How do I avoid needing to have a hip replacement?

Hip replacement surgery is a common procedure for individuals suffering from severe hip pain, usually due to conditions like osteoarthritis. However, there are ways to manage symptoms and potentially avoid surgery through lifestyle changes and other treatments. Here to tell us all about it, is leading consultant orthopaedic and trauma surgeon, Mr Caesar Wek.

Maintain a healthy weight

One of the most effective ways to protect your hip joints is by maintaining a healthy weight. Excess weight adds pressure on the hips, accelerating joint degeneration and contributing to pain and discomfort. Losing weight can relieve strain on your hips, reducing the wear and tear that leads to the need for surgery.

Stay active and strengthen muscles

Regular exercise is essential for keeping your hip joints flexible and strong. Low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling and walking help maintain mobility without putting too much pressure on the hips. Strengthening the muscles around the hip, particularly the core and leg muscles, provides extra support to the joint and reduces the load on it. Exercises such as yoga, Pilates and resistance training can be beneficial.

Engage in physical therapy

Physiotherapy can help alleviate hip pain and improve your joint’s function. A physiotherapist can tailor exercises to strengthen the muscles around the hip and improve your range of motion. They may also recommend techniques to reduce inflammation and manage pain. This can be particularly useful for individuals with arthritis or joint degeneration.

Use assistive devices

To reduce stress on your hips, you might consider using walking aids like a cane or orthopaedic insoles. These tools can improve your posture and distribute weight more evenly, relieving some of the pressure on your hip joints and delaying the need for surgery.

Medication and injections

Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications, such as NSAIDs, can help manage symptoms and improve mobility. For more severe pain, corticosteroid injections into the hip joint may provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation. Injections like hyaluronic acid, which lubricates the joint, can also help with managing symptoms.

Avoid high-impact activities

High-impact sports and activities, such as running or jumping, can exacerbate hip problems. Over time, these activities can speed up joint degeneration and increase the likelihood of needing surgery. It’s best to replace these with lower-impact exercises that are gentler on your hips.

Consider alternative therapies

Some people find relief through complementary treatments like:

• acupuncture;
• chiropractic care, or;
• massage therapy.

While these methods won’t stop the progression of joint damage, they can help manage pain and improve quality of life.

Keep inflammation in check

Chronic inflammation can contribute to the degradation of hip joints. A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as leafy greens, fatty fish and nuts, can help manage inflammation. Avoiding processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats is also essential for joint health.

By adopting these strategies, you may be able to manage your hip pain and avoid or delay the need for a hip replacement. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to develop a personalised plan based on your specific condition.

If you require further expert orthopaedic advice regarding a hip replacement – or avoiding one - arrange a consultation with Mr Wek via his Top Doctors profile.