Signs You May Need a Hip Replacement

A total hip replacement surgery is a significant choice and something that you must carefully consider. Relentless hip pain and stiffness may indicate a worn hip joint, advanced osteoarthritis, or symptoms of another problem. There is no set of rules when it comes to a hip replacement. This is why it is crucial to seek a diagnosis from a trained specialist who can determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure.

Dr Christopher R. Boone specializes in minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. Using robotic technology, Dr Boone can guarantee a precise surgery that produces exceptional results. If your hip pain is becoming hard to deal with, learn what symptoms may be signalling the need for a hip replacement.

These signs can help you assess if its the right time for surgery

Hip pain can cause soreness, stiffness, and in severe cases, inflammation. If your hip pain is interfering with day-to-day activities like taking a short walk, it may be time to consider surgery. Most patients elect to undergo a hip replacement to relieve pain and stiffness brought on by osteoarthritis.

Persistent hip or groin pain

If pain is interfering with normal, daily activities, this could be a sign of hip arthritis. It’s essential to get treatment for pain that makes it difficult to fall asleep or wake up in the morning. Physical movements, like getting up from a chair or climbing the stairs, can irritate your hip joints and trigger painful symptoms. Taking a break or resting should not be painful, but if your hip hurts, you might want to consider surgery.

Stiffness

Stiff hip joints that make it difficult to put on shoes or lift your leg may be an advanced sign of osteoarthritis. If you are unable to stand on your problem leg for more than a minute, even when balancing against a door frame for support, you might have a hip problem. If persistent stiffness becomes an ongoing problem, consult with Dr Boone about your options for a full hip replacement.

Hip joints that are damaged or arthritic

Patients with deformed or damaged hip joints should consider hip replacement surgery. Joints that are damaged worsen over time, and it may be harder to correct them. Both osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are known to cause severe damage to your hip joints. Choosing hip replacement surgery helps you regain the quality of your life by alleviating uncomfortable symptoms.

Your pain is not responding to other treatments

Hip replacement surgery is an effective treatment option if your painful symptoms have not responded to medication or physical therapy. Some patients find that pain medication efficiently relieves symptoms. Most treatments for hip pain only work temporarily with injections lasting for only a couple of months. Pain medications often carry the risk of adverse side effects, like drowsiness, and only last a few hours. Hip replacement surgery is the only option that reassures your freedom from painful symptoms for years to come.

As the cartilage in your joints breaks down, symptoms of an affected hip become more apparent and severe. Dr Boone may recommend total hip replacement surgery to patients who suffer from Avascular necrosis or a severe hip fracture.

If you’re experiencing painful and persistent hip problems, call our office, or book an appointment online today!