By supporting your body weight and moving the upper legs forward, your hip joints make it possible to stand and walk. The damage that arthritis or trauma can cause to the cartilage and bones could result in the need for a hip replacement. During this treatment, damaged structures are replaced with artificial joints made of metal, hard plastic, or ceramic. The surgery requires a few days in the hospital, followed by outpatient visits to a physical therapist. Here are signs you should talk to your doctor about scheduling the procedure. 

How to Tell if You Need a Hip Replacement

1.  Medication Doesn't Provide Adequate Pain Relief

When the hip joint is damaged, you might experience chronic pain. The dull or shooting sensation might radiate from the hip to the groin area, inner thigh, or front of the leg. If taking over-the-counter or prescription medication doesn't alleviate pain, you might be tempted to take a larger dose, which could be dangerous. 

Some drugs are also addictive, and you could experience complications and side effects with long-term use. Consider hip replacement to avoid these issues and eliminate ongoing pain.

2. It's Difficult to Perform Basic Functions

Osteoarthritis can damage the cartilage that helps the hip joints move without difficulty. The inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis deteriorates hip cartilage and bones. A fracture could also affect how much blood gets to the joint and whether the bone heals properly. 

In addition to pain, the above problems can also affect your range of motion and cause stiffness and weakness. They can make it difficult to walk up and down stairs, put clothes on, exercise, and perform other basic tasks.

3. Your Mood Has Dropped

The chronic pain and mobility problems that stem from hip joint damage can also impact your mood. Irritability, depression, and fatigue can affect your ability to concentrate and maintain positive relationships. 

Signs of depression include a loss of interest in hobbies and activities, weight loss or gain, sleep issues, and slowed thinking. Getting a hip replacement could improve your mental outlook so that aspects of your personal and professional life aren't compromised.

To stop the above problems, contact Affinity Health Group. Since 2007, this hospital has helped patients throughout Monroe, LA, with a variety of solutions, including hip replacements and other orthopedic procedures. Visit the doctor's office online to learn more about their treatments, call (318) 807-4900 to set up an appointment at this hospital, and find announcements on Facebook.