Are you struggling with hip pain and contemplating hip replacement surgery? This decision is significant and involves careful consideration of various factors, including your health, lifestyle and the potential benefits and risks of the procedure. Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians shares what you need to know to determine if 2025 is the right year for you to commit.
What Is Involved in Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement surgery is a common procedure designed to relieve pain and improve function in individuals with damaged hip joints. The surgery involves removing the damaged parts of the hip joint and replacing them with artificial components, typically made of metal, ceramic or plastic. There are many different kinds of artificial hip joints. The right one depends on your needs, medical history and other factors. This can dramatically enhance mobility and quality of life, especially for those suffering from conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or avascular necrosis.
How Do I Know It’s Time for Surgery?
Before deciding, assessing whether you are experiencing symptoms that may warrant surgery is important. Some key indicators include:
- Chronic Pain: If you experience persistent hip pain that affects your daily activities and hasn’t improved with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medications or lifestyle changes.
- Decreased Mobility: Difficulty in performing everyday tasks such as walking, climbing stairs or getting in and out of chairs.
- Increased Dependence: Relying on aids such as canes or walkers frequently due to hip discomfort.
- Joint Deformity: Visible changes in your hip joint, such as stiffness, swelling or tenderness.
How Can I Prepare for Hip Replacement Surgery?
If you believe that 2025 could be the year for your hip replacement, your Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians provider will conduct a thorough evaluation of your condition, including imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs, to determine the extent of joint damage. If non-surgical options prove ineffective and your doctor recommends hip replacement, here are several steps you can take to prepare:
- Pre-Operative Assessment: Your orthopedic team will perform a full medical evaluation to ensure you are in good health for surgery.
- Education: Your provider will share more about what to expect during and after the procedure.
- Home Modifications: Consider making changes in your home to facilitate recovery, such as removing tripping hazards and arranging for assistance during your healing process.
- Post-Operative Care: Plan for rehabilitation, which may include physical therapy to help restore strength and flexibility in your hip.
For many individuals, the advantages of undergoing hip replacement surgery far outweigh the risks. Not only can it relieve chronic pain, but it can also improve mobility, leading to a better quality of life. Most patients report significant improvements in their ability to perform everyday activities, enjoy hobbies and maintain an active lifestyle post-surgery. The National Arthritis Foundation reports that 90% of patients with moderate pain before their first hip replacement surgery reported mild or no pain after five years.
Learn More About Hip Replacement Surgery
If you are suffering from hip pain and considering surgery, 2025 might be the year to take that significant step towards recovery. If you struggle with chronic hip pain and limited mobility, you deserve a treatment option that will improve your quality of life. Contact our orthopedic team at Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians to discuss your treatment options, including hip replacement surgery.
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