When is hip replacement surgery necessary for wear and tear?

Hello,

Wear and tear of the hip joint is commonly due to osteoarthritis, where the cartilage and other structures of the joint gradually become damaged. It can cause hip or groin pain, stiffness, difficulty walking, reduced movement and difficulty performing daily activities.

If orthopaedic doctor has already advised surgery, it usually means the joint damage and symptoms need to be assessed carefully to determine whether hip replacement is appropriate. Hip replacement is generally considered when pain and reduced mobility significantly affect daily life and non-surgical treatments have not provided enough relief.

Can the Hip Be Corrected Without Surgery?

There is no treatment that can completely restore severely damaged cartilage. However, symptoms can often be controlled for some time with

• Physiotherapy and supervised strengthening exercises

• Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming or cycling, as tolerated

• Weight management if you are overweight

• Appropriate pain-relief medicines prescribed by your doctor

• Walking aids when required

• Supportive footwear

• Selected injections when recommended by an orthopaedic specialist

Regular, properly prescribed exercise is an important part of osteoarthritis treatment and can improve strength, movement and function.

Precautions for Hip Pain

Until you are evaluated by an orthopaedic specialist

• Avoid heavy lifting.

• Avoid high-impact activities such as running and jumping if they worsen your pain.

• Do not force painful hip movements or aggressive stretching.

• Avoid prolonged sitting in positions that increase hip pain.

• Use a walking stick or other support if recommended by your doctor or physiotherapist.

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the hip joint.

• Do not take painkillers regularly without medical advice, particularly if you have kidney, stomach, heart or other medical problems.

A physiotherapist can design exercises specifically for your hip rather than giving you a generic exercise programme. 

When Is Hip Replacement Usually Considered?

Hip replacement be appropriate when

• Pain is severe or persistent.

• Walking has become difficult.

• Hip stiffness significantly limits movement.

• Daily activities or sleep are affected.

• X-rays or other assessment show significant joint damage.

• Physiotherapy, lifestyle changes and appropriate medicines have not provided sufficient relief.

Age alone should not automatically prevent someone from being considered for joint replacement; the decision is based on symptoms, overall health, functional limitations and the expected benefits and risks of surgery. 

What Happens During Hip Replacement?

During total hip replacement, the damaged parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with artificial components. The aim is to reduce pain and improve mobility and quality of life.

Before surgery, your orthopaedic surgeon will generally assess your overall health and may advise blood tests, imaging, anaesthesia evaluation and optimisation of conditions such as diabetes, blood pressure or heart disease.

Physiotherapy and early mobilisation are important after surgery. Recovery varies according to your age, general health and fitness, and adherence to the rehabilitation programme.

After Hip Replacement : Important Precautions

Your surgeon and physiotherapist will give you personalised restrictions. Depending on the surgical approach and your surgeon's instructions, you may initially need to

• Avoid sudden or extreme hip movements.

• Avoid crossing your legs.

• Avoid very low chairs and toilets.

• Use a walking frame or crutches initially if advised.

• Perform the prescribed physiotherapy exercises regularly.

• Avoid heavy lifting and high-impact activity until cleared.

• Attend scheduled follow-up appointments.

Some patients are specifically advised not to bend the hip beyond 90 degrees during early recovery, so follow your own surgeon's instructions rather than applying generic precautions.

When Should You Seek Urgent Care?

Seek urgent medical attention if you have severe hip pain after a fall or injury, cannot put weight on the leg, or develop new numbness or loss of sensation.

If you have already had hip replacement and develop increasing wound redness, swelling, pus, fever, severe leg swelling, chest pain or difficulty breathing, seek urgent medical attention because infection or a blood clot can be serious complications. 

What You Should Do Next

If surgery has been recommended, take your X-ray/MRI reports and previous treatment records to an experienced orthopaedic or joint-replacement surgeon for a detailed evaluation. Do not delay surgery if your pain and mobility are significantly deteriorating, but also do not proceed without understanding the diagnosis, expected benefit, implant options, risks and rehabilitation plan.

We can help connect you with experienced orthopaedic and joint-replacement specialists at partner hospitals and assist with consultation and treatment coordination.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth