If you have been experiencing pain in your hip, you will know just how much of an impact it can have on your life. Hip pain can lead to reduced mobility and in some cases stop you from taking part in the activities that you would usually enjoy, which can have an effect on your mental health and wellbeing over time. In some cases, the hip pain might go away on its own when managed with pain medication and other treatments. However, in other cases, you may require a hip replacement surgery. This is carried out when there is damage or wear to the hip joint for various reasons, and the ball-and-socket joint is replaced with a prosthetic one.
What to Consider When Getting a Hip Replacement
Hip replacement surgery is quite a common procedure. Over 110,000 people in the UK had hip replacement surgery in 2019, according to the National Joint Registry. Since having a hip replacement involves a surgical procedure and rehabilitation, it is usually a treatment that is carried out when other options have not been successful. You can find out more about what to expect and how to find a hip surgeon at Circle Health Group. Circle Health Group is one of the largest private healthcare providers in the UK offering treatments from an expert hip surgeon. There are several factors to consider before you get hip surgery. You may need to make some adaptations to your home to accommodate your recovery period or use a walking aid for a short period after surgery. You will not be able to drive for a few weeks and may need physiotherapy to help you learn how to move with your new hip. After ten to twenty years, the prosthetic may become loose and need to be replaced.
Signs You Might Need a Hip Replacement
There are several symptoms that might indicate that you need a hip replacement. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak to a doctor about your options.
Stiffness When Walking
Are you experiencing stiffness in your hip when trying to walk? Is it painful to move and bend your hip joint? Do you find moving your leg difficult or perhaps even almost impossible? Do you have trouble bending over and picking something up from the floor? If you can relate to any of these, then the hip stiffness you are experiencing could be a sign that your hip joint is damaged. Stiffness, soreness, and inflammation of the hip are all symptoms and eventually your ability to carry out everyday activities might be impacted.
Reduced Motion
If you are experiencing pain in your hip, you may also be experiencing a loss in the range of motion in your hip. Perhaps your hip is no longer as mobile as it used to be, or as you would want it to be. This can lead to more difficulty with general everyday activities. For example, you might find that it is more difficult to get in and out of your car, the bath, or even a chair. Sitting in a chair for a long period of time might become painful, especially when you try and get up out of it.
Pain in Hip and Groin
In some cases, issues with your hip joint can lead to pain in both your hip and groin which is present both when you are active and when resting at any time of the day or night. It might cause you to limp or prevent you from walking even shorter distances. You may find that you need a walking aid to support you and that everyday activities like walking down the stairs become harder.
Unable to Support Body Weight
The one-leg stand test is a quick test that you can do at home to get a better idea about whether or not you will need to see a doctor about your hip. To do this, lift the leg that you are not experiencing hip pain in off the ground while holding onto a door frame or chair for support. If you struggle to, or cannot support yourself on the other leg, then this might indicate a problem with your hip.
No Relief from Other Treatments
There are several hip conditions that can be treated without the need for hip replacement surgery, including certain types of arthritis. Because of this, your doctor will usually suggest non-surgical treatments to try first such as anti-inflammatory medication or steroid treatments to reduce pain and swelling. While these treatments are unlikely to cure any issues you have with your hip, they can help to increase your mobility levels and better manage pain. However, if they are no longer effective and you are not getting any relief from the treatments, surgery might be suggested.
While not all hip pain and discomfort is going to require surgery, these are some of the most common symptoms that people might experience before needing this treatment.
