Arthritis or other degenerative joint conditions of the hip can significantly disrupt your daily life, but how do you know when it’s time to consider hip replacement surgery? It depends on the severity of your symptoms, their impact on your daily activities, and the effectiveness of other treatments. Here are some key signs that it may be time to joint replacement as a solution.
Persistent and Severe Hip Pain
If hip pain interferes with daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or even getting out of bed, it may be time to explore surgical options. Pain that persists even at rest or disrupts your sleep is a strong indicator.
Limited Hip Mobility
Stiffness or loss of range of motion that makes simple tasks—like tying your shoes or sitting comfortably—challenging could mean your hip joint has sustained significant damage.
Non-Surgical Treatments Aren’t Helping
If treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, joint injections, or lifestyle adjustments no longer provide relief, surgery might be the next step.
Dependency on Pain Medications
When you find yourself relying on pain medications regularly, it’s time to consider a more lasting solution.
Quality of Life is Diminished
Chronic pain and limited mobility can take a toll on your emotional well-being and prevent you from enjoying hobbies, working, or spending time with loved ones.
Advanced Joint Damage
If imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, reveal advanced arthritis or significant joint degeneration, surgery may be necessary to restore function.
Advanced Hip Replacement Techniques
With innovations like the direct anterior approach (DAA) and minimally invasive techniques, hip replacement is now easier, more efficient, and more accessible than ever before. These advancements not only preserve muscles and reduce trauma, but they also allow for same-day surgeries for select candidates. With these breakthroughs, hip replacement has become the obvious, reassuring choice for many individuals, eliminating the doubts that accompanied the decision to undergo joint replacement.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Boe to determine the best treatment plan for you—whether it’s advanced robotics with CORI, a minimally invasive bikini incision, or a same-day procedure.
AUTHOR: Richard Boe, MD is a board-certified fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive direct anterior hip replacement and robotic assisted knee replacement surgery at Resurgens Orthopaedics serving the greater Atlanta area. Dr. Boe is an active member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and the Georgia Orthopaedic Society.