Having Problem With Joint In Left Hip. Extremely Painful And Doing Aerobic Exercise. Suggest The Cure?

Posted on Wed, 6 Nov 2013

Question: I have a problem with only one joint in my body - my left hip. It isn't extremely painful, and only hurts when I stretch the hip. For example, it is painful in exercise when I bend over to touch my toes. But in normal activity, such as walking, it doesn't bother me. I go to the gym three days a week for a total of 100 minutes of aerobic exercise, non-impact, on an elliptical machine. I also exercise at home, strength and yoga, three days a week, different days from when I go to the gym.

I'm 75 years old, and do not take any medication, but take lots of supplements. Other than this relatively minor problem, my health is good as far as I know. I visit the VA clinic once a year for lab work, cholesterol check, etc., but other than that I haven't had an occasion to go to a doctor for many years.

I assume this it is some form of arthritis, in that I haven't injured the hip - no falls, etc. I do not want to go to a doctor and get on a medication regimen. I have an aversion to medication except in an extreme emergency. But I would appreciate some ideas on what, if anything, can be done to alleviate the soreness in my hip - exercises, food choices, etc.

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Degenarative Arthritis and AVN is suspected

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have studied your case.
As per your history there can be hip arthritis which can be degenerative or due to avascular necrosis of femoral head [AVN].
I will advise you do X ray of hip and you can consult me with reports or with your doctor.

After clinical examination IF AVN is suspected then you will need MRI.
Till time take analgesic and cartilage protecting medication like glucosamine sulphate.
For hip arthritis joint flexion, extension and rotation exercises will help.
Physiotherapist will help you better to learn more exercises in proper protocol.
If required intra-articular injection can be given.

Diet XXXXXXX in calcium and protein will help

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar