Does Hip Pain Mean I Need a Hip Replacement?

Posted in: Hip Replacement Surgery | Tags: Cary NC, Dr. Dan Albright, hip pain, hip pain while sleeping, hip replacement surgeon, hip replacement surgery, hip surgery, joint pain, Raleigh NC, total hip arthroplasty, total hip replacement| Posted on: 20 May, 2019

Do you have a painful hip and wonder if a hip replacement operation is in your future? In this video, Dr. Dan Albright, an orthopedic surgeon in Raleigh, NC discusses what types of hip pain lead to hip replacement surgery and which do not.

Summary of video:

If I have hip pain, do I need a hip replacement operation - total hip replacement?

The answer is no - usually. Most people with hip pain have tendinitis, bursitis, myositis, myofasciitis. Those are different types of inflammation. Most hip pain is related to inflammation. This inflammation could be due to a partially torn tendon. This pain will be felt on the side or back of the hip. But the problem more times than not is inflammation around the hip joint.

Some people have arthritis which is a deep joint problem. The hip is a ball and socket joint and if the ball and socket are wearing out - you have arthritis. You are losing cartilage. If this is the case then yes, you may need hip replacement surgery.

But most people with generic hip pain feel the pain on the outside or back of their hip. This pain is due to bursitis, tendinitis problem. No surgery is needed for that. The best thing to alleviate this pain is gentle exercise (swimming, biking) and keeping body weight down. Sometimes a doctor will recommend a steroid shot. Cortisone shot is very effective for bursitis. Anti-inflammatory medication can be used such as Ibuprofen. There is also an anti-inflammatory cream you can use. Physical therapy can help.

Most people with hip pain do not need a hip replacement do not need surgery.

An orthopedic doctor can do an exam to figure out which tissues are the problem and recommend an action plan.

For more information on hip replacement surgery or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.