Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of Hip Osteoarthritis

Posted on Fri, 4 Aug 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 4 Aug 2017 Answered on

Mon, 21 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I went to an exercise class (aqua aerobics) on Tuesday and, arriving 10 minutes late, began without a warmup. On Tuesday and Wednesday am, when I awoke for my "bathroom break" I found that my left hip was so very stiff that it was painful and extremely difficult for me to roll over, stand, and go as usual. I slept on my side on Tuesday, and on my back on Wednesday, thinking the latter would be better for me. Wednesday was worse than Tuesday! I am taking a cane to bed with me tonight! During the day I have no particular pain while, sitting, standing, or walking, even though I am over age 75, and weigh about 191. The pain starts in my left hip, but does not go down to my left leg; but Wednesday pm, I fell before getting onto the toilet seat! Luckily I was able to get up without help. What can I expect to happen now? Will Thursday pm be worse than earlier nights? Should I be making plans to see a doctor if so? Have you heard of this before? No problem with me right hip/leg, etc. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Hip Osteoarthritis

Detailed Answer:
Hi there

Thanks for the query

You seem to be having hip Osteoarthritis.

It would be better to use the cane on the other side.

Avoid climbing stairs, squatting and cross leg sitting.

Do take a break from aerobics if you still feel uncomfortable.

Apply warm packs to the affected region. Do get an Xray of the hip to confirm Osteoarthritis.The pain will subside provided you aid stressing the hip. It will take about 3-5 days.

If the pain does not subside with Tablet Acetaminophen 500mg twice a day for 5 days then you can see an Orthopaedician surgeon.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr.Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D