Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and bone loss can all result in hip pain that won’t go away. Chronic hip pain makes it difficult to move around and enjoy the activities of daily life. If you’ve tried a number of different pain reduction strategies and therapies but still haven’t found sufficient relief, your doctor may recommend hip replacement surgery. A hip replacement can significantly reduce pain and improve quality of life, but how do you know if you need one? These 5 signs may indicate that you need a hip replacement:

1. Chronic hip pain

Recurrent hip pain or constant hip pain that’s severe enough to require medication and interfere with your ability to walk, sleep, or stand or sit comfortably may be a sign of joint damage that can only be resolved with a hip replacement. 

2. Difficulty with routine tasks

If hip pain or a limited range of motion is making it difficult to perform routine activities such as standing up from a chair, tying your shoes, or other activities that require bending, walking or lifting your leg, you may need a hip replacement to eliminate the pain and stiffness and restore hip function. 

3. You’ve tried everything else

Before recommending hip replacement surgery, most doctors will refer you to less invasive treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and steroid injections.  In many cases, these interventions help minimize pain, but when they no longer work to provide relief, surgery may be indicated. 

4. Hip pain is affecting your mood

Living with constant pain is stressful and can take a toll on your mental and emotional wellbeing. Maintaining high levels of stress hormones can cause a whole host of additional problems, including fatigue, difficulty concentrating, decreased appetite, and mood changes, ultimately leading to anxiety and depression. If persistent hip pain is affecting your mood, self-esteem, or enjoyment of life, hip replacement surgery may bring welcome relief.  

5. Unwanted side effects from pain medication

Some people are able to control their hip pain with medications, but when those medications come with unwanted side effects, it puts the individual in the difficult position of choosing between the two. If your hip pain medications are causing you digestive problems, headaches, drowsiness, loss of appetite or other uncomfortable side effects, hip replacement surgery may be a better solution.

Hip replacement surgery can provide wonderful and much-needed relief from hip pain. But it does require significant recovery time. Not everyone is ready to return home after they’ve been discharged from the hospital following hip replacement surgery. If you live alone or for any other reason need daily assistance after hip replacement, Bella Vista is here for you. 

Looking for hip replacement rehab? Visit Bella Vista today

At Bella Vista Health Center, we offer inpatient rehabilitation in our 5-star skilled nursing facility, providing a safe transition between hospital and home. Every patient receives a customized rehab therapy plan designed to help them recover quickly and return to all their favorite activities as soon as possible. For more information on hip replacement rehab, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 today.