hip pain procedure preparation

Overview

Hip pain is discomfort in or around the hip joint. When hip pain does not improve with rest and treatment, your doctor may suggest a procedure. This may be an injection to help with pain, a keyhole surgery to look inside the joint, or a hip replacement to replace a damaged joint. Preparing well can help the procedure go smoothly and support your recovery.

Yes. Hip problems are common, especially as people get older. Procedures to treat hip pain are performed every day around the world.

Hip problems can affect anyone, but they are more common in older adults and those who have had injuries. Active adults may also need procedures. Both men and women can be affected.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain in the hip, groin, or outer thigh
• Stiffness in the hip, especially after sitting
• Pain when walking or putting weight on the leg
• Difficulty bending or rotating the hip
• A clicking, catching, or grinding feeling in the joint

Symptoms in children

• A limp or change in the way a child walks
• Refusing to walk or bear weight on one leg
• Crying or fussiness when the leg is moved

Symptoms in older adults

• Gradual hip pain that is worse in the morning
• Pain in the groin or inner thigh
• Trouble bending to put on shoes or socks
• Feeling the joint is stiff after sitting for a while

Causes

Main causes

• Osteoarthritis, which is wear and tear of the cartilage in the joint
• A hip fracture or break in the upper leg bone
• Bursitis, which is inflammation of the fluid sac near the joint
• Tendonitis, which is inflammation of a tendon around the hip
• A labral tear, which is damage to the rim of the hip socket
• Loss of blood supply to the bone (avascular necrosis)

Risk factors

• Getting older
• A past hip injury
• Being overweight, which puts more load on the joint
• Repeated high-impact activities, like long-distance running
• A family history of hip problems

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a doctor soon if you have sudden severe hip pain
• See a doctor soon if you cannot bear weight on the leg
• See a doctor soon if the hip looks swollen, red, or hot to the touch

Book a routine appointment if:

• Talk to your doctor about a procedure if you have hip pain that lasts more than a few weeks
• Talk to your doctor if pain is still present after trying pain relief and physical therapy
• Talk to your doctor if hip pain limits your daily activities or sleep

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your pain, how it started, and what makes it better or worse. They will examine your hip, watch you walk, and move your leg to check your range of motion and strength. They will also review your medical history.

Tests that may be done

• X-ray to look at the bones and joint space
• MRI scan to see the soft tissues, like cartilage and tendons
• CT scan for a more detailed view of the bone
• Ultrasound to look at fluid or tendons
• Blood tests to check for infection or inflammation

What to expect at your appointment

Expect to talk about your symptoms, have a physical exam, and possibly have imaging tests. Your doctor will discuss the results and explain what procedure, if any, may help. You can ask questions and take time to decide.

Treatment

Treatment for hip pain starts with non-surgical options such as physical therapy, activity changes, and pain relief. If these do not help, a procedure may be considered. This could be a joint injection to reduce inflammation, an arthroscopy to look inside the joint and repair damage, or a hip replacement for severe joint damage.

Self-care at home

• Rest the hip and avoid activities that cause sharp pain
• Apply a cold pack for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day, if allowed
• Use a walking aid like a cane, if advised by your care team
• Keep moving gently, as much as you can without pain
• Prepare your home before a procedure: clear floors, place everyday items within reach

Medical treatments

Your doctor may suggest treatments to reduce pain and inflammation before or instead of surgery. These can include over-the-counter pain relief (always ask your pharmacist or doctor which product is appropriate for you), physical therapy, and joint injections with numbing or anti-inflammatory medicines. Antibiotics may be given before some procedures to reduce infection risk.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually the last option when hip pain is severe, other treatments have not helped, and the pain affects your quality of life. The exact surgery depends on the cause. Your surgeon will explain the risks and benefits and help you decide.

Living with this condition

After a hip procedure, you will likely need to rest, use a walking aid, and follow a plan of gradual movement. Your team will give you instructions on wound care, what activities to avoid, and when you can return to work. It is normal to feel tired. Take it one day at a time.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay active with safe activities like walking or swimming, as your care team advises
• Avoid high-impact activities if your doctor suggests
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce load on the hip
• Stop smoking if you smoke; smoking can slow healing
• Follow your physical therapy exercises

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet with enough protein, vitamins, and minerals helps your body heal. Drink plenty of fluid, unless your doctor says otherwise. After your procedure, a physiotherapist will guide you through exercises to strengthen the muscles around your hip and improve movement.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with hip pain can affect your mood. You may feel frustrated, anxious, or low. If you feel this way, be kind to yourself. Talk to your care team; they can offer advice and support. If you feel very low or have thoughts of harming yourself, contact a crisis line right away.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent hip problems, especially if you have wear and tear from aging. But you can reduce your risk by staying active, keeping a healthy weight, and avoiding falls. Use non-slip mats, remove loose rugs, and wear supportive shoes.

Vaccines

Routine vaccines, like the flu vaccine, are not directly related to hip pain, but staying up to date helps reduce the chance of infections, which is important before any procedure.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for hip problems. You can check for changes in your mobility and talk to a doctor if you notice new or worsening pain.

Complications

If left untreated

• Long-term pain and reduced mobility
• Difficulty doing everyday tasks like walking, dressing, or getting out of a chair
• Muscle weakness in the leg
• An increased risk of falls
• Osteoarthritis may progress over time

Long-term outlook

With the right care, many people find significant relief from hip pain. A procedure may not be needed if non-surgical treatments work. If you do need a procedure, most people recover well and return to a more active life. Your care team will support you at every step.

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