Hip Pain & Joint Replacement
We Bring Strength and Healing
Your hip joint is pretty amazing. This ball-and-socket joint assists with stability, range of motion for your legs, and supporting your body weight. Because of its many functions, any injury or disease in the hip joint, bones, muscles, or tendons can quickly throw a wrench in your day-to-day. Fear not. We provide a range of treatments and procedures to help bring strength and healing.
Causes of Hip Pain
Hip pain can develop for several reasons, from chronic illnesses to congenital conditions or injuries from slip and falls. Some of the most common reasons for hip pain are:
- Arthritis
- Hip dysplasia
- Fractures
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
Inflammation or injuries to your hips may cause pain and discomfort in surrounding areas, too. For example, you may feel pain in your lower back, groin, or thighs. Don’t let pain linger. If you’re experiencing hip pain, it’s time to come see a specialist.
If you’re recovering from an injury and you experience sudden hip pain and swelling, an inability to move your leg, or signs of an infection – like a fever – seek emergency care immediately.
“If hip pain is affecting your quality of life, don’t delay seeking treatment.
-Sam Linford, DO
Total hip arthroplasty can effectively alleviate pain and strengthen mobility.”
Need to Know: Hip Arthroplasty
Depending on your condition or the extent of your injury, a hip replacement – or hip arthroplasty – may be on the table. Most of these surgeries are to relieve hip pain from arthritis.
During this procedure, your surgeon will remove the injured or diseased parts of the hip joint and replace them with an artificial joint. This artificial joint will help you move as your hip joint once did. A hip arthroplasty can work wonders in restoring mobility, alleviating pain, and helping you get back in the swing of things.
Maximizing Post-op Recovery
After your hip replacement, our team will try to have you up and walking within 24 hours of your surgery. This helps with preventing blood clots. However, once you return home it may be several weeks till you’re able to resume normal day-to-day activities on your own, and several months for a full recovery.
It’s important to prepare for this time and be vigilant in your post-op care. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Prep your space in advance: Remember that in the initial weeks of your recovery, you should avoid strenuous activity, and you should avoid bending over or crossing your legs for several months. Prior to your surgery, take time to arrange household items within reach, like pantry items and clothing. You may also find walkers and shower seats to be helpful additions to your home.
- Ask for assistance: Consider your daily and weekly rhythms, and where you can ask for support. Perhaps it’s grocery shopping or making sure your pup goes out for a walk. Confirming these details before your procedure can help relieve stress while you’re in recovery.
- Discuss your medications with your doctor: Hip arthroplasty differs from other joint surgeries in that you may need to take blood thinners for longer – up to a month. Blood thinners can affect other medications and vice versa. It’s important to let your doctor know in advance about any medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter medications and vitamins.
- Embrace the reacher kit: The reacher kit is sure to become your trusted companion in your recovery! This handy mobility tool will help you move about without straining yourself, from grabbing your remote or cell phone to pulling laundry out of the dryer.
Here for You Throughout Your Recovery
Hip pain can be complex, and it requires a personalized approach. We offer total joint classes to help you manage your hip pain, along with telehealth options for your comfort and convenience. Our team at Star Valley Physical Therapy provides a full range of therapeutic services, including balance training, home exercise guidance, and even aquatic therapy.
Get started on your road to healing. Call to schedule an appointment today!