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Post by trailman1 on Feb 26, 2024 5:50:05 GMT -8
I'm going to be 65 in August. I retired October 2023. Arthritis has developed in my hip and is making it difficult to continue backpacking. I'm looking for advice from fellow hikers for reducing the pain while backpacking. Yes I am seeing a doctor but not much is changing.....
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Post by trailman1 on Feb 26, 2024 6:16:59 GMT -8
Just retired last October. Arthritis has become a problem and taking meds for pain. But the pain is preventing me from training for hiking this summer. Any advice to reduce the pain?
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zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,886 
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Post by zeke on Feb 26, 2024 18:31:44 GMT -8
Reduce the exertion. Seriously, lower your expectations to what is tolerable and try to stay active at what pleases you. This may be the toughest lesson I’ve learned in my years. I am no longer the young man I once was, and I must acknowledge that. Slow down. Make plans for fewer miles. Rest more during my stops.
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Post by jamesyourbp on Feb 26, 2024 19:28:22 GMT -8
Sorry to hear the arthritis is making backpacking tougher.  A few things that may help - see if your doc can recommend a stronger anti-inflammatory. Also look into a good hip support - something like the Berghaus Tek 2.0 helps stabilize the joint. For packing, focus on lightening your load. Swap a heavy tent for a tarp setup. Dehydrating meals cuts ounces. And don't be afraid to take extra breaks - rest those joints. Maybe also try some hip stretches and strength exercises to keep things flexible. |
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Post by starwalker on Feb 26, 2024 22:35:45 GMT -8
I went to physical therapy and they gave a number of exercises to do. I've found they help, but not completely. We have to slow down, I'm afraid.
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rebeccad
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Writing like a maniac
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Post by rebeccad on Feb 27, 2024 2:54:04 GMT -8
I recommend finding a good physical therapist. Have you actual proof that the issue is arthritis? I ask because I had long assumed that was behind my hip pain, and gotten only mumbles from MDs. The PT diagnosed some weak muscles in my lower back, gave me a set of exercises and changed everything.
You might not get so lucky, but you never know…
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zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,886
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Post by zeke on Feb 28, 2024 4:36:03 GMT -8
Answering as a Mod, please don’t ask the same question in 2 different threads. I found one thread in Trip Reports and Storytelling. The other one was in Health and Fitness. I merged the 2, and left them here.
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Post by starwalker on Feb 28, 2024 22:15:00 GMT -8
Rebecca has a point, my "hip" problem is actually my SI joint which has improved with physical therapy.
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Post by hikerchick395 on Mar 6, 2024 9:48:13 GMT -8
My husband's pain was in the knee. Had a CT scan and everything. When at physical therapy, the therapist said that the problem was the hip. So when the doctor saw an Xray of his hip he said "oh crap." Bone on bone. That hip replacement went well, with relief immediately after surgery.
This last year, Greg had his other hip replaced and it ended up being complicated. The time length of surgery caused some damage to nerves so he is still has numbness almost a year later. It is probably taking more time for the muscles, tendons, etc. to heal also, therefore, residual pain.
Physical therapy is essential. (Ct scans and MRIs reveal osteoarthritis not only in hips but in shoulder and foot.)
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Post by trailman1 on Mar 30, 2024 5:43:13 GMT -8
Thanks everyone for your response! I have seen a Orthopedic surgeon and xray showed bone on bone in the right hip. The left hip looks like it will be next in a few years. The doctor scheduled me for surgery April 18th. He said I should be recovered (4 weeks of therapy)by July in time to hike with my daughter at Tahoe Lake. She is returning to the PCT in June to complete a 300 mile section from Burney to Tahoe Lake. Then meet up with me for the 110 mile TRT. I want to be fully recovered to spend some time on the trail with her. I selected one of the best doctors in Dallas. He is with Texas Orthopaedic associates. He completed a left knee replacement 12 years ago on my wife and and a revision last year. She is doing great! Medical procedures have improved so much over the years. This hip replacement only takes about 45 min to an hour to compete. He will be doing an anterior approach procedure. It's really cool to watch on Utube.
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Post by trailman1 on Apr 21, 2024 15:20:11 GMT -8
Surgery went well. I have a new right hip and recovery is just starting. It will be a long road back to getting on trail. I plan to be ready to hike by July.
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Westy
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Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
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Post by Westy on Apr 22, 2024 20:11:21 GMT -8
Happy physical therapy!
Enjoy your daughter and good luck!
P.S. I start on the PCT SOBO from Ashland, OR on June 11th. Project to be in Burney ...second week in July?
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Post by trailman1 on Apr 23, 2024 7:40:16 GMT -8
My daughter starts from Burney on June 30/July 1. SOBO to Lake Tahoe by July 23rd. I plan to meet her for a 3/4 day trip on a portion of the TRT.
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A few things that may help - see if your doc can recommend a stronger anti-inflammatory. Also look into a good hip support - something like the Berghaus Tek 2.0 helps stabilize the joint. For packing, focus on lightening your load. Swap a heavy tent for a tarp setup. Dehydrating meals cuts ounces. And don't be afraid to take extra breaks - rest those joints. Maybe also try some hip stretches and strength exercises to keep things flexible.
