You might want to look at other methods before undergoing the serious step of hip replacement surgery, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Exercise can help strengthen the muscles in the legs and around the hip joints. It can be moderate exercise and does not have to be vigorous. Sometimes canes or walkers can be used for a time to see if that improves hip function. It will take weight off the hips and heal the problem eventually. Some people may find that pain returns, but they can use walking aids periodically to return to normal function and avoid major surgery. There are good reasons for hip replacement surgery, but also reasons to look at other remedies.
Medication
Medication as simple as acetaminophen, or Tylenol, might cure the problem. When inflammation is causing difficulties, you might want to use aspirin or ibuprofen. A doctor can prescribe stronger medications. This can eliminate the pain and improve hip function so surgery is not necessary.
Supplements
Sometimes topical agents such as capsaicin and methylsalicylate can provide relief. Even nutritional supplements might work to ease pain. Supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin might do the job. It is best to take these substances under the supervision of a doctor, who can help you choose the right alternative medicine and avoid any harmful interactions with other medications.
Corticosteroid
Doctors may prescribe corticosteroid medications to relieve pain and reduce joint inflammation. But these can only be taken on a limited basis because corticosteroids may further joint inflammation and include side effects such as increased appetite and weight gain, which might cause further hip problems.
Less Complicated
If medications do not work, there is always less complicated surgical procedures instead of major hip replacement surgery. An osteotomy operation cuts and realigns the bone to shift weight from the damaged area to a healthier bone. Even though it is minor surgery, however, it can take 6 to 12 months to fully recover. There is also no guarantee it will work, and additional treatment or more surgery may be needed.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Instead of major surgery, doctors use a technique that makes smaller incisions, the Mayo Clinic explains. There is little trauma to the body and less need for pain medication. There is also less blood lost during the operation. Patients can leave the hospital in as little as 2 or 3 days, instead of the 5 or 6 days it takes for a conventional operation.
Hip Resurfacing
Surgeons remove less bone from the worn surfaces of the hip joint than is taken during a normal hip replacement surgery. The operation is usually performed on younger, healthy patients without major leg problems.
Hip Replacement Surgery
Muscles around the hip are taken out. A prosthesis is then placed on the exposed joint. A big advantage to hip replacement surgery is that it has gotten better over the years with advanced techniques, the Mayo Clinic points out. Patients recover faster than they did just a few years ago. Despite the many alternatives, hip replacement surgery has improved the lives of many people.
