The goal of hip replacement surgery is to increase mobility, decrease pain and improve function of the hip joint. One of the most common concerns patients have before they undergo surgery is pain after hip replacement. Patients in the Dallas, Fort Worth and Arlington, Texas area can find answers associated with hip replacement pain from the physicians at OPTIMAL Pain & Regenerative Medicine®.
Who Requires Hip Replacement Surgery?
The hip is one of the body’s largest joints. As a ball-and-socket joint, it contains cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones and allows them to move easily. When that cartilage wears, chronic hip pain can occur from a condition called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and traumatic arthritis are the most common causes of hip pain and disability.
Patients with hip damage that causes pain, decreased mobility and interferes with daily life may consider hip replacement surgery if other traditional pain management options have failed. Before undergoing the procedure, patients need to discuss pain after hip replacement and the other common side effects such as bruising and swelling with their physician.
What Level of Hip Replacement Pain can Patients Expect?
The majority of patients want to know the level of hip replacement pain they can expect following the procedure. Pain can normally be managed at home by following proper post-operative steps provided by the surgeon.
Post-operative steps include:
- Proper amount of rest and exercise
- Proper use of prescription medicine
- Keeping the leg elevated
- Proper ice usage
A regular practice of icing, elevating the leg and taking proper medications will greatly help with pain after hip replacement. A proper balance of rest, physical therapy and exercise is also critical to pain management.
Returning to an active lifestyle without hip replacement pain takes time. Many patients expect their lifestyle to be very similar as before the procedure but without pain and decreased mobility. Common side effects include swelling, bruising and pain after hip replacement. These effects take time to subside and can be managed by patients who are active participants in the healing process.
Did you undergo hip replacement surgery and have hip replacement pain? Contact OPTIMAL Pain & Regenerative Medicine® and we will discuss the various factors associated with pain after hip replacement.