Pain and stiffness in the hips can make daily tasks difficult. So, it may be the right decision for you to get a hip replacement. But there’s more to the hip replacement than meets the eye. In this article, we’ll walk you through the signs that signal the need for hip replacement.
What Are The 9 Signs Of Needing A Hip Replacement?
The following list comprises the top 9 signs that most orthopaedics doctors consider to be signs of hip damage.
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Chronic And Significant Pain
Chronic pain around the hip or joints may indicate you have a serious underlying problem. Feeling discomfort doing the following activities may be a sign to contact a top orthopaedics doctor soon:
- You’re having trouble sleeping
- You take painkillers frequently
- You depend on a walking aid to relieve the pain
- Pain makes walking and bending difficult
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Routine Tasks Are Difficult To Perform
Pain is probably bearable, but performing daily tasks is becoming increasingly difficult. You may find it difficult or impossible to routines tasks such as:
- Balancing on one leg
- Putting on shoes or socks
- Long-distance walking
- Getting out of the car
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Hip Stiffness
The inflammation causes the muscles and tendons surrounding the hip joint to tighten. Consequently, you are limited in the range of motions you can perform, such as bending over, lifting your leg, or crossing your leg.
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No Relief From Other treatments
There are several types of alternatives to hip surgery, including physiotherapy, injections, and anti-inflammatory medications. In case these alternatives fail to provide relief, it is best to see an orthopaedics doctor from a leading hospital like Max Healthcare.
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Tests Reveal Advanced Arthritis
Inflammation caused by arthritis or other joint conditions can cause the cartilage to wear away, resulting in significant joint damage. As a result, all the cartilage is worn out, and two bones start rubbing against each other.
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Visible Changes To Your Hip
Visible swelling in the groin area or on the front of the thigh. Depending on the location of the bulge, it may be internal or external. If it persists or becomes unbearable, contact your doctor immediately.
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Anxiety & Fatigue Due To Joint Pain
While physical symptoms are visible, chronic pain can also take a toll on a patient’s mental and emotional health. When living with hip pain for a long period, you may exhibit signs of a more serious mental health condition, even though you can tolerate it temporarily. Chronic pain is linked to both depression and anxiety.
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Side Effects From Hip Pain Medications
Some patients may experience side effects from long-term use of hip pain medications. Some of the side effects are:
- Inflammation
- Heart attack
- Stomach Irritation
- Blood clots
- Increased risk of stroke
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Ineffective Surgery
Alternatives to hip replacement surgery include a few other surgical procedures. While they are still performed, they are less frequent now that hip replacements have increased in success.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
1. Recovery and Rehabilitation: One of the signs that you may need hip replacement surgery is if you experience a long period of recovery and rehabilitation after a hip injury. If you have tried conservative treatments like physical therapy and pain medication, but your symptoms have not improved, hip replacement surgery may be an option.
2. Pain: Another sign that you may need hip replacement surgery is if you experience persistent pain in your hip. This pain may be worse when you move your hip or put weight on it. If conservative treatments like pain medication and physical therapy are not helping to relieve your pain, surgery may be an option.
3. Limited Mobility: If you have limited mobility due to a hip injury or condition, this may be a sign that you need hip replacement surgery. If you are unable to do everyday activities like walking or climbing stairs, or if your pain is preventing you from being active, surgery may be an option.
4. arthritis:If you have arthritis in your hip, this may be a sign that you need hip replacement surgery. Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. If conservative treatments like pain medication and physical therapy are not helping to relieve your symptoms, surgery may
Conclusion
In most cases, non-operative options are recommended for treating hip damage, including physical therapy, injections, anti-inflammatories, or a weight loss program. When these options fail and one or more of these signs have a real impact on your life, it’s time to consult an orthopaedics doctor.