For many years, thousands of patients who have suffered hip pain or hip arthritis have experienced relief and restored movement through hip replacement surgery. Although the procedure is often associated with older patients, it can be performed on anyone with a damaged hip. There are signs a patient may experience that indicate hip arthritis or an impaired hip joint which should be treated by hip replacement surgery.
Signs It's Time for a New Hip
Hip replacement becomes necessary when the hip pain gets in the way of a person's daily activities. Here are some signs that you should see a doctor and possibly undergo hip replacement:
- Persistent and recurring pain in the hip or groin area.
- Hip pain, soreness, and aches during and after exercises.
- Reduced mobility due to hip pain.
- Pain medication and using a cane do not relieve pain.
- Hip stiffness after sitting for too long.
- Pain in the hip in cold weather.
- Decreased hip motion and ability to bend.
- Swollen or stiff hip.
- Getting in and out of bathtubs and chairs is difficult.
- Difficulty climbing stairs.
- Morning stiffness that usually lasts less than thirty minutes. If it continues longer than forty-five minutes, it could be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory condition.
- A grating feeling in the hip joint.
- Inability to stand on the affected leg for more than a minute even with the support of a table-top or wall.
- Previous injury to the hip.
Hip replacement is often the last resort that doctors recommend to their patients. It is usually performed after non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication and the use of walking aids fail. A hip exam by an orthopedic surgeon determines whether the patient needs hip replacement surgery.
For more information on hip replacement surgery or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.
