4 signs you might need a hip replacement

What is hip replacement surgery?

Hip replacement surgery is an orthopaedic procedure to replace your hip joint with artificial parts if it has been damaged or worn away. 

There are three main types of hip replacement surgery:

• Total hip replacement - this is the most common procedure where both the ball and socket of the hip joint are replaced with prosthetic components such as metal, ceramic or plastic.
• Partial hip replacement - only the ball part of the hip joint is replaced, while the natural socket is left in place.
• Hip resurfacing - the ball of the hip is reshaped and covered with a metal cap rather than being fully removed, while the socket is replaced. This preserves more bone and may be an option for some younger, more active patients.

How many people are affected by hip pain in the UK?

Each year in England and Wales, around 80,000 hip replacement operations are performed. People often think that only the elderly or immobile require a hip replacement, when in fact more active people in their 50’s and 60’s are undergoing hip replacement surgery. It’s a life-changing operation for many and can drastically alter the way people go about their everyday lives.

But not all hip pain cases result in replacement surgery. At HCA Healthcare UK we offer a wide range of hip treatments for adults and children, with tailored treatments such as hip preservation and hip arthroscopy for acute injuries and chronic conditions.

What are the 4 signs you need a hip replacement?

1. Hip or groin pain

One of the common indicators that you could have an underlying problem with your hip joint is consistent pain which can be felt on the outside of your hip or groin and can radiate to the front of your thigh and down to your knee.

If the pain is more prominent lower down the back of your leg towards your ankle, then this could instead be caused by back problems but is again worth investigating.

It's also likely that hip or groin pain will worsen with activity, such as walking or more rigorous exercising and will lessen with rest. Also, the pain will often be worse for the first few steps after starting to walk and with the activity of getting out of a chair.

2. Lack of function which interferes with your everyday life

Hip pain can often be so severe, that it impacts your ability to complete everyday tasks such as going for a walk, managing the stairs or going for a weekly shop or your hobbies and sports.

If this is the case, and you also have trouble sleeping due to the pain and the quality of your life is affected, then it’s probably the right time to reach out to a hip specialist about whether a hip replacement or hip resurfacing is the right treatment for you.

3. Stiffness in the hip joint

One way to determine whether you’re experiencing stiffness in the hip joint is to test how easy you find putting on shoes and socks. If this is a struggle, particularly if it’s in one foot more than the other, then this could be a sign of arthritis that should be investigated further.

You might also feel one hip joint clicking, popping or grinding in ways which impair your regular range of movement. If this continues to occur, and these days as people remain more active the stiffness is often noticed with sport, exercises, yoga or Pilates, then it’s worth seeking specialist opinion.

4. No relief from other treatments

If you have already tried other methods of treatments for your hip problems, such as physiotherapy or medication and the problem still persists, then a hip replacement could be the best method of treatment for you.

It’s important that you seek specialist advice to ensure the most appropriate treatment for you is some form hip replacement, and more specifically what sort of hip replacement or resurfacing should be used. Hip resurfacing and replacement though highly successful requires major surgery and can involve a lot of prehab and rehab. The upside is that with modern techniques the artificial joints can last up to 30 years plus.

Will an X-ray show if I need a hip replacement?

An X-ray is one of the first tests used to assess whether someone might need a hip replacement - but on its own, it doesn’t determine the final decision. Further scans, such as MRI, CT and ultrasound are usually required, as is a full picture view of your overall health, the range and severity of your symptoms, and how you’re responding to any current treatments.
If you’re unsure about your symptoms, speaking to one of our specialists can offer reassurance and help you take the next step towards moving more comfortably again.