Pain In The Hips? How To Know If You Need Surgery

• Posted on: Sep 15 2023
• By: content.team

Hip joints, like so many crucial parts of our body, are something we often don’t think about until we experience problems.

These hard-working joints take the brunt of activities like walking, running, and jumping, making them prone to wear and tear over time. The problem can be worsened by conditions like osteoarthritis, which leads to the deterioration of the hip joint’s cartilage and create challenges that significantly impair our quality of life.

When hip pain becomes chronic and unmanageable, hip replacement surgery from the specialists at Redwood Orthopaedic Associates offers a potential solution.

Indications for Hip Replacement Surgery

The most common cause of chronic hip pain and damage is arthritis, which can manifest in various forms. These include:

• Osteoarthritis: A “wear-and-tear” arthritis that erodes the cartilage covering the femur’s ends and the hip socket’s inside.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An inflammatory condition that damages cartilage and bone in the hips.
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Occurs after a significant hip injury or fracture, causing cartilage damage and subsequent pain and stiffness.
• Osteonecrosis: Dislocation or fracture that disrupts blood supply to the femoral head, leading to bone surface collapse.
• Childhood Hip Disease: Rare cases where hip development is abnormal, potentially causing arthritis later in life.

Identifying the Right Candidates for Surgery

Hip replacement surgery should never be a hasty decision. Rather, it’s often a final option for those dealing with persistent pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments.

Patients may undergo a long process of managing pain, trying other treatments like injections or arthroscopic procedures before considering hip replacement. Candidates for hip replacement often have the following symptoms:

• Hip pain that hinders everyday activities like walking and bending.
• Persistent hip pain even while sleeping.
• Stiffness in the hip that restricts movement and leg lifting.
• Limited pain relief from physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, or walking aids.

Schedule a Consultation Today 

If you are experiencing persistent hip pain and reduced mobility, consider seeking a consultation with Redwood Orthopaedic Associates. Their team of experts can assess your condition and determine if hip replacement surgery is the right option. Schedule your consultation by calling (707) 544-3400 or filling out the contact form on their website.

Posted in: Hip Replacement Surgery