Chronic pain in your back, leg, or hip can be a sign you might need physical therapy or a hip replacement.
Depending on the specific conditions, some people may only need physical therapy and anti-inflammatory treatment, some may need surgery to repair and preserve the hip, and others may be candidates for a hip replacement
Even though a surgical procedure can sound daunting, the outcome of your ability to move freely and get back to the things you love may become a guiding force in your decision making process. Most joint replacement patients are up and walking within four hours of the procedure. Some patients who qualify for anterior-approach hip replacement can have surgery in the morning and go home in the afternoon.
One option is the advanced surgical technique called anterior-approach hip replacement. By replacing the hip through an incision in the front of the leg, rather than the back, most patients recover faster and with less pain because key muscles are not detached during the surgery. It also uses a smaller incision to help reduce scarring.Average recovery time for anterior-approach hip replacement surgery is two to eight weeks instead of the typical two to four months with conventional surgery. Your insurance company may require you to try physical therapy and injections before surgery.
What Signs & Symptoms you May Need Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip pain can have a number of causes, not all of which can be relieved by a hip joint replacement. For instance, constant or long-lasting stiffness in your hip joint can be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis while pain that centers in the buttocks region and radiates down the leg may be related to sciatica.
Many cases of hip pain and discomfort are directly related to your hip joint. Symptoms and signs that it may be time for hip replacement surgery include:
- Mobility issues, especially if your level of mobility progressively worsens
- Persistent or recurring pain, swelling or discomfort in your hip
- Hip pain that worsens during rainy weather
- Inability to sleep due to hip pain and discomfort
- A “grating” feeling in your hip joint
- Increasing difficulty in climbing stairs or getting in and out of cars, bathtubs, and chairs
- OTC medications no longer effectively manage your hip pain
If you have any or all of these symptoms, talk to our specialist at Ortho Louisville. We can help diagnosis, treat, and get you back to what you love.
