4 signs you may need a hip replacement

There are no set rules when it comes to hip replacement. While the surgery is commonly associated with older patients, in truth it’s a life-changing procedure for anyone with a worn hip joint.

The following signs may indicate hip arthritis or be symptoms of other problems. The best way to accurately diagnose the state of your hip is to speak to a specialist and have an x-ray.

1. Hip or groin pain

Pain around the hip or groin area can be one of the major indicators that there may be an underlying problem with your hip joint. Let’s look at some of the different ways it can manifest.

Pain when walking

If hip or groin pain is preventing you from walking normal distances for you or completing your usual daily activities, then speak to a specialist.

It’s important to remember that this can be relative to you. For some, being able to comfortably stroll a short distance to the post box or local shop is sufficient. For others, being unable to complete a five-mile walk is unthinkable. It all depends on your lifestyle.

You may find yourself compensating with a limp, relying on a walking stick, or even needing painkillers just to cope with the pain of walking or other activities such as climbing the stairs or getting into a car.

Pain during exercise

Soreness or pain during or after exercise which is stopping you from being as active as you normally would, be it jogging, swimming or other physical activities, can be a sign of hip arthritis.

The pain is usually localised between your hip and knee. If the pain is lower down towards the ankle the problem might be caused by back problems.

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Pain at night

If hip pain makes it hard to fall asleep or you find yourself waking up because of the pain caused by your movements in the night – talk to someone about it. There are a number of hip or joint-related issues that could be affecting your sleep.

2. Stiffness

Difficulty putting your shoes or socks on is a common sign of stiffness in your hip, especially if one foot is more difficult than the other. You may also start to feel your hip joint clicking, popping or grinding in ways which impair your normal range of movement. If this is an ongoing problem, you should speak with a specialist.

Chronic hip pain that does not improve with rest, medication, or other conservative treatments can be an indication that the hip joint is deteriorating. The pain may also be felt in the groin, buttocks, thigh, or even the knee. You may find this pain worsens with movement or weight-bearing activities.

3. Inability to perform the one leg test

If you can’t stand on your problem leg for longer than a minute – even with the support of a door frame or table-top for balance, then you might have a problem with your hip.

There are some other exercises you can try at home to see if you could benefit from hip pain treatment. For instance:

• Lying on your back or sitting, can you bring your knee to your chest? Assist with your hands if you need to.
• Lying on your back, can you move your leg out to the side without moving your trunk?
• Sitting on a chair, can you place your ankle on the opposite knee and let the knee drop down as far as possible?

For each test, compare both sides of your body. You may find the test easier on one side than the other, and many people notice this.

4. No relief from other treatments

Most hip problems can be resolved without a full hip replacement. There is a range of treatments available, including physiotherapy, medication and hip resurfacing that may better address your symptoms.

If your hip pain is not severely limiting your daily life, or you have found ongoing relief from these less invasive treatments, then it indicates a hip replacement is likely not the right option for you yet.

Explore our joint pain advice hub

What is a hip replacement?

A clinician will recommend a hip replacement if you have extensive wear and tear or a condition like osteoarthritis that has worn down your hip joint over time. The goal is to reduce pain and improve mobility so the patient can perform daily activities again.

The procedure involves the removal and replacement of your natural ball and socket joint. These prosthetic replacements are typically made from metal or ceramic.

After surgery, recovery typically involves physical therapy and rehabilitation to help patients regain and build up mobility and strength in the new joint.

Age and hip replacement surgery

Hip replacements are most common in adults aged between 60 and 80 years old. This is because younger adults are unlikely to have worn down a joint to the point where a complete replacement is required. 

As we age, we also experience sarcopenia (gradual loss of muscle as we get older) naturally. This means that the muscles that could once compensate for weakened joints are likely not as strong as they once were.

Surgery at Nuffield Health

Hip replacement surgery at Nuffield Health includes a pre-operative assessment, surgery conducted by a skilled orthopaedic surgeon, and post-operative care in a comfortable private hospital setting. 

Your recovery will follow a tailored and individualised treatment plan that’s designed to get you comfortable and back to your mobile best as soon as possible.

Our professional and compassionate team will look after you every step of the way.

Last updated Monday 8 July 2024

First published on Wednesday 10 February 2016