6 Signs It May Be Time to Consider a Hip Replacement

Nearly a half million hip replacement surgeries are performed each year in the United States, according to the American College of Rheumatology — a number that’s likely to grow as the population gets older. Although hip replacement might sound daunting, advances in materials, techniques, and technology make this surgery safer and more effective than ever before.

As a leading orthopedic surgeon in Lubbock, Texas, Austin McPhilamy, MD, offers state-of-the-art hip replacement surgery for patients at McPhilamy Bone and Joint, helping each patient restore their hip function, reclaim their mobility, and enhance their quality of life. In this post, learn six signs that could mean it’s time for you to consider a hip replacement.

1. You have constant or nearly constant pain in your hip

Most of us have had temporary hip pain from time to time, maybe after a day of unusually strenuous exercise. In those instances, pain typically clears up after a little rest and maybe some over-the-counter pain medication.

But chronic pain can be constant or nearly constant, interfering with your daily routine and even making it hard to get a good night’s sleep. This type of serious, chronic pain is a common reason why many people choose to have hip replacement surgery.

2. Your hip is very weak or very stiff

Hip pain isn’t the only symptom that could mean surgery is in order. Many hip problems cause hip weakness, along with a much higher risk of dangerous falls and fractures. 

Some problems cause your hips to feel stiff and immobile, making it difficult and painful to walk. If you’re dealing with persistent weakness or decreased range of motion in your hips, hip replacement surgery could be a good solution for helping you get back to your active lifestyle.

3. Nonsurgical treatments aren’t working

For mild-to-moderate hip symptoms, nonsurgical treatments can often provide an acceptable level of relief. That includes treatments like medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. 

When hip pain is more severe, those options may not be enough. Other times, medications used to treat hip pain can cause problems of their own, especially if you wind up needing larger doses to quell pain.

In these instances, hip replacement surgery could be the solution you need to finally find long-term, meaningful relief for chronic hip symptoms. After surgery, physical therapy helps you strengthen the muscles around the hip while restoring hip function.

4. You have significant arthritis damage in your hip

As the largest weight-bearing joints in your body, your hips are subjected to a lot of wear and tear. It isn’t surprising, then, that they’re also commonly affected by osteoarthritis or OA.

OA happens when the joint surfaces wear down, typically from repetitive use of a joint. As the surfaces wear away, friction inside the joint increases, along with inflammation, pain, and stiffness.

Even though mild OA may be effectively treated with oral medicines, injections, and physical therapy, hip replacement surgery is usually the best option for advanced OA. Since OA is progressive, even people with mild-to-moderate OA may eventually need joint replacement surgery.

5. You need assistance with daily tasks

You use your hips a lot — probably more frequently than you realize. From walking to standing to climbing stairs to simply rising from your chair, your hips are always hard at work. 

When you have hip pain, suddenly, all those little activities that depend on your hips become a lot more obvious. Using the toilet, entering or exiting your car, and getting out of bed in the morning all become difficult and painful without assistance. 

If your hip pain and stiffness are so severe that they interfere with these and other regular activities, then hip replacement surgery could be just what you need to feel better and conquer all those daily tasks.

6. Your hip symptoms are affecting your quality of life

Chronic pain of any type can make it difficult to enjoy lots of fun activities, including socializing with friends and family. When chronic pain affects your hips, it can make it hard to stay mobile. Suddenly, you’re relying on others to buy your groceries or drive you to your doctor appointments. You’re turning down opportunities to get together with loved ones. Before long, you can start to feel isolated, depressed, and anxious. 

Hip replacement surgery restores hip function, so you can get back to the activities that make your life special. In fact, patients report a better quality not just immediately after their recovery, but for years afterward, too.

Dr. McPhilamy offers different types of hip replacement surgery, depending on each patient’s unique needs. To learn more about this innovative, life-changing surgery, call 806-797-4985 or book an appointment online with Dr. McPhilamy and the team at McPhilamy Bone and Joint today.