Although a hip replacement is a procedure generally connected with seniors, anyone with a damaged hip joint can face this life-altering surgery. The following are some of the signs to look for if you think you may be in need of a new hip. Keep reading to discover the procedure’s benefits and how to make your surgery as successful as possible.
The most accurate and correct way to assess the health of your hip is with an x-ray reviewed by a specialist. If you are not sure when to seek the advice of a specialist, here are a few symptoms to watch out for.
Stiffness
The best indicator of a stiff hip joint is the difficulty you experience when putting on your socks or shoes. If you have trouble reaching your feet on one or both sides, you should have your hip checked out.
Pain
If you suffer from pain in your hip or groin while you are active or after exercising, you may have arthritis in your pelvis. When this soreness and pain is interfering with your activities of daily living, it is wise to make an appointment with your physician, primarily if the pain is limited to a small area between your knee and hip.
Walking Worries
If your hip or groin discomfort is keeping you from walking distances that are usually no problem, consult with a professional to get an appropriate diagnosis.
Standing on One Leg
When you cannot tolerate standing on only your problem leg for more than a minute, despite having the assistance of a table-top or holding on a wall or door-frame, then you may have a severely impaired hip. It is strongly advised that you seek medical help as you may need a total hip replacement.
Several medical conditions may result in the need for hip replacement surgery. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that comes with joint pain and stiffness and often swelling. Injury, as well as bone tumors, may lead to the hip joint breaking down, resulting in the need for hip replacement surgery.
Surgical Innovations
Most hip surgeries involve approaching the joint from the side. A new method, the anterior hip replacement, is an excellent illustration of the way healthcare is continually developing and seeking to boost patient success. Thousand of hip surgeries every year use the anterior method yet this technique only accounts for a small percentage of all procedures.
Advocates of the Anterior method argue there is less damage to significant muscles which results in less post-operative pain. Avoiding cuts to major muscles allows for a faster recovery and shorter stay in the hospital. Not all surgeons have adopted this method of hip replacement. It is, however, something one should consider discussing with their specialist.
Guaranteeing Success
The recuperation period following an orthopedic surgical treatment commonly entails several essential measures which will set the stage for your ongoing health and well-being, as well as your mobility.
Hip replacements are now standard procedure, benefiting greatly from tremendous leaps forward in safety and positive outcomes. Nonetheless, the best results are going to be dependent upon the success of the rehabilitation program. The goal is to improve your daily living so adherence to aftercare is essential.
Generally, short-term recovery comes within four to six weeks, getting back to normal at approximately three months. Hip replacement surgery has come a long way and is bound to improve your quality of life substantially. You are well on your way to a successful recovery when walking aids are no longer needed, and short walks are a part of your day once again.