Understanding the anatomy of your hip and why your hips hurt is the first step and can be a crucial part of recognizing and addressing hip joint problems. In this comprehensive blog, we’ll explore the first signs that might indicate the need for hip replacement surgery and provide you with valuable insights and solutions to help you regain your mobility and comfort.
Signs You Might Need Hip Replacement Surgery
Knowing if and when to talk to a physician about your hip pain can be tough to discern. To know if your pain suggests hip replacement surgery? Even tougher. Take a look at these tips to understand what sort of treatment your hip pain may require.
1. You experience pain when you walk.
This pain can range anywhere from in your groin to the outside of your hip and will primarily occur on the downstep of the leg. The pain will be most noticeable when physically walking, jogging, or running.
2. You are experiencing a limited range of motion in your hip joint.
Due to the stiffness of the joint, a hip injury or disorder can decrease your range of motion making the bending of your hip difficult or painful. This includes difficulty bending over, putting on clothes, actively sitting down or standing up, and climbing up the stairs.
3. You are limping or experiencing limpness in one leg.
Limping can be one of the most harmful symptoms of a hip injury or disorder. Not only is it an indicator of hip issues, but excessive or long-term limping can cause other issues including frequent falls, imbalance, or feelings of numbness in the hands or legs.
4. You have swelling or tenderness in your hip.
Just like a bump or a bruise, swelling of the hip is an indicator of internal damage. According to Johns Hopkins Medical, this may include increased friction in the joint, fluid build-up from bursitis or another mass, or other inflammation caused by arthritis.
5. You have a feeling of instability in your hip joint.
Whether the result of a traumatic accident or years of wear and tear, hip instability makes it difficult to do everyday tasks such as standing, walking, or exercising.
While instability may be pain-free, it is a serious indicator of an issue in the joint.
Making Sense of Your Hip Pain
At OCR, our priority is to empower you with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about your hip health. We understand that hip replacement surgery is a significant step and often a last resort. Our commitment is to help you explore alternative solutions to alleviate hip pain whenever possible.
We’re here to support you every step of the way, from initial diagnosis to post-operative care, ensuring that your journey towards a pain-free life is as smooth as possible. Check out our blog about preventing hip pain and treatment options to gain a better understanding of your hip pain before electing for more invasive measures like surgery.
Already have a consultation scheduled? Read more about what to expect with tips from Dr. Leonard, one of our Hip and Knee Joint Replacement surgeons.
Your hip health matters, and we’re dedicated to providing you with the best care possible. Explore our resources and reach out to us for guidance and support on managing hip pain effectively.