Experiencing Hip Pain From Psoriatic Arthritis

By Vickie Wilkerson

3 min read

Having a body that hurts is nothing new to me. Living with psoriatic arthritis, it is something that comes the territory. For all these years it has been my back that has been my main area of concern. About a year ago I had to add knee pain to that list.

Now it seems there is a new area that is causing me grief and definitely pain. Can this new pain be from being confined to home? Maybe too much sitting instead of moving around?

Hip pain with psoriatic arthritis

I know that psoriatic arthritis affects different joints in the body. Being overweight is not easy on the body either. This new pain is not hurting me all day. It is only hitting me when I try to lay down at night to sleep. Sleep is the last thing that is happening, however.

The hip pain started about two weeks ago. The first night it happened, I told myself, maybe I am just laying too long on that size and putting too much pressure on that particular hip. Maybe I walked too much that day. I played it off the same way when I first experienced symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. The problem with that is the pain has happened almost every night since. The pain starts in my hip and radiates down my leg.

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Seeing a doctor for the pain

It is so intense that it is actually keeping me awake. That within itself is no small chore because I have medication that helps me to sleep. I have only experienced pain to that level one other time when the psoriasis was actually irritating my foot joints.

Another bad part of this ordeal is that it is on the same side of the hip that I like to lay on when I sleep. After about a week of this pain each night, I decided it was time to talk to my doctor. When it gets to a point of causing me to not sleep, enough is enough. What did the doctor do? Same as always. The go-to is always to do an x-ray.

With that, I am quite sure I will get the same response as always too. Well, we see some osteoarthritis in there. I say that because whatever they saw did not warrant them calling me. It is so frustrating.

Hurting all the time

So now my thoughts switch to having to live with this new pain. How to make it better? Will it get worse? On and on and on. I swear it is like a roller coaster ride you cannot get off of. How many more areas of my body will get to be like this? Hurting all the time.

Don't you ever want to swap out one body for a new one like changing clothes? I know that is not possible but hey what a concept, right?

How do you handle hip pain?

I am left with the choice of trying to adapt to this new pain. What do I mean by that? I mean that instead of trying to sleep on that side, I'll need to lay on the other side. I have tried laying on my back but all I do is just lay there. It does not feel right to me so going to sleep on my back seems a no-go.

I have adapted to the back pain. I have learned over the years how to make it to where the back doesn't bother me as much. Don't get me wrong I do still have days that it bothers me. I do not ever want to give someone the idea that it is not a problem. As this is a new condition of psoriatic arthritis I am dealing with I have no idea of how to ease the pain.

If someone reading this is experiencing hip pain and has any suggestions, I am all ears.

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jenniferwhitten Member
I have this horrible hip pain with my psoriatic arthritis and it is unbearable at night unless I have adequate pillows to ensure my hips don’t touch the mattress at all......I take my pain medications as normal but the positioning in bed is the key for me.....
1. BarneyOg Member
 <inline-mention username="Vickie Wilkerson" user-id="3316344"/> Hi Vickie, Many Thanks for your kind comments. The Green Tea from the Fujian Province (China) is the tea which worked for me (I had some in the kitchen cupboard when I first learned of Green Tea's anti-inflammatory effect) and so I have continued to use it. My understanding is that all Green Teas have ECGC (as do some black teas to a lesser extent) which is an effective anti-inflammatory substance. Its worthwhile researching into which green teas (and other teas) have the highest levels of ECGC. I would recommend good quality loose green tea (Jasmine Tea, Macha Tea (Japanese), Gunpowder Tea and Oolong Tea) which can be bought at reasonable prices in Chinese neighborhood food stores. I add dried mint to flavour my Green Tea. Fresh mint can be used to the same effect. Green Tea has been transformational for me. I cannot recommend it highly enough. I was first diagnosed with PSA in early 2010.
2. BarneyOg Member
 <inline-mention username="jenniferwhitten" user-id="3317051"/> You are very welcome Jennifer. It's worthwhile persevering with the Green Tea which has numerous other positive health benefits too. My earnest wish is that drinking Green Tea will ease the pain which you are experiencing in your hip and knee, and will reduce the inflammation and, in turn, reduce your blood pressure. I send you All Very Best Wishes for much improvement in your condition and healing.
ambz88 Member
Hi! I had a similar situation. I had the same issues when laying down but also when sitting straight up. I did an x-ray and it looked clear and an MRI looked like just a little bit of arthritis. But I knew something was not right because I was in so much pain and I hadn't experienced that previously with my psoriatic arthritis. My doctor ended up doing a steriod burst. (High amount of oral steriods) and it did the trick! Can you try that? Or getting a steriod injection into your hip?
1. Jocie New Mexico Member
 <inline-mention username="Vickie Wilkerson" user-id="3316344"/> I have similar conditions with my arthritis in low back, hips, and knees. Several years ago, I started seeing a Pain Clinic for help because my rheumatologist placed me on Cimzia injections and later Remicade infusions for rheumatoid arthritis because I also have ulcerative colitis. These two biologics don’t treat osteoarthritis, and I find the osteoarthritis in the hips and low back can often become excruciating. The Pain Clinic doctor has administered the guided Steroid injections. The low back injection helped for 2 years. Six weeks ago I had steroid injections in both knees for torn meniscus. I will be seeing them soon about my low back. I also use CBD oil on those areas—knees, hips, low back. Hope this helps you think about another option.
2. jenniferwhitten Member
 <inline-mention username="ambz88" user-id="3273900"/> I don’t tolerate steroids AT ALL. Lol. They send my heart rate and BP off the charts and my anxiety is so bad I can’t stand it…..but thanks for that tip as well.
kath78 Member
I have the same problem, I use a body pillow and a pillow between my knees. Also I use a TENS machine before going to bed that helps and some times a heat pad. Hope you get some relief soon.
1. SareBear Member
 <inline-mention username="Tripp" user-id="4135676"/> This is solid advice. I find that Yoga with Adrienne videos on YouTube to be of tremendous help, keeping me mobile. In particular, for hip pain I do a 20 minute routine dedicated to the hips (<a href='https://youtu.be/zwoVcrdmLOE' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://youtu.be/zwoVcrdmLOE</a>) and one that also stretches the hips and is for sciatica (<a href='https://youtu.be/G5h0jkoBFbI' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://youtu.be/G5h0jkoBFbI</a>). 
2. jenniferwhitten Member
 <inline-mention username="SareBear" user-id="5530395"/> thank you! I’ll have to try this!!
1600ashby Member
I am in constant pain of the hips and back. I truly need some type of relief. I don’t like taking a lot of pain pills not unless it is all natural. Need suggestions.
1. Stufale Member
 <inline-mention username="CathyD" user-id="3278598"/> Thx for the CBD hyperlink - an interesting read. I've raised my using CBD oil with my Dr & Specialist & they saw no issue with me using it, in fact my Dr gave me details of Drs that actually promote its use. Once I managed to find a consistent (effective) source I will share my findings.
2. CathyD Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Stufale" user-id="4529898"/>, it's really great to read that your doctors are so open and supportive. Hopefully the UK will catch up with Australia and the US at some point ! Yes please do keep us posted - I'll look forward to your updates! -Catherine, Community Moderator
daqsgirl Member
Overall my PsA is pretty well controlled with a combination of Cosentyx injections and celebrex. One ankle and one hip still bother me, and the only relief I get is from steroid injections. I have to go to an orthopedist for these.
1. Haseeb Member
 <inline-mention username="daqsgirl" user-id="3277018"/> how long have you been on this? How long have you been using Celebrex?
jerryr215 Member
When I was first diagnosed the pain was in my knees & now on certain days it’s in my hip. The biggest thing that has helped me is walking. I try and go for 2 small walks a day. I hope this helps & good luck
stellastar Member
This is for Vickie Wilkinson I have had the same experience as you Vickie it took over a year to be diagnosed with Trochanteric Bursitis Which is inflammation of the hip Bursa. It’s incredibly painful and hard to treat. I am only now After 2 years, being considered for guided steroid injections in both my hips to alleviate the pain. Please look into this if your still having this problem and ask your dr about it. Wishing you all the best with it Vickie x
1. julaid Member
 The injection gives great relief! Cannot be done in the office. Some people do light anesthesia. I don’t. The fear is worse than the procedure and yet I go thru it each time! Consider it and good luck.
2. notfromhere Member
 <inline-mention username="Vickie Wilkerson" user-id="3316344"/> Hi Vickie wanted to give you some moral support & my experiences with deep joint injections as well as steroid injections. I've had so many deep knee injections I cannot count. It's a Hyaluronic solution that adds cushion to knees where cartilage is worn away, usually from Osteoarthritis. I would get 3 injections in each knee, 1 week apart, then repeat this ordeal every 6 months, for years and years. They first give a very good numbing shot, followed by the Ultrasound guided Hyaluronic injection. Not everyone uses Ultrasound, Ive had the "guesswork" injections and the Ultrasound and I'll never let them be done without Ultrasound ever again. HUGE difference. These did not contain any steroidal medications. I also on occasion did the Steroid injections into the knee, most of the time they helped, sometimes not. I had frozen shoulder in both shoulders, simultaneously, the right shoulder became frozen and before I could get that treated the left shoulder started up. We had no insurance when the 1st shoulder started so it was over a year of agony before being treated and it took much longer to regain mobility and pain relief. Do NOT delay treating frozen shoulder and forget all the Phys Therapy crap to avoid the steroids, unless your health prevents you from getting a steroid shot. It's a total waste of time & money for most people and you end up getting the shots anyway. Both were treated with deep Steroid injections and 6 yrs later I've had no recurrence. About 13 yrs ago I also had a Steroid injection for Bursitis in the left shoulder. Lastly, I've had numerous Steroid injections for chronic Achilles tendonitis/Enthesitis in my right heel. These were done by a Podiatrist and pain relief usually lasted anywhere from a few days to a few months. I don't get them anymore because they're no longer effective. Today there is very little chance of damaging the tissue and joints like the old way of using steroids, especially if done by someone really good. Not just someone that CAN do them, but doctors, like Sports Medicine physicians that do them daily. I have had MD's that CAN give an injection (but shouldn't) and those that actually know what they're doing. Even a lot of Rheumatologists can give them, but unless they're doing it regularly and good at it, then I wouldn't let them. Poorly placed and poorly done injections can make you feel MUCH worse, for a very long time, think months not days or a week, I've been there. Even the Orthopedic physician I was seeing in Ca, can't come close to the precision of the Sports Medicine doctors I went to later. I really like my Rheumatologist, but when she said she 'can' give me an injection, a giant red flag went up. I cannot take the risk in order to spare her professional feelings, she's not the one that has to endure how my body is going to respond, I am. So, in order not to alienate every MD, I take the time to carefully explain this up front and remain firm about who injects what and where. Todays steroids for joint pain usually are a mix of several medications, one of which seems to mitigate the damage steroids can inflict on tissue. The one thing everyone needs to be aware of, is that it will raise your blood glucose quite high for several days, even if you are Not Diabetic. If you are Diabetic, you need to be prepared in advance for dealing with that. I am Diabetic and still got the injections, so it's very doable. The other thing I would advise based on personal experience, is to rest for a couple of days after, even if your doctor says you can resume normal activities. You're getting an injection because you have pain from something that damages your body. Rest and let the meds have their best chance to work. Hope this has helped and feel free to ask me any questions. Good luck.
sarahr Member
What I have found helpful over the years so far.. Microwavable heat pads and slippers, orthopaedics, pain gels, regular exercise esp walks, not overdoing it in the garden which is easier said than done for me!! Using any weight bearing helping aids you can and avoiding repetitive tasks. A extra supportive cushion on my office chair at work and a memory foam mattress topper on our bed! Certain medications also help me but that's a discussion to be had with a dr and not in a forum. And never consult Dr Google without a balanced IRL medical opinion as well x
1. Vickie Wilkerson Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="3308910" username="sarahr"/> . Thank you for the suggestions. I do live under my heat blanket in the winter. An extra cushion for my chair is a definite positive. Thanks again. Vickie W., Community Moderator
helene Member
Vicki Wilson, along with trochanteric bursitis, ask your doctors about the possibility of piriformis syndrome. I’ve had both and they both involved pain on laying down. The bursitis flares occasionally. The piriformis hurts steadily. My best results for both bursitis and piriformis came from my Pain Management Center. PsA may make these conditions harder to resolve, but they aren’t unique to PsA. Best of luck.
1. Vickie Wilkerson Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="3288020" username="helene"/> . Thank you for sharing. Since the hip pain just started I am still going through testing on it. I will ask about these. Thanks again. Vickie W., Community Moderator
2. honey007 Member
 <inline-mention username="helene" user-id="3288020"/> what did your pain management center do to help? Thank you!
lindthorn Member
I know that a few others have mentioned this, but a pillow between the knees to keep the hips in alignment works wonders for me. I use a small travel pillow as a large one gets in the way, but I am a small person.
1. SareBear Member
 A pillow under the knees while laying on your back also helps to relieve lower back pressure.
rmhm Member
I have just returned from seeing my chiropractor. Some work on the S3 joint cause the leg pain to disappear.
blueridgediva Member
I haven't read the other comments yet, but first let me say I'm so sorry you are experiencing this! Trochanteric bursitis and glute tendinopathy were the first things that sent me to a rheumatologist. You described my pain perfectly, but you could be dealing with any number of issues. I hope they can get to the source of the pain and get you feeling better soon! ♥️
julaid Member
It used to be my knees that gave me terrible pain. Now the pain has moved to my hips and SI joints. This is common with PsA and its awful. I have it in bed and am constantly changing positions. Heat seems to help a bit. My orthopedic will schedule a hip injection of steroids and that has really helped but not a fun experience. I am now considering it for my left hip. Did wonders for my right hip.
cynthia-m Member
Vickie, I'm so sorry to hear your story. But I can totally relate. When I turned 30 life forced me to slow down. The hip pain was unbarable. I would take hot showers and lay on the floor crying in pain. I then meet my angels, the most wonderful doctor and his team. He explained that he would help me get a tool belt full of tools that would help me feel better. When my hip pain is unbatrable he puts me on a high steroid dose which helps reduce some of the pain and then followed by a few weeks of small doses of prednisone. He also gives me sleeping pills to ensure I can sleep through the night on really abd days. Now he has me on a daily baby dose of cyclobenzaprine. With his help and suggestions I have added a heated blanket helps reduce the pain, kt tape when i feel i need stability, tens machine, penetrex, a yoga ball to help stretch the muscles, a body pillow to help raise my hip since I'm a side sleeper, and an adjustable bed. Its trial and error. Some days one thing helps and the next i have to try something else. But the point is to have options available. Sometime I feel so desperate I cry and its okay to feel like this when you have chronic pain. But you cant stop looking for something that will make you feel better. Good luck hun.
robert Member
It's always a mystery to me which part of my body PSA will wreak havoc upon. It seems if I gain an improvement in one area it's like this disease says, "Oh yeah, well how do like this one!?" Maybe 2 yrs ago I started having pain in my right hip. I thought it started from driving the car while wearing cowboy boots. With the high heel it kinda cocked my leg. I ended up in serious pain in my hip, up the back and shooting down my whole leg. I dumped the boots straight away. I thought it was something like sciatica. Just getting out of bed to the chair in the morning was unbelievably pathetic. That was then... I don't experience that now but my right hip is still a nagging annoyance each day. Its centers out from a tendon at the top of the inside of my leg. PSA messes with my skin, lower back, neck, left wrist, elbow and shoulder, hip, my eyes and at times my intestines. I don't tolerate medications well and I get by without any. I'm lucky. I pay attention to diet. I try eat well and stay away from junk foods and processed food. I'm not fanatical about it but for the most part I stay away from dairy and beef. I've started an easy daily walk, some breathing exercises and I use the pillow between my knees when I'm ready to call it a day. It's never there when I wake up... I have realised improvements. Good luck! 
1. lindabilly Member
 So true! I always say this disease looks over my body and takes something hostage just for giggles! It may stay a day or it may take a year, but it is always looking for the next organ or joint to take hostage in its evil plot!
lindabilly Member
I have been struggling with hip pain on and off for 6 or 7 years, worse in my left. I have chronic bursitis and did not have hip pain at all until I had an upper respiratory infection and was given Levaquin. The Levaquin worked great on my infection, but I started having horrible hip pain mostly in my left hip. I could barely get up from a sitting position it was so bad and my mantra of "Keep Moving!" was difficult to keep in my daily life. The Levaquin of course, zeroed in on my hips, especially the left one and I have had some good days since, but only with the addition of steroid injections. My doc will only give so many a year and I'm in the flight pattern now to get my next round. The steroid injections actually buy me quality pain free walking to where I can be almost a non limp warrior of PsA. I'm turning 60 in a few weeks, ::long bow for making it, almost:: and this last 10 years I have learned more about auto immune stuff than most docs will ever have the wisdom of because this illness forces us to be. I get weary at times and have terrible "doctor burnout" even though I have built a great network of doctors that listen and try to give me quality of life. My wife is in stage 4 liver failure and I am her first line of support so I desperately need to feel the best I can not only for me, but also for her, too. She has Lupus induced liver failure and 99% of the time, she fights the valiant fight but like the rest of us folks in pain, she has those really bad days. My schedule feels full all the time for her, for myself for our home and our pets, Tucker the cat and Mason the doodle. Our youngest daughter lives with us and does help out, but she works full time. When the hip pain gets really bad, I have to give in and take a day of rest, heat, pain meds, muscle relaxers and and we do our Netflix binges. On those bad days, you have to take care of yourself and answer the call and rest. If you don't, you know at some point your body will crash and you will be in an even worse pain. We have about all the pain we can take. Self inflicted was can actually control that destiny. I don't have a lot of really bad days, but when I do take the day or even two when the pain is that bad, the wife knows we are in it together and we will figure it out, together. I have promised her a hot tub and I will get a lot from that gift, too. I have found water to be my greatest doc and pain reliever. I suggest it to you as well and get a nice rubber ducky to watch float by as you run the jets. Feel free to vent anytime. We are all in this together and we get these pain battles better than anyone. Hang in and hang on. We can do this.
kellis Member
Osteoarthritis of the spine...AKA... degenerative disc disease. I have it and PsA. The disc that is currently herniated is causing hip pain, especially at night that radiates to my upper legs. It is pushing on the nerves and the spinal cord. It took an MRI to get a clear diagnosis. That’s one idea. The other possibility could be bursitis. If you can remember doing repetitive motions with your hip. Good luck. I understand completely!
kellis Member
Oh, I thought of something else... If one of your legs is shorter than the other, it can cause problems. Getting an insole lift can do wonders.
alisha0818 Member
I too suffer from hip pain. Sacroiilitis, trochanteric bursitis, piriformis syndrom and gluteal ____ (welp brain farted on that one!) An intra articular hip joint injection offered relief as well as strengthening exercises. I also have Femoroacetabular Impingement with labral tears- caused by the PsA.
cazmac Member
Hip pain is aweful. It can be from many things - but you need to find the cause! Mine came on hard & fast after contracting a severe bout of flu 4 months prior. I had a very mild psoriasis in my scalp (just a nuisance thing). I kept complaining of lower back pain & groin pain & walking with a limp- xray was a bit of osteoarthritis, but one Morning, woke up in excruciating pain in lower body - off to hospital- treated for sciatica. 3 days later I’m worse & back to hospital. This time - the dr ordered an urgent MRI. Total shock - severe arthritis & hips were bone on bone (right worse than left)! Follow up GP, Rheumatologist & diagnosis was PsA. Other joints were being attacked as well, especially hands, wrists & shoulders Moving on - 3 years down the track. I have had both hip joints replaced & I can’t tell you my joy & appreciation of regaining mobility & feeling almost “normal”. I agree - use mobility aids (even wheelchair on occasions) & warm water exercise- they were my greatest help for 2 years. (Plus meds & physio) I take Celebrex, methotrexate- a stack of supplements (fish oil, Vit D, turmeric, magnesium, glucosamine & folate) Plus I do need a Tramadol Sometimes for back pain (that’s still a problem) Exercise programs & physio have helped a lot. I do a 10 minute routine of stretches & easy exercises before I get out of bed! As for sleep! Yes! I learnt to sleep on my back with pillow under knees for 2 years & never slept soundly at all. I can now sleep about one hour on my side before the shoulders complain & hand goes numb. Readjustment of life! But hey! I am mobile, keeping positive & enjoying “what I can do!” And rest up in between. Hope you get answers - you really need to be a detective & advocate for yourself & figure what works best for you!
pay0712 Member
I have hip pain as well. My Rheumatologist says its trochantric bursitis. Had an cray but only showed mild arthritis. She gives me steroid injections in both hips, although right is worse than left. The injections give me relief for about a month. Maybe those done by an orthopedic would last longer. I also have problems keeping in bed. I sleep on my left side most of the time so as to not directly lay on my right hip. But in the last few months, the pain from my hip will start going down my leg, even when I'm not sleeping on it. It helps to have a wedge pillow between my legs and a heating pad on the right hip. Just bought a brand new mattress in hopes that I could sleep better and have more cushioning on my hips. Didnt work. I still spend 80% of my nights in my recliner. The injections arent bad at all...nothing to be scared about. Good luck finding something that works for you.
shadowmoon Member
I found that a pillow placed between the knees helps with hip pain. I roll over from side to side to give each hip a rest. And I bought a new, soft mattress. If it gets really bad I give up sleeping and gently walk around the house to warm-up and lubricate my hip joints then go back to bed once the pain eases. Hope this helps.
pattiedmon Member
I experienced the same thing and found out that I have bursitis. I got a shot in my hip but physical therapy also helps! Best wishes
reham Member
I’m sorry about it. I already experienced the hip pain. And it’s awfully bad. I hate it and I hate everything with it I feel hopeless when the flare up came. I hope everything will be better soon.
rackmani Member
Suspect you have trochanteric pain syndrome - whuch is often rapidly relived with a suitably placed steroid injection followed by physio. I wish you well.
kdmenke Member
I have had "hip" pain for a few years now. My Rheumatologist is awesome (and she graciously reminds me that it is not technically my "hip" but the greater tronchanter that is hurting). It is called trochanteric bursitis. A steroid injection placed directly into the inflammed area gives me relief for a month or so. If you will do a YouTube search for Greater Trochanteric Bursitis and find the almost 15 minute video by Ask Dr. Jo, I promise you that doing those few exercises in the video will be helpful. I do them whenever I have a bad flare up to help me get through until my next Rheumatologist appointment. I hope this has helped you a little. This journey is definitely a challenge. Just remember, you are not alone.
babzee1960 Member
I get this exact hip pain the down my legs just about every night. I never associated it with my psoriatic arthritis. I’ll be sure to bring it up with my rheumatologist next appointment. It’s no picnic when pains wakes you up in the night and the you can’t go back to sleep.
1. joer Member
 I feel your pain. A great way to get relief before going to bed is soaking in the bathtub with epson salt; many scented blends available at Walmart. I enjoy lavender as it's designed for greater relaxation. Also, I posted that seeing a physical therapist can and should help with stretching and strengthening of the area. I’ve benefited from this practice and highly recommend it. This dreadful disease will try to shut us down but a better plan to fight back will slow it down and even stop it. All of us suffering from PsA need to understand that movement is the kryptonite to this dreadful disease so get up and MOVE! Hope this inspires everyone to seek an action plan and stick to it. Good luck!
joer Member
Hello, I find this pain in the hip area to be just that, a pain but I’ve found that physical therapy very helpful. First, going through the stretching and later strengthening regimen relieves me of so many stresses. I highly recommend seeing one to help with stiffness and muscle tightness which we all suffer from. Getting this area worked on is SO important as immobility worsen the condition. Exercise is our friend in getting through this horrible pain but don’t over do it just enough to get the juices flowing and body moving. Yoga and other activities will strengthen and get you back on your feet.
kaffygramma Member
I had that pain in my left hi. For 10 years it has been killing me. I found a little triangle shaped pillow that you place to hold thighs apart. I swear it made my hip quit hurting in 2 nights. You can find on amazon
growlsnspitz Member
I have osteo and inflammatory arthritis diagnoses mainly because my skin psoriasis is mild, not sure the logic of that but there we are, and I am skittish of medications, being a side effect and allergy maker. I have arthritis in basically all my joints, especially back and SI, with some of the joints worsening significantly in the last 6 months. After years of x-rays and bloodwork showing nothing, or "a little" osteo, I had some helpful PT, neurology and rheumatology people who identified severe scoliosis, stenosis, bone spurs, etc. in lower back and neck, which was a relief after a couple of doctors implying it was all in my head. Long story to get at hip pain. Pay attention to your lower back because much (not all) of my knee and hip pain have come from my SI and lumbar arthritis. A neurology nurse practitioner had me describe all the pains I ever had and helped me figure out some fine distinctions between the bone on bone, joint inflammations and the nerve impingements and their sources. I love her. That helps me figure out whether to use NSAIDs, topicals, PT-yoga-pilates exercises, heat-cool, or what.
joyjoy Member
You would be amazed at what physical therapy can do. If you don’t have the finances to do that you can try searching videos. The muscle you are talking about is I believe the pirformous. If you look on you tube there are a lot of free stretching videos.
mema51 Member
I have been dealing with the hip pain for over a year, forcing me to walk with a walker. I kept returning to my orthopedic surgeon insisting that my 11 year old hip replacement was bad because he had already told me I received one of the appliances known to fail. He kept xraying my hip & telling me the implant is fine. I could not figure out why I was in such terrible agony until I realized that sitting on certain chairs causes pressure on my pelvis & it affects the alignment of my hips. Of course the worst chair was my favorite livingroom recliner. I purposefully had bought an electric remote controlled lift recliner a couple of years ago because I have a hard time getting up from a sitting position due to the rheumatoid arthritis in my knees. I tried using a seat cushion but it didn't help. I realized the shape of the seat & the hardness was what was making me hurt. I went & bought a different chair. Just a regular chair that wasn't a recliner & had a wide & softer seat. This worked well for about 3 months when the pain started up again. I ordered a 4" memory foam cushion & use that on the chair. That helped for another 2 months & the pain returned. I cannot sit on dining chairs, bridge chairs, patio chairs, benches etc without paying the price. I even have a memory foam seat cushion on my car seat which seems to be the only seat I can sit on for hours at a time & not pay a price for it. AAARRRGGGHHHHH! I can't live in my car! 2 months ago I went to Lazy Boy & sat in every single chair in the store & found one that seems promising to give me a good sitting place. I hope. I'm at my wit's end. If this new chair doesn't work for me I don't know what I will do. I have a memory foam mattress & can't lay on the side that hurts. I am responding to you to suggest that maybe it's the chair you sit in to relax, watch tv etc? How do you feel when you sit in other chairs? It took me a very long time to realize what was happening. I'm sure as time goes on my symptoms will worsen & I will try to deal with them as they show up. Good luck to you. 
1. Jill.Brodie Community Admin
 Hi @mema51, thanks for sharing with us. I can hear your frustration!! I am so glad you kept going and I really hope this new chair provides you with relief. Jill, Team Member
mema51 Member
Thank you <inline-mention username="Jill.Brodie" user-id="3290804"/>. I hope so too. It's the 3rd chair I've bought in the past 2 years. PsA can be very frustrating & even expensive when we look for relief of our pain.
andieh Member
My PsA does the rounds of my body regularly, both sides every time. I’m on the highest dose of sulfazalasine and it’s manageable most of the time. Sometimes so good that I forget, and then pay for it afterwards. My hip pain (and more recently SI joint) is excruciating at times, and moving is a no go without crutches. So I highly recommend that. It takes some weight off the hips. I am by no means overweight but even a small weight fluctuation during the flares (mine goes for stints of 1-3 week takes a break and then we’re on again) is enough to make it worse. I highly recommend seeing a physio. I’ve found a good one and have some stretches now that helps. Weighted or with a person to assist. It hurts but gives relief after. Other than that it’s just to wait it out. Training is good if you stay within your limits. Finding the limits is easy but listening to your body is the tricky part. I train crossfit and have had to find scaling options for a whole range of movements. Many of my flares are due to thinking my body is still what it once was. 
1. Jill.Brodie Community Admin
 Hi @andieh, I am so glad that the crutches and stretches have been helping you. I am also happy to hear you are able to exercise within your limits. Thanks for sharing with us. Jill, Team Member
shadowmoon Member
Try a pillow between your legs to even up the angle of your top most leg to your hips.
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 Great advice, @shadowmoon! Thanks for sharing! - Lori (Team Member)
ddavis Member
I am so sorry you’re experiencing this because I know how bad hip pain is because I also have hip pain and have for more than a year. I believe mine is sciatica, but not sure? I haven’t had an x-ray. Sleeping is hard and driving for too long hurts, too. Stretching relieves it somewhat but not entirely. 
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="ddavis" user-id="3282373"/>. I hope you are able to see your doctor about your hip pain soon. Physical therapy might be very helpful for you, especially since it hurts more during certain activities. Thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member)
ddavis Member
Yes, yesterday actually. And before. I've had massages, and they help a lot. I also bought a pad to sit on that is supposed to help! And thank you!
cynthia hunter Member
Yes, the cause is sitting for too long. I experienced this for years. I finally found help for this last year. My physical therapist did a sacral adjustment on my lumbar area and I heard a huge pop and the pain immediately left. He showed me how to adjust the lowest joint in my lower lumbar region myself. Each time after I sit for a long period I adjust this area. I lay on my stomach on the bed or the floor and take a moment or two to allow my low back to completely relax. Then I quickly bend my knees and throw my feet toward my buttocks. This reverses the position that the spine has been in while sitting. I repeat if I need to and eventually I will hear the pop in my low lumbar area and get relief. Or I just move my bent legs together into different positions until it pops. It works best if the feet are flexed (at a 90 degree angle to legs). My PT told me that if I can't get it to pop to go to a chiro or cranialsacral therapist and ask them to adjust the lowest joint in the lower lumbar region. But relax on the bed and keep trying different positions of the bent legs for awhile. Also, don't sit for too long without getting up and walking around a little. It may eventually work for you. Best, Cynthia
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 How awesome that you found a technique that helps, <inline-mention username="cynthia hunter" user-id="4251789"/>! Thanks for sharing this with the rest of the community. It might not help everyone since some might have different causes for their back pain, but I am sure it will help many. Sending the warmest of wishes your way. - Lori (Team Member)
Psa2022 Member
I had an epidural 4 weeks ago for my extreme right hip pain. The epidural worked! No more stabbing throbbing pain in my right hip! I have lupus and osteoporosis. My right hip concerns me the most because I am not building back my t-scores shown on DEX. I was on Reclast 4 years no help lost 10% more bone. So this year received my first shot of Prolia. It’s every 6 months hopefully it will help. Chronic severe pain is overwhelming and it will take over your body and mind. I pray that each of us finds a compassionate pain management doctor who understands the complexity of our lives as we struggle to keep our heads above the water. 
1. Vickie Wilkerson Moderator & Contributor
 Hi @Psa2022. How interesting. No one ever suggested doing an epidural in my hip. I will be bringing that option up at my next doctor appointment. I appreciate you for sharing your experience. Chronic pain can definitely take over your body and mind. When you are in severe pain it makes it hard to concentrate on anything else. Vickie W., Team Member
LynnR Member
I have terrible hip pain that radiates down my leg, affects my knee, and works its way to my ankle and foot. Some of the pain is related to my sciatic nerve. I have found that doing some back and hip stretches before I get out of bed in the morning really helps. I also had a steroid injection in my lower back and that made a huge difference. Good luck to you.
cheyenne Member
I have had terrible SI joint pain to the extent of having nerve block injections to ablations from pain management. I have realized that when I was sleeping, I was on my right side ( due to extreme acid reflux) but I was pulling my right knee up and it was comfortable for me to be able to get some sleep,(stretching out my hip and lower back) but when I would awaken, my lower back and SI joint area was so painful. I have tried to make some changes and pay more attention to the way I am laying, trying to make sure my legs are straightened out. It has made a huge difference. 
1. Vickie Wilkerson Moderator & Contributor
 Hi @cheyenne. Thanks for responding. I have yet to have the experience of a nerve block. I do have a friend that has psoriatic arthritis that has had several of them. I will have to try your suggestion of paying more attention to the way I lay. It could be the answer to some of the pain. Thank you. Vickie W., Team Member
gailh Member
I too developed pain in the hip, buttock and groin area on the side I sleep. An ultrasound showed enlarged lymph nodes and an inguinal hernia. The pain meds constipate me which cause the hernia to enlarge and the inflammation from the PSA in the tendons press against it causing an excruciating pinching pain when I change positions. My hip joint feels like it’s slipping out when I walk and have to use a stick so my leg doesn’t collapse. I’m not having a hernia op till we’ve trialled the new oral biologic because I know the risks in that surgery can outweigh the the benefits. Three days on the new med and it seemed to be working- actually spent a day at the office but then awake on and off last night in pain again and joints swollen and sore soles of feet this morning. Up to now I’ve been in denial of my condition but it’s time I really face the fact that it’s here to stay. Did it take anyone else 5 years to accept it??
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="gailh" user-id="3286182"/>. How awesome that you are having a positive effect from the new biologic so soon. That can take months for some people. I hope you continue to see more improvement over time. I don't think you are alone when it comes to denial. No one really wants to accept that they have a lifelong progressive disease. Finding medication that helps must make acceptance a bit easier. Gentle hugs. - Lori (Team Member) 
2. Vickie Wilkerson Moderator & Contributor
 Hi @gailh I hope the new meds continue to work and last night was just a break through pain for you. I can say it took me a long time to accept the psoriatic arthritis diagnosis too. I can't remember how long but that is not the point. It is so hard to accept something that is changing your life. Sending gentle hugs your way. Vickie W., Team Member
Tripletmom Member
I’m so sorry you are having this problem. I too have struggled with hip pain (and shoulder pain) keeping me awake at night and I can’t sleep on my back either. It took a long time but I have finally had some luck by sleeping on my side with just the right pillows. I have a king size pillow that goes between my knees to cushion my legs, a small memory foam neck pillow that goes underneath my thighs to take the weight off my hips (concave shape- pictured), and a regular sized memory foam pillow that goes under my side to take weight off both the hip and shoulder. After a couple years of this I feel that my hip has gotten less sensitive, but I keep the pillows exactly the same because I am afraid of backsliding! My husband hates to travel with me because I bring all these pillows but I don’t care- I have learned that I have to do what I can to take care of myself.😂 A sleepless night makes for a miserable day! Don’t give up! Keep trying different pillows or maybe even a cushier bed. The doctors could not help me so I kept trying till I found something that gave me some relief to make the pain manageable. Good luck! Don’t give up. You are worth it! Hope you find some relief.<img src="/content/images/2022/11/10/d9713dfdec2117eccbeb38e386037dcd_medium.jpeg" alt="" class="uploaded-image"/>
1. Jill.Brodie Community Admin
 Thanks so much for sharing @Tripletmom. I am so glad you found these aides to help you sleep at night. I laughed out loud when you said your husband hates to travel with you 😀. So glad you have relief now and restful sleeping. Jill, team member
Psa2022 Member
I completely understand hip pain and SI Joint pain it’s overwhelming and it controls my daily life activities. Epidural injections have helped me with the Si Joint pain and hip pain. Relief lasted 3 weeks. Plus I have tried three different anti inflammatory medications Otezla, Prednisone, and Avara, that worked but my body had major issues so I was told to stop taking. I am now going on my third week after self injecting Skyrizi hopefully it will control the inflammation and pains with no issues. It’s been a long road to find relief. Some days are almost impossible to get out of bed and get moving. Sometimes I have spent several days in bed with extreme pain and just have to try and sleep it off. Grateful for my husband he knows how to keep me grounded & going. A good support system with rest and exercise a must and a good pain management specialist & rheumatologist. Godspeed
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 I hope Skyrizi brings you relief, <inline-mention username="Psa2022" user-id="4727201"/>. Keep us posted if you don't mind sharing. I'll be thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member)
nannybella Member
It sounds like sciatica if the pain runs down back of leg, I have the same and had injection in spine which helped, I have had psoriasis arthritis for 20 odd years and am on rinvoq which is marvellous, after trying so many mods, hope this elps, look it up.
Pearlsgirl Member
I had this experience for the first time last year. I was told that it is bursitis, yet another lovely form of inflammation!
BonnieLoo Member
When you say "doctor," do you mean rheumatologist or general practice? My rheumatologist immediately identified my "weird" hip pain as trochanteric bursitis, which is common w/ PSA and RA. She used an ultrasound to see that the inflammation was just where she suspected: the bursa of the trochanter. And, like another commenter, steroid injection did the trick. That was a year or so ago w/ my right side, and it's not come back. Best wishes!
CommunityMember234924 Member
I haven't been able to sleep on either side for a couple years now. If I try the hip pain is unbearable within minutes. I have to sleep on my back. Not my favorite position but what can I do.
1. Vickie Wilkerson Moderator & Contributor
 Hi @CommunityMemberw234924. Thanks for responding. Because of a knee injury I have to sleep on my back too. Many sleepless nights because of it not to mention it actually puts more pressure on my hips. I hope you are able to get some sleep on your back. Vickie W., Team Member
AussieLady Member
I am also suffering from hip and back pain. Back pain has been ongoing for many years after a herniated disc which I had surgery on. Over the years my back does give me pain that is most days but not all day. I was warned that the disc above was not that stable and to expect eventually my spine will have a domino effect. I recently had a CT Scan and it showed up Osteo changes in my hips and then I had an Ultra sound done on my right hip which showed that I had Bursitis. I have a referral to have a Steroid injection whilst being seen while under X ray by a doctor. Just haven't made this appointment yet. I also had a CT scan of my back and like you did not get a call so I have not got the results. Might be worth you pushing for a few more tests even if it helps rule out causes that might not be PsA. PsA does not necessarily show up on X Rays unless there is significant damage even though the pain right now can be debilitating.
CommunityMembera5a154 Member
I have given up trying to find a comfortable position in bed due to hip pain. I feel like a rotisserie chicken turning often from one side to the other to reliev pain. My solution is to sleep in a recliner until I can afford a bed which places me in the same position. It's not ideal but allows me uninterrupted sleep without hip pain.
SuzyE Member
I have had severe hip pain, so that I’ve had difficulty walking. My Dr says it’s bursitis. Recently had a steroid injection that did not hurt at the site, but has helped a lot!
1. Vickie Wilkerson Moderator & Contributor
 Hi @SuzyE thanks for commenting. I am so happy the steroid injection has helped you. I hope it helps for a long time. Vickie W., Team Member
Tripletmom Member
I have the same problem with my PSA and have found some relief by putting one extra pillow under my waist area and a small pillow under the bottom leg between the knee and hip. This takes some pressure off my hip and distributes it to my side and upper leg. Experiment with the size and placement of the pillows. It took me some time to get it right, but I’m now sleeping again! I can’t travel out of town without my extra pillows that are exactly right for me! 😂. Good luck! Don’t give up!
1. Vickie Wilkerson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Tripletmom" user-id="3305006"/> thank you for the advice. Will have to give it a try. Traveling has always been a nightmare for me so I might have to try it while traveling as well. Vickie W., Team Member
MichelleHammer Member
Oh my gosh!! You and I have the exact same problems! My back and hips were so bad that I couldn't walk like a normal person and don't even ask me to stand for very long or even get up after a fall (my son says I trip over air lol). My rheumatologist just kept giving me pain pills and muscle relaxers but neither really helped, didn't even dull it. And it is ALWAYS when I try to relax and go to sleep that I hurt the worst. Finally, I had had enough. I went to see my PCP and she referred me to a pain clinic. Those guys were absolutely AMAZING!!!!! The PA had an MRI done on my lumbar spine (FINALLY because that's what I had been telling the medical professionals!!!!!). He said there wasn't much they could do to my back because it is so bad, but he recommended Radiofrequency Ablation to kill the nerves that were sending the signals to the pain receptors in my brain. It was a miracle!!! The first diagnostic test they use anesthesia to deaden the nerves to make sure they are targeting the correct nerves and lasts 6-8 hours. I went home afterwards and wallpapered half my bathroom (probably would have done it all if I hadn't run out lol). The nurse called the next day and asked how I was feeling. I told her how amazing it was to be pain free after so many years and what I had done and I think she almost fell out of her chair because she was so shocked! But, I was so used to overdoing things when I was having a good day that I just felt like I definitely had to take advantage of the situation! The second diagnostic test I finished the wallpaper LOL! After the radiologist finished the ablation, I am able to walk normally, and a whole lot farther than I have in years. I finally put the cane away for the time being! On top of that, I have lost 40 pounds because my activity level had gone way up. Don't get me wrong, the RA hurt like hell, not near as bad as the diagnostics had, but by the next day I was fine! Please ask your rheumatologist or PCP to refer you to a pain clinic!!!
Amore Member
Hi Vickie, as you are already aware, I am new this year to this forum. I just finished your article on hip pain that you wrote 3 years ago. I'm wondering if, and how, you have found relief. My worst flares have involved my hips. When they flare I cannot stand up straight or walk on my own. Even with a cane I am in excruciating pain and agonizingly slow. I have no ability to lift my affected leg, not even through pain, it simply will not budge no matter how much I "will" it to. I have to use my hands to pick it up. This typically lasts a week, the last time, a couple of months ago, it went on for 11 days. My MRIs show bursitis in the greater trochanter, torn labrums, and chondroid lesions in the femurs. Hooray.😑 When they flare it sets off my sacroiliitis where I have severe sclerosis in both those joints. The whole mess feels like hard labor with a big headed baby (had one of those), or kidney stones. Loads of fun. I deal with it by sitting in a jacuzzi tub with about 4 cups Epsom salts and the jets blasting on those joints for an hour. When I get out I generously rub a very affective 1:1 cbd:thc topical non psychoactive cream into the area, take a mild muscle relaxer, methocarbamol (aka Robaxin), a Tylenol for arthritis, then nest up in a pile of supporting pillows and a heated throw blanket around the affected hip and low back/pelvis. It's completely debilitating. Typically after about 3 days i can move the affected hip a little on its own and I do that as much as I can take it, just gentle rocking movements to get the blood flowing again. Each day a tiny bit more until I can walk again. Then I just add a couple to a few more yards a day with a goal of 1 mile. When the pain completely subsides I get back into the gym doing all the prescribed hip physical therapy in hopes that it won't happen again. Regarding physical therapy, as explained to me by a Dr of orthopedic sports rehabilitation several years ago, the idea is to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints without straining the tendons and ligaments that are the origins of PsA inflammation. Ideally, we are able to develop the musculature well enough to take the load off the smaller tissues and joint capsules. Currently I'm doing pretty good. I might have a crippling flare again, I might not. But now if I do, I won't panic that I may have spontaneously fractured the gooseneck from osteoporosis. I know it won't last forever, and that I will regain control through patience and persistence. I hope your pain in your hips hasn't continued to be agonizing for you. Ever forward!
1. Vickie Wilkerson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Amore" user-id="8539902"/> hi. We seem to be so much alike you and I. The only relief from the hip pain I have found is using my hands to make my leg move when it is really bad. I do put a pillow between my legs but have to admit it takes some getting used to. Finding the right pillow is the key so it doesn't sink in as I sleep. Unfortunately flares are a part of the package with PsA as well as with psoriasis. Doesn't seem to be much we can do about that. I envy the jacuzzi because it helps me when I am able to get in one. My husband and I are saving in hopes of buying one soon. I will probably live in it when we get it. Try some of the other suggestions here on this post and see if they might help you as well. Also just in case you are not aware we do have a Facebook page called psoriatic-arthritisdotcom. You can go there and read responses there as well. Sending gentle hugs your way. VickieW., Team Member
teresal Member
Hi, I have had hip pain with PSA for many years. 2 years ago, I had a bad flare that put me in the hospital. I had to have a surgical procedure to drain fluid off of my right hip. The only true way to find out what’s going on is with MRI. I have had previous X-rays that did not show PSA. I have since had a hip replacement. Good luck!!!
1. Abigail Covert Moderator
 Oh wow, <inline-mention username="teresal" user-id="3314279"/>! I'm so glad that you were able to find the root of your hip pain and have it taken care of💗 I can't imagine what that must've been like for you. Thank you so much for sharing with us💓 If you don't mind me asking, how has your hip been doing since the replacement? - Abigail, Team Member
4rescuecats Member
My hips hurt really bad after I sit for a few minutes, then try to get up and walk. 
1. Abigail Covert Moderator
 I'm so sorry to hear that, <inline-mention username="4rescuecats" user-id="8514021"/>. I wish I could take away your pain😔💕 Please know that the PsA Community is here for you and cares about you💗 Don't hesitate to reach out!! If you don't mind me asking, have you been able to talk to your doctor about this? - Abigail, Team Member
Mylander63 Member
Having hip pain or sciatic pain is no fun. I can't take ibuprofen, and can't use a lot of the different rub on medications either. What I have found that helps is the icey hot patches on my hip area. I use the Walmart generic brand due to cost savings. At least that helps me and sometimes I have tried the lidocaine patches over the counter, but they are so small it's hard to catch the painful area of my hip. Hang in there and hopefully you can find the right combination for you.
Amore Member
Vickie, I do physical therapy exercises and stretches and hydro therapy with a water jet blasting on the joint for up to an hour. Then I get out and rub a good non transdermal (meaning no high because it doesn't penetrate the blood stream) 1:1 CBD:THC cream generously into the area, then get in a comfortable position with a heated throw blanket around my waste or heating pad on the joint. I have advanced sclerosis of both S/I joints, sacroiliitis, hip capsule bursitis both sides, torn hip labrums both sides, torn psoas muscles, and disintegrated disc L5-S1 with bone on bone listhesis. 10 years. No surgeries. You can do it if I can do it. But it is a full time job. So sorry for your personal family drama. I have that too, both sides. Ugh. Yeah. It is what it is, don't let it drag you down the rabbit hole. Perspective is everything. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, even if you have to manually lift that foot with your hands and stick it out in front of you. I've done that too. It works. This too shall pass. It won't last forever. There are loads of better days ahead. Peace be with you.😌🙏
Jennyb06 Member
I too have pain only from my hips down- I've never had any pain on my upper body from psa. I have tried everything! It seems.....hot epsom salt baths, rubs, liniments,heat,ice,massages,tens unit and the list goes on. I am currently on humira and it HAS helped the pain. I currently care for my 94 year old father, so I'm sleeping on a not-so-comfortable bed that I put a foam topper on. It's not MY bed but I have to make do I sleep on my heating pad with a pillow between my legs. I also take a butt-load of supplements buy the one that has helped me THE MOST is umary.(can purchase on amazon) It has hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and a bunch of other all natural ingredients. I've been taking it a couple of weeks and have found a TREMENDOUS difference in my pain level! I also just purchased a pair of hoka shoes(I'm a nurse) and they have made a world of difference. I was able to walk a mile both yesterday and today! I pray you find the "magic combo"for you ! Jenny b

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