Alternatives to Getting Hip Replacement Surgery

Published on: September 8, 2018

Hip pain and stiffness can affect your quality of life, limiting your mobility. Many people suffer from hip problems, often related to injuries in the hip, bone loss or arthritis. For older men and women, the solution that is offered is hip replacement surgery. Although in some circumstances this is the last option available, there are other alternatives to this invasive surgery.

Physical Therapy

The first treatment that should be considered is physical therapy. Learning ways to strengthen and improve flexibility in the hip joint can improve mobility. While this may not be a permanent solution for some, it can help delay other more invasive treatments.

Injections and Medications

Cortisone injections and anti-inflammatory medications can help relive the inflammation and pain in the hip joint. When combined with physical therapy, medication can help manage the pain and discomfort while the joint is kept loose and mobile through activity.

Anthroscopy

In some cases, hip anthroscopy may be used to diagnose and treat conditions in the hip. This is a minimally invasive surgery, requiring only a small incision. This procedure uses small cameras and thin, flexible instruments to access the hip joint. This can help identify issues like torn or worn cartilage, then remove or repair the cartilage to improve hip function. This procedure is performed by an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in minimally invasive surgery options

There is no reason to rush into getting hip replacement surgery. There are many options to treat hip problems that can delay the need for a new hip or eliminate the need altogether. Talk to an orthopedic surgeon about medication, physical therapy and other alternatives to hip replacement surgery.

Posted on behalf of:
Ortho Sport and Spine Physicians
5730 Glenridge Drive Northeast #230
Atlanta, GA 30328
(678) 752-7246

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