We understand that sometimes it can be difficult to know what is causing your recurring hip pain, and working through the process of getting a diagnosis can be very frustrating. No one should be suffering chronic pain in their hips as there are options available to rectify the problems you are having.
Hip pain can have a myriad of causes but not all of them can be relieved by a hip replacement. Anything from sciatica to rheumatoid arthritis can cause stiffness and other long lasting issues that radiate through the buttocks and legs, ultimately causing your pain in the hip area. Getting to the root of the cause is always incredibly important when it comes to hip replacement symptoms.
Hip replacement surgery is a fantastic and effective option for people who are suffering long term issues but haven’t seen proper relief through alternative treatments. So, how do you know it is time for a hip replacement? We’ve put together some of the hip symptoms and complaints that are most often presented to us that will often lead into undergoing hip replacement surgery.
Treatments have failed
Have you gone down the road of trying to work through your hip replacement symptoms by using non surgical procedures or measures like pain management or physical therapy? If you’ve tried the following paths without suitable symptom relief then we recommend coming for a consultation with our team:
- Anti inflammatory medications
- Pain killers
- Over the counter medications
- Non operative measures
- Physiotherapy
- Osteopathy
- Exercise
- Weight loss
- Other surgical operations
If those endeavours were once effective but are no longer showing you any relief from pain in your hip, then it could be time to consider hip replacement surgery.
Normal activities are hindered
When any type of pain, stiffness or discomfort is hindering your everyday life, it is definitely cause for concern. This weight bearing set of joints is involved in just about every movement you’re making, from walking to bending down to tie up your shoelaces, you will be engaging your hips, buttocks and legs. Being unable to enjoy activities or perform the following everyday things could be mean you require a hip replacement:
- Walking
- Climbing stairs
- Getting in and out of the car
- Lifting or lowering yourself onto a chair
- Putting on shoes and socks
- Bending forwards
- Grocery shopping
- Driving a car
If your mobility is becoming progressively worse, or new issues arise then this could be an indication that you need to look into surgical options. Having a hip replacement will assist in giving you back quality of life that you are most commonly used to.
Long term pain and discomfort
Many cases of hip pain and discomfort are usually related to your actual hip joint. If you’re suffering stiffness in your hip area or ongoing hip pain it is safe to say that it isn’t normal and you shouldn’t endure it. Long term pain and discomfort in your hip can manifest in different ways including:
- Grating sensation in your hip joint
- Altered sleep due to discomfort
- Recurring pain
- Visible swelling or bruising
- Stiffness that worsens in colder weather
- Radiating pain through buttocks and upper legs
If these signs and symptoms sound like things you are experiencing then it is time to get it sorted out for good. To arrange a hip replacement consultation, please contact one of Dr Slattery’s Melbourne consultation rooms, or make an appointment via our online enquiry form.