3 Warning Signs Of Hip Arthritis: When To Consider Total Joint Replacement

Diagnosing Hip Pain

Arthritis is a degenerative joint condition that can cause swelling, stiffness, and pain. While the disease can impact any joint in the body, hip arthritis can be a particular source of discomfort. Although many types of arthritis exist, the pain is usually centralized in the same locations. People may feel discomfort in the inner or outside portion of the hip, as well as the upper thigh or outer buttock. Since multiple factors can contribute to hip pain, a proper diagnosis is important.

What causes hip arthritis?

Many people incorrectly assume that arthritis as a general condition is solely due to old age. While age is a major contributing factor, several other underlying concerns can also contribute to joint pain in the hip. Some common issues include being overweight, experiencing a severe injury, overuse, and genetics. Postmenopausal women also have a heightened risk of developing hip arthritis. Meanwhile, people with certain autoimmune diseases and health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, vitamin D deficiency, and even excess iron levels are also at risk. A total joint replacement (TJR) may be necessary if an individual experiences the following signs and symptoms.

1. Reduced mobility

Total joint replacement is usually considered the last treatment solution for joint pain. However, if a person’s mobility declines and limits daily activities, that individual may be a good candidate for hip arthroscopy. Opting to undergo a joint replacement surgery can provide significant relief and improved quality of life. Note that reduced mobility also includes difficulty sitting or standing, trouble walking up or down stairs, or struggling to walk on flat surfaces, even with a cane or walker.

2. Medications stop working

When hip pain starts, an individual might rely on over-the-counter (OTC) medications to control symptoms. As time progresses, the discomfort may increase and lead a person to need more to find relief with prescription medication. Thinking about hip replacement is a good idea if an individual finds that medications aren’t enough to control discomfort.

3. Pain interferes with life

Occasional pain can be a reality of life, but if the pain is persistent, the body is signifying that a deeper problem might be at play. For people with hip arthritis, pain can occur even while trying to sleep. Ongoing pain affecting daily activities and reducing the quality of life should prompt a person to consider total hip replacement.

Moving forward with TJR

Replacing the hip joint, known as hip arthroscopy, is a surgery that has been performed since the 1960s. More than 450,000 hip replacements are performed in the US every year. During the procedure, the damaged bones and cartilage are removed and then replaced with prosthetics, usually made from metal, plastic, ceramic, or a combination of the 3 materials. While a long recovery period exists after surgery, the majority of people that elect to have the procedure done enjoy a much-improved quality of life.