Hi,
Severe pain in the hip following the placement of a rod in the
femur bone could indicate several potential issues. In your case, the pain has persisted for many years and is starting to affect your ability to walk and enjoy time with your children, which is a cause for concern.
Here are some possible causes of your hip pain:
- Hardware irritation or infection: The metal rod in your femur may be causing irritation or inflammation of the surrounding tissue or bone, which can lead to pain. Alternatively, the hardware may have become infected, which can cause pain, fever, and other symptoms.
- Degenerative changes: The presence of the hardware for a long time can lead to wear and tear on the surrounding tissue and bones, which can cause degenerative changes such as
osteoarthritis. This can cause pain and
stiffness in the hip joint.
- Nerve compression: The metal rod may be compressing nerves in the hip area, which can cause pain,
numbness, and
tingling. This can be especially problematic if the nerves that control the muscles of the leg are affected, leading to weakness or difficulty walking.
- Structural abnormalities: The placement of the rod may have caused changes in the alignment or mechanics of your hip joint, which can cause pain over time.
Given the severity of your pain and its impact on your daily life, you must seek medical attention. Your doctor may recommend imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to assess the condition of your femur and surrounding tissues. They may also perform blood tests or other diagnostic tests to rule out infection or other underlying conditions.
Treatment options may include medication for pain and inflammation,
physical therapy to improve range of motion and strength, or even surgical intervention to remove or replace the hardware if it is causing ongoing problems.
In the meantime, it is important to avoid activities that aggravate your hip pain and to rest when you need to. You may also find relief from using heat or ice packs, and from gentle stretching and low-impact exercises such as swimming or yoga.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician