6 Telltale Signs It's Time to Get a Hip Replacement

Living with severe hip pain can be a distressing experience. Mobility problems, tenderness, and the inability to do everyday activities can take a toll on your well-being. When you experience hip pain while walking, you cannot stroll through the supermarket or take a leisurely stroll outdoors. Life can become challenging. Fortunately, modern advances in hip replacement surgery have enabled people to reclaim mobility and improve their quality of life.

Without further ado, here are six signs it's time to get a hip replacement:

1. Pain That Does Not Go Away with Medication 

Joint pain that is severe and long-lasting can indicate that the joint is deteriorating. This discomfort can make it difficult to carry out regular activities and lead to disrupted sleeping patterns. Other signs of joint deterioration may include walking with a limp or pain while using a walking aide.

2. Grinding or Clicking Noises in the Hip

If you're experiencing pain, clicking, and grinding sounds when moving your hip, it could be a symptom of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage and surrounding tissues in the hip joint. It is the most common type of arthritis, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced joint movement.

3. Stiffness When Walking

If you're having difficulty with movement in and around your hip joint, it may be a sign that you need to consider a hip replacement. Mobility can be limited by pain and stiffness, making it difficult to walk, bend, or maintain balance. If these issues are occurring, it might be a sign of cartilage deterioration, and you should seek medical advice.

4. A History of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the protective cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joints is worn down over time. This can be accelerated by age, gender, and other factors such as genetics, prior damage to the joint, and frequent stress. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, and swelling. It is more likely to affect women and occur as they get older.

5. Difficulty Completing Daily Tasks

Considering how your hip affects your daily life is a crucial factor to consider. Do you require assistance to complete everyday tasks? It might be worthwhile to see if these activities are affected: climbing and descending stairs, sitting and rising, walking, putting on shoes, and bathing.

6. Unsuccessful Treatments

A physician may recommend treatments such as drugs, physical therapy, exercise, and assistive devices to assist with discomfort and movement. If these non-invasive methods are unsuccessful in alleviating the pain, you should consult a doctor to discuss available options.

Conclusion

Hip replacement can be a difficult decision to make, but it can be a life-changing one. If you are experiencing any of the six telltale signs, it may be time to consider a hip replacement. Pain and stiffness in the hip area, limited range of motion, difficulty performing daily activities, limping, and swelling are all signs that hip replacement surgery may be the best option for your long-term health and quality of life. It is important to consult with a medical professional to determine if hip replacement is the best solution for you.

Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists’ board-certified orthopedic surgeons have performed knee and hip replacement surgeries for over 50 years. Our Atlanta Orthopedic surgeons are on the cutting edge of technology, using the newest ceramics, metal technology, and minimally invasive approaches to ensure better outcomes for your knee and hip replacement. If you’re looking for hip replacement surgeons in Atlanta, we can help. Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment.