It can be challenging to deal with hip pain. In addition to causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation, it can prevent you from doing day-to-day activities like walking or moving. There are several causes of hip pain and several treatment options based on the reason. Your doctor will discuss the possibility of hip replacement if it suits you. But the point is, when is total hip replacement considered?
A total hip replacement is not suitable for everyone with hip pain. However, a hip replacement is considered an appropriate treatment when orthopaedic surgeons observe specific signs and symptoms. Likewise, a few factors may indicate that surgery could cause more harm than good and shouldn’t be recommended.
Initially, your hip pain may be treated conservatively, hoping it can be resolved without surgery. But when you realise that conservative treatment options no longer seem to be working, you may need to consider hip replacement surgery, a procedure you’ve been avoiding.
Here are a few critical considerations for undergoing a total hip replacement.
When physical therapy and pain medication is ineffective
Before suggesting a hip replacement, doctors recommend non-invasive treatment options like pain medication, physical therapy, or corticosteroid injections. Depending on the circumstances, these options may relieve some people and allow them to participate in daily activities. However, if these non-surgical treatment options fail to provide relief, it’s time to consider hip surgery.
When rest doesn’t help
Following exercise or movement, a minor soreness is normal. Usually, taking some rest will help in relieving joint pain. However, surgery might be the best option if you still have pain even after taking proper rest.
In the case of severe arthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are the two primary conditions that damage the hip. Medication and other non-surgical treatments can manage pain in the initial stages of arthritis and prevent its progression. But, in the case of severe arthritis, the damage caused to the joint might be irreparable. Severe arthritis can cause irreversible damage to the hip parts, and hip replacement surgery could help you restore lost functions and provide pain relief.
When your hip joint is damaged
If a hip evaluation done by the doctor reveals that your joint is damaged, then considering hip replacement surgery is an ideal option. Deformation or damage to trauma can damage your hip joint. The condition might get worse over time if left untreated. Better results can be obtained when surgery is done earlier rather than later.
For long-lasting relief from hip problems
You don’t have to live with chronic pain. Getting a total hip replacement may relieve pain, increase mobility, and improve the quality of life for the majority of people. Dr Anjani Kumar is among the most qualified and experienced orthopaedic surgeons in Hyderabad who have mastered the art of hip replacement surgery. A total hip replacement surgery involves removing the damaged parts of the hip and replacing them with prosthetics. Around 85% of artificial parts used to fix damaged hip joints last 20 years.
Other factors that lead to hip replacement surgery include when hip pain interferes with your day-to-day activities, it hurts even when you are sleeping, the stiffness of the joint makes your movements harder, and you cannot lift your leg.
If you experience the above problems, you should consider hip replacement surgery. Unfortunately, most treatments available for hip pain can only alleviate symptoms temporarily. For instance, pain medications provide relief for a few hours and some other conservative treatments for a few months. But on the other hand, hip replacement surgery offers a permanent solution for your hip pain which lasts for decades.
To know more about total hip replacement or suffering hip pain, consult Dr Anjani Kumar, one of the best orthopaedic doctors for hip pain treatment in Hyderabad. He has performed several hip replacement surgeries in Hyderabad with a 100% success rate. To book your appointment with the doctor:
Call +91 9989112411
Email: anjanikumarkadiri@ gmail.com
