly young as there's a limit to how many times they can replace it. At 39 I was deemed too young.
My femur is ok but basically it sits in a squarish socket, so the arthritis is damage caused to the cartilage not rheumatoid. Putting heavy repetitive pressure on it will cause discomfort and worsen things quickly and the consultant said at the time, not to build muscle. I think it just makes his job more difficult!
So I wasn't planning on taking up running, but really looking for a non compression type exercise to try to improve fitness before it's too late. I suspect you hit the nail on the head with swimming!
I have to say, it is frustrating not being able to break into a run when it's occasionally needed, like when walking the dog etc.
You're never too young for a hip but the consultants say you should put it off for as long as possible when you're fairly young as there's a limit to how many times they can replace it. At 39 I was deemed too young.
My femur is ok but basically it sits in a squarish socket, so the arthritis is damage caused to the cartilage not rheumatoid. Putting heavy repetitive pressure on it will cause discomfort and worsen things quickly and the consultant said at the time, not to build muscle. I think it just makes his job more difficult!
So I wasn't planning on taking up running, but really looking for a non compression type exercise to try to improve fitness before it's too late. I suspect you hit the nail on the head with swimming!
I have to say, it is frustrating not being able to break into a run when it's occasionally needed, like when walking the dog etc.
Edited by bernhund on Tuesday 17th March 21:42
My hips aren't brilliant, I'm in my late 30s and diagnosed with arthritis a few months ago, I've always done a reasonable amount of sport and martial arts, my movement is becoming more and more restricted... But after hearing your story op I can't really complain, they've offered me to have steroid injections targeted under x ray to the right places where the bone is dried out so I'm having that in a few months. I don't plan to change my exercise much at the moment, but will swap my runs for swims and cross trainer in the near future I think.
FredClogs said:
My hips aren't brilliant, I'm in my late 30s and diagnosed with arthritis a few months ago, I've always done a reasonable amount of sport and martial arts, my movement is becoming more and more restricted... But after hearing your story op I can't really complain, they've offered me to have steroid injections targeted under x ray to the right places where the bone is dried out so I'm having that in a few months. I don't plan to change my exercise much at the moment, but will swap my runs for swims and cross trainer in the near future I think.
Sounds good that a few injections could improve your condition. I really hope they work for you, especially as you're still in your 30's. Unfortunately for me an out of shape socket isn't going to be cured, unless a liner can be fitted. I think this is called the Birmingham technique...cap the femur and line the socket.What I'd really want though is to hang on long enough for a new socket to be grown! The stem cell technology could make this possible, but how long do I wait?
I'm going to have to try a cross trainer out too I think, though is that any different to a brisk walk?
bernhund said:
Sounds good that a few injections could improve your condition. I really hope they work for you, especially as you're still in your 30's. Unfortunately for me an out of shape socket isn't going to be cured, unless a liner can be fitted. I think this is called the Birmingham technique...cap the femur and line the socket.
What I'd really want though is to hang on long enough for a new socket to be grown! The stem cell technology could make this possible, but how long do I wait?
I'm going to have to try a cross trainer out too I think, though is that any different to a brisk walk?
Having an active job may well be a help, I know mine is worse after 9 hours sat in front of a computer, good luck anyway you've stopped me feeling sorry for myself and reminded me there's always someone worse off ;-) it's true that they're coming up with new technology all there time. What I'd really want though is to hang on long enough for a new socket to be grown! The stem cell technology could make this possible, but how long do I wait?
I'm going to have to try a cross trainer out too I think, though is that any different to a brisk walk?
There is no impact on a cross trainer, so you can get a heart rate and sweat on like you can on a run but without the impact of running or walking up hills. But obviously it does still put the hip through its full range of motion in that direction. Mine is worst when its bearing weight and I turn, luckilly its my right so my golf swing is still not to badly effected.
Matt_N said:
Not sure about the too young for a hip replacement comment?
I'm 32 and am currently recovering from a broken neck of the femur following a cycle crash on ice.
I've currently got 3 canulated screws going through the femur into the ball of the femur joint that sits in your pelvis.
Although I've had good news at my follow up x Rays there is still a chance that the fix won't work out, the bone may die due to having 3 pins in it and I'll have to have a partial or full hip replacement.
Not something I'd want at my age but the doctors have told me its a possibility so I can't see why you couldn't?
Same, except I can't blame ice for falling off, just ineptitude. How long ago did you do yours? (5 weeks here)I'm 32 and am currently recovering from a broken neck of the femur following a cycle crash on ice.
I've currently got 3 canulated screws going through the femur into the ball of the femur joint that sits in your pelvis.
Although I've had good news at my follow up x Rays there is still a chance that the fix won't work out, the bone may die due to having 3 pins in it and I'll have to have a partial or full hip replacement.
Not something I'd want at my age but the doctors have told me its a possibility so I can't see why you couldn't?
Matt_N said:
mooseracer said:
Same, except I can't blame ice for falling off, just ineptitude. How long ago did you do yours? (5 weeks here)
8 weeks ago here. Hang in there with the non weight bearing until your x ray and hopefully you'll be good to go.
Good luck.
I'm aware that some people's bodies unfortunately reject foreign bodies like screws and plates though, but I believe it's quite rare. I've got 45 of the buggers in my face (probably why I'm so ugly).
Anyway, we need to remember how lucky we are when there are guys out there who can screw us back together again. You could have just as easily ended up with a face full of screws or worse when you came off your bikes!
mooseracer said:
Just seen you were in Southmead too..freaky
Very spooky! Can't complain about anything at the hospital through to the ambulance crew, all were great.
Guess you had your surgery very soon after the accident too? I was on the table within hours.
Bit of a shock when the physios came round the next morning to get you out of bed and up on your feet!
bernhund said:
Matt_N said:
mooseracer said:
Same, except I can't blame ice for falling off, just ineptitude. How long ago did you do yours? (5 weeks here)
8 weeks ago here. Hang in there with the non weight bearing until your x ray and hopefully you'll be good to go.
Good luck.
I'm aware that some people's bodies unfortunately reject foreign bodies like screws and plates though, but I believe it's quite rare. I've got 45 of the buggers in my face (probably why I'm so ugly).
Anyway, we need to remember how lucky we are when there are guys out there who can screw us back together again. You could have just as easily ended up with a face full of screws or worse when you came off your bikes!
Try cycling (without falling off!) it's kept my knee going long after it was supposed to have worn out. Not only does it smooth the joint it helps keep the weight off which is critical if you've got dodgy joints
Matt_N said:
Very spooky!
Can't complain about anything at the hospital through to the ambulance crew, all were great.
Guess you had your surgery very soon after the accident too? I was on the table within hours.
Bit of a shock when the physios came round the next morning to get you out of bed and up on your feet!
Well, yes I was operated on very soon after having my x-ray but that was the day after I broke it. Somehow I managed to get back on the bike and ride home (amazing what a whole load of embarrassment does, I told worried onlookers I was fine and just had damaged pride!). Wine numbed the pain that night and it was when I couldn't move the next morning that I realised I should get it checked.Can't complain about anything at the hospital through to the ambulance crew, all were great.
Guess you had your surgery very soon after the accident too? I was on the table within hours.
Bit of a shock when the physios came round the next morning to get you out of bed and up on your feet!
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff