Hip pain and sleeping problems - any tips?

I agree with your son that keeping active will help. I did this programne, and it made a massive difference to my pain, and my physical and mental health. Lots of advice and support around pain management, and the peer support from others in the group was (and is, most of us have continued to meet) great. Within weeks, people were telling me I was moving better, I’d lost weight without trying, and was sleeping better.

www.nuffieldhealth.com/about-us/our-impact/healthy-life/joint-pain-programme

I now have an injury (nothing to do with the programne) so am doing less again, and the pain in my hip is so much worse.

There is also this programme, which I have not done but which I’ve heard good things about

escape-pain.org/

I bought an emma mattress which helped immensely with my hip pain. I now have two arthritic knees and take 400mg ibuprofen half an hour before bed. I manage a reasonably good night's sleep.

It's all very well to say that the GP is very busy at the moment, but you must have been delaying for some time as this is clearly not a new problem. The GP is there to help you just as much as other patients, and I'm sure that they will at least provide pain relief, make an appointment for an x-ray and hopefully get you on the route to a successful conclusion. Are you worried that this might lead to surgery? There are dozens - if not hundreds - of us here who have been through similar symptoms and are here (and active) to tell the tale. Please make that appointment to see the doctor - if you do it now, you might get it sometime next year!

Thanks again all! I have had a bursitis in my other hip but this pain is different.
I am not scared of going to the GP or having an operation if needed in the future but I know the GP will probably give me stronger painkillers and I like to avoid these if possible for as long as I can, so wanted to alternatives first.
I have ordered a knee pillow and also downloaded some gentle exercises to start tomorrow!
Actually my GP is still very good, you can usually get an appointment the same day as long as your not fussed who you see, so can’t complain there.

Iam64

The only thing that helps reduce my hip pain is cocodamol. I try to avoid it, but 3-4am, awake, in pain leads me to take two. I use the lowest level, available without prescription. I can’t take anti inflammatories sadly

I had to stop taking ibuprofen when put on blood thinners last year , but found Turmeric a great alternative as it’s a natural anti inflammatory, certainly worth a try.

I too have found Turmeric a great help in reducing my arthritic shoulder pain.

I too struggle with this particular problem. (I have posted before on this ). I’d never heard of GT pain syndrome and have now suffered this for nearly 2 years. The Consultant keeps saying it would be better if the hip was broken etc as this is difficult to shift. I’ve spent > £1000 privately re physios chiropractors and private mri. I too had my second ultrasound guided steroid injection recently but to no avail I’m afraid (and it sends my nervous system nuts). I’m learning to control it with paracetomol, codeine and ibuprofen. There’s also a product online called ChiroIce which helps as a beneficial ‘rub’. I can really sympathise. If the OP GP is willing it can show up on an mri. I bought mine privately as my GP just left me to wallow in pain. It was diagnosed by a private consultant. Hope this helps ..

If the hip pain has reached the groin you need a replacement, in the meantime a pillow to hold your leg in a comfortable position and paracetamol is a safe long term long term painkiller. If you need to take Codeine eat plenty of laxative food to avoid constipation.

Drina01

I too struggle with this particular problem. (I have posted before on this ). I’d never heard of GT pain syndrome and have now suffered this for nearly 2 years. The Consultant keeps saying it would be better if the hip was broken etc as this is difficult to shift. I’ve spent > £1000 privately re physios chiropractors and private mri. I too had my second ultrasound guided steroid injection recently but to no avail I’m afraid (and it sends my nervous system nuts). I’m learning to control it with paracetomol, codeine and ibuprofen. There’s also a product online called ChiroIce which helps as a beneficial ‘rub’. I can really sympathise. If the OP GP is willing it can show up on an mri. I bought mine privately as my GP just left me to wallow in pain. It was diagnosed by a private consultant. Hope this helps ..

Did GTPS used to be called hip bursitis?

I am getting confused by this thread.

I think most posters are posting tips about arthritis in the hip? Not sure.

The op has not been diagnosed yet, which makes things more complicated.

My GP advised I can continue to cook with turmeric but avoid capsules or paste. It’s a natural anti inflammatory and will contribute to the blood thinners I’m prescribed

I had Gluteal Tendonopathy for a couple of years. Often gets called bursitis but it isn’t. It is in GTPS group though. Might be worth googling.

Which I presume is different again to Greater trochanteric Pain Syndrome.

I saw the physio yesterday who gave me pages of exercises but she also told me about the escape pain group . Thanks for the link siope.
There's a real life group but a waiting list for that too!

How best to take Turmeric? It stains everything.
Like you Nannynoodles I would prefer not to rely on strong medication but when the pain is bad in the middle of the night, it's good to have something in reserve. I now have neat codeine to take a pill at bedtime and paracetamol on the other occasions.

Why did your GP advise avoiding turmeric capsules Iam64?

Juliet I was told processed turmeric which is what capsules and tablets contain isn’t (as) effective.

If you loathe turmeric, as I do, golden paste can be frozen in small tablets and then just swallowed.

Golden paste

60g turmeric powder (cheapest if bought from an Asian supermarket in my experience, next cheapest is a health food shop)
240 ml water, + more if needed (see below)
70 ml olive or coconut oil
1.5 teaspoons ground black pepper

Put turmeric and water in a saucepan over a low heat and bring to a simmer.
Simmer for 8-10 minutes, adding a little more water if it starts to look too dry
Remove from heat and stir in the oil and pepper.
Mix well and cool.

Shape one quarter teaspoon sized portions into tablets and freeze (open freeze then pop in a bag, or use ice cube trays).

Take one tablet, still frozen, twice a day with food.

You can store the paste in the fridge for a week, and take a quarter of a teaspoon twice a day, with food, but then you can taste the ghastly stuff.

I just googled it - apparently we shouldn't take turmeric if we are on blood thinners, so that includes me.

Thanks for that henetha. A no no for me as well then.

This might not help you,but I've found my legs are considerably less painful since I've been using an electric blanket all night. I just set the lower part to 2.. I also have a supply of zolpizem 5mg tablets for really bad nights and use them very sparingly

Just an update: I slept with the knee pillow last night, which will take a bit of getting used to I think, but I honestly feel my hip is a bit better today!
It could also be that I was really busy yesterday and hardly sat down all day so maybe the exercise was beneficial, I was also very tired so that probably helped (also two large glasses of wine was quite relaxing!).
But thanks again for all your suggestions and I really will see the Doc after Xmas.
Until then I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and all the best for 2024.

Do some gentle exercises before you go to bed to stimulate your cortisone levels .
If you can't find the right pillows try folding up an old duvet to make yourself comfortable .

That's what I do to alleviate neck , back and knee pain .

henetha

I just googled it - apparently we shouldn't take turmeric if we are on blood thinners, so that includes me.

This is why my GP advised against turmeric supplements as I’m prescribed blood thinner. She said I’m fine to continue cooking with turmeric

Thanks Iam64. That good then, I will look into that after Christmas and try cooking with it. It's an anti-inflammatory I think so that would be useful as I can't take any nsaids.

Knee pillows, heat and stretching exercises.

I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my right hip. This showed up on an x-ray, after some months with groin pain and throbbing feet. I would ask the doctor to send you for an x-ray of your hip. I have seen a physiotherapist and I am on the waiting list, for a group session for a 5 week, twice a week, for exercise and nutrition. In the meanwhile to build up muscle, I have been given three exercises to do three to four times a week. These are: Isometric Single Leg bridge, repeat 8-12 times, twice, sit to stand no hands, repeat 8 to 12 times twice and single legs balance standing with support, hold for 20 seconds, repeat 2 times.

Examples of how to do the exercise can be found on line.

Unfortunately I can't take ibuprofen, as I take blood pressure tablets. I don't find paracetamol much help with the pain.

The quick acting Ibuprofen - over the counter ones- are a help but that’s since I had my hip replacement in my 40s. By the way , if you do need the op - honestly , I’ve had more painful haircuts. Nothing to be afraid of. Before my op, when sleeping was near impossible, apart from strong pain killers, warm drinks , Radio 4 and one of those heated pillows. Avoid cheese and alcohol. Good luck. X