Is It Time to Consider a Hip Replacement?

When the deterioration of joint components makes mobility difficult and pain impossible to ignore, it’s time to consider hip replacement surgery. While the procedure can effectively eliminate pain and restore unfettered mobility, the decision to have any joint replacement surgery requires much consideration. 

Our team at Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, is your partner in hip diagnosis and treatment from the first sign of symptoms. With effective treatment, you may be able to postpone or prevent hip replacement surgery. 

When this isn’t possible, we’re here to help you weigh the factors that make for a successful decision. 

Here’s what you need to know about hip arthritis and its treatments, including: 

How hip replacements work

Conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases or injuries can disrupt the normal operation of the hip. The cartilage covering of bones where they meet is usually the first point of deterioration. 

When your hips deteriorate, joint replacement surgery removes dysfunctional elements of the ball-and-socket, replacing these with artificial components that take over the load-bearing and mobility functions. 

This removes painful bone-on-bone contact and inflammation. The artificial joint restores movement. In time, the artificial joint becomes integrated with the remaining bone of the pelvis and femur. 

When is it time to consider a hip replacement? 

The decision to pursue a hip replacement depends on factors such as your ability to tolerate pain and interruptions to your mobility. Additionally, not all cases of hip arthritis require hip replacement as treatment.

Instead, monitor the following factors and start a discussion with our practitioners to move ahead with joint replacement if indicated and when the time is right for you. 

Notify your provider if:

• Pain medication is no longer effective: side effects and drug risks increase with long-term use
• Physical therapy isn’t working: the benefits you once saw from exercise and treatment no longer produce adequate results
• Resting hip pain: you experience discomfort and pain when you’re not moving
• Pain affects your mood: living with pain isn’t easy, and it can affect your quality of life
• Temporary relief is no longer enough: most conservative treatments don’t provide consistent or long-term relief from pain
• Pain affects your ability to function: daily tasks could take longer or become more challenging
• You rely on mobility aids: canes and walkers can limit activity levels
• Referred pain: not all hip pain is because of a hip problem. Pain in the hip can be due to damage to the lumbar spine or muscle in the lower back. Referred pain is common and your doctor can help figure out the cause of your pain.

If you feel your hips are in between you and enjoyable parts of your life, like hobbies, physical activity, and travel, it’s time for a discussion with a doctor.

Contact the hip pain specialists at Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C., in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. You can schedule a consultation with our professionals online or by phone today.