If you are suffering from chronic aches and pains in your upper leg and lower pelvic region, chances are good that you need to see a hip surgeon. During your consultation, your osteopath can inform you about other treatments to consider, as well. Perhaps you've torn a ligament, have suffered an injury such as a broken bone, or have osteoarthritis. In these and other cases, cortisone shots, pain medication, physical therapy, and other treatments might remedy the problems. Sometimes, there has been deterioration of the area, which calls for replacement of the damaged joint. This operation is also called an arthroplasty. When to Think about Surgery If your pain is affecting your quality of life even though you've taken steps to improve it, it may be time to discuss your case with a hip surgeon. Other red flags that should alert you of the need to make an appointment with a specialist include: having pain when you walk even with a walker or cane, sleepless nights due to the pain, inability to use stairs without pain, having a hard time standing up from a seated position, and any other mobility issue. The Operation A joint replacement operation is performed by a hip surgeon in a hospital or clinic under general anesthesia. During the procedure, an incision will be made in the tissue near the joint so that your doctor can remove the damaged bone and cartilage. A prosthetic device will be implanted to replace the damaged portion of your femur, which is the bone that fits into your upper leg bone. These artificial joints are made from metal, ceramic, or hard plastic and are designed to last for many years. Recovery After your operation, you will remain in a recovery area for several hours until you become fully conscious. You will be monitored closely by nursing staff and given pain medication to keep you comfortable. In order for you to heal properly, you will need to walk around with assistance soon after your operation. You'll wear compression garments over the area to decrease the likelihood of blood clots and to aid in overall healing. You will be assigned to a physical therapist during your hospital stay who will design an exercise program for you to follow during the course of your recovery. If you've been suffering from chronic pain due to an injury, broken bone, osteoarthritis, or deteriorated joints, a hip surgeon should be consulted. While some problems can be treated with medication, using a cane or walker, or physical therapy alone, other issues should be addressed surgically. By replacing the damaged joint with a prosthetic, your range of motion can be increased and overall quality of life can be enhanced. If you suspect that you may need surgery from a local hip surgeon, Syracuse has many options for you to choose from. Learn about one local option at http://www.upstateorthopedics.com/specialty-areas/hip.php.
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