When it comes to sports, mobility is key. However, it’s commonly one of the first things to decline as the season goes on and injuries rise. In some cases, you can take steps to preserve the health of your joints, but in others, replacement may be the best bet.
Your hip is a significant weight-bearing joint, meaning if it’s experiencing any problems, you’ll notice it in terms of pain and immobility. Let’s explore how you can preserve your hip mobility, and the signs that it might be time for hip replacement.
Understanding Hip Preservation
For athletes, joint health preservation is a crucial element of athleticism that not only extends your active years but also sets you up for the greatest athletic performance. If you’re experiencing pain or instability in your hip, it’s vital that you see a sports medicine specialist as soon as possible so that they can begin interventions.
Hip preservation refers to any treatment that tries to preserve the natural hip joint, typically to delay or prevent a need for future hip replacement. This approach is best for young, active adults who suffer from:
- Hip dysplasia
- Labral tears
- Avascular necrosis
- Hip impingement
Hip preservation not only helps athletes return to their sport, but it can also help to reduce the risk of developing arthritis later, which can ensure better mobility in the long run.
When it comes to hip preservation, physicians often start with conservative treatments, such as activity modifications, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or steroid or PRP injections. However, if these treatments don’t do enough to address the patient’s pain, the doctor may then suggest surgical interventions.
Some surgeries that fall under hip preservation include:
- Hip arthroscopy
- Repairs of the abductor and hamstring tendons
- Periacetabular osteotomy
- Surgical hip dislocation
- Osteotomies of the femur or tibia
The invasiveness of the treatment can vary. Some may be minimally invasive, allowing patients to return home the same day, while others may require a longer stay. In all cases, physical therapy is typically utilized during recovery to help regain mobility and strength in the hip joint.
Hip Replacement: When Is It Time?
Ultimately, a sports medicine specialist will be able to help you determine if hip replacement is a good decision for your situation. Typically, it’s recommended for those over fifty years old with significant osteoporosis or arthritis. Since hip replacements last 20-30 years, they’re often avoided in younger patients when possible.
While hip replacement is a more invasive procedure, you’re able to put your full weight on the hip immediately afterward (while using a walker), and limited physical therapy is needed. It can also offer nearly immediate relief of hip pain.
Let Orthopedic Associates Help You Remain Active
If you’re noticing a lack of mobility in your hips or hip pain that doesn’t ease even after taking time to rest, it’s worthwhile to reach out to a sports medicine specialist to determine a solution for your pain.
The doctors at Orthopedic Associates will discuss hip preservation vs. hip replacement options with you, helping you determine which is the better choice for your needs. If hip replacement is decided upon as the best course of action, Dr. Brian J. Larkin and Dr. Ryan J. Caufield both specialize in joint replacement of the hip.
Reach out today to meet with an expert and support your hip mobility.
