Signs You May Need a Hip Replacement

Persistent hip pain and stiffness could signal something far more severe. These symptoms may point to a worn-out hip joint, advanced osteoarthritis, or they might indicate another issue. There’s no set of rules that come with a hip replacement, and it is important to consider conservative treatment options before electing surgery. 

At Orthocenter, with offices located in Red Bank, Morganville, Holmdel, and Marlboro Township, New Jersey, our team of experts specializes in new surgical approaches to the hip replacement procedure. This type of surgery is a significant choice, and one of our orthopedic surgeons can help you carefully consider this option. 

Here are some warning signs that it’s the right time for surgery 

If hip pain is interfering with your everyday activities, making it challenging to take a short walk or engage with loved ones, surgery might be the best option. Patients who elect to undergo hip replacement surgery do so because of persistent stiffness, severe pain, inflammation, and soreness brought about by osteoarthritis. 

Stiffness  

If you are unable to stand for more than a minute, even when balancing your weight against a door frame, you could be suffering from a hip issue. When your hip joints make it difficult to lift your leg or put on shoes, it’s often indicative of advanced osteoarthritis. One of our surgeons can help address persistent stiffness if it becomes an ongoing problem or if your specialists suggest surgical intervention. 

Arthritic or damaged hip joints 

Hip joints that are deformed or damaged may require hip replacement surgery. Patients with osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis can experience excruciating symptoms. Choosing hip replacement surgery can correct damaged joints before it’s too late while allowing you to regain your quality of life.

 Persistent pain in the hip or groin 

If your pain is making it difficult to climb up the stairs or get up from a seated position, you might be irritating your hip joints and subsequently triggering painful symptoms. Severe pain that interferes with everyday activities might be a sign of advanced hip arthritis. Getting up in the morning or falling asleep at night shouldn’t be difficult, consider how getting treatment could improve your overall health. 

Pain that does not respond to other treatments 

If your symptoms are not responding to physical therapy or medication, it may be time to turn to surgery. Medication can efficiently relieve symptoms; however, most other treatment options only work temporarily. Additionally, with the effects of injections only lasting for a couple of months, these treatment options, including prescription pain medication, carry adverse side effects. 

Electing hip replacement surgery can ensure that you’ll be free from constant discomfort for years to come. 

Hips experiencing inflammation or swelling 

When the cartilage in your hip breaks down, symptoms are more apparent. Inflammatory arthritis that affects the body’s immune system begins to attack healthy tissues more frequently over time. Rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus trigger pain and discomfort in hip joints. One of our surgeons may recommend hip replacement surgery in patients dealing with inflammatory arthritis.  

If you’re dealing with adverse symptoms associated with hip damage, call our office or book an appointment online.