Hi - I am a 47 yr old extremely active male and former D1 college hockey player. For the last 3-4 years I have been suffering for hip flexor and groin pain. I just thought is was muscle/tendinitis pain from my deadliest, squats, running and skating. I visited a Orthopedic specialist about year ago for what i thought was a sports hernia. I was informed I had OA in both hips. My two femoral heads are large and flat on one side vs bing round. Space narrowing, a few spurs, some bone on bone, etc… Right is worse than the left. It all makes sense as my whole life - specifically when i was a teen and and early twenties playing elite level hockey (signed NHL contract) - I always had groin and hip flexor problems. Perhaps it was due to my hip shape rather than muscles etc…
I have stopped the intense workouts - no heavy squats and deads - a lot of body weight excersises and biking. I have had two cortisone injections on both sides and have taken celebrex/NSAIDS off and on. All of this has helped big time. If I don't do much i am fine. However, if I walk 18 holes (another sport i forgot to mention), and run more than a mile. I am hurting. Skating intensely is pretty much out of the question even though i am on the ice frequently with the team i coach ( i don't demo drills that much). I don't want to just get by however, I want to run , skate, golf and workout!!! I have consulted with a top surgeoron (500 plus procedures) in the city where i live that does a ton of BHR. He said I am a perfect candidate. My question is - when do i do it? Do i nurse my hips with more injections and do minimal exercise or do I take the plunge. I must say, the idea of major surgery with metal in my body is not something I look forward to. Its kind of scary. Any input would be much appreciated.