Causes of Hip Pain and Conditions That Require Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip pain is a common issue that affects people of all ages, significantly impacting daily activities and quality of life. Understanding the causes of hip pain and when surgical intervention, such as hip replacement, becomes necessary is crucial for effective treatment and management. In this comprehensive article,

Common Causes of Hip Pain

1. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent cause of hip pain. This degenerative joint disease occurs when the cartilage cushioning the hip joint wears down over time. The loss of cartilage leads to bone-on-bone friction, causing pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. Risk factors include age, obesity, and genetic predisposition.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the joint lining, resulting in inflammation and pain. In severe cases, it can lead to joint damage, making hip replacement surgery a viable option.

3. Hip Fractures

Hip fractures are often associated with aging and osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones. These fractures can cause intense pain and immobility, often requiring surgical intervention to restore function.

4. Bursitis

The bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles around the hip joint. Inflammation of these sacs, known as bursitis, causes sharp pain during movement or while lying on the affected side.

5. Tendinitis

Tendinitis involves inflammation of the tendons around the hip joint, commonly resulting from repetitive movements or overuse injuries. Athletes and individuals with physically demanding jobs are at a higher risk.

6. Hip Labral Tear

A labral tear occurs when the cartilage surrounding the hip socket is damaged. This condition often causes pain, clicking sounds, and restricted movement, particularly during physical activities.

7. Avascular Necrosis

Avascular necrosis, also called osteonecrosis, occurs when there is a lack of blood supply to the femoral head (the ball part of the hip joint). This leads to the death of bone tissue, causing severe pain and eventual joint collapse.

When Hip Replacement Surgery Becomes Necessary

1. Chronic and Debilitating Pain

If hip pain persists despite conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections, it may be time to consider hip replacement surgery.

2. Limited Mobility

When reduced range of motion or difficulty performing daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or sitting interferes with quality of life, surgical intervention becomes necessary.

3. Joint Deformity

Severe conditions like osteoarthritis can cause visible deformity of the hip joint. In such cases, a hip replacement can restore normal alignment and improve function.

4. Ineffectiveness of Non-Surgical Treatments

When treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, lifestyle changes, or assistive devices fail to alleviate symptoms, hip replacement surgery may provide relief.

Types of Hip Replacement Surgery

1. Total Hip Replacement (THR)

In this procedure, both the damaged femoral head and the socket are replaced with artificial implants. THR is a highly effective solution for severe arthritis and other chronic conditions.

2. Partial Hip Replacement

This surgery involves replacing only the femoral head. It is often recommended for hip fractures but not commonly for arthritic conditions.

3. Hip Resurfacing

Hip resurfacing preserves more of the patient’s natural bone compared to total hip replacement and is ideal for younger, active patients.

Advantages of Hip Replacement Surgery

• Pain Relief: Hip replacement effectively alleviates chronic pain.
• Improved Mobility: Patients regain the ability to perform everyday tasks.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Activities like walking, gardening, and exercising become more enjoyable.
• Long-Lasting Results: Modern implants are durable and can last 15-20 years or more.

Recovery After Hip Replacement Surgery

Recovery from hip replacement surgery involves several stages, and patients should adhere to their surgeon’s guidelines for optimal outcomes:

• Hospital Stay: Most patients spend 2-4 days in the hospital post-surgery.
• Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation exercises are essential to regain strength and mobility.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Patients should avoid high-impact activities to protect the new joint.

Dr. Murtaza Adeeb – Hip Replacement Doctor in Pune

For those seeking expert care, Dr. Murtaza Adeeb, a leading orthopaedic surgeon in Pune, specialises in hip replacement surgery. Dr. Murtaza Adeeb offers personalised treatment plans based on individual needs with extensive experience. Dr. Murtaza Adeeb is renowned for his commitment to helping patients regain mobility and enjoy a pain-free life.