What kind of doctor do I need to see? Because no one so far has been able to help with my back and hip.?

Question

I have been struggling with an SI disorder and a serious arthritis problem in my right hip. So much so that I can't be on my feet longer than 10 minutes at a time. Walking is almost impossible. I also have pain on the left side of my right shin so I believe it must be some sort of an alignment problem. I have no pain when I am off the hip or when I sleep unless I have been on my feet too much during the day. The left side of my back, my hip and my leg have no pain. I saw an orthopedist who said I could have my hip replaced, but I was pretty young, I could have injections. But it seems to me that fixing the hip, isnt necessarily going to fix the back or the shin. What kind of medical professional has the knowledge to help me with this problem in its entireity?

I left out an important detail. I would be open to a hip replacement, but this doc said that at 51 I was too young. But I've read about people much younger than me who have gotten hip replacements.

Answer 1

I also have Arthritis, Rheumatoid. However of note and you might want to check this out, a Podiatrist. I have recently been in a lot of pain, turned out to be prolapsed disc? Moreover seems I have pronation of the feet, 4 degrees inwards. So the feet were left unchecked, then the disc went then they found the reason, the feet. Perhaps if I had known about the feet, I could have saved the disc? If Only........

Answer 2

Orthopedic surgeon is the right doctor and yes, fixing the hip can solve the others.
The same nerves, tendons, ligaments, etc..., all connect one way or another through the hip; it's like a junctions.
I was having pain in my left hip/leg and it turned out the problem was actually in the area where the back of the hip joined the spine which is consider a joint.
I have major osteoporosis and 3 fusions so far. Trust me, my doctors are real quick about locating a problem and a solution.

Answer 3

The Orthopedist is the doctor that you need to see. If you don't like what he suggests (hip replacement) then seek another opinion from a different Orthopedist. But if your hip is degrading then it will put strain on all the muscles attached to it. The ones in your back, the ones in the lower part of your legs. I would seek a second opinion and consider the hip replacement.

Answer 4

You saw the right person -- an orthopedist. You chose not to follow his(or her) advice. Your hip still hurts and now causes problems in your back and leg. Go back to the orthopedist and explain how the problem has worsened. I'd get used to the idea of a hip replacement.