Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 1/7/2009

Question
Recently, I have began to experience intermittent pain in
my femur ranging from just above the knee six inches up the
femur towards the hip.  Often it is a mere annoyance.  
Other times (like when I am elevating that leg to take a
step)the pain is excruciating. I have almost fallen on
several occasions.  In addition, I have noticed increased
pain after a long, physical day.

I think my doctor is hesitant to believe the pain exists
and dismisses me without any real explanation or plan.

What do I do?

Answer
Rick,    

If the surgeon who replaced the hip has x-rayed the hip and sees no changes in the prosthesis itself then you can rule out that the joint itself is causing the pain.

Being its two years after the surgery it could be due to your gait or the way you have started walking recently. In other words have you been wearing different shoes? walking longer distances, changed what you are doing at work, more labor, less labor?

Generally pain radiating up the femur  could be nerve related but make sure your knee has been checked and that the patella/kneecap is tracking properly. The doctor would be able to discern that.
Also be sure that the knee is not arthritic in that leg also the fact that you are having pain when you step up could be pain that is being referred from the knee joint itself.

if the knee joint has been ruled out as the problem maker here let me know.

Finally, if the leg has weakened in other words the thigh itself if it is not as strong as it should be it will also give you some of the problems you described.

Pain in the leg like this can be referred also from somewhere else. The femoral nerve if irritated or inflammed can give you this type of feedback down the from of your leg.

possibly an anti-inflammatory would help, have either your surgeon check the knee if not get another opinion from an orthopedic surgeon as general practioners would just refer you anyway to someone else.

Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida. 33950
www.richardhaynes.com
www.totaljointfitness.blogspot.com