When Should You Get a Hip Replacement?
Hip pain can be one of the most challenging and debilitating forms of joint pain. It can make everyday activities like walking, sitting, or even sleeping uncomfortable and sometimes impossible. A hip replacement may be the option when medication and physical therapy no longer relieve hip pain.
Knowing when the time is right for a hip replacement can take time and effort. An orthopedic doctor in Baltimore will consider your age, health, and activity level. We will discuss the right time for a hip replacement and what to expect during the surgery. We will also provide a few resources to help you make the best decision for your needs.
1. When You Have Hip Pain That Interferes With Your Daily Activities
Daily activities like walking, sitting, and standing becomes arduous if you’re experiencing hip pain. If your hip pain is so severe that it interferes with your ability to do what you need or want to, consider a hip replacement. If you need a hip replacement, your hips will also be swollen and warm to the touch.
2. When You’ve Tried Other Treatments With Little Success
Some other ways to treat hip pain include physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and medications. If you’ve tried these treatments with little success, consider a hip replacement. When your pain is severe enough to continually interfere with your ability to enjoy life and participate in activities that make you happy, a hip replacement can help relieve the discomfort and restore your quality of life.
3. When You Have Difficulty Walking Or Climbing Stairs
The hips are an integral part of the walking process. Consider a hip replacement if you have difficulty taking short walks or going up and down stairs. The joint may have become too damaged due to arthritis or injury, making movement difficult and painful. A hip replacement can restore mobility and alleviate pain, allowing you to live a more active lifestyle.
4. When You Experience Joint Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion
Joint stiffness occurs when the hip joint has become so stiff it cannot move freely. This condition can occur due to damage caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis and can cause the surrounding muscles and ligaments to weaken. When this happens, a person may experience a reduced range of motion in their hip joint. Moving the hip joint can usually be difficult or even impossible in severe cases. If you experience joint stiffness and reduced range of motion, consider getting a hip replacement.
5. When X-Rays Show That Your Joint Is Significantly Damaged
The normal wear and tear of aging, a traumatic injury, or a disease such as arthritis can damage your hip joints. You can identify whether or not you have a hip injury with specific methods. X-rays are often used to determine if your hip joint is significantly damaged and if it may benefit from a replacement. If the X-rays show that the bones of your hip joint have become very thin due to bone loss (osteoporosis) or if the joint space between them has narrowed, you may benefit from a hip replacement.
If you are searching for a sports medicine doctor in Baltimore, contact Saint Agnes Hospital. We specialize in providing orthopedic services, including hip replacements.