Do I Need a Hip Replacement? 7 Signs It May Be Time to See a Specialist
Hip pain can gradually become part of everyday life. You may find yourself avoiding long walks, struggling with stairs or waking at night because of discomfort. But how do you know when it is time to seek specialist advice?
Hip pain can gradually become part of everyday life. You may find yourself avoiding long walks, struggling with stairs or waking at night because of discomfort. Perhaps you have started taking painkillers more regularly or stopped doing activities you once enjoyed.
But how do you know when hip pain has reached the point where you should consider seeing a specialist?
A hip replacement can be an effective treatment for people with severe hip arthritis and other conditions affecting the joint. However, it is not necessarily the first or only treatment option.
The decision to have surgery should be based on your symptoms, your diagnosis and how much your hip is affecting your quality of life.
What is a hip replacement?
Hip replacement surgery, also known as hip arthroplasty, involves removing the damaged parts of the hip joint and replacing them with artificial components.
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball at the top of the thigh bone fits into a socket within the pelvis. When the joint becomes significantly damaged, movement can become painful and restricted.
Hip arthritis is one of the most common reasons for needing a hip replacement, although other conditions can also damage the joint.
Mr Daniel Dowen specialises in hip and knee replacement surgery and also treats complex hip conditions and revision joint replacement.
Learn more about hip replacement7 signs it may be time to see a hip specialist
Hip pain is affecting your everyday life
One of the most important questions is not simply how severe your X-ray looks, but how much your hip is affecting your life.
You may find that relatively simple activities have become difficult, including:
- Walking around the shops
- Climbing stairs
- Getting in and out of a car
- Putting on socks and shoes
- Getting up from a chair
- Walking the dog
- Playing sport
- Gardening
- Going on holiday
If your hip is stopping you from doing things that are important to you, it may be worth discussing your options with a specialist.
You are struggling to walk as far as you used to
Hip arthritis can gradually reduce how far you are able to walk.
You might initially notice discomfort after a long walk. Over time, however, you may find yourself planning journeys around where you can sit down or avoiding walking altogether.
A reduction in mobility can have a significant effect on independence and overall quality of life.
Hip pain is disturbing your sleep
Pain at night is another reason to seek advice, particularly if it is persistent.
You may find it difficult to sleep on the affected side or wake during the night because of pain.
Poor sleep can also affect energy levels, mood and your ability to function normally during the day.
Painkillers are no longer providing enough relief
Medication can be useful for managing joint pain, but if you increasingly rely on painkillers or find that they are no longer controlling your symptoms adequately, it may be time to review your treatment.
There may be other non-surgical options to consider, or surgery may become a reasonable option depending on your diagnosis and symptoms.
You have increasing stiffness in your hip
Hip arthritis can cause stiffness as well as pain.
You may find it increasingly difficult to bend your hip, put on shoes and socks or get into a car.
If your range of movement is progressively decreasing, an assessment can help establish what is causing the problem.
Conservative treatments are no longer helping
Many people with hip arthritis can manage their symptoms for some time with non-surgical treatment.
Depending on the individual, this may include:
- Exercise
- Physiotherapy
- Medication
- Activity modification
- Injections
If appropriate treatments have been tried but your symptoms remain troublesome, a specialist can discuss whether there are other options.
Your quality of life has changed
Perhaps the most important sign is that you are beginning to think about hip replacement because you no longer feel able to live the life you want.
Hip replacement is not simply about treating an X-ray. The aim is to reduce pain and improve function and mobility.
The decision should therefore be based on the individual patient, their symptoms and their expectations.
Does severe hip arthritis always mean I need a replacement?
No.
Some people have significant changes on an X-ray but relatively few symptoms. Others may experience substantial pain and disability despite changes that appear less severe.
The decision to proceed with surgery should consider both the findings and how you are actually feeling.
A specialist assessment can help establish whether your symptoms are coming from the hip and whether hip replacement is an appropriate option.
Hip arthritis
Learn more about the symptoms, assessment and treatment options for hip arthritis.
What happens during a hip replacement assessment?
Your specialist will discuss your symptoms and medical history and examine your hip.
You may need an X-ray or other imaging to assess the joint.
Importantly, the consultation should also consider what you want to achieve from treatment.
For one person, being able to walk around the garden may be the priority. For another, it may be returning to golf, travelling or exercising.
Understanding your goals helps your surgeon recommend treatment that is appropriate for you.
Preparing for an orthopaedic consultation
Find out what information to bring, what you may be asked and how to prepare for your appointment.
What if I do not need a hip replacement yet?
Seeing a specialist does not mean you are committing to surgery.
Depending on your symptoms, there may be other treatments worth trying first. These could include physiotherapy, exercise, medication, injections or modifications to your activities.
The purpose of an assessment is to understand the problem and make an informed decision about your options.
You can also read more about hip pain and its possible causes before arranging an assessment.
When should you seek urgent advice?
Sudden severe hip pain following an injury, an inability to put weight through the leg, significant swelling or symptoms accompanied by fever or feeling very unwell should be assessed urgently.
Persistent hip pain without these features can usually be assessed routinely.
Questions about hip replacement
What is the most common reason for a hip replacement?
Severe hip osteoarthritis is one of the most common reasons for hip replacement surgery. Other conditions can also cause significant damage to the joint.
How do I know if my hip pain is bad enough for a replacement?
There is no single level of pain that determines whether you need surgery. The effect on your mobility, sleep, daily activities and quality of life is also important.
Can I avoid a hip replacement?
Sometimes. Depending on the cause of your symptoms, non-surgical treatments may provide effective relief. A specialist can help you understand the options available.
Is hip replacement only for older people?
No. Hip replacement is considered based on symptoms, diagnosis and quality of life rather than age alone.
Does seeing a hip specialist mean I need surgery?
No. A consultation is an opportunity to understand your diagnosis and discuss all appropriate treatment options.
Is hip pain starting to limit the life you want to lead?
A consultation with Mr Daniel Dowen can help identify the likely cause of your symptoms, review any existing scans and discuss appropriate treatment options, including non-surgical care and hip replacement where suitable.