Signs You May Need Hip Replacement Surgery

Your hips play a large role in your ability to walk, run, and even sit. So when something in this area goes wrong and causes pain, it throws your life completely out of your control. Depending on what condition is affecting you, your treatment options range from rest and physical therapy to total hip replacement surgery.

At the Spine and Orthopedic Center of New Mexico, PC, we specialize in all kinds of orthopedic surgery, including hip replacements. Dr. Omar Osmani gives you all your treatment options for your hip condition, and if warranted, goes over the surgical procedure for replacing your hip for pain relief and restoration of mobility.

Signs and symptoms of hip trouble

Joint problems can occur at any time and may be the result of injury or degenerative conditions that wear down the cartilage that cushions your joint. The first sign that you might notice if you have hip issues is pain. It may be constant or intermittent and may range in severity, depending on your condition.

But how do you know when the pain is a sign of hip problems that need surgery? The answer is when the pain becomes too much to bear, and over the counter medications aren’t helping. Other signs that a hip replacement may be in your future include:

• Pain that wakes you up at night
• You can’t perform your daily tasks
• Trouble walking or climbing stairs
• Your hip is swollen and stiff
• Your pain increases after exercise
• Your mobility is compromised
• You have a grating sensation in your hip

When tests like X-rays and MRIs show severe osteoarthritis, it can also signal the need for you to undergo hip replacement surgery. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage in your joint to wear down over time, causing friction on your bones. This leads to inflammation and pain that can get worse the longer you have it. In the beginning, you may get some relief from conservative measures like rest and anti-inflammatories, but if those stop working, it’s probably a sign that the condition has progressed, and surgery is necessary.

Although hip replacement surgery may be scary to think about, understanding what’s involved in the surgery is the key to your successful recovery. Depending on your symptoms and the amount of damage to your hip, Dr. Osmani may recommend either a total hip replacement or a partial hip replacement. 

Get an expert evaluation

Dr. Osmani conducts a thorough evaluation and always considers non-surgical solutions first. 

If your mobility is impaired from constant hip pain, don’t suffer — seek a professional evaluation.  Call our office at 575-623-9101 or book an appointment with Dr. Osmani online today.