When should you talk to your doctor about hip replacement

When should you talk to your doctor about hip replacement

When hip pain interferes with your daily life, and non-surgical treatments are no longer working to relieve your pain, it might be time to see a specialist about hip replacement.

Some symptoms that signal it is time to consider hip replacement include: 

• Pain and difficulty when rising to stand.
• Pain that increases when standing or walking, even when using the support of a walking device (walker, cane, etc.).
• Pain that makes it difficult to do regular activities, like getting dressed or sitting at your desk.
• Changing your schedule to accommodate your pain, like avoiding certain activities or not being able to go up or down the stairs. 
• Pain that makes it difficult to sleep.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, make an appointment with a joint specialist to determine if a surgical option is best for you.

During the procedure, the surgeon will remove the damaged portions of the hip joint and replace them with synthetic parts, usually made with ceramic, metal or plastic materials. By having the damage replaced with an artificial joint, the patient should experience more comfort and less pain in the affected hip.

After the procedure, the doctor will recommend a rehabilitation plan for the patient to work on at home and with the help of a physical therapist. The doctor will also arrange a follow-up appointment to check on the patient’s progress and to ensure proper healing and recovery after surgery.

Take the Hip & Knee Health Risk Assessmentto find out if you are a candidate for joint replacement.