Alternatives to Hip Replacement Surgery for Patients with Hip Pain
Some might prefer a more conservative approach since a hip replacement surgery may seem taxing, health experts believe, especially since the operation is known to have several complications. The artificial ball and socket that takes the place of the natural joint is much smaller, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), hence the hip device is prone to dislocations. For this reason, some men and women who are undergoing hip pain would rather try alternative treatments for hip pain that have less severe complications. A simple lifestyle change to difficult surgical procedures are some of the options for easing hip pain.
Lifestyle changes are often the first advice that most orthopedic experts give their patients who are experiencing hip pain. Diet, exercise, rest, weight loss and walking aids are often recommended to help ease the pressure on the joint and relieve the pain. The added weight gives more pressure to the problematic joint, hence, dietary changes and weight reduction will help. A temporary way to decrease the pain may be felt with using a warm and cold compress. These lifestyle changes may aid in lessening the pain and damage in the hip joints, although some may not be able to feel relief.
Medications may be prescribed by health care providers if the pain does not lessen with non-pharmacologic approaches. The medication used for inflammation may be non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Acetaminophen, on the other hand, may be used there is no inflammation. If the patient is not responding well to lower doses, they might be given stronger analgesics. Any adverse reactions to the medication are to be reported to the physician and patients need to be possible effects of these medications. The long-term use of these medications may lead to more problems, hence, they need to be used sparingly.
Orthopedic specialists may suggest other means to eliminate these joint discomforts through surgery if patients do not respond to other non-surgical methods. If one still does not want to have a hip replacement surgery, then an osteotomy might be a viable option. It involves cutting out the diseased portion of the joint and realigning the bone, but the recovery of this operation may take up much time. These men and women may choose their own desired treatment for the discomfort that they feel. Patients are more aware of the hip implant recall, especially if they are considering to have a hip replacement surgery.
URL References:
niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Hip_Replacement/#3
nhs.uk/Conditions/Hip-replacement/Pages/Alternatives.aspx
nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/osteoarthritis/lifestyle-changes.html