Right hip pain with posterior swelling

by Pam
(Portland, OR)

Patrick's Faber test

Patrick's Faber test




Hello:

I am a big advocate of Chiropractic treatments. I have had right-side, posterior hip pain for 9 months. I can see swelling above the joint looking at my back in a mirror. I have pain while lying on the hip but not when lying on my back. However, it is very painful to climb stairs and upon standing from a sitting position.

It came on suddenly upon rising from bed one morning. Walking is not affected, but I can no longer run or run up stairs as I used too.

I am a female, 63 years old with a BMI within body weight and height, but at the top of the range now. (135 at 5' 2") previously I was 120 lbs. at 120 lbs.

I had extensive foot surgery 1 1/2 years ago to correct hammer toes bunion and a detached plantar plate. My podiatrist pinned my second and third toes, but not the fourth or fifth. My foot now does not properly hit with all toes on a walking surface due to this. The pain sometimes radiates up my anterior lower (calf) leg, painfully to the knee, as well as the hip pain. So, I am not sure if it's my hip is causing this or my foot.

I can use my elliptical machine without pain...it's climbing stairs that is the most painful and it REALLY hurts. We have a two-story house. A pinching feeling that runs deeply into my hip and into my knee. I feel as though I cannot 'push' my weight up on the right side. I have had two adjustments by my chiropractor, 3 months ago.

For the record, I also have uneven leg lengths. My left leg being longer by 3/4" and 1 1/2" in circumference, since birth. But, I have been athletic and in good shape mostly until now. I have gained close to 20 lbs in the past year, due to lack of ability to do things and pain. Possibly that is the problem. I am trying to lose it now.

Thank you.





Dear Pam,
A short leg as much as 3/4" is associated with a much higher incidence of hip arthritis, and knee too, so that's where we should start.

Lie on your back and pull first the normal knee to your chest, then to the opposite shoulder, and then make a circle of your hip using the knee as a lever. Remember what you feel.
Now repeat with the naughty leg. Is there a distinct difference? Describe it to me.

Now do the Faber test, first with your normal leg, and then repeat with the painful hip. What's the difference?

Change of gait certainly can have a knock affect in the knee, hip and lower back, but let's start with the above tests.

Let me know, keeping to this thread.

Dr Barrie Lewis




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