Suffering from Hip Pain - Possibly a Result of Hypermobility?

[bekahweeks]

Hi,

I began experiencing hip pain (in my right hip) in May of last year. Prior to that, I was an extremely active person, generally working out (running, cycling, yoga, aerobic-type classes, etc) 5-6 days a week for between 1-2 hours each day. The pain progressed quite quickly and I was no longer able to work out at all, other than doing a bit of strength training for my upper body. I began taking anti-inflammatories to try to relieve the pain, which helped very little. The only thing that seems to help is to be absolutely inactive, but even then, the pain is still there although it's not so severe. Considering I've always enjoyed working out, I didn't want to continue having to be inactive.

So, my GP finally referred me to an Orthopedist. After examining me, they determined that I am hypermobile and believe that is what is causing the problem. I was then referred to a physiotherapist. This was four months ago, but unfortunately, since I'm in the UK, I'm still waiting to get in to see a physiotherapist on the NHS.

So my questions are, should I try to get another opinion on what the problem is? I felt like the orthopedist was very confident in the diagnosis, but I'm just wondering if this sounds right? Also, while I'm waiting to see a physiotherapist, what exercises could/should I be doing to help the problem? As I said, I miss exercise and the unfortunate side effect as well is that I've gained 15 pounds, so I would also like to get back in shape. I'd also like to eventually run again...is that feasible with physiotherapy?

Because this might be all related, I should mention that I have over-pronation in both of my feet and the left one is extremely severe. I had orthotics made for running a few months ago, but because I haven't been able to work out, I haven't had much of a chance to see if they'll help. I had to have those made because I continually had pain in my shins as a result of the overpronation. Also, I tore my ACL in my left knee a few years ago, but the surgeon I saw at the time told me that the tear wasn't bad enough that I had to have surgery to repair it. I only get occasional twinges of pain in that knee, but nothing that causes any problems for me.

I'm sorry for having to write so much, but thanks in advance for any help you can give me!

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[roycar]

hey hey. impossible to say what if any exercises may help without some ( or a lot ) more info! the hip is one of the joints least affected by hypermobility as its structurally very stable but it may well be the root of the pain. there are other structures in the region that could be responsible for "hip" pain also.

where exactly do you get the pain?
describe it.

what brings it on/makes it worse?
what eases it?

any trouble with this hip before?
any pain anywhere else, back etc.. not just now but over the past few years?

i assume you have some of the classic signs of hypermobility?

placing hands flat on floor?
bend thumb to touch forearm?
ever dislocate knee/shoulder?
would you consider yourself double-jointed?


i too am hypermobile. it can be quite a pain! i tore my right acl almost two years ago, a reconstruction with both menisci repaired and a follow on arthroscopy later im just about ready to get back to competitive sport. i obviously cant blame the tear just on being hypermobile but it certainly doesnt help. over the last couple of years i've had neck, shoulder, low back/sij/hip and knee problems, all quite severe at the times but have managed to get over most things with appropriate management. recurrent flare ups and widespread pain can be a hallmark of hypermobility syndrome. i've known for a long time about my excessive joint movement etc but for someone who isnt as aware this could be a frightening condition because of all these flare ups and changing pain patterns. have good read up on the condition.

if you could get access there are some papers by simmonds and keer from manual therapy journal in 2007 that give a good basic intro (in physio terms!) to hypermobility and a couple of case studies of management of the condition. if you cant get access, pm me, maybe i can sort you out.

[bekahweeks]

Hi,

Hopefully this clarifies things a bit more:

where exactly do you get the pain?
describe it. I'm sorry but I'm not sure what it's technically called, but just on my side....the hip and spreads down to my upper thigh as well at times.

what brings it on/makes it worse? Initially, just exercise (running or crosstrainer, specifically) caused pain. After about a month of that, the pain was present constantly. Exercise makes it much worse, and I've only tried a few times since July to do any sort of workout. Since I've quit exercising, the pain isn't as bad, but it's still there. Sitting for too long or even sleeping on my side can cause additional pain.
what eases it? Inactivity is the only way I've found any relief.

any trouble with this hip before? None at all
any pain anywhere else, back etc.. not just now but over the past few years? Fortunately, I haven't experienced any other pain, except for my the pain in my legs associated with my overpronation.

i assume you have some of the classic signs of hypermobility? I do have all of the below, except I haven't dislocated a knee or shoulder. I did tear my ACL quite easily though. It was actually only a fall down a couple of steps.

placing hands flat on floor?
bend thumb to touch forearm?
ever dislocate knee/shoulder?
would you consider yourself double-jointed?



Thank you for your advice! I'll see if I can find the information you suggested.