Pain after AVN core decompression can persist for some time, but significant pain while putting weight on the leg after 8 months warrants a review. It is important to check whether the AVN is healing/stable or whether there has been progression or collapse of the femoral head. For symptom control, temporarily reduce prolonged walking, running, jumping, heavy lifting and other high-impact activities. A short course of pain/anti-inflammatory medication may be used if prescribed and if there are no kidney, stomach, cardiac or other contraindications. Physiotherapy focusing on gentle hip mobility and strengthening can help, but exercises should be guided according to the current stage of AVN.

Anti inflammatory non steroidal medicine Hip exercise

Pain 8 months after hip decompression shouldn’t automatically be attributed to inflammation. Persistent weight-bearing pain warrants a clinical review and usually repeat X-rays/MRI to check the stage of AVN, bone collapse, or other causes. Do: follow the surgeon’s weight-bearing advice, continue appropriate physiotherapy, maintain a healthy weight, and use prescribed anti-inflammatory medication if suitable. Don’t: push through significant pain, high-impact activities/running, or self-medicate with prolonged steroids/NSAIDs. The key is to identify the cause of the pain rather than simply treating the “inflammation.”