Hip surgery can be a life-changing procedure for those who are suffering from debilitating hip pain or mobility issues. The idea of undergoing surgery may seem more relieving than daunting. Whether your hip pain is due to arthritis, compressed nerves, injury, or other conditions, surgery offers a range of benefits that can drastically improve your quality of life.
Whether it's pain relief or improved mobility that you're looking for, the advantages of hip surgery go far beyond just physical health. Being in debilitating pain all the time has an impact on both your emotional and mental well-being, and it can lead to a decrease in independence. Let’s take a look at the benefits of hip surgery below.
Decreased Pain
When you are dealing with constant pain, getting surgery to alleviate it almost feels like the obvious choice. You deserve to be able to sit, stand, and lie down without pain, and some people experience distress for so long that they forget what that feels like. If hip surgery is the answer to being more comfortable, then it's something may want to consider.
It’s important to note that hip pain doesn't just stop at the hip. It often spreads to other areas of the body and can lead to other issues. Surgery can help prevent your health concerns from multiplying and further interrupting your life.
Increased Range of Motion
If you are experiencing severe hip pain, it’s likely you are limping or subconsciously holding your body in a certain way to protect the joints. They become stiff, and their flexibility is negatively impacted. Hip surgery enhances your range of motion, which makes you more flexible and allows you to return to your everyday life. Your body won’t experience so much wear and tear when you are hiking, running, or completing daily tasks.
Better Performance in Sports and Athletic Activities
If you enjoy participating in sports or other activities, hip surgery may be the best option for you.
Sports typically require a combination of agility, endurance, speed, and strength. When you have chronic hip pain, it’s nearly impossible to perform to the best of your ability. The pressure on your joints prevents you from doing all that you’re normally able to.
After hip surgery, you’ll be able to bear weight on the affected joint again, meaning you'll be able to move more swiftly and freely without pain. Engaging in regular exercise and sports post-surgery can also help strengthen the muscles surrounding the hip joint, enhance flexibility, and promote bone density, thereby reducing the risk of future injuries.
Improved Mental Health and Quality of Life
If you find that hip pain has slowly started preventing you from doing activities you want or need to do, you might find that your mental health is being impacted.
Constant discomfort and restricted mobility can lead to feelings of frustration, sadness, and even isolation as you struggle to participate in everyday tasks or social events. As an adult, it can feel burdensome to rely on others to help you complete basic tasks or get around.
The persistent presence of pain can wear down your resilience. Some people with chronic pain end up taking several medications to help manage it, which can lead to addiction later on.
However, undergoing hip surgery can alleviate the emotional strain associated with chronic discomfort. By addressing the root cause of the pain and restoring mobility, you may experience a renewed sense of optimism.
Signs You May Need Hip Surgery
Although hip surgery offers many benefits, it’s not always the best form of treatment for everyone. There are other interventions that can be tested first. If other treatment options haven’t proved effective and you are experiencing any of the following circumstances, you may be a candidate for hip surgery:
- Advanced arthritis
- Difficulty completing daily tasks or moving around without assistance
- Difficulty exercising
- Interrupted sleep
- Poor reactions to hip pain medication
- Significant hip pain that has increased over time
- Stiffness, tightness, or limited range of motion in the hip
Contact Summit Orthopedics
You do not have to live in pain anymore, and you do not have to give up the activities that you love. Hip surgery could be the catalyst to a happier, healthier life.
If you are dealing with unresolved hip pain, contact Summit Orthopedics. Our knowledgeable and friendly physicians are here to ensure you receive the best orthopedic care in Idaho Falls.