Margaret, a 75 year old lady came to see me in clinic with pain in her groin and difficulty walking. On taking a case history, it became apparently that this was particularly painful on getting out of bed and standing up out of a chair after sitting for long periods. Apart from this, she was a very healthy 75 year old.

After a thorough investigation involving her feet, legs, hips, pelvis and spinal areas. It became apparent that her hip movement was limited on both sides, plus the groin pain was a sign of a possible hip problem. We therefore discussed the possibility of osteoarthritis of the hips (see article on Arthritis for more information). This was a delicate subject, as all through her life she had always been fit and healthy. We agreed that I would refer her to her G.P. with a letter detailing my findings and asking for her to be sent for x-rays.

In the meantime, I treated her conservatively to try to relieve some of the pain she was experiencing. We had a very positive result and Margaret reported a huge reduction in the intensity of the pain and by combining a gentle exercise routine at home, she was finding it a lot easier to get about.

The results from the x-rays, confirmed that there was osteoarthritis, in fact it was quite severe in the right hip and she was advised by her doctor that if she was having trouble he would place her on a waiting list for a hip replacement. Margaret agreed and during the wait for surgery, we continued with weekly treatment to help her cope with the groin pain and her daily life.

I am pleased to confirm that Margaret has now had both hips replaced and she continued treatment with me for three months afterwards, to help her body adapt to her brand new joints. I now see Margaret every four months for a check up.

For more information regarding hip problems please click the link below:

Groin Pain