I didn't have to wait long after filling out an initial details form and went into Andrew's office where he asked me about my history. I informed him I'd had a knee reconstruction as a 19 year old, several years of short-lived groin issues and a left ankle injury in April 2011, among other minor issues.
I told him my symptoms really flared up in July when I started running for fitness and noticed hip, groin and thigh pain, especially in the left side. I said I have pain when I sleep and with prolonged sitting, especially driving. I mentioned I occasionally feel the pain in my lower leg and have an occasional limp when I walk or run.
He then tested me for the range of movement in my hips and watched me walk up the corridor to check my gait. He noted I had "some mild left gluteal wasting and a mild antalgic gait". "Left hip pain in full flexion and bilateral abductor guarding". He said I have "hip pathology".
Andrew then sent me next door to have x-rays and ultrasound which showed I have flattening of the femoral neck on both sides but he thought the left side looked worse.
He has diagnosed me with a Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) of both hips with hip joint synovitis that is secondary to the FAI. It is the cause of the inflammation and pain around the hip joint. I also have moderate thickening and scarring of the illiotibial bands.
Andrew's initial explanatory diagram of FAI.
Andrew has recommended a 3 week course of anti-inflammatories with a potential cortisone injection in the hips under x-ray if it doesn't settle down. He has suggested I strengthen the gluteals under physio guidance and says I can continue with karate, cycling and swimming and told me I can do straight line running that is cricket specific.
He has advised me to continue to be as active as possible within these limitations.
Unfortunately he also told me that surgical intervention has a limited role at my age, as the outcomes may not be predictable from hip arthroscopy and labral debridement. According to Andrew my running days are over
This is not what I wanted to hear and was a real downer. Feeling very flat as I am pretty sure I won't improve with exercises and strengthening. There is more to my pain than weak muscles.
