What are the first signs of needing a hip replacement?

Posted on February 20 2019

You should understand that there are no set rules when it comes to a hip replacement surgery. However, according to doctors, the surgery should not be the first option. Most often, patients try out simpler things before they end up for surgery. The simpler options would include:

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Cortisone injections
  • Physical therapy
  • Braces
  • Crutches or walkers

Practically, you may need a hip replacement if you have the following symptoms:

  • Hip pain that makes you stay awake or that awakens you at nights
  • Hip pain that decreases your ability to rise up from the chair, climb up the stairs, or get into the car
  • Hip pain that makes it less or not possible for you to engage in activities
  • Hip pain doesn’t go away after trying other treatments for several months

Normally, your doctor would be the best person to decide on whether you need a hip replacement or not.  He/she will recommend a hip replacement when he/she realizes that non-surgical or less-complicated surgeries wouldn’t help or when the tests indicate advanced arthritis or joint damage. A hip replacement will also be prescribed in the cases where you suffer from severe side effects from the drugs for your hip or knee pain.