The primary purpose of the hip is to support the body’s weight in both static [standing] and dynamic [walking, jogging, or running] postures. The hip joint is the largest joint in the body, and years of daily activities [rigorous and non-rigorous] can surely contribute to pain in the hip. This pain can either be managed over time or lead to one getting a hip replacement. Below are 5 signs you might need a hip replacement.
5 signs that you might need a hip replacement.
1. Constant pain or difficulty walking at the hip region: If you find yourself having pain doing basic things like taking a walk, exercising, or getting out of your chair. It’s possibly a sign that you need to have your hip examined.
2. Inability to sleep due to constant pain in the hip or knee region: This could probably be when you lay on your side or pain from getting in and out of bed due to the pain in your hip joint.
3. When your hips aren’t working properly:
Increasing difficulty in moving your hip due to stiffness, pain, or shortening of the lower limb with resultant poor gait.
4. Deformities. Osteoarthritis and many other conditions, if severe enough can lead to deformities like bowed or knocked knees. Such conditions affect negatively, proper joint loading, and increase wear of the joints.
5. Over 60 years of age and any of the above 4.
Hip replacement is best done at this age based on founding principles. Especially when all methods of managing conservatively have failed. Modern Medicine has driven joint replacement well past far younger age groups.
What is Hip Replacement?
Hip Replacement is a procedure whereby the bone ends are prevented from touching each other in your hip joint. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage layer is destroyed hence, the bones in the joint start touching each other, causing pain.
During a hip replacement, implants used will be matched and fitted to your joint in a painless manner, to your bone, and will allow each end to move better by an artificial ball-and-socket joint, hence no pain while walking.
Hip replacements are usually done when other treatments have failed or are not recommended due to severity, age, surgical suitability, and other medical factors.
Hip replacement surgery is a big step, but it can be life-changing!
If you feel like you might need to get checked, schedule a consultation with our orthopedic doctor for proper evaluation, management, and treatment options here