When is it time to consider total hip replacement?
There are many factors to consider when deciding the best treatment for your hip pain. It is important to remember that you have options when it comes to treating your hip pain and these decisions should be made with your doctor to ensure that you achieve your desired outcome. Your doctor may want to try treating your pain with non-surgical treatments first. Hip surgery may be the right option for you if the non-surgical treatment did not provide relief. There are many different surgical approaches to discuss with your doctor.
Reasons you may benefit from total hip replacement:
- Hip pain limits your everyday activities such as walking or bending
- Hip pain continues while resting, day or night
- Stiffness in a hip limits your ability to move or lift your leg
- You have little pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs
- You have harmful or unpleasant side effects from your hip medications
- Non-surgical treatments do not relieve hip pain
- What are the benefits to total hip replacement?
Total hip replacement has the potential to improve quality of life by reducing pain, improving mobility and correcting deformities. Carrying out everyday activities should be much easier after the surgery. You should be able to enjoy gentle exercise such as swimming, cycling and playing golf.
What is the recovery time?
Complete recovery times vary with each person and depend on several factors, such as age, general health and fitness and any unexpected complications. Successful surgery will relieve joint pain and stiffness and most individuals can expect to resume normal daily activities, including driving, within six weeks of surgery. Your recovery can last for as long as six months after surgery as the scar tissue heals and the muscles are restored by exercise.
Will I have to avoid certain activities?
Hip replacement patients are generally discouraged from participating in high impact or high contact sports which can put excessive and persistent strain on your hip. Lower impact activities such as swimming and cycling are encouraged, as these activities will help keep you healthy and active but offer limited risk of damage to the joint. Your doctor or physical therapist will be able to give you more details of suitable activities after your surgery.
How long will my hip replacement last?
With normal use and activity, a hip replacement is designed for long-term wear. There are many factors that contribute to the longevity of the implant including your health, activity level and weight. After recovery, your hip replacement should provide you with a good quality of life.