You may not realize how much you rely on your hips until they begin to deteriorate. With a damaged or diseased hip joint, routine tasks such as standing up from a chair, bending over to tie your shoes, or walking short distances may become difficult or excruciatingly painful.
If chronic hip pain is limiting your mobility and detracting from your overall quality of life, it may be time to consider hip replacement surgery. Below, we’ve provided an overview of seven telltale signs and symptoms that could indicate you’d be a good candidate for this type of procedure.
What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?
Known as a ball and socket joint, the hip brings together the thigh bone (femur) and the hip bone (pelvis). The rounded top of the femur (femoral head) fits into a cup-like socket in the pelvis known as the acetabulum, allowing for a wide range of motion.
During hip replacement surgery (also called hip arthroplasty), the damaged or diseased portions of the hip joint are removed and replaced with prosthetic parts in order to restore mobility and function. Total hip replacement surgery, which replaces both the ball and socket, is most common, but partial hip replacement surgery, where only the ball or socket is replaced, may also be recommended, depending on the circumstances. At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, we specialize in direct anterior total hip arthroplasty, a minimally-invasive and muscle-sparing approach that allows for a faster recovery.
Dr. Lorraine Stern possesses advanced training, experience, and expertise in the latest hip replacement technology, including the Mako Robotic System. Depending on the specifics of your case, she may recommend a traditional surgical approach or the use of robotic technology to ensure the best possible outcome.
Some Signs You Need A Hip Replacement
The award-winning team at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey understands that choosing to undergo hip replacement surgery is a major life decision and we are committed to supporting you in every aspect of your treatment journey. While hip replacement is rarely a first-line treatment option, it may offer the best path forward for patients experiencing chronic symptoms. Listed below are seven signs that could indicate hip replacement surgery is on the horizon:
You’re In Chronic And Significant Pain
Temporary hip pain can occur for numerous reasons, including sports injuries, accidents, or overuse, and may respond to a variety of non-invasive treatment options. However, chronic pain in the hips that is severe and does not improve or worsens over time warrants further investigation. It may be time to explore the possibility of hip replacement surgery if you are living with ongoing hip pain that:
- Keeps you awake at night
- Doesn’t respond to rest
- Forces you to take painkillers on a regular basis
- Makes it difficult to bend over or perform daily tasks
Your Quality Of Life Is Being Affected
Does chronic hip pain prevent you from enjoying time with family and friends, participating in activities you used to enjoy, or appreciating the opportunities that life has to offer? If so, it’s time for something to change. A hip replacement could restore your joy in life and help you return to an active lifestyle where each day is full of unlimited potential. Contact Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey to book an initial consultation and learn more!
Stiffness Limits The Range Of Motion In Your Hips
Stiffness in the hip joints can be a sign of arthritis or another condition that is compromising their health and integrity. Other symptoms that may also be indicative of poor hip joint health include:
- Weakness
- Limited range of motion
- Limping
- Limpness in one leg
- Pain when walking, bending, or lifting the leg
- Swelling or tenderness in the hip
- Instability in the hip joint
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, having a thorough evaluation of your hip joints is strongly recommended; you may require hip replacement surgery.
Routine Tasks Are Becoming More And More Difficult
From reaching into a high cupboard or bending over to pick up an object to climbing a few stairs or getting into or out of a vehicle, a deteriorating hip joint can make it difficult to perform a broad spectrum of routine tasks and movements. Many patients wish to avoid hip replacement surgery due to the associated recovery period, but if your daily life is already limited by a painful hip, investing in a more mobile future may well be worth any short-term post-surgical discomfort.
Alternative Hip Pain Treatments Aren’t Providing Adequate Relief
While conservative treatments will not repair a damaged hip joint, options such as physical therapy, steroid injections, and other pain management techniques can often improve hip function and reduce pain levels. If, however, other treatments are ineffective or their effectiveness has reduced over time, it may be time to consider a surgical approach. The team at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey will work closely with you to develop an individualized treatment plan tailored precisely to your unique needs, goals, and circumstances.
You’re Suffering From Arthritis Or Significant Joint Damage
When arthritis causes cartilage to deteriorate and/or wear away, increased friction in the hip joint can lead to severe pain and limitations on mobility. In advanced cases where little to no cushioning exists and the bones of the hip joint are rubbing directly against each other, a surgical approach may be the only way to restore comfort, function, and range of motion.
Hip Pain Medications Produce Nasty Side Effects
Even in cases where pain medication is keeping hip joint pain in check, some patients still choose to pursue partial or total hip arthroplasty due to unwanted side effects. Common side effects of over-the-counter painkillers can include:
- Stomach irritation or the development of ulcers
- Increased risk of stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attack
- Headaches, drowsiness, dizziness
- Kidney problems
Conclusion
Ready to learn more about hip replacement surgery? Our world-class team of hip replacement surgeons looks forward to working with you. Contact Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey today to book a consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free reality!
