If you need a hip replacement, our highly skilled providers at Orthocenter are here to help. However, we know that most people prefer to wait as long as possible before this surgery, and many wonder if they can’t avoid it altogether. We would love nothing more than for you to keep your natural hip joints and live a healthy, active life!
Let’s look at how you can keep your hip joints healthy and alternatives to replacement.
Why so many hip procedures?
The main reason for hip replacement is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that causes the cartilage in your joints to degrade. Without the cartilage to cushion the joint, your bones rub painfully against each other.
Other conditions can lead to the need for a hip replacement as well. Rheumatoid arthritis and trauma can adversely affect your hip joints. Genetics can play a role, too.
Depending on why you may eventually need a hip replacement and how advanced your condition is, you may be able to slow the degenerative process enough that you don’t need hip replacement surgery.
Consider the pressure on your hips.
Being overweight can have a big impact on your hip joint function. For every 10 pounds of extra weight you have above your waist, your hips endure an extra 75-100 pounds of pressure, so losing just a few pounds can make a big difference in the health of your hip joints.
Of course, it’s far easier to say “lose some weight” than to shed the pounds. If you’re interested in losing weight, talk to our staff. We may be able to suggest resources that will help.
Build strength and flexibility
To better support, your hip joints, work on strengthening the surrounding muscles. Strong abdominals, gluteal, and back muscles — a strong core — provide support and protection for your joints.
In addition to strengthening, you should also work on increasing muscle flexibility. Stretching after you exercise while your muscles are warm is a good way to improve your flexibility effectively.
If you’re unsure where to start with building strength and flexibility, you may consider a few visits with a physical therapist. They can help you understand how to target specific areas and what’s safe for you.
See a specialist sooner, not later.
If you have consistent pain, schedule an appointment and find out why. An earlier diagnosis and treatment can help preserve function with degenerative hip conditions.
If your hips hurt when you walk, climb stairs, or do specific exercises, find out why and what you can do about it.
Consider other treatments
Even if you have osteoarthritis in your hip joint, you may not need hip replacement surgery. Our experts may suggest other treatment options. For example, injections are a better approach for some people. Injections can lessen inflammation and pain or lubricate your joint, so it functions better.
Arthroscopy may also be an alternative to total hip replacement. If the damaged cartilage in your joint is rubbing and causing pain, we may be able to use minimally invasive surgical techniques to remove it.
Ultimately, the right treatment for you depends on many factors, whether lifestyle adjustments or a total hip replacement. The best way to decide how to proceed is to discuss your situation with a specialist and ask questions about their recommendations.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Hip Replacement Surgery?
Most individuals may resume mild activities three to six weeks following surgery. But for six months to a year, you won’t be able to turn or flex your legs.
Maintaining your physical therapy regimen is the most effective way to accelerate your recovery. Your doctor or physical therapist will advise you to do specific daily exercises to recover quickly.
People with diabetes, heart disease, or lung difficulties may have more difficulty recovering. If you live alone, someone should check on you often during the first several weeks after total hip replacement surgery. To discover more about orthopedist surgery, contact the Vikas Mehra clinic today! Dr. Mehra is the best hip replacement surgeon in Chandigarh. Want to know more about keeping your hips healthy? Please schedule an appointment at one of our locations today and talk to an expert.