I've had hip pain for 2-3yrs; now it clicks when I walk. Should I rest? Or exercise as much as I can?

Question

My doc diagnosed trochanteric(?) bursitis. I told him that wasn't where the pain was but he seems to be convinced that he's right. I walk as much as I can but don't want to make things worse than they are!
I'd be grateful for advice from someone who knows his/her stuff!

Answer 1

Hello.I'm sorry to read about your hip pain.As an arthritis sufferer myself,who has 'wear and tear' in my left hip and many other joints,I would be inclined to question the diagnosis.I would urge you to go back to your GP and request x-rays on your affected hip to see what is going on in there.Also,at the same time,ask your GP for a full blood-test count to see if you have the onset of one of over 200 types of arthritis. At the same time,I would also suggest you ask your GP for a referral to a Rheumatologist. By having your hip x-rayed,your GP can tell you whether or not there is arthritis present.By having a full blood count,your GP can eliminate (to some degree) the probability of which type of arthritis you may actually have (if any).By referral to a Rheumatologist,you can then be given a full screening into all aspects of muscular and joint problems.This would mean that you get a proper diagnosis,proper on-going treatment/medication and long term care for your joints and mobility. Rest when it hurts as to exercise an affected joint during a flare-up causes more problems than it solves.Exercise when you can and try swimming in a heated swimming pool as your body weight is substantially less in water which makes exercise easier. It is better to work from a position of knowledge about all aspects of the condition you have.There is also plenty of long-term on-going help one of which is a magazine I subscribe to namely "Arthritis News" published bi-monthly by Arthritis Care at www.arthritiscare.org.uk. I do hope this'll help and I wish you well for the future.All the best,Alan.

Answer 2

I have the same condition. At an appointment with the local specialist he told me that it wasn't bursitis at all but it stemmed from my back. He told me that quite a lot of back problems are blamed on bursitis. If you lie on your side the hip bone protrudes and is mistaken for a swelling of a bursar. I rest a lot and use a walking stick or cane. There are steroid injections that sometimes work. You can ask your doctor about these. Also joint epidural injections might work for 1 in 10 people. And take strongish pains killers. I would go back to your doctor and have a word with him.

Answer 3

Although I'd agree that a second opinion may be called for in this instance (if only to settle your own mind) I definitely disagree with the idea that rest is a solution for this pain. Regular exercise slows the loss of muscle mass, strengthens bones and reduces joint and muscle pain. Too much rest will weaken your muscles, adding to the strain upon your hip and making the problem worse.
I'd suggest you consult with a qualified sports physiotherapist. They'll be able to come up with an exercise program that will help alleviate your pain symptoms while simultaneously strengthening your body and improving your general fitness levels.

Answer 4

The first thing to do is go back to the doctor or get a second opinion if you are unhappy with the initial diagnosis! You could even ask to be referred to a specialist orthopedic doctor and/or a rheumatologist.
If it is painful to walk then try to rest, if walking seems to help the pain then try to walk! If you have had the pain for 3 years then someone isn't doing their job correctly. But the most important thing is that a) you should do what feels the best for you and
b) find someone who can help you properly.

hope you get better soon!

Lj x

Answer 5

bursitis is an inflammation of joint liquid and joint itself. i suppose walking and exercising a lot that particular hip isn't a good idea. i had bursitis one at my ankle joint, doctor appointed electrophoresis (or whatever it is spelled) - it's when they put electrodes on the join and have some electricity go through it. sometimes they do that with ultrasound. it helped me. he also suggested i put bandage on the ankle. but of course if u re having hip problems - i suggest u should listen to your doctor. and this bursitis and arthritis pain can be felt at any place, not exactly where it actually is

Answer 6

I am no expert but my mum had a lot of pain in both hips and couldnt walk much because of the pain she thought she might have to have them both replaced but when she went the doctors for the millionth time, she went for an xray and it turned out that two of the discs where missing from the bottom of her spine and this in turn was causing pain in her hips. Maybe ask for an xray if you havent had one already.

Answer 7

I would see an orthopedic surgeon and have an Mri scheduled. They will be able to see if your hip is worn out and needs to be replaced. Exercising is good for the joints because the muscles support the joints and the stronger they are the better the support. But the clicking has me worried.

Answer 8

I have a friend with the same problem he came to me and asked what was wrong with him i took him to a GP and found that there was very little cartlidge left in the joining from the hip to leg which was causing it to click and rub together....my best advise is to go to a GP and get a refferal

Answer 9

If you don't agree with your doctors diagnosis then go and get a 2nd opinion.
They'll either confirm what you've been told of tell you it's something different. Either way you can ask them what the best course of action is to keep you from seizing up

Answer 10

go for a second opinion....generally speaking, pain is the bodys way of warning you to ease up as there is a problem, doctors are not always right