Aging is an inevitable part of life. With age comes aches, pains, and mobility limitations that may impair our ability to participate in activities we enjoy. Often we do not recognize how important our hip is with everything we do until we are suffering from limitations caused by hip pain.
A painful hip is not only uncomfortable; it can make simple tasks such as dressing, driving, even just walking around the home unbearable. Many patients have found hip replacement surgery in Spring Hill reduces their pain and restores mobility when other options have failed.
How do you know if a hip replacement is necessary? Are there warning signs? Should you try conservative options before jumping into the surgery? Our article today will look at the warning signs that it may be time to consider a hip replacement.
Where do you feel pain if you need a hip replacement?
If you have significant pain in your hip, then you may be a candidate for a replacement. The pain may be chronic, meaning lasting a substantial period. The root cause can be arthritis or an old injury.
Patients can feel pain not just in their hip but anywhere between the hip and the knee. It is essential to have an assessment from a trusted orthopedic specialist to determine where the source lies.
Other signs you should look for with pain that indicate further evaluation by a doctor include:
- Pain that remains despite taking medication as prescribed
- Pain that keeps you up at night
- Inability to participate in activities of daily living due to pain
- Limping or relying on walking aids
Pain is certainly a warning sign that you need a hip replacement, but there are other signs doctors commonly see in candidates.
What are the first signs of hip problems?
Limited range of motion can be one of the first signs seen in patients indicating hip problems. Patients can have difficulties with simple tasks such as bending to tie shoes, walking up and downstairs, or getting in and out of the car.
Stiffness can make tasks such as getting out of bed or in and out of the shower limiting. It can be quite frustrating and dangerous as there is an increased risk of falls due to mobility limitations.
Sometimes patients cannot sleep due to pain. Lack of sleep limits the ability to function day in and day out, causing more frustration.
How bad does a hip have to be before a doctor recommends a hip replacement?
Orthopedic specialists usually recommend trying some form of conservative treatment before surgery. Sometimes the options are useful in delaying or eliminating the need for a hip replacement.
Conservative treatment options include:
- Physical Therapy: A therapist will work with the patient to strengthen the muscles around the joint and teach exercises that improve flexibility and mobility.
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medication: A nonopioid option that can help manage pain while reducing inflammation.
- Steroid injections: Medication injections can be given at regular intervals, reducing pain and helping with inflammation.
Though conservative treatment options will not cure hip pain, they can help make life comfortable and improve life quality unless surgery is better indicated.
How long should I wait before having a hip replacement?
With hip replacements, sometimes earlier can be better. This is because other health conditions, if exacerbated over time, may prevent you from passing your preoperative physical.
These include heart conditions, severe respiratory illnesses, brittle bones or severe osteoporosis, or a history of severe MRSA infections.
Generally, most patients are safe to proceed with a hip replacement, even if you have had one in the past. The best orthopedic surgeons will work with your history to ensure a successful outcome for your hip replacement.
Looking for Orthopedic specialists in Spring Hill, Fl? Look no further!
Connect with us if you have more questions about hip replacement surgery near Spring Hill.
If you are considering hip replacement, Dr. Tarabishy is here to help. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He is a specialist in hip and knee replacement with over 30 years’ experience.
Dr. Tarabishy is committed to patients and offers the highest quality treatment solutions in Brooksville, Spring Hill, Week Wachee, and the surrounding areas. He also offers knee replacement surgery near Spring Hill, and Mako Robotic Surgery, an innovative technology to ensure precision and better outcomes after hip or knee surgery.
There are many doctors but if you are in search of the best, then consider Dr. Tarabishy. Patients and providers value his services due to integrity and honesty. For additional information on our innovative orthopedic procedures, contact us today.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
