Sometimes you can manage hip pain with medication and lifestyle modifications, or sometimes you may find yourself struggling through the pain. If you are considering hip replacement surgery, you may be wondering how to know when it is the right time.
You probably think hip replacement surgery is usually the last resort. However, when it comes to pain or arthritis in the hip, waiting too long can make things worse in the long run. You may feel uncertain and wonder if you should have hip surgery and if that is normal. However, hip replacement surgery is today’s most common joint replacement procedure.
Talk with your orthopedic surgeon about the pros and cons of delaying your hip replacement. This article will discuss the dangers and risks of delaying hip replacement surgery.
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Common Reasons For Hip Replacement Surgery
Osteoarthritis, also known as “wear and tear,” arthritis is a degenerative joint disease and is the most common reason for hip replacement surgery, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Other reasons for hip replacement surgery include:
- An injury such as a hip fracture
- Tumor in the hip joint
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteonecrosis
Whether your hip pain stems from arthritis, an injury, or another issue, it is best to consult your doctor to determine the best course of treatment. Patients who actively seek treatment tend to have the best outcomes, and you can talk with your doctor about how to prepare for your total knee replacement surgery.
Types of Hip Replacement Surgery
The three main types of hip replacement surgeries are:
- Total hip replacement is the most common, called arthroplasty, in which the worn-out or damaged portion of the hip is replaced with artificial implants.
- Partial hip replacement called hemiarthroplasty involves replacing only one side of the hip joint.
- Hip resurfacing Is usually done in younger, active patients.
Risks Of Delaying Hip Replacement
1. The Problem Could Worsen
Depending on what is causing the pain in your hip, the problem could become exasperated and lead to joint deformity as it progresses. While it is generally gradual progress, the joint stiffness increases, and the muscles surrounding the joint become weaker as you become less mobile. Progressive damage to the joint can make the surgery more complex and may extend the recovery time.
2. Additional Issues Develop Due To Compensatory Problems
When you have pain in any area, the natural tendency is to place more pressure on other joints to compensate for weakness of the joint or pain. You may change the way you stand, walk or bend over. When you have pain in your hip, it can affect your back, knees, and feet as well. The longer you delay your hip replacement surgery, the greater the chance that the pain will increase in your hip and other joints affected because of the need to compensate.
3. Compounding Health Issues
If/when your pain progresses and you lose mobility, it may lead to a more sedentary lifestyle, and your overall health will begin to decline. As patients lose physical fitness and gain weight, the heart, lungs, and other organs can start to suffer. When you compound the prolonged use of painkillers which can negatively impact the liver and the kidneys, there is added stress on the body and the organs.
4. Loss Of Sleep and Mobility
Hip pain and discomfort may prevent you from getting a good night’s rest. Sleep is essential to your health and your mental and emotional well-being. Mobility also becomes an issue as the pain worsens and can affect your ability to complete daily tasks.
5. Poor Quality of Life
If you wait too long to have hip replacement surgery, you may find that your quality of life is affected, and you may no longer be able to do some of your favorite activities. For instance, walking, jogging, or even sitting and standing for long periods may become challenging.
Meet With The Experts At Thunder Basin Orthopaedics And Sports Medicine
We offer the best orthopedic care in Gillette’s or Douglas, Wy area, and our experienced doctors at Thunder Basin Orthopedics and Sports Medicine are here to help you. Whether you are experiencing pain in your hip, back, wrist, hand, or another location, we have the expertise and experience to get you on the road to recovery.
We treat everything from fractures and traumatic injuries to joint replacement and sports injuries. At Thunder Basin Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, we work closely with you to develop individualized treatment plans to get you back to moving and working towards pain-free living. Contact us today, and we will get you started back to living your life to its fullest!