Hip pain can make everyday life feel like walking on ice. Either an injury or an accident is a major cause behind the condition. Simple causes, like climbing stairs, even when getting out of bed, may become frustrating with hip pain. This process is capable of transforming lives in many ways, including improving movement and reducing pain. This blog will discuss the most effective non-surgical alternatives to hip replacement surgery, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and why they require these treatments.
If the quality of life is severely harmed by hip osteoarthritis or the patient wishes to stay away from surgery, this is the time to seek out nonsurgical medical care. Good news for most patients because they believe that the only non-surgical option is hip replacement surgery.
What is Hip Replacement?
Non-surgical alternatives to hip replacement are an orthopaedic treatment procedure. Sometimes, it is also called hip arthroplasty. During this procedure, a physician will use ceramic and plastic components to replace the damaged parts of the hip.
This procedure is often used to treat hip joint failure, which can be caused by a number of conditions, including pain and injuries. A hip joint plays an important role in our body for supporting our upper body, balancing while we stand, and helping in sit.
What Causes of This Pain?
The Hip is the joint in the body that bears the most weight. Over time, this can cause damage over time:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Hip Fractures
- Avascular Necrosis
- Hip Dysplasia
What are the Symptoms of Hip Arthritis?
These are some regular signs of hip arthritis.
- Pain in the buttocks, thigh or groin.
- Stiffness in the hip joint.
- Difficulty with prolonged standing or walking.
- A sound like grinding or clicking.
- A smaller range of motion.
Explore the Diagnosis Methods
Before considering a hip replacement medical care, it is important to know which type of hip complications you may have. Here is a list of some diagnoses and tests that help to know the kind of complication you are facing in the hip joint.
- Hip X-rays.
- Blood tests(for markers of inflammation or infection)
- Urinalysis
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- A computed tomography scan
- An electrocardiogram
Non Surgical Alternatives to Hip Replacement Surgery
A list of non-surgical medical aids that help to treat this disease, which include:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is the best way to treat any disease at home. It can help to reduce pain and provide extra energy with flexibility. Many doctors and surgeons may ask you to do some physical exercise after surgery to get better results and recover faster.
Physical therapy is also a part of treatment that can be used in hip replacement surgery and may help in reducing pain after surgery and in recovery. Some physical exercises like leg lifts, hip bridges, stretching activities, and swimming, not only support healing but also help prevent further joint damage.
Medications for Pain Management
In this medical care, a physician may prescribe these two kinds of medication:
- OTC medications: These medicines are frequently used to treat pain in the hip joint, which is caused by injuries, such as fractures, falls, and other mishaps. A few of these drugs are:
- NSAIDs drugs
- Tylenol
- Prescription Medications: If over-the-counter medications do not work, then the doctor may recommend strong alternative medicines, which include:
- Corticosteroids
- Gels and creams, such as Voltaren are e.g., topical pain relievers.
- Drugs for nerve pain, such as gabapentin.
Injections and Regenerative Therapies
Injections and regenerative therapies are also a good alternative to surgery, they can help to provide instant relief.
- Corticosteroid Injections: To alleviate pain and inflammation, corticosteroid injections are directly administered into the hip joint. For weeks or even months, it can offer relief.
- Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Increase mobility and reduce discomfort by lubricating the joint with hyaluronic acid injections. It is often used for knee arthritis, although some hip patients may benefit.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma Medical aid: This treatment uses the patient’s own blood to lower inflammation and encourage healing. It may be beneficial for mild to moderate arthritis.
Lifestyle Modification
Some simple modifications and adjustments to daily routines can reduce a lot of disease and problems in your life. It can also have an impact on joint health and hip pain.
- Weight Management: Carrying too much weight strains the hip joint.
- Activity Modification: Ignore effortful activities, like running and jumping, after surgery, and use some simple activities like cycling, swimming, and walking in the daily routine.
- Proper Footwear: Use proper and flexible footwear that can help during walking and moving anywhere.
Holistic Alternatives
It is one way of treatment where they treat the whole body in a natural way, not just the hip pain. This means it can heal your whole body through natural activity.
- Acupuncture: It stimulates specific points to reduce pain and infection. Some research signs that people with arthritis can benefit greatly.
- Yoga: It is one of the most important activities that can help to reduce pain and body feel flexible. Doing yoga regularly can help with your joint pain.
- Massage Therapy: This method is used to provide relaxation to your body by rubbing your muscles and making your hips flexible, not too strong.
- Healthy Eating: Eating a healthy diet and avoiding junk foods which make your body healthy and joints strong.
Why Do Patients Need Non-Surgical Treatment?
Hip replacement surgery may be the best option in some cases but non-surgical therapies can also be very effective. If you experience:
- Chronic pain that is not tolerable to therapy.
- A notable reduction in mobility.
- Deformity or damage to the hip structure.
- Pain that interferes with everyday activities and sleep.
A physician can examine you and decide whether surgery is required.
Conclusion
Hip arthritis does not always need surgery. It will also be treated sometimes with medication or some lifestyle changes. Choosing a non-surgical alternative to hip replacement surgery is a good option for patients who want to avoid the surgical method or treatment. It can help in hip arthritis recovery without any surgery.