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The Potential Benefits of Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement surgery is a common surgery that has changed the lives of millions of people. It’s been around for decades, and with surgical advancements, it can be done with fewer risks than ever. Here are some benefits of hip replacement surgery you should know about.

Hip Replacement

Improved Mobility

One of the most obvious benefits of hip replacement surgery is the restoration of mobility. Most people considering this surgery have been struggling with mobility issues due to arthritis or other conditions that severely limit mobility. This prevents people from enjoying activities like biking, swimming, hiking, and even something as basic as walking or going up and down the stairs. The procedure involves the removal of worn or damaged cartilage and the replacement of the joint with a metal or ceramic prosthesis, so any stiffness affecting mobility from inflamed joints will be addressed with this surgery.

Reduced Pain

Replacing the joint with a prosthesis also eliminates pain associated with a worn-out hip joint. Much of the pain associated with osteoarthritis in the hip is pain from the bones rubbing together since the disease causes the breakdown of cartilage that normally cushions the bones. By removing the diseased cartilage and replacing the joint, most people experience a significant reduction in pain, if not total elimination.

Enhanced Quality of Life

Pain and lack of mobility significantly impact the quality of life because they affect every waking moment, as well as sleep. By removing hip mobility problems and chronic pain, overall quality of life is significantly enhanced because patients can do activities they once enjoyed, sleep better, and improve their mental health.

Reduced Risk of Other Health Conditions

Depression and anxiety are serious health conditions often associated with chronic pain. Depression often decreases after recovery from a hip replacement. The likelihood of developing other health conditions also decreases after the surgery because patients are able to be more active. Diabetes and heart failure are just two serious health conditions that can result from an inactive lifestyle. Hip replacement makes it easier to be active so there’s less chance of developing these conditions.

High Success Rate

Another benefit of hip replacement is the fact the risks are low, and the success rate is high. While there are typical risks associated with any surgery, like infections or blood clots, but these are very rare and most people have no problems at all. For most patients, the new hip lasts the remainder of their lives.

Recovering from Surgery

There are some guidelines patients are advised to follow for a quicker recovery. Directly following surgery, patients should sleep on their back, avoid sitting on low chairs or toilets, refrain from crossing legs, and avoid raising the knee above the hip. The hip shouldn’t be bent more than 90 degrees. The incision area should be kept clean and dry, and dressings changed when needed. A physical therapist will suggest activities you can do at home to speed up recovery. You’ll need a mobility aid in the first couple weeks after recovery, but in six to twelve weeks following the procedure, most people are able to resume their regular activities. If you're wondering if this surgery is right for you, contact Piedmont Orthopedics | OrthoAtlanta for a hip replacement in Atlanta today.

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