Have you recently been experiencing hip joint pain? What symptoms indicate you should see your orthopedic surgeon? What symptoms might indicate you need hip replacement surgery? Let’s look into these issues so you make the decision right for your musculoskeletal health.
What Is a Hip Replacement?
A hip replacement is an orthopedic surgery which exchanges all or some of natural hip joint components with synthetic ones. The replacement parts may be made of metal, ceramic or plastic and approximate the function and strength of a naturally, healthy hip joint.
Also called hip arthroplasty, a hip replacement procedure does involve some risks. However, for individuals who have suffered from chronic hip pain and difficulty walking due to degenerative joint disease or other conditions, a hip replacement can provide relief and improve quality of life.
Symptoms Indicating It Is Time to See Your Orthopedic Surgeon
If you are experiencing persistent hip pain which does not respond to conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, it may be time to see your orthopedic surgeon about more advanced care. Your pain may be located in the front of the hip and/or the groin area.
Other symptoms that may indicate the need for a hip replacement include:
- Extreme stiffness in the hip joint (so much so that putting on socks may be difficult to impossible).
- Limited range of motion (you may not be able to bend over).
- Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg.
Plus, you may feel a grinding sensation in your hip joint or hear clicking noises when you move.
Beyond these specific symptoms, hip pain patients usually discard many of the activities they enjoy because they are in so much pain. They may fear a damaging fall due to limited hip function.
Over the counter pain medications may provide little to no relief. Plus, patients (and their healthcare providers) desire to avoid dependence on heavier pain medications, such as opioids.
Finally, when physical therapy and lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, bring no symptom relief, surgery can be the final–and best–treatment.
Determining When You Need a Hip Replacement Surgery
People who have long standing osteoarthritis in their hips may pursue hip arthroplasty with a highly skilled orthopedic hip surgeon. Also, individuals who have experienced hip trauma through a serious fall, sports collision, auto accident or work mishap may be candidates for hip replacement.
To decide on your path to better movement, balance and joint comfort, your orthopedic surgeon will perform a physical examination and review of your medical history. X-rays or other imaging tests, such as MRI, may be ordered to assess the damage in your hip joint.
When considering hip replacement surgery, carefully weigh the benefits and risks involved. While the procedure can greatly improve mobility and relieve pain for many patients, there are potential complications to discuss with your healthcare provider. These can include infection, blood clots, nerve damage and even dislocation of the new joint.
In addition to discussing potential risks, your orthopedic surgeon will determine if you are a good candidate based on factors such as age, overall health, and lifestyle habits. You need to have realistic expectations about the results of surgery. While it can significantly improve your quality of life, it may not eliminate all your discomforts and limitations.
Once you have decided on hip surgery, your surgeon will go over the details of the procedure and answer questions or concerns you may have. He will provide pre-operative instructions to follow which may include stopping certain medications or starting physical therapy exercises.
After the surgery, follow post-operative instructions carefully. Recovery time varies from patient to patient, but most people can expect to stay in the hospital for a few days.
Physical therapy and rehabilitation will begin quickly to help you regain strength and movement in the hip joint. Be sure you attend all scheduled PT sessions and do at-home exercises prescribed by your orthopedic surgeon.
Hip Surgeon Near You in Hartford County, CT, and Springfield, MA
At Advanced Orthopedics New England, you will receive expert counsel to determine your need for a hip replacement, when to have it and how to live well with your new joint. Contact us to learn more. Call (860) 728-6740. Drs. Schutzer, Grosso and Bissell are our hip arthroplasty experts. We would love to see you soon!
