Find it hard to put socks on and hard to open legs much?

Hip problem: You are describing two activities that involve rotation of the hip. So it is likely that if you are having problems, you might have developed a condition of the hip, the most common of which would be osteoarthritis. I would not hesitate to be seen and evaluated.

Arthritis: You may be developing a form of arthritis. You need to see a physician for a definitive diagnosis

Go a doctor ASAP: You need a full workup and examination. I hope you will soon be able to open your legs and put socks on!