Signs You May Need a Hip or Knee Replacement Sooner Than You Think
If you’ve been dealing with persistent hip or knee pain, you might be wondering if it’s time to consider joint replacement surgery.
Many people delay the procedure, assuming their pain is manageable or that surgery should be the last resort. However, waiting too long can lead to worsening joint damage, limited mobility, and even a more complicated recovery.
Here are some key signs that you may need a hip or knee replacement sooner than you think:
1. Chronic Pain That Affects Your Daily Life
If hip or knee pain is making everyday activities difficult—such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of a chair—it could be a sign that your joint is deteriorating beyond what conservative treatments can manage. Pain that disrupts your normal routine and limits your mobility is one of the biggest indicators that a joint replacement might be necessary.
2. Pain That Persists Even When You’re Resting
Many people with early joint issues experience pain primarily during activity. However, if your hip or knee hurts even when you’re sitting or lying down, this could mean the cartilage has worn down significantly, leading to bone-on-bone contact. Nighttime pain that keeps you awake is another red flag.
3. Stiffness and Limited Range of Motion
Do you find it difficult to bend your knee or rotate your hip like you used to? Loss of flexibility and stiffness that doesn’t improve with stretching, physical therapy, or medication could indicate severe joint deterioration. When stiffness becomes severe enough to impact basic movements, a joint replacement may be the best option.
4. Over-the-Counter Medications No Longer Help
If you’ve been relying on anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to control your pain but find they’re no longer effective, this could indicate that your joint damage has progressed. Increased reliance on pain medications or needing stronger prescriptions is a sign that it may be time to consider surgery.
5. You’ve Tried Other Treatments Without Relief
Joint injections (such as cortisone or LIPOGEMS), physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications can provide temporary relief. However, if you’ve tried these treatments without long-term improvement, your joint may be too damaged for non-surgical solutions to be effective.
6. Your Knee or Hip is Deformed or Swollen
If your joint appears visibly misshapen or swollen due to arthritis or injury, it may indicate advanced joint deterioration. Deformities such as bowing of the legs or one hip appearing higher than the other can result from severe osteoarthritis and may require surgical intervention.
7. Your Quality of Life is Declining
Perhaps you’ve had to give up activities you once enjoyed, like hiking, playing with your grandkids, or exercising. If joint pain and stiffness are preventing you from living your life to the fullest, a hip or knee replacement could help restore your mobility and independence.
Don’t Wait Too Long—Early Intervention Can Improve Outcomes
Many people delay joint replacement surgery because they fear the recovery process. However, waiting too long can make the procedure more complicated, leading to muscle weakness, joint deformity, and a longer rehabilitation period. Today’s advanced tissue-sparing joint replacement techniques, including minimally invasive and tissue-sparing methods, allow for quicker recoveries and improved outcomes.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s worth consulting with an orthopedic specialist to determine whether joint replacement is right for you. A proactive approach can help you regain your mobility, reduce pain, and improve your overall quality of life.
At San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists, we recognize the impact of knee pain and hip pain and the importance of comprehensive support both leading up to and following hip replacement surgery and knee replacement surgery. With advanced techniques and personalized care, we strive to restore mobility, relieve discomfort, and enhance the quality of life for each of our patients.