Hip & Groin problems

kingrollo

During in lockdown I did 2 things which aggravated my groin and maybe my hips.

I brought and indoor bike - with hindsight using this made a my goin area feel tight.

I also followed a home workout on youtube - whilst doing the home workout doing some side step I felt a terrible tear in my groin area - it was painful to wear jeans and getting out of chair was really painful.

Being lockdown not many services were available. I self diagnosed Gilmores groin - when I finally got to see a physio he agreed this was a possibility - I had an MRIS but this showed nothing (apparently gilmores doesn't show on MRI)

However my GP and Physio were adamant the MRI ruled out gilmores - they refused to refer me to a groin specialist - but after a few heated conversation they suggested I see a orthapedic hip specialist - which I did . he pretty much said this was a hip problem most likely hip arthritis - I still wasn't convinced mainly because of the way I got the initial injury - it felt like a tear of soft tissues. He dis an xray which didn't show arthritis of hip - he then said to do an MRI - I was absolutely staggered when this confirmed hip arthritis !

He offered to do a pain killing injection - but said the only real solution was a hip replacement. buy this time many months had passed - and my groin pain was down to a twinge - so I declined any further treatment.

Now about a year later - I got an indoor wattbike as a gift from my partner - after a few rides on it - my groin has gone very tight. Reluctantly I have stopped using it - and at the moment daren't cycle outside on my road bike for fear of tearing the groin.

Ive booked to see a private physio next week - but past experience has shown physio's have little knowledge of dealing with groin problems.

(Sorry Im rambling)

Just wonder if anyone has experienced similar - and thoughts on going for hip replacement - when day to day it doesn't bother me to much - but it will impact on keeping myself fit and cycling in particular. General advice is to wait as long as possible before replacing hip - but I don't see how I can stay active any other way. Right now walking the dog gives me this tight groin feeling.

Had bike fits on all bikes and replicated position to Wattbike. Convinced its static riding that sets my hips off.

Any thoughts welcome !

harry-s

Bad luck mate.
I used to play a lot of football and after one particular dead ball kick experienced a lot of pain in my groin. This was a few years ago, pre internet, and after a few weeks of unsuccessful physio sessions I went to see Gilmore, his diagnosis was 'yes, it's one of mine'. I still remember, with teary eyes, how painful his examination was, using a finger, not MRI.
I had an op shortly after, - apparently he done Gazza in the morning, and me in the afternoon, that tells you how long ago it was. Rehab, as usual, was pretty hard work, but I was back playing after about 6 months.
I also had a hip repair a few years ago after coming off my bike, there's a comprehensive thread on here about hip repairs and replacements. Depending on what your final diagnoses is, I'd say your recovery time will most likely be shorter with a hip replacement than a Gilmore repair, but we're all different, see a specialist etc.
Good luck.

kingrollo

harry-s said:

Bad luck mate.
I used to play a lot of football and after one particular dead ball kick experienced a lot of pain in my groin. This was a few years ago, pre internet, and after a few weeks of unsuccessful physio sessions I went to see Gilmore, his diagnosis was 'yes, it's one of mine'. I still remember, with teary eyes, how painful his examination was, using a finger, not MRI.
I had an op shortly after, - apparently he done Gazza in the morning, and me in the afternoon, that tells you how long ago it was. Rehab, as usual, was pretty hard work, but I was back playing after about 6 months.
I also had a hip repair a few years ago after coming off my bike, there's a comprehensive thread on here about hip repairs and replacements. Depending on what your final diagnoses is, I'd say your recovery time will most likely be shorter with a hip replacement than a Gilmore repair, but we're all different, see a specialist etc.
Good luck.

Thats the thing. Per google and my feelings its gilmores groin.

But per the medical professionals and MRI scans its hip arthritis. The idea in my mind is that I have hip arthritis - which in turn leads to a tight and strained groin - easily pulled.

I have rehabbed it once - without surgery. Obviously I want to avoid a hip replacements - if its my groin that needs surgery and likewise the hip if its Gilmores alone.
But there is a link between poor hip health and Gilmores

daniel_b

I can't give any advice on the injury sadly, but I hope you can make some positive headway on it soon.

With regards to the bike riding, am I reading it correctly that riding outside does not cause it to flare up, where as riding on the static bike does?

If that is the case, and it's the lack of movement on that bike, have you considered some kind of rocker plate to seat it on so you have a decent amount of movement when riding?

I am fortunate enough to ride a Neo which has a bit of side to side movement, and I find that is a huge help for any length session.

kingrollo

daniel_b said:

I can't give any advice on the injury sadly, but I hope you can make some positive headway on it soon.

With regards to the bike riding, am I reading it correctly that riding outside does not cause it to flare up, where as riding on the static bike does?

If that is the case, and it's the lack of movement on that bike, have you considered some kind of rocker plate to seat it on so you have a decent amount of movement when riding?

I am fortunate enough to ride a Neo which has a bit of side to side movement, and I find that is a huge help for any length session.

Thats my theory.

I do get more strains and aches and pains riding my winter Alu bike - then my carbon bike.
However once the static bike sets its off - I get the pain on the outdoor bike.

Yeah my indoor bike is a wattbike - I did consider the neo but wasn't aware it did side to side to movement (are we talking smart bike - or turbo here?)

Yes I have considered a rocker plate - and probably will get one if/when this flare up gets under control. However reading around people who have rocker plates its seems to increase there comfort from 1 hours to 3 hours - Where Im getting a flare up from 25 minutes on the WB - and like I say my Alu outdoor bike - is worse that the carbon. - So not overly hopeful.

joeyhalloran

Could you borrow a turbo trainer for the bike you ride outside to make sure it isn't any difference in the set up/position of the indoor bike?

I am baffled that an indoor bike would cause a long-term injury when cycling outside doesn't, I've only ever heard of people being 'a bit less comfortable' on indoor bikes.

daniel_b

Have you compared measurements, and matched up the wattbike as close as you can to your best bike?

Have you fitted the exact same saddle type?
Are the crank lengths the same?
Distance from saddle to handlebars the same, as well as drop from saddle to bars?

I'm guessing a you have a wattbike now, you won't want to be changing anytime soon, but as far as I am aware, both the Neo turbo and complete bike have some side to side movement - it's not much, but it makes a noticeable difference if you come from a completely static locked in trainer.
They also make some what I call sliders for the turbo legs, plus a replacement for the front wheel block - I've heard generally good things about them, but imo they are about 3 X over priced, £250 I think it is. I would consider them at £100.

seanoconn

Not groin problem as such but tight aching hips.

Moved cleats to a mid-foot position due to constant foot discomfort. This required a lower saddle. Great at first but soon turned to tight aching hips, due to the reduced space for my hips. Shorter cranks and gradually easing in to longer rides resolved the issue.

I’d check seat set-back/saddle height and length of cranks.

webboo

I never had hip problems, then did an ambling walk round the open gardens in our village. Next day I severe pain in my hip which was diagnosed as arthritis. It would fine for a few months the painful for days or weeks then ok again for a period. Then last year it was getting gradually worse and interfering with everything. I had it replaced 6 weeks ago.
It took it 3 and a half years to get the stage that it needed replacing.

kingrollo

daniel_b said:

Have you compared measurements, and matched up the wattbike as close as you can to your best bike?

Have you fitted the exact same saddle type?
Are the crank lengths the same?
Distance from saddle to handlebars the same, as well as drop from saddle to bars?

I'm guessing a you have a wattbike now, you won't want to be changing anytime soon, but as far as I am aware, both the Neo turbo and complete bike have some side to side movement - it's not much, but it makes a noticeable difference if you come from a completely static locked in trainer.
They also make some what I call sliders for the turbo legs, plus a replacement for the front wheel block - I've heard generally good things about them, but imo they are about 3 X over priced, £250 I think it is. I would consider them at £100.

No I haven't done all that. But this has happened with own bike or turbo, el cheapo spin bike - and now the Wattbike.

I can't find any reference to the neo smart bike having side to side lateral movement. DC rainmaker doesn't mention it in his review - nor is it listed as a feature.

kingrollo

joeyhalloran said:

Could you borrow a turbo trainer for the bike you ride outside to make sure it isn't any difference in the set up/position of the indoor bike?

I am baffled that an indoor bike would cause a long-term injury when cycling outside doesn't, I've only ever heard of people being 'a bit less comfortable' on indoor bikes.

It's not that uncommon - Google hip pain and indoor cycling you will find a fair few threads.

I suppose it has exposed my arthritic hips rather than caused them.

redvision

I started a thread a while back in the indoor training section because of an injury I suffered last March. Almost a year later and things aren't any better.

Originally the injury was diagnosed as a groin tear, with tendon damage, and hip labral tear.
However, following multiple scans and x-rays I've now also been diagnosed with hip dysplasia on both sides.

The specialist discussed at length the likely cause and claimed that more and more injuries of this nature are occurring in cyclists, and that there is a clear connection to turbo trainers (specifically ERG mode).

In hindsight I was pushing too hard on the turbo and have paid the price for neglecting little niggles - such as tightness in groin and hip aches, both of which were not present when riding outside! I've not ridden for a year and they are unable to say with ant certainty if the treatment I'm receiving will allow me to get back on the bike in the future, but as your symptoms are similar, I would strongly encourage you to keep pushing the drs until you get to see someone who specialises in hip and joint injuries. And in the meantime, avoid anything which causes the pain and if you do ride your wattbike don't use ERG mode, keep a high cadence, and don't use clipless pedals.

Hope you are able to get a clear diagnosis soon and can get on the road to recovery!

seanoconn

redvision said:

I started a thread a while back in the indoor training section because of an injury I suffered last March. Almost a year later and things aren't any better.

Originally the injury was diagnosed as a groin tear, with tendon damage, and hip labral tear.
However, following multiple scans and x-rays I've now also been diagnosed with hip dysplasia on both sides.

The specialist discussed at length the likely cause and claimed that more and more injuries of this nature are occurring in cyclists, and that there is a clear connection to turbo trainers (specifically ERG mode).

In hindsight I was pushing too hard on the turbo and have paid the price for neglecting little niggles - such as tightness in groin and hip aches, both of which were not present when riding outside! I've not ridden for a year and they are unable to say with ant certainty if the treatment I'm receiving will allow me to get back on the bike in the future, but as your symptoms are similar, I would strongly encourage you to keep pushing the drs until you get to see someone who specialises in hip and joint injuries. And in the meantime, avoid anything which causes the pain and if you do ride your wattbike don't use ERG mode, keep a high cadence, and don't use clipless pedals.

Hope you are able to get a clear diagnosis soon and can get on the road to recovery!

Interesting you say don’t use clipless. How in your experience have they contributed to the injury?

redvision

Only mentioned not using clipless indoor as it was one of the potential causes, combined with the turbo, the specialist warned about - he basically said when you're riding on a turbo you are fixed in place and the stresses are completely different to outdoor training. He pointed out you can often over train and sometimes push harder than you can outdoors, and in a locked position that leads to injury.

Interestingly, my rehab involves absolutely no biking. Even a traditional exercise bike is off the table.

hpaul

Hip and groin problems are closely related. I've had 2 hernia repairs, or gilmore groins done, same thing I think. The second one was a quicker fix than to get a labral tear surgery.

Rehab for the hernia is only about 8 weeks from memory vs 4 months on the hip surgery. It's a minor keyhole operation.

I found adductor strength work along with alot of glut work helps. I'll stretch my hips for 15 mins every night and use a foam roller a few times a week.

Riding is more taxing on the adductors than I had hoped, but I only get sore if I'm seriously over doing it. Ive ridden a good few 100k on a kickr core, no issues. Other than a tender hole the next day. My injuries all came from osteitis pubis. Hip arthritis was mentioned as well, but I retired early from competitive sport because I knew I'd be in bother later on if I didn't. Pilates is great as well I found. Hope this helps.

I was sure I'd posted this a few days ago🤔🤔

webboo

Interestingly when I went for my 6 week post hip replacement with the Orthopaedic surgeon who did the op. He recommended using the turbo before riding outside. When the wife grassed me up for riding after 4 weeks, he said this was very good.
He is a cyclist himself.

seanoconn

webboo said:

Interestingly when I went for my 6 week post hip replacement with the Orthopaedic surgeon who did the op. He recommended using the turbo before riding outside. When the wife grassed me up for riding after 4 weeks, he said this was very good.
He is a cyclist himself.

I’d imagine cycling knowledge orthopaedic surgeons varies greatly, even if they cycle. Yes you are less likely to be knocked off your bike indoors but are more likely to injure yourself/ovetrain indoors.

webboo

He might know rather more than that as he asked whether I was on Zwift. I suspect that one of the reasons people might injure than selves more on a trainer, is because they are doing high end stuff with out the build up. Back in the Stone Age you would put in lots of base miles before starting intervals.

pmannion9

Sorry to hear about your hip issues.
I played a lot of sport from a young age and got into running in my 30's. I had an injury that just felt like a hip flexor muscle problem but it never seemed to recover properly with physio/exercises etc. A cortisone injection was recommended but before that a Dr wanted an x-ray - That showed I had hip arthritis.

I was about 38 then. Like you couldn't really believe it...I decided there and then to give up running and was told I would need a hip replacement. I continued to get groin paining - walking, putting on socks etc and gradually it was getting worse. Not very painful if that makes since but very annoying and awkward . Getting on and office bike was a problem but actually cycling itself was fine.

Anyway, I ended up getting a hip replacement at 42 - And it has been a great success.
Difficult six week initial recovery , exercises and walking but you get through it and important not to rush things. Seems like a badge of honour to get on turbo after x numbers of weeks etc...Just listen to the medical advice. Think I waited for 6 weeks to go on turbo but did lots of walking and I progressed to outdoor riding very quickly .

If you do end up getting a replacement one thing I would ensure is you go to a physio after you have been seen post op - even if this means paying for it yourself. I think i have a few imbalance issues that could have been sorted earlier with professional guidance.

I was pretty fed up when i heard the news as I felt I was too young - Not sure of your age. And also I was thinking that will have to go through all this again maybe in 15-20 years !!! But you got to make the best of it and do what you need to do to continue enjoying the things you currently do.

Soon I will have to think about other hip !!!

Best of luck with your diagnosis and hopefully you will get a solution to your issues ...