6 Weeks Post-Op (Cam Impingement/Labral Tear): Flare-up and Pre-Op Pain Returning?
Hi everyone,
I am 19, normally do Sports like 5-6 week and play soccer. I had my hip surgery on April 2nd (Cam impingement and labral tear). The labrum was reattached with two anchors.
For the first 4 to 5 weeks, I was on crutches and then transitioned to walking completely without them (around May 7th). I diligently did my daily exercises and was on a very good track.
Important context: I have never had any real pain since the surgery, except during movements that were forbidden anyway, like bending past 90 degrees. I should also mention that I took 1200mg of Ibuprofen daily during the first few weeks, but even after stopping, I never had any pain.
However, there is one thing that surprises me (and my physio):
I am experiencing the exact same pain as I did before the surgery—for example, when bringing my knee to my chest, and during the test where the leg is bent and rotated outwards when my physio checks it. This wasn't caused by any recent overload; it has been like this the entire time.
Additionally, I just suffered a flare-up now in week 6:
May 11th & 12th (last week): I did my normal exercises on my own.
Wednesday (May 13th): I went to my PT and we did balance exercises.
Thursday: I tried to use the stationary bike (with zero resistance). However, I felt pain while pedaling and walking for the first time.
Since then, I've backed off a bit. I stopped doing specific exercises and have tried to reduce my daily steps. When I sit, stand, or lie down, I have absolutely no issues. It only hurts when walking, taking longer steps, or when I roll over in bed.
Because the pain while walking wasn't getting better, I decided to start taking Ibuprofen (1200 mg) again on Sunday. As of today, I'm also back on my crutches to completely take the load off the joint.
Now my questions for you and your experiences:
Is it normal to have exactly the same pain as before the surgery during flexion (knee to chest) and while the leg is bent and rotated outwards the entire time? Has anyone else experienced this?
Regarding the recent setback: Was getting back on crutches and taking Ibuprofen the right decision to calm down this flare-up? Or should I just continue with my exercises (maybe reduced), or is it better to completely take all weight and load off the joint for now? Should i keep stretching the muscels around it?
Thanks in advance for your advice! <3