If you’ve been experiencing hip pain that hasn’t responded to medical treatment, it’s time to see an orthopedic hip specialist. These experts can provide treatment that’s customized to your specific situation and needs.
These physicians are leaders in their field and are often sought after for their expertise. They also contribute to prolific numbers of publications, serve on editorial boards and lead specialty organizations.
Diagnosis
An orthopedic hip specialist uses a variety of tests to diagnose the underlying cause of your hip pain. These include physical examinations, laboratory tests and imaging studies.
During the diagnosis process, your doctor will ask you about any injuries or conditions you have experienced in the past. They may also ask about your current medical history and the treatments you’ve tried.
Your doctor will conduct a variety of physical tests to assess the range of motion, swelling and reflexes in your hip joint. They may also perform a gait analysis.
They’ll ask you to stand, sit and lie down while performing a series of physical movements. Then they’ll look for signs of weakness or injury, such as in your gluteus muscles.
They may also perform a test to analyze the fluid in your hip joints called a joint aspiration. This test can detect a range of problems, including gout and Lyme disease.
Treatment
Hip arthritis is a common form of joint pain, and it’s often accompanied by stiffness and loss of range of motion. Your orthopedic hip specialist will work with you to determine the best treatment for your condition.
The goal of your treatment is to get you back to your normal routine as soon as possible. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles around your hip.
Your doctor will also recommend steroid injections or anesthetics to relieve the pain caused by inflammation. These treatments can provide long-lasting relief.
If your hip pain is severe enough to keep you from doing your daily activities, your orthopedic hip specialist may recommend surgery. They can perform a total hip replacement or hip resurfacing.
Our highly regarded orthopedic surgeons and specialists offer the latest techniques to preserve, repair, or replace your hip. Your care team includes physical therapists, rheumatologists, and other specialists to develop a fully optimized treatment plan for you.
Preparation for Surgery
Whether you’re planning a total hip replacement or other orthopedic surgery, preparation can make your recovery easier and faster. Your orthopedic hip specialist will guide you on the best steps to take prior to and after your surgery.
You may have several tests and scans before your surgery. These include blood tests (including compatibility testing if you need a blood transfusion), urine tests, heart monitoring tests and chest x-rays.
The doctor will also ask you about allergies and sensitivities to medications, food and environmental substances. It’s important to let your doctor know about these, as they could increase the risk of complications and affect how pain medicines work.
Before your surgery, you may need to take a few days off from exercise. This can help you recover more quickly and prevent injuries. You may also be given exercise tips and routines to strengthen the muscles around your hip and facilitate faster healing.
Recovery
When you have an orthopedic hip specialist complete a hip replacement surgery, the damaged part of your hip is removed and replaced with a prosthetic socket that fits into the pelvic bone. This procedure is considered one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries of its kind, restoring function and eliminating pain.
Everyone heals from joint replacement at a different pace. However, it’s important to follow your surgeon and physical therapist’s instructions to achieve the best results.
If your therapist prescribes assistive devices, such as a walker or cane, it’s crucial to use them in accordance with their instructions and at the recommended frequency. The goal is to reduce the amount of weight placed on your new hip joint and improve stability.
In addition to following your doctor’s advice, you can also help speed up your recovery by quitting smoking, losing weight if necessary, and arranging for a friend or family member to care for you. This is an essential component of any hip replacement recovery, and can help you return home more quickly.