How do you know if you need a hip replacement?

Early hip issues are often manageable with lifestyle changes, physiotherapy, or medication. In contrast, the signs indicating the need for hip replacement reflect more advanced joint deterioration, marked by persistent, severe pain, significant mobility limitations, and a diminished quality of life.  

Here are the most common symptoms you need a hip replacement:

Severe hip pain

One of the most common signs that your hip may require replacement is chronic pain in the hip or groin area. This pain often worsens with physical activity and may persist even when you’re at rest. Persistent, intense pain in the hip can make simple tasks—like walking, climbing stairs, or bending - difficult or impossible. 

Pain while resting or at night 

Discomfort that lingers at rest, especially during the night, can disrupt sleep and quality of life, suggesting severe joint deterioration. 

Reduced range of motion 

If you find it increasingly difficult to bend, twist, or lift your leg, you may be experiencing reduced range of motion in your hip. This limitation can interfere with activities like walking, running, or even simply standing up from a seated position, indicating that your hip joint may be severely compromised. 

Chronic stiffness 

Do you experience stiffness in your hip joint, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods? This stiffness can make it difficult to perform basic movements, such as getting dressed or getting in and out of a car. Over time, this limitation can severely impact your daily routine. 

Reliance on pain medications

Relying heavily on pain medications to manage hip pain is a significant warning sign. If you find yourself taking over-the-counter pain relievers regularly or using prescription medications to cope, this may indicate that the condition of your hip joint has worsened and may require surgical intervention. 

Difficulty standing or walking

Many people with severe hip issues struggle to stand or walk for long periods. If you find yourself needing to take frequent breaks during short walks or feeling unstable when standing, this may signify that your hip joint is no longer functioning properly. 

Reliance on mobility aids

Using a cane, walker, or other mobility aids to help with balance or reduce pain can be a clear indicator that your hip has deteriorated. While these aids can help in the short term, they may also signal the need for a more permanent solution, such as hip replacement surgery. 

Frequent locking or grinding sensation

A grinding or clicking sound in your hip joint when you move can be an indication of cartilage wear and tear. Often referred to as crepitus, this is a sign that the smooth cartilage surface is deteriorating, leading to bone-on-bone friction. 

Hip pain that radiates to other areas

Hip pain doesn’t always stay localised. It can often radiate downward, affecting other areas, including the thigh and knee, which can further limit mobility. This referred pain can complicate diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the need for a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional. 

Loss of quality of life

If you find that hip pain prevents you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed—whether it’s hiking, dancing, or simply playing with your grandchildren—this diminished quality of life can be a critical sign that it’s time to consider hip replacement surgery.