Around 90 percent of those who have hip replacement surgeries are able to get back to an active lifestyle. And, these individuals usually feel better than they did prior to surgery, enjoying all the activities they may have been missing due to their chronic hip pain.
Total hip replacement surgery is one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed today. In fact, more than 300,000 people in the United States have hip replacement surgery every year. While surgery should not be the first option, if you’re wondering if a hip replacement could help improve your life, it’s important to consult with your physician to discuss what route you should take.
When is Hip Replacement Needed? Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Whether you have hip pain from an injury or arthritis, hip replacement surgery can be an important option to consider that can drastically improve your quality of life. If you’re noticing any of the following symptoms, it’s possible that you’re a good candidate for surgery:
Daily activities have become painful. When simply climbing the stairs in your home, walking around the grocery store, or even getting in and out of a car is difficult, your hip pain is starting to interfere with your daily life. Â
The pain has become persistent or chronic. To add to the point above, if you’re noticing that you’re feeling that hip pain all the time, even when you’re at rest, it might be time to consider hip replacement surgery. This pain can not only affect your level of physical activity, but it can even start to take a toll on your mental health and overall mood.
Your hip is always stiff. If you notice when you’re trying to put on your shoes, for example, that one foot is more difficult than the other, this is a common sign of stiffness in your hip. When this type of stiffness is ongoing, it’s time to talk to your physician about it.
Your arthritis in your hip has become bone-on-bone. Hip arthritis starts to cause the synovial membrane, the tissue that surrounds the hip, to become inflamed. This results in the cartilage in the hip getting worn away, leading to the ends of the bones rubbing together painfully. In advanced cases of hip arthritis, surgery is recommended or even necessary to stop the bones from wearing down.
You aren’t sleeping well. Hip pain can also start to interfere with how well you’re able to sleep. As a good night’s sleep is key to keeping you alert, refreshed and feeling as good as you possibly can, it’s important to take note if your sleeping patterns are being affected by your ongoing hip pain.
You’ve exhausted other options. Have you tried over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen? Physical therapy? Cortisone shots? Using assistive devices like a walker or crutches?  When you’ve simply tried everything you can and are still dealing with daily hip pain, or the pain keeps getting worse, it’s time to consider a total hip replacement.
Hip replacement is an elective surgery that can be highly effective at getting you back to the active, independent lifestyle to which you’re accustomed. Talk to your physician to learn about the common risks and complications and find out if the surgery is right for your needs.
For post operation rehabilitation, consider Moving Forward Rehabilitation at an American Senior Communities location near you. Contact the ASC Referral Line at 888-996-8272 or referralline@ASCSeniorCare.com for additional information.
