Hip pain
I was diagnosed 23 years ago with mod/severe RA. I have journeyed through biologics jak inh..etc with limited short term success. My pain and disability has mainly been hands, wrists, shoulders and knees. Recently I have developed intractable hip pain which severely affects my mobility.
Question- the Orthopaedic consultant I spoke to said the only way forward is to replace the hip. On xray the hip does not look that bad (63 and overweight) but the pain is not in proportion. I asked for steroid inj but he said no and that would not be helpful and may worsen .
Any thoughts/advice 🙏
Several years ago at age 55 I was experiencing severe hip pain. My X-rays also did not show damage proportionate to my pain and immobility. An MRI showed a labral tear that could only be treated by a hip replacement. My surgery was successful. Recently my sister, age 60, has also had an MRI showing a hip labral tear. Hers was able to be repaired Sorry, part of my post is missing. My sister was able to have hers successfully repaired without a joint replacement. Her surgeon said she may need one in 10 years or so though. If you are uneasy about surgery, an MRI and/or a second opinion is a great idea. Any good doctor would not be put off by a request for one. She and I were both desparate for relief, and found it through different approaches! Jo 
I just had my second one in 4 months. No more pain in my hip or back and I walk so much better. Best thing I have ever done.
I just had Labral tear fixed in both hips 3 months apart. I am walking so much better and my back pain is gone. Get and MRI. That will show it.
Thanks guys. How do you get a labral tear? Apart from the RA I don't have any indication? Is there any way to cope with the pain nothing is working? Also can it get better on it's own?
Hi
. Most people experience some level of labral tearing as we age due to normal wear and tear, but joint erosion caused by arthritis can make tears worse. It doesn't ever heal on its own. If the pain is not unbearable, labral tearing can be managed with OTCs, steroid injections and/or physical therapy to strength the muscles so that the joint moves a bit more smoothly. Labral tears can usually be repaired surgically either by stitching it back up or trimming the rough edges. Labral tears don't normally lead to hip replacement, so there must be more going on. Did your doctor explain the damage that led to the hip replacement recommendation? If not, I would insist on more information. If you don't get an explanation that makes sense to you, you might want to get another opinion. Your doctor is wise to recommend against steroids though. Steroids can mask the pain, encouraging you to do more than you should and lead to more damage. I hope you get answers that give you confidence and that you get some relief. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
I'm sounding desperate lol
