Hip Pain

[John49]

I’m a committed side-sleeper.

Whenever I try to sleep on my back, I drop off easily but soon my own snoring wakes me up.

 

For many years, I have on/off hip pain from the ‘contact area’ between the bed and my hip.

The pain wakes me up after after 1 or 2 hours and I have to switch sides.

Then after 1 or 2 hours, pain again and I have to switch sides.

The pain is like a burning sensation and dissipates after 10 minutes.

Often, I just get up much too early as I’m tired of the constant wake-ups and opt for my first coffee of the day.

 

The hip pain is not there every night. The ‘attacks’ are more often in cold weather and with harder mattresses.

I have no swelling on the hip and no problem walking or standing.

BTW, I’ve tried cushions between the knees and rubber rings, did not work for me.

I’ve had X-rays and MRI of both hips, nothing of great significance.

A well-respected orthopaedic surgeon had me standing on one leg and bending in multiple directions and implied it was all in my mind.

 

On the positive side, an ultrasound did indicate a possible inflamed hip bursa.

I had a steroid injection into the side bursa and no pain issue for about 2 months.

So, I really think the side hip bursas are the issue.

Possibly, I should have the hip side bursa removed.

From my Google search, seems it’s not always successful?

Plus, arthroscopy solutions seem expensive for what it is.

My side hip seems to be just skin and bone; that’s part of the problem negligible fat and muscle on the side?

 

Any personal experiences, or suggestions on where to get surgery in Bangkok would be welcomed.

 

[flyingtlger]

3 minutes ago, John49 said:

I had a steroid injection into the side bursa and no pain issue for about 2 months.

I had the same thing for many years.

I waited to get a hip replacement until I could not bear the pain any more.

Keep getting the steroid injections until they don't work for you, then get a hip replacement.....

[Bobthegimp]

I helped a former coworker with his hip problem before its eventual replacement.  Look up "PNF" stretching and have someone help you stretch out your hamstrings in that manner. I'm in the middle of something now but will check here later and see if you've found anything.  It's a very simple, 5 minute process that yields amazing results. 

"PNF" is short for propreoceptive neuromuscular facilitation, or some such phrase.  

[Korat Kiwi]

I've got a dodgy hip too.  When last back in NZ I went to local GP who recommended x-ray. 

 

Results: early onset of arthritis.  But they said "nothing major" to worry about.  Come back in a few years when it 'really' hurts and then maybe we'll look at surgery. 

 

FFS is all I could think.  That's NZ public health system for ya. 

 

Hope you manage to get yours sorted. 

[mudcat]

My initial thought when I had difficulty walking without pain was 'hip replacement'.  My GP immediately diagnosed it as spinal stenosis based on the relief I experienced from bending forward at the waist that was confirmed by a MRI.  A few staples and some scraping later I was mostly better.

[mstevens]

34 minutes ago, Korat Kiwi said:

I've got a dodgy hip too.  When last back in NZ I went to local GP who recommended x-ray. 

 

Results: early onset of arthritis.  But they said "nothing major" to worry about.  Come back in a few years when it 'really' hurts and then maybe we'll look at surgery. 

 

FFS is all I could think.  That's NZ public health system for ya. 

 

Hope you manage to get yours sorted. 

 

You don't live in New Zealand but want New Zealand taxpayers to pay for your operation?

[Korat Kiwi]

6 minutes ago, mstevens said:

 

You don't live in New Zealand but want New Zealand taxpayers to pay for your operation?

I pay taxes in NZ  and at the time was living and working in NZ. 

 

In fact all my working life I have paid NZ taxes.  So yes I am a NZ taxpayer. 

 

Next question 

[Hummin]

55 minutes ago, Bobthegimp said:

I helped a former coworker with his hip problem before its eventual replacement.  Look up "PNF" stretching and have someone help you stretch out your hamstrings in that manner. I'm in the middle of something now but will check here later and see if you've found anything.  It's a very simple, 5 minute process that yields amazing results. 

"PNF" is short for propreoceptive neuromuscular facilitation, or some such phrase.  

Stretching and curcumin tumeric or simular can help you long term with inflammation together with improved diet, and mobility exercises. 

 

Inmobility is often as a result of to much sitting and little exercises leads to more chronic pain and inflammation. 

 

Need to be patient. 

[Hummin]

14 minutes ago, mstevens said:

 

You don't live in New Zealand but want New Zealand taxpayers to pay for your operation?

Many live in Thailand and still have social security back home. I still pay taxes to my orign homeland as well. 

[mstevens]

8 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Many live in Thailand and still have social security back home. I still pay taxes to my orign homeland as well. 

 

Yes, that is an option in some countries....but this is abo

14 minutes ago, Korat Kiwi said:

I pay taxes in NZ  and at the time was living and working in NZ. 

 

In fact all my working life I have paid NZ taxes.  So yes I am a NZ taxpayer. 

 

Next question 

Oh, ok, so you don't live in Thailand. The way your post read it was like you live in Thailand, went back to New Zealand and weren't happy that you couldn't get a free operation.

[Korat Kiwi]

1 hour ago, mstevens said:

 

Yes, that is an option in some countries....but this is abo

Oh, ok, so you don't live in Thailand. The way your post read it was like you live in Thailand, went back to New Zealand and weren't happy that you couldn't get a free operation.

Not quite like that.... 

 

I went back to NZ to live/work.  That's when the hip started playing up. 

 

I've since (Nov 23) returned to Thailand.  I didn't go to NZ for the sole reason to get an operation. 

 

And to further clarify, I've never received any handouts from the NZ government ie Dole payments or other welfare state giveaways.  Always paid my way. Some may say I'm a sucker for not doing so. 

[Bobthegimp]

8 hours ago, Korat Kiwi said:

Not quite like that.... 

 

I went back to NZ to live/work.  That's when the hip started playing up. 

 

I've since (Nov 23) returned to Thailand.  I didn't go to NZ for the sole reason to get an operation. 

 

And to further clarify, I've never received any handouts from the NZ government ie Dole payments or other welfare state giveaways.  Always paid my way. Some may say I'm a sucker for not doing so. 

 

No need to qualify anything as there's plenty of raping, thieving, welfare collecting filth getting far more after contributing nothing aside from misery to NZ. 

 

 

It's more effective with a human partner who can push you until your muscles quiver a bit. This is called the "myotatic stretch reflex". A semi skilled partner can help you push your body past that point to gain improvements in flexibility and mobility. 

[London Lowf]

11 hours ago, Korat Kiwi said:

I've got a dodgy hip too.  When last back in NZ I went to local GP who recommended x-ray. 

 

Results: early onset of arthritis.  But they said "nothing major" to worry about.  Come back in a few years when it 'really' hurts and then maybe we'll look at surgery. 

 

FFS is all I could think.  That's NZ public health system for ya. 

 

Hope you manage to get yours sorted. 

 

This is exactly what happened to me in the UK a few years ago. I was getting pain and some difficulty with mobility - particularly geting in and out of a car. X-rays showed early arthritis but doctor explained that, although hip replacement is a very common procedure, it is nethertheless major surgery with a long recovery and some attendant risks - he also advised that I put up with it for as long as possible.

 

In those days I slept on my side (always the left) but now I am more comfortable flat on my stomach with my feet over the edge of the bed. It wasn't until I read this post that I remembered that I even had this problem - it's completely vanished!

[Ben Zioner]

12 hours ago, John49 said:

I’m a committed side-sleeper.

Whenever I try to sleep on my back, I drop off easily but soon my own snoring wakes me up.

 

For many years, I have on/off hip pain from the ‘contact area’ between the bed and my hip.

The pain wakes me up after after 1 or 2 hours and I have to switch sides.

Then after 1 or 2 hours, pain again and I have to switch sides.

The pain is like a burning sensation and dissipates after 10 minutes.

Often, I just get up much too early as I’m tired of the constant wake-ups and opt for my first coffee of the day.

 

The hip pain is not there every night. The ‘attacks’ are more often in cold weather and with harder mattresses.

I have no swelling on the hip and no problem walking or standing.

BTW, I’ve tried cushions between the knees and rubber rings, did not work for me.

I’ve had X-rays and MRI of both hips, nothing of great significance.

A well-respected orthopaedic surgeon had me standing on one leg and bending in multiple directions and implied it was all in my mind.

 

On the positive side, an ultrasound did indicate a possible inflamed hip bursa.

I had a steroid injection into the side bursa and no pain issue for about 2 months.

So, I really think the side hip bursas are the issue.

Possibly, I should have the hip side bursa removed.

From my Google search, seems it’s not always successful?

Plus, arthroscopy solutions seem expensive for what it is.

My side hip seems to be just skin and bone; that’s part of the problem negligible fat and muscle on the side?

 

Any personal experiences, or suggestions on where to get surgery in Bangkok would be welcomed.

 

Had the same problem, for about a year or so, it went after we changed the mattress and added a good topper. I thought it was bursitis, but I didn't see any doctor for that.

[Sheryl]

Rock hard Thai mattresses (which is 95% of all Thai mattresses) will do this -- all the more so if one is thin.

 

For home, get a good memory foam topper, well worth the expense and makes a world of difference.

 

For travel,  get an air mattress and bring it with you. If buying from lazada search for "air bed". And make sure to get the little electric pump to inflate it.

 

I never stay in a Thai hotel without having packed my air mattress. For exactly the reason you describe.

 

 

[thailand49]

23 hours ago, John49 said:

I’m a committed side-sleeper.

Whenever I try to sleep on my back, I drop off easily but soon my own snoring wakes me up.

 

For many years, I have on/off hip pain from the ‘contact area’ between the bed and my hip.

The pain wakes me up after after 1 or 2 hours and I have to switch sides.

Then after 1 or 2 hours, pain again and I have to switch sides.

The pain is like a burning sensation and dissipates after 10 minutes.

Often, I just get up much too early as I’m tired of the constant wake-ups and opt for my first coffee of the day.

 

The hip pain is not there every night. The ‘attacks’ are more often in cold weather and with harder mattresses.

I have no swelling on the hip and no problem walking or standing.

BTW, I’ve tried cushions between the knees and rubber rings, did not work for me.

I’ve had X-rays and MRI of both hips, nothing of great significance.

A well-respected orthopaedic surgeon had me standing on one leg and bending in multiple directions and implied it was all in my mind.

 

On the positive side, an ultrasound did indicate a possible inflamed hip bursa.

I had a steroid injection into the side bursa and no pain issue for about 2 months.

So, I really think the side hip bursas are the issue.

Possibly, I should have the hip side bursa removed.

From my Google search, seems it’s not always successful?

Plus, arthroscopy solutions seem expensive for what it is.

My side hip seems to be just skin and bone; that’s part of the problem negligible fat and muscle on the side?

 

Any personal experiences, or suggestions on where to get surgery in Bangkok would be welcomed.

 

Just stretch!  Works for me 40 years!

[Wrwest]

23 hours ago, Korat Kiwi said:

I've got a dodgy hip too.  When last back in NZ I went to local GP who recommended x-ray. 

 

Results: early onset of arthritis.  But they said "nothing major" to worry about.  Come back in a few years when it 'really' hurts and then maybe we'll look at surgery. 

 

FFS is all I could think.  That's NZ public health system for ya. 

 

Hope you manage to get yours sorted. 

Tore the cartridge in both knees half a lifetime ago, now the hips flare up on occasion, so not a steady issue. I'm thinking arthritis at age 70s. So, when a flare up comes on I take the little blue pill ... 555 no, not that little blue pill ... rather "Aleve".

[Rimmer]

A troll posts and replies has been removed

[Bangkok Barry]

 

What did your doctor tell you? I assume you consulted one before asking the experts on AN?

[sikishrory]

I underwent arthroscopic hip surgery at Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital 10 months ago and documented my experience on YouTube for others. In the video, I discuss aspects of the procedure that I wish I had known beforehand. If interested, feel free to PM me for more details.

The surgery cost approximately $20,000 and was covered by my workplace insurance. Initially, I had a consultation in Phuket. Since there were no specialists on the island capable of performing the surgery, the doctor referred me to Dr. Winyou, who had been his teacher during his studies. Dr. Winyou has a stellar reputation and extensive experience, having served as the former medical director at Bumrungrad Hospital before joining Samitivej.

The price of the surgery at Bumrungrad Hospital was comparable, as I had received quotes from both hospitals. While the service at Samitivej was generally good, there were some negatives, although I won't delve into them at this time.

My main advice is to consider surgery as a last resort. Although arthroscopic surgery is minimally invasive, there are potential serious side effects, such as permanent erectile dysfunction due to traction applied to the pudendal nerve.

In my case, I exchanged a labral tear, which caused occasional discomfort during certain movements requiring power, for intermittent an ache and no long-term arthritis.

 

[fvw53]

I am 80 and only experiencing mild hip pain from time to time.

Bob and Brad show on Youtube some exercises for those with mild hip pain

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bob+and+brad+hip+pain

[Korat Kiwi]

17 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Rock hard Thai mattresses (which is 95% of all Thai mattresses) will do this -- all the more so if one is thin.

 

For home, get a good memory foam topper, well worth the expense and makes a world of difference.

 

For travel,  get an air mattress and bring it with you. If buying from lazada search d=for "air bed". And make sure to get the little electric pump to inflate it.

 

I never stay in a Thai hotel without having packed my air mattress. For exactly the reason you describe.

 

 

I went online did a bit of research and ended up buying a  Sleep Happy Paradise mattress (As used in a lot of top hotels). 

 

Wow what a difference.  If during the day I get any soreness a quick lie down and all is good. And being a king size mattress, so much room to move. 

 

Certainly a move up compared to bog standard Thai fare. 

 

 

[The Old Bull]

Prior to getting my new hip I did get some relief from "Celebrex"

[rumak]

On 3/28/2024 at 11:32 PM, Sheryl said:

Rock hard Thai mattresses (which is 95% of all Thai mattresses) will do this -- all the more so if one is thin.

 

For home, get a good memory foam topper, well worth the expense and makes a world of difference.

 

For travel,  get an air mattress and bring it with you. If buying from lazada search for "air bed". And make sure to get the little electric pump to inflate it.

 

I never stay in a Thai hotel without having packed my air mattress. For exactly the reason you describe.

 

 

any recommendations for a brand or specific place to buy a good memory foam topper ?      

[John49]

I did buy a foam topper about 10 years ago, cost AUD 300, way too expensive at that time, but I was desperate to get a better night’s sleep. 

 

I notice that the more expensive hotels now have spring mattresses with a foam top incorporated.

Other hotels can still have the older spring mattresses where the springs seem to be rigid.

 

I remember sleeping on kapok mattresses in Indonesia.

Kapok is a fluffy tree fibre that settles down solid, in my experience.

Great for pillows if you like a firm pillow.

The locals like them as kapok is considered cool compared with the other cheap alternative of a foam mattress.

I've come across coconut fibre mattresses (in Singapore) – probably the worst, like sleeping on the floor.

[Sheryl]

23 hours ago, rumak said:

any recommendations for a brand or specific place to buy a good memory foam topper ?      

Good ones: Home Pro, Central.

 

Cheaper/not as good ones (especially in terms of (1) how thick and (2) how long they last): Tesco and the like; lazada and shoppee. 

 

I exoect Ikea has them as well. 

 

Note that a lot of what is online is foam but not really memory foam do will sag with use.