Hip impingement/over crowding (not horse) + hip replacement

[Breagha]

Hi all,

I have spoken out about my hip pain in the past and I have finally got a diagnosis of hip impingement/over crowding. Now the only management I can be offered at the moment is physio to strengthen the muscles around the hips to keep me going longer but eventually I will need a hip replacement. I am currently only 34 hense why they want me to get the "best" out of my bad hips for longer.

My questions are, has anyone had a hip replacement in their 30s or 40s that can tell me A, was it worth it and B, did it help and C, were you pain free?

Or just had the same diagnosis as me.

thanks.

 

[canteron]

No .... but I do know lots of ladies who have had hip replacements and happily carry on riding.
But before you get to that stage really investigate what you can do for yourself to put the inevitable off. I am sure the physio will have good advice but don’t just rely on them. Have you tried ‘Silver Swans’ for example - ballet based online exercise aimed at keeping the older lady flexible? Lots and lots more out there!
I say this because my OH was told 7 years ago to have a knee replacement - but he looked at alternative methods to keep strong and flexible and is still playing top level tennis !!! So do really investigate what you can do for yourself!!

 

[Spotherisk]

I’m not as bad as you (Or as young) but do have osteophytes on both hip joints, I’ve recently booked in with a new to me chiropractor/sports person and that is helping loads. Still unsure if I’ll be able to ride comfortably again but I’m improving my mobility.

 

[dorsetladette]

I'll be following this thread with interest - I'm another mid 30's with dodgy hips.

I have coping strategy's but they normally involve alcohol LOL

 

[Breagha]

No .... but I do know lots of ladies who have had hip replacements and happily carry on riding.
But before you get to that stage really investigate what you can do for yourself to put the inevitable off. I am sure the physio will have good advice but don’t just rely on them. Have you tried ‘Silver Swans’ for example - ballet based online exercise aimed at keeping the older lady flexible? Lots and lots more out there!
I say this because my OH was told 7 years ago to have a knee replacement - but he looked at alternative methods to keep strong and flexible and is still playing top level tennis !!! So do really investigate what you can do for yourself!!

Hi, Thanks for your reply.

This has been an ongoing issue for 7 years. Its only after several MRIs and Xrays that I have now been given a diagnosis. I have been seen in the past by everyone going from chiro, accupunture, physios etc. I have been given exercises from the NHS physio which I started a few weeks ago and seen them in person yesterday to be given more. So I am going with this and riding but getting off the horse before I end up too sore.

My impingement will never go away but its just to make them better for a few years before having to go for surgery.

I’m not as bad as you (Or as young) but do have osteophytes on both hip joints, I’ve recently booked in with a new to me chiropractor/sports person and that is helping loads. Still unsure if I’ll be able to ride comfortably again but I’m improving my mobility.

It was ostophytes I was told I had which I think is just another word for the overcrowding. I was going to see a sport massage person every few weeks to keep my muscles freed off which I found helped LOADS. Obviously with COVID I havent had it done (appointment on Monday thank god) which my physio has said to keep going to see if it helps me continue with the exercises/stretches I have been given.

I have a flat backed cob which makes it worse to ride but once I am on and moving, I do free off - never pain free but managable to be able to enjoy it. If it is bad I tend to just get off.

I'll be following this thread with interest - I'm another mid 30's with dodgy hips.

I have coping strategy's but they normally involve alcohol LOL

It isnt fun having sore hips at all. I am normally dosed up on paracetamol and ibuprofen to help. If I have done something like a show it normally ends with pills and alcohol to wash it down. x

 

[dorsetladette]

Sounds like you are exploring all avenues. Mine have been bad since my mid teens. I had to leave the local athletics team as my running became inconsistent. Which was really upsetting as I was set to be part of the county athletics team (800m was my thing). But my hip just dislocate without warning, which doesn't look great when your running for the finish line.
Dr's told my back then that I wouldn't pass 25 with out a hip replacement. I'm still going strong a decade on from that so not doing to badly. I was very lean and super fit but my hips hurt all the time, it would make me cry sometimes. I'm carrying a little more weight now (nothing major I'm a size 12), not as fit and I don't push myself as hard. So, the pain is less. I struggle more in the winter and damp weather and that does make me really miserable. I've noticed my left one aching the last few days while the weather has been wet.

I've also got a flat backed welsh cob and struggle sometimes to ride for long. I can't 'open my pelvis' the way I'd like and I often find myself sat a bit wonky. But, I do what I can and enjoy what I do. I do get frustrated and feel defeated, but I guess we all have our own challenges.

It's nice to know that I'm not the only one!

 

[Breagha]

Sounds like you are exploring all avenues. Mine have been bad since my mid teens. I had to leave the local athletics team as my running became inconsistent. Which was really upsetting as I was set to be part of the county athletics team (800m was my thing). But my hip just dislocate without warning, which doesn't look great when your running for the finish line.
Dr's told my back then that I wouldn't pass 25 with out a hip replacement. I'm still going strong a decade on from that so not doing to badly. I was very lean and super fit but my hips hurt all the time, it would make me cry sometimes. I'm carrying a little more weight now (nothing major I'm a size 12), not as fit and I don't push myself as hard. So, the pain is less. I struggle more in the winter and damp weather and that does make me really miserable. I've noticed my left one aching the last few days while the weather has been wet.

I've also got a flat backed welsh cob and struggle sometimes to ride for long. I can't 'open my pelvis' the way I'd like and I often find myself sat a bit wonky. But, I do what I can and enjoy what I do. I do get frustrated and feel defeated, but I guess we all have our own challenges.

It's nice to know that I'm not the only one!

I am the same I cannot "open my pelvis" so my knees feels stuck to the saddle, I tend to sit slightly more to the back of the saddle also but some days is better than others.

It is very frustrating and I feel defeated quite alot especially when my horse is being lazy and I just dont have the leg power, so I have to wear spurs just to "help" a little.

Yes I feel it worse in the winter with not doing as much and the colder weather. I am glad I now have a diagnosis and a plan because I felt there was no light at the end of the tunnel for the pain, I thought it was just pain I had and had to "deal" with.

No I am in the same boat as you.

x

 

[Spotherisk]

I briefly had a Highland on loan - first ride and I was in tears because of the pain, so she went back. Riding is on hold at the mo.

 

[Breagha]

I briefly had a Highland on loan - first ride and I was in tears because of the pain, so she went back. Riding is on hold at the mo.

there are some days I am in tears with the pain. I have had my mare since she was a yearling and is now 8 so unless I starve her, Ill need to adjust as much as I can. If I am really bad, I ride my husbands horse who isnt as wide which helps.