Do I Need a Hip Replacement or Can I Rely on Treatment to Work?

Are you dealing with hip pain? If so, you know it can significantly impact your daily life — from sleeping comfortably at night to enjoying the activities you love, especially when it becomes chronic.

The persistent discomfort might make you wonder whether you need a hip replacement or if alternative treatments can provide relief. At Full Orthopedics Urgent Care in North Miami Beach, Florida, our team specializes in conservative and minimally invasive approaches to treating hip pain.

We offer hip pain treatment designed to reduce your discomfort, improve your mobility, and delay or avoid your need for surgery like hip replacement. Here’s what you need to know about your options and how to get a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Nonsurgical treatments for chronic hip pain

Although hip replacement has a very high success rate, it’s a major surgical procedure and not always the best answer when you’re dealing with chronic hip pain. Conservative care focuses on alleviating your pain and improving joint function without invasive procedures. 

Here are some treatment options we offer:

Anti-inflammatory medications

Over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce swelling and pain in your hip joint. These medications are particularly effective for managing acute flare-ups from injury and chronic conditions like arthritis.

Vitamin injections and supplements

Vitamins like Vitamin D or B-complex injections, can promote bone health and reduce inflammation. These supplements help support your body’s natural healing processes to manage pain, especially when combined with other treatments.

Custom orthotics

Poor alignment can put extra strain on your hips and make joint pain worse. Custom orthotic shoe inserts can correct imbalances in your posture and gait, providing better support and reducing stress on your hip joints when you stand and walk.

Joint injections

Corticosteroid injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of your pain. These injections can provide significant relief and often last several months, making them a valuable option for a more immediate improvement in pain.

Hyaluronic acid injections

Hyaluronic acid injections help lubricate your hip joint, which reduces friction and improves mobility. Hyaluronic acid mimics natural joint fluid, making it a useful treatment option for people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis.

Walking aids

Devices like canes or walkers can offload pressure from your hip joint and make movement more comfortable. Properly fitted walking aids can also help improve your balance and reduce your risk of falls and more serious complications.

When to consider hip replacement surgery

Conservative treatments can be highly effective for chronic hip pain, and they can help you delay or avoid the need for surgery. However, conservative care may not be a long-term solution for everyone.

If you’re experiencing severe pain, you have an advanced degenerative joint condition, or you have significant mobility limitations, it might be time to consider hip replacement surgery. We might refer you to an orthopedic surgeon if you have:

• Persistent pain despite conservative care
• Difficulty performing daily activities such as walking or climbing stairs
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Advanced arthritis or joint damage visible on imaging tests

Unsure about the best course of action for your chronic hip pain? Our Full Orthopedics Urgent Care team is here to help, from pinpointing the cause to developing a treatment plan that fits your goals. Call our office to schedule an appointment or check in online to start exploring your options.