When Is It Time for a Hip or Knee Replacement? 5 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Living with hip or knee pain can be frustrating and limiting your activities. Many people try to push through discomfort, hoping it will improve with time, exercise, stretching, injections, or medications. While conservative treatments often help, there comes a point when joint damage may require surgical intervention. Knowing the signs can help you make an informed decision and avoid unnecessary suffering.
1. Persistent Pain That Limits Daily Activities
If hip or knee pain interferes with basic tasks like walking, climbing stairs, going down the stairs, getting in and out of the car, or standing up from a chair, it may be time to consider a replacement. When pain persists despite rest, injections, physical therapy, or medications, it could signal advanced arthritis or joint damage.
2. Pain at Rest or During the Night
Discomfort that keeps you awake at night, wakes you up from sleep, or causes pain even when sitting or lying down is a red flag. Hip arthritis often presents as pain in the groin area. This often indicates that the joint surfaces are significantly worn down and are no longer cushioning your movements.
3. Loss of Mobility and Stiffness
When stiffness prevents you from bending, straightening, or rotating your hip or knee, everyday activities become challenging. Simple things like walking, going up and down stairs, and getting in and out of vehicle can become very painful. Severe stiffness can also affect your posture and walking pattern, leading to additional strain on other joints.
4. Limited Relief from Non-Surgical Treatments
Treatments like anti-inflammatory medications, injections, or physical therapy can provide relief in the earlier stages of arthritis. However, if these methods no longer control pain or restore mobility, minimally invasive, muscle sparing joint replacement surgery may be the next step.
5. Decreased Quality of Life
Perhaps the most important factor is how pain impacts your overall quality of life. If you’re avoiding social activities, hobbies like golf, pickleball, or exercise because of joint pain, minimally invasive, muscle sparing joint replacement could help you return to the lifestyle you love.
A Personalized Decision
Every patient’s journey is different, and deciding when to move forward with hip or knee replacement surgery requires a thorough evaluation. Modern advancements, including robotic-assisted and muscle-sparing techniques, allow for more precise, minimally invasive procedures with quicker recovery times. Dr. Gough has performed over 8,000 robotic assisted, muscle sparing joint replacements since 2013.
The Bottom Line
If joint pain is taking away your independence, mobility, and joy, it may be time to talk with us about hip or knee replacement. Early consultation can help you understand your options and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. We would love to sit down and talk with you about your options. Give us a call at 602-359-3088 to book your consultation.
