The hip is the most crucial joint in the entire skeletal system. It helps one mobilise the body from one point to another. Yet, various joint conditions can damage the hip, leading to chronic inflammation.
Chronic inflammation impacts mental and physical well-being badly. The affected person cannot walk, climb stairs and do essential day-to-day activities without pain and discomfort. Gradually, the person has to lead an inactive and unhealthy lifestyle.
For such a person, the doctor recommends hip replacement surgery. The treatment improves hip joint motion and relieves chronic pain. So, the patient can lead an active and pain-free life.
Thus, the answer is no. Life is not normal after hip replacement surgery. It is more than normal. Life improves. Life becomes full of pain-free steps, happiness and confidence.
To learn about hip replacement surgery and other crucial things, continue to read below.
What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?
This is a highly successful and effective treatment for chronic, excruciating and debilitating hip pain.
In this surgery, the surgeon removes damaged hip parts and resurfaces them with artificial ones. After the intervention, the patient can walk, climb stairs and do everything essential without any pain and discomfort.
Read more: hip replacement surgery success rate
Types
There are two types of hip replacement surgeries.
- Total hip replacement surgery
- Partial hip replacement surgery
The hip is a socket and ball joint. When the socket and the ball are both damaged and thus need resurfacing, total hip replacement is recommended. Furthermore, it is also of two types, namely unilateral and bilateral.
When only one hip joint needs a total hip replacement, it is called a unilateral procedure. And, if both hips need it, it is called a bilateral procedure.
When only the ball of the hip is damaged and thus needs surgery, it is called partial hip replacement surgery.
Causes
The following are the major causes of chronic hip pain.
Osteoarthritis: It is an age-related condition. Gradually, soft tissue known as cartilage in the hip wears out due to overuse. As a result, bones rub against each other, causing chronic stiffness and inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an autoimmune condition that causes widespread and chronic joint inflammation. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissues and causes swelling.
This condition often affects more than two joints in the body simultaneously. If left untreated, RA damages the hip completely, causing permanent dysfunction.
Osteonecrosis: It is a condition of bone death due to lack of blood supply. An injury, prolonged use of steroids and lifestyle choices all can contribute to the development of this condition in the hip.
Osteonecrosis typically affects the ball part of the hip.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Osteoarthritis is primarily an age-related condition. However, this condition can also develop after a trauma. The cartilage in the hip can get damaged after an injury and if left untreated, it will cause early osteoarthritis.
Fractures: Intense injuries often lead to hip fractures. Fractures if not treated properly lead to severe disability.
All these conditions require total hip replacement surgery to improve hip function and relieve chronic pain.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the prevailing problem. Yet, the following are common symptoms in several different hip joint conditions.
- Hip pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Tenderness
- Immobility
These symptoms become worse when the right treatment isn’t provided on time.
Diagnosis
Before total hip replacement surgery, a doctor examines the hip using a number of tests, which might include any of the following as per the doctor’s preference.
X-ray: This is the most basic imaging test that helps learn about bone conditions. Fractures or other internal bone problems can be well-diagnosed with the help of an X ray test. But, this test cannot tell the doctor anything about the conditions of soft tissue inside the hip.
MRI: This test is also an imaging test. It helps diagnose bone as well as soft-tissue conditions. An MRI can produce detailed images of hip bones and soft tissues alike.
CT Scan: MRI tests cannot be recommended to a patient who already has a metal implant inside their body. Thus, for the examination of bones and soft tissues inside the hip of such a patient, CT scanning is preferred and used.
Complications
Chronic hip pain is a symptom of internal damage. This damage can occur due to many reasons. If the internal cause is left untreated, it leads to total physical disability.
The affected person cannot walk without pain and discomfort. Life becomes inactive and depressive. Thus, if you are dealing with chronic hip pain, don’t ignore it with the use of painkillers.
Prolonged consumption of painkillers leads to more harm than good. Consult the right specialist on time and get the treatment you need so that the situation doesn’t become more complicated or worse.
Prevention
Accidents and health issues can occur to anyone that can impact the hip joint negatively and cause permanent disabilities. Sometimes, damage can be controlled and joint function can be restored if prompt medical attention is ensured. But, often, people ignore or suppress it with painkillers and the situation grows.
Yet, consider the following tips to keep the hip joint healthy in general!
- Exercise regularly.
- Have fresh and healthy meals and avoid junk foods.
- Ensure enough calcium and protein in your diet.
- Make sure you are taking enough vitamin D through sunlight exposure or supplements.
- Include enough walking in your schedule and avoid a sedentary lifestyle. If you have a very inactive desk job, take frequent breaks.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Ensure adequate sleep each night.
- Manage chronic stress if you have anxiety issues.
- Avoid accidents and activities that are likely to result in falls, hits and traumas.
Conclusion
So, hip replacement surgery is meant to make your life normal that is already abnormal due to chronic hip pain. This surgery is only recommended for those who cannot even walk a few steps independently due to intense pain in the hip.
Thus, life improves after surgery. This is a highly successful and effective surgical treatment for the hip joints that have become totally damaged and thus chronically inflamed.
To ensure the best treatment for you, visit the following link: hip pain treatment in Delhi NCR.
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