The Signs You Need a Hip Replacement

Hip pain is concerning, but it’s not always indicative of a worst-case scenario. However, if you’re one of the millions of people experiencing chronic hip pain every year, you’re probably curious about the symptoms of needing a hip replacement.

Luckily, these signs and symptoms can be straightforward. Once you know what you’re looking for, you should be better able to see the hip replacement warning signs. Before spending money on a specialist, read on for a non-comprehensive list to help you decide how to tell if you need a hip replacement.

The Signs of Needing a Hip Replacement

The signs and symptoms will likely be evident because they’ll be chronic. Those dealing with hip issues have probably experienced them for months or years. But how can you tell if you need a hip replacement or a less-invasive option, such as physical therapy, steroid injections, or anti-inflammatory medications?

These signs might point to your need for a hip replacement.

Significant Chronic Pain

This pain can happen anywhere between the hip and your knee and even into the groin. The pain might keep you from walking, bending, lifting, or sleeping. You might notice a reliance on painkillers to perform everyday tasks. In addition, you might have also developed a dependence on a walking aid such as a cane or walker.

Limited Range of Motion

Hip stiffness is another sign it’s time to schedule a consultation for hip replacement. This stiffness could cause you to limp, lose your ability to walk, or make you unable to lift or bend your leg.

Hip Swelling or Tenderness

Any time swelling or tenderness is present, it indicates internal damage to the area. Swelling or extreme tenderness in your hip is a significant indicator of hip problems that might need surgical intervention.

Declining Quality of Life

If your chronic hip pain keeps you from enjoying your hobbies or spending time with your family, that’s a sign you need to speak with an orthopedic specialist soon.

No Relief From Surgery Alternatives

If you’ve already tried physical therapy, steroid injections, acupuncture, and medication for your hip pain without relief, it’s possible hip replacement surgery could be your only option.

Conditions That Require a Hip Replacement

When researching the signs of needing a hip replacement, you’ll need to be familiar with your medical history. In addition to general symptoms, some diagnosable conditions and injuries might require hip replacement surgery.

Osteoarthritis

This is the most common condition that doctors see in patients that need a hip replacement. Though you can treat arthritis, there is no cure, and it does continue to worsen with time.

Osteonecrosis

This is a condition where the blood vessels in your hip gradually begin to provide less and less blood to your thigh bone and hip socket. It’s excruciating, causes the death of bone tissue, and cannot be cured without surgery.

Severe Injury

Even with time and proper care, there are still instances where a severe injury will never fully heal without a total replacement.

Tumor In the Hip Joint

Though uncommon, a tumor in the hip joint might need to be removed surgically. You might also need a total hip replacement if a tumor has enough time to do significant damage.

In Good Hands with Hip Replacements

With Mid-Maryland Musculoskeletal Institute, we guarantee that the health of your hips is in the best hands possible. If you’re experiencing worsening or unexplained hip pain, contact us today for a consultation with our experienced hip specialists.