You might not even know how much your hip joints are used in daily activities. Hip joints are used while walking, standing or even sitting. If there is persistent pain in your hip with movement, your quality of life is compromised. You are likely to avoid physical activities to reduce pain and distress. This results in muscle atrophy and weakness around the hip, and also stresses the neighbouring joints (e.g lower back and knee) as well as the joint on the other leg.
It is important to seek early and proper treatment if you are suffering from debilitating hip pain. If the hip pain is severe and persistent, requiring regular painkillers and/or affecting your quality of life, you should consider hip replacement. Read the article below and know what are the first signs of needing a hip replacement.
Signs And Symptoms Of Needing A Hip Replacement
There are many alternatives to treat hip pain, but in certain circumstances, hip replacement is the best option. First of all, it is useful to know that pain arising from hip joint problems is located over the anterior (front) or lateral (side) of the groin region. Pain arising from the buttock region is usually related to lower spine issues rather than from the hip joint. The following are signs and symptoms of needing a hip replacement:
Constant Hip Pain
Numerous conditions, including arthritis, minor injuries, and sports-related injuries, can cause hip pain. If the hip pain is persistent (lasting for months) and the discomfort does not go away with rest, medication, or physical therapy, that could mean the presence of severe osteoarthritis and needs attention. Chronic discomfort that interferes with daily life can be permanently and effectively cured with a hip replacement.
- Pain During Activity
Hip pain that worsens with day-to-day activities is a sign.
- Pain Interrupts Sleep
If your hip pain wakes you up from sleep, it needs attention.
Weakness And Stiffness In The Hip Joint
Weak or stiff hips limit mobility and make daily tasks more challenging. Tasks such as wearing socks and shoes, or cutting toenails might start to become a challenge. These are symptoms of hip osteoarthritis. The stiffness or weakness might feel more prominent after sitting for a long time, or when you wake up in the morning. If you are suffering from such symptoms, hip replacement is an option you should consider.
Another sign that your hip might be stiff is that you avoid sitting on low chairs, or you have to adjust your sitting posture with the hip straightening out when sitting. You may also start to feel your lower back being sore from trying to compensate for lack of mobility in the hip. Consult with an orthopaedic professional as soon as possible if joint stiffness and weakness prevent you from lifting your leg, walking, or bending your hip joint. Acute hip stiffness after a recent sprain is normal, but chronic hip stiffness requires immediate medical intervention. Acute hip sprain should resolve within two weeks. On the other hand, chronic hip stiffness never goes away and gets progressively worse
Significant Joint Damage
A ball-and-socket joint constitutes your hip. Cartilage and synovial fluid decrease friction between the femoral head and pelvic bone socket joint. Hip osteoarthritis (OA) causes the cartilage to deteriorate, resulting in pain. Without cartilage, the bones start to break down and damage the joint because there is no cushion to prevent them from rubbing against one another. Over a long time, this can result in joint deformity and leg shortening, making it especially tiring to walk. In such cases of severe joint damage, surgery can be the only solution.
Conservative Treatment Are Not Effective
Early cases of hip osteoarthritis can be effectively treated with medications and physical therapy. However if you have tried oral medications and physical therapy for months or years without significant improvement in pain or mobility, then these are no longer considered effective treatment options for you. Although it is not the only procedure that could improve your situation, a total hip replacement works well for many patients. In a hip replacement, your damaged hip joint will be replaced with prosthetic implants inserted surgically, and this can help you restore mobility and significantly relieve your pain. These implants typically can last for 20-30 years with proper care.
Other Joints Are Also Affected By Chronic Pain
You are more prone to developing spine and knee arthritis with a chronically stiff and painful hip joint. This is due to the fact that the illness will affect how you walk, which then places more strain on your neighboring joints. In such a situation, you must consider a better treatment option.
Bone On Bone Arthritis
If the X-rays show bone touching bone in the hip joint, that is a sign of severe end-stage arthritis. This can only be treated with a hip replacement.
Lifestyle Limitations
It can be challenging to enjoy the activities you used to love or to spend quality time with family and friends if you have chronic hip discomfort. You may need surgery if your hip discomfort affects your quality of life. With a pain-free and functioning hip joint after a hip replacement, you can return to the activities that matter to you.
Allow yourself to age gracefully. Make the choice of hip replacement to free yourself from the needless suffering arising from hip arthritis.
Consult Our Orthopaedic Specialists
Consult hip replacement surgery singapore for your hip evaluation. Have a detailed consultation about the first signs of needing a hip replacement and opt for the best treatment plan.