Having pain in your hips can be excruciating and hard to ignore. Unfortunately, the more you use your hips, you risk your condition worsening, so it’s best to seek the advice of a medical professional and they can advise the appropriate next steps.
If you’re reading this and you’ve already been to the doctor and they’ve recommended a hip replacement, don’t worry. Hip replacements are brilliant for redeeming your old quality of life and reducing the pain and pressure in your hips. But, if you want to find out more about the procedure, aftercare and more – read on.
How do I know if I need a hip replacement?
The first sign of a hip replacement is pain in one or both sides of your hips. Often, the pain is caused by friction in your hip joints, wearing the bone down and causing limited mobility. Pain can be felt when you’re moving and when you’re resting, unfortunately making it hard to ignore.
It’s important to address the pain you feel in your hips and speak to your GP. They will be able to advise you if a further examination is necessary.
What is a hip replacement?
Simply put, hip replacement surgery is when a hip joint gets replaced by an artificial one. It works by removing the damaged bone and cartilage surrounding the old hip and settling a new one in its place. If you’re worried about feeling pain during the procedure, don’t worry. It’s usually done under general anaesthetic, so you won’t feel a thing.
Hip replacements are performed to relieve pressure on your hips, allowing you to go about your day feeling more mobile and pain-free.
How will I feel after I’ve had a hip replacement?
Once you’ve had your hip operation, expect to be in hospital for around 3 to 5 days after. Obviously, an operation of this kind is a big deal, so the doctors and nurses will want to monitor your progress over this time.
It’s wise to take it easy after you’re discharged from the hospital as your hips will still feel sore. However, it won’t take you long to feel great again. It normally takes around 6 weeks to begin feeling strong again. So, you’ll be back to your fun-filled daily routine in no time!
