Hip Replacement: What is It, Symptoms, Recovery Tips & Precautionary?
By Prof. (Dr.) Pradeep B. Bhosale in Institute for Bone, Joint Replacement, Orthopaedics Spine and Sports Medicine
Apr 24 , 2023 | 3 min read
When you are tired of persistent hip pain, no medication is responding nor any therapy is working then hip replacement surgery is the only option left. Best doctors in Mumbai often recommend total hip replacement surgery as it is a highly effective procedure that has transformed the lives of numerous patients.
In this blog, we are going to discuss hip replacement surgery, its need, symptoms, recovery tips and precautionary measures which are taken post-surgery.
Also known as total hip arthroplasty, total hip replacement surgery may be an option for you if your hip pain interferes with daily activities. The procedure involves the removal of the damaged sections of your hip joints and replaces them with parts usually constructed of metal, ceramic and very hard plastic. This artificial joint help in reducing pain and improving daily movements. Arthritis is one of the most common causes of hip replacement. Other causes may be a fracture or an injury caused in sports, etc. Nanavati Max Hospital has an expert team of joint replacement surgeons in Mumbai who are specialised in treating joints related diseases and disorders with utmost precision and safety.
Why The Need for Hip Replacement Surgery?
Chronic hip pain is the result of the following diseases:
1. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis which is more of an age-related disease. This causes wear and tear of cartilage cushioning the bones of the hip. The people who are at the age of ’50s and more and also have a family history are more prone to the disease.
2. Post-traumatic Arthritis
These diseases are a result of a serious hip injury or fracture. Here, the cartilage gets damaged and leads to hip pain and stiffness over time.
3. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Being an autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis causes the synovial membrane inflamed and thickened and due to this chronic inflammation cartilage can be damaged which further leads to pain and stiffness.
4. Childhood Hip Disease
Some people face hip problems since their birth. These problems are successfully treated during childhood but do have a probability of causing arthritis later in life. The reason behind it can be the abnormal growth which may ultimately affect the joint surfaces.
Are You The Right Candidate?
As such, there are no criteria build for the candidature of hip replacement surgery, neither the weight is the barrier nor the age of the patient hinders.
Whether to go for surgery or not is decided on the basis of patient's pain and disability and not the age. Most people who are aged around 50’s to ’80s are vulnerable to hip replacement surgery. Here, the doctor test individuals to know whether he/she can bear the replacement surgery or not.
3 alarming signs that you should not ignore:
- When your hip pain limits your everyday activities
- When lifting your leg or making movements becomes difficult due to stiffness in your hips
- When you do not get relieved from pain even after having anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy or walking supports
What Next After The Surgery?
The success of your recovery depends on how well you follow the doctors’ instructions. Recovery is one of the crucial periods which should not be ignored, also one should follow all the precautionary measures and recovery tips advised by the doctor.
Some of these are listed below:
1. Diet management
Loss of appetite post-surgery can make you weak so it is advisable to take an iron supplement for proper tissue healing and restore muscle strength, also drinking plenty of fluids keeps you hydrated and energetic.
2. Activity
Exercise is a critical component of the recovery period which relaxes your stiff joints post-surgery. In the initial period, one should not practise the heavy ones’ until his/her operated joints get strengthen. Walking can be a good start for you.
3. Physiotherapy is a must
Another major component of the recovery period is physiotherapy which most of the doctors’ advice in order to facilitate smooth movements and increase the range of motions.
Due to the advancement of technology and the use of latest approaches, Hip replacement surgery has become much more efficient. But at the same time, it is imperative to follow the recovery tips and precautionary measures listed above for the desired results.
Also, Read About Physiotherapy Center in Mumbai
Reviewed By
Prof. (Dr.) Pradeep Bhosale (Director - Arthritis & Joint Replacement Surgery)
Prof. (Dr.) Pradeep Bhosale is Director - Arthritis & Joint Replacement Surgery at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital. With an experience spanning over 36 years, he has performed over 10,000 Complex Primary and Revision Hip, Knee & Shoulder Arthroplasties. He is the former Head of Department, Orthopaedic, at renowned Seth G.S. Medical College & K.E.M. Hospital, Parel.
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