If you have arthritis that affects your hip, your doctor may have mentioned to you that surgery is an option. However, there are several good reasons to avoid hip surgery when possible, and there are a lot of treatments that can be tried before you opt for surgery. Here are a few reasons you should avoid hip surgery when possible.
Recovery Period
If you have hip replacement surgery, you will have three to six weeks of downtime before you will be able to return to normal activity. If you are still employed or working, this downtime can be detrimental to your lifestyle and finances. Although you will be able to get on your feet right away, you will not be moving normally for several weeks.
Return to Activity
If you have advanced arthritis and have not been active because of it, it will be much harder for you to resume normal activities after hip replacement surgery. The surgery only replaces the hip joint. It does not strengthen the tendons, ligaments, and muscles that support the joint. If you have not been active because of your hip pain, having a hip replacement surgery will not automatically get you back to the activities you enjoy.
Possible Complications
Although they only affect about four percent of patients, there are possible complications to hip replacement surgery. As with any surgery, there are risks. About four percent of patients have a serious complication such as a joint infection. About 12 percent of patients will require a second surgery to replace the joint again or make corrections to the joint.
If you have been suffering from hip pain and want to avoid surgery, we can help. With a combination of physical therapy, stem cell treatments, and PRP treatments, we can help you strengthen your joints and stop arthritis in its tracks. Contact us today for more information or to schedule your appointment.