7 Signs That A Hip Replacement Surgery Might Be Needed
Hip surgery is a reliable treatment to correct problems with the hip, the largest joint in the body. However, although it may be necessary, not all hip problems need to be surgically resolved.
We have listed some cases where you may need to consider professional care to help you assess whether total hip arthroplasty is suitable for you. Keep in mind that the information we provide is medically factual and, even if validated, should not replace a medical consultation by an orthopaedic surgeon. However, the situations and cases listed below should tell you when you need medical assistance.
What are the instances where you might need hip replacement surgery?
1. You sustained an injury to the hips
Sometimes the injuries are bad enough to hurt the lower back and your ability to use them. However, even a seemingly minor accident can cause hip pain, depending on the degree of internal damage. Therefore, the level and frequency of pain you feel indicates that your joints may be damaged, especially if you find it very difficult to move your joints.
2. Your hip hurts even while at rest
Walking uphill is tiring enough for healthy people. However, if it becomes unusually painful, it is not normal, especially from the sides of the hips to the lower part of the buttocks.
Taking a smash and ceasing all motion commonly looks after the problem, and also, you have to feel better after a short time. However, if your hip pain persists even after you've rested it, it's a good idea to have it checked by a medical professional.
Another thing: nighttime hip pain can occur when the hip tendons become inflamed. Hip pain can also result from hip compression or abuse, and a lack of time to recover from exercise.
3. Your hip is stiff and swollen, affecting your range of motion
Lower back stiffness and swelling can be painful and crippling and can have several causes, including acute injuries and chronic problems. In some cases, swelling and stiffness of the hip joint can be a specific type of bursitis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and inflammatory bursitis or trophoblastitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sac around the joint) may be the cause.
Osteotomy may be appropriate for less severe cases. This is a type of surgery that cuts and repositions the surface of the joint so that a healthy part of the hip supports most of the weight. However, only selected patient groups are candidates for osteotomy. On the other hand, if the hip joint is severely damaged, total hip arthroplasty is required.
4. It’s getting harder to perform basic tasks without assistance
Difficult daily tasks such as walking, bending, or climbing stairs can hurt your lower back. This clearly shows that you need to see a doctor. With proper evaluation, doctors may recommend physiotherapy, dosing, and even surgery to address the structural problems that cause hip pain. Surgical intervention may be required, especially if extensive injuries persist.
5. You’ve tried everything, but nothing alleviates the pain
Fortunately, there are several ways to treat hip pain without surgery. However, none of this may be effective for you. Therefore, if all other measures are exhausted and no remedy is available, the orthopedist may suggest a surgical alternative to correct the problem.
6. Hip pain is bad enough to affect your mental/emotional wellbeing
A chronically painful life is detrimental to a person's mental health. In addition, it makes a person susceptible to depression, anxiety, and even emotional changes that can cause anxiety. Painkillers can be prescribed by a doctor, but with long-term use, there is a risk of dependence on prescription drugs, especially opioids.
7. You want long-lasting relief
Some hip pain treatments provide only temporary relief. For example, painkillers only work for a few hours. On the other hand, the effect of intra-articular steroid hip injections is less effective in the long run because the effect lasts only a few weeks. Hip arthroplasty is currently known to be effective for up to 20 years. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor immediately so that you can receive appropriate treatment as soon as possible.
