Put an End to Chronic Hip Pain: 5 Signs It's Time for a Hip Replacement

Hip pain is a common complaint arising from many conditions, including arthritis and sports injuries. Not all hip pain is managed the same way. In some cases, you may only need physical therapy, while in others, you may need a hip replacement.

As orthopedic specialists who understand the complexities of hip pain, we know that hip replacements aren’t taken lightly, but for the right candidate, they can restore your quality of life and help you regain your mobility.

Here are five signs it’s time for a hip replacement.

1. It hurts when you walk

If your hip hurts when you walk, it can dramatically affect your quality of life, making it hard to complete your daily activities. Hip pain may develop near your groin and the outside of your hip. Pain is often most noticeable when you walk, jog, or run. In addition to pain, you may also hear/feel grinding sensations, especially if your hip pain is caused by osteoarthritis. 

2. Daily activities are more challenging to complete

Hip injuries and hip disorders, such as arthritis, can lead to swelling. The more swollen your joint is, the more difficult it is to bend. As a result, you may struggle with daily activities, such as:

• Getting dressed
• Getting out of bed
• Bending over to tie your shoes 
• Sitting down
• Walking up a flight of stairs 

You may find that ice packs or cold compresses help with the swelling, but over time, the swelling, and joint stiffness may progress even with ice packs. Swelling can result from fluid build-up, increased friction, and inflammation.

3. Your hip pain makes you limp

Unmanaged hip pain can contribute to limping. Limping is a natural reaction to pain, but unfortunately, it can cause a cascade of issues. Long-term limping can contribute to balance issues, loss of coordination, and frequent falls. Limping can also cause pain in other parts of your kinetic chain, including your knees and back. 

4. You’ve already tried other treatments

Maybe you’ve already tried injections, pain relief medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. In some cases, conservative treatments are all that are needed to manage pain and boost functionality. Still, if you’ve already tried conservative treatments without relief, it may be time to consider a hip replacement.

5. Your hip feels unstable

Hip instability happens when your hip feels loose or wobbly. Usually, this can be a sign of an issue with your ligaments. Ligaments are bands of connective tissue that hold joints together. If your hip is dislocated, the ball at the end of your thigh bone is pushed out of the socket, resulting in pain and instability.

Put an end to hip pain and explore your next steps

Not everyone with hip pain needs a hip replacement, but if you have severe pain affecting your ability to move or perform daily tasks, a hip replacement may be right for you. Before surgery, our team completes a comprehensive physical exam to assess your hip structure and range of motion. Our team also reviews any blood tests and imaging tests you received.

If you are struggling with hip pain, call the Sequoia Institute Orthopaedic Specialists location of your choice ー Porterville, Reedley, or Visalia, California ー and book your hip replacement consultation today.