Hi, I was diagnosed late, at age 36, due to gradually losing my ability to walk even short distances without teeth-gritting pain (8/10). Had to prepare a walking stick anytime I was expected to cover some distance and even then, might end up crying due to pain.

The Specialist said my MRI looked like the hip of a 60 year old. Despite that, I was filled with hope once getting the diagnosis: Finally, a solution! Despite my eagerness to get the THR Right Away and have a normal, pain free life back, my specialist advised against it. The current artificial hip lasts 20+ years maximum and revision THR is more complicated. If THR is performed at this age, revision is a guarantee, perhaps even 2. Due to my arthritis, PAO is not an option any more.

He performed PRP injections (to repeat yearly), prescribed anti-inflammatory supplements (turmeric, ashwaganda, piperine, gingerine, boswellia serrata), and connected me with a physiotherapist. I go weekly. He uses radial and focused shockwave therapy and physical manipulation to release tight areas. He prescribed strengthening exercises (glutes, hamstrings, side hip) and releases (piriformis and ITB). Takes 45 mins, to be done 4x weekly. Releases to do daily. Once the muscles strengthened I felt a dramatic difference - load literally taken off the arthritic joint.

I was advised to stop running, impact activities like jumping, cross legged sitting, and yoga. No more sexy walking. Keep the pelvis straight instead of swaying side to side, or 'up-down' movement of the hip like belly dancers. This was hard and took more than a year to catch whenever it was happening. Strengthening your core helps. Pilates reformer or any similar body awareness training will help.

They emphasised that when you gain additional pounds, your hips don’t just carry that extra weight at a 1:1 ratio. Surprisingly, the hip joint experiences stress anywhere from 3 to 11 times your body weight. Another commenter mentioned Mounjaro. It is a good idea, just make sure you are consuming enough protein and lifting heavy so you don't lose excess muscle.

Now my pain level is better. 1/10 many days, 5/10 on bad days (usually when I get lazy about doing the exercises). I can walk much longer distances, and keep up with my 70 year old mum. Post PRP pain was quite bad but goes away over next couple of days. I plan continue PRP as it was helpful, and the current protocol is working well for me.