Hip pain can be difficult to live with. It can make everyday activities seem impossible. It can be debilitating, affecting your mobility and making it difficult to move throughout your day. When hip pain is persistent, some doctors want to do a hip replacement. However, there are some very good reasons to try other therapies first.
Long Recovery Time
If you have a hip replacement, you will be recovering from the surgery for quite some time. The average duration of recovery from hip surgery is three to six weeks. While your doctors will have you up and on your feet with the aid of a walker the same day or the day after your surgery, you will not be able to move freely without aid for three to six weeks. Many people are not able to take that much time off from work and other activities.
Expense
Hip replacement surgery is extremely expensive. Even if you have good health insurance coverage, the costs can be very high. If you have a deductible to meet, it will be fulfilled with this procedure, and you will likely still owe a percentage of the cost of the surgery. If you do not have good insurance coverage, affording hip replacement may be impossible.
Longevity
Another reason to avoid or at least postpone hip replacement surgery is the longevity of the artificial hip. Artificial hips are only good for a maximum of 20 years. If you get hip replacement surgery at too young of an age, you will find yourself going through the same surgery again at an eventual later date.
If you would like to avoid hip replacement, there are several treatment options available, including physical therapy, weight loss, and stem cell therapies with PRP. Contact us today for more information or to schedule your appointment.