A complete hip replacement procedure allows the damaged bone and cartilage to be removed from the joint of the hip and replaced with artificial components. The hip joint is very important due to the amount of weight it carries and how it allows the body to move. These joints are located between the pelvis and the femur. It is a ball and socket type of design. The top of the femur is the ball and the pelvis is the socket of this design. The joint is covered with cartilage to ensure the movements are smooth and simple.
That isn’t how the movements will be with someone who has a hip fracture or injury. There are many reasons why someone may be a candidate for a complete hip replacement. It can be due to pain from arthritis as a person gets older. It can be due to trauma caused by a fall or a vehicle accident.
When a person suffers from arthritis, it can cause inflammation in various joints. This causes pain and it restricts movement. It can make the body stiff and it can limit a person from taking part in their daily routine tasks. Arthritis can affect any joints in the body, and it isn’t uncommon for the hip to be affected. This can result in chronic pain and the inability to move as the body should.
Talk to your doctor of you have any pain around the hip joints. Some of the symptoms you may experience include pain and a limited range of mobility. If you take part in activities at work or during exercise where you move a great deal, you may experience more pain. It can make it hard to walk without limping, causing additional pain in the knees, leg, or back due to how you are walking.
Your doctor will need to assess your medical history. They may ask you to take part in various testing including x-ray and MRI to see the bones and the joints. A physical examination will be completed. If the results confirm you have damages to your hip joint, surgery may be the best option to reduce the pain and to increase mobility. Before surgery, your doctor will try medication and physical therapy to see if that helps the issue.
It is very important follow instructions for after care so your complete hip replacement can heal successfully. Make sure you keep all scheduled appointments. Contact your doctor if you feel sick, have a fever, or the area seems inflamed as those can be signs of an infection. You will need to avoid lifting and bending for at least six weeks. You will need to sleep with a pillow during your legs for that same amount of time.
Avoid crossing your legs and sitting in chairs low to the ground. Use a grabber to pick things up so you aren’t bending or reaching. Try to use an elevated toilet seat if possible to help you get up and down.