Top Signs You Need A Hip Replacement
Hip pain can start gradually, but over time, it can begin to affect how you move, sleep, and live your everyday life. Many patients wonder when hip pain crosses the line from something manageable to something that needs surgical care.
One of the most important factors is how much your hip pain is interfering with your ability to live normally. Below are the top signs that it may be time to talk with an orthopedic specialist about a hip replacement.
1. Ongoing Hip Pain That Does Not Improve
Occasional soreness or stiffness in the hip can be normal, especially after activity. However, persistent hip pain that does not improve with rest, medication, or lifestyle changes may be a sign of joint damage.
If your hip pain is present most days, worsens over time, or keeps coming back despite treatment, it may indicate arthritis or degeneration inside the joint that cannot heal on its own.
2. Stiffness and Loss of Hip Motion
Stiffness in the hip joint is one of the earliest warning signs. Many patients notice difficulty bending at the hip, rotating their leg, or fully straightening when walking.
If stiffness makes it hard to get dressed, sit comfortably, or move freely throughout the day, it may signal cartilage wear inside the hip joint.
3. Difficulty With Everyday Activities
Hip problems often show up in simple daily movements. Common examples include:
Trouble getting in and out of chairs or cars
Pain when bending or sitting for long periods
Difficulty climbing stairs or walking longer distances
When everyday tasks become painful or exhausting, it is a strong sign that the hip joint is no longer functioning properly.
4. Pain That Disrupts Your Quality of Life
One of the clearest indicators that it is time to seek care is when hip pain prevents you from living the life you want. This can include giving up hobbies, avoiding exercise, limiting travel, or struggling to stay active with family.
Hip pain that interferes with sleep, social activities, or independence should never be ignored.
5. Conservative Treatments No Longer Help
Many patients try non-surgical options first, including injections, guided therapy, medications, and activity modifications. These treatments can be very effective early on.
However, if hip pain continues despite these efforts, it may mean the joint damage has progressed beyond what conservative care can fix. At that point, a hip replacement may provide the most reliable and lasting relief.
What a Hip Replacement Can Do
Modern hip replacement surgery is designed to reduce pain, restore mobility, and help patients return to an active lifestyle. For the right candidate, it can significantly improve comfort, confidence, and overall quality of life.
At San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists, our philosophy is simple: we treat the patient, not the X-ray. Imaging is an important tool, but it is only one part of the decision-making process. Our physicians carefully balance imaging findings with a physical exam, a clear understanding of symptoms, and each patient’s goals. When everything aligns, we can confidently recommend the treatment that best fits the individual.
Proven Patient Outcomes
San Antonio Orthoapedic Specialists Patient.
Real patient stories reflect the level of care, experience, and attention our team provides at San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists. Our goal is not just to perform surgery, but to help patients return to living fully and confidently.
One hip replacement patient shared, “It’s a life-changing surgery. I’m so glad I did it.” He also spoke about the importance of feeling informed and supported throughout the process, noting that his physician took the time to explain each step and made him feel comfortable and confident in his decision.
Click here to read the full hip replacement patient testimonial.
When to See a Hip Specialist in San Antonio
If you are experiencing ongoing hip pain, stiffness, or mobility issues that limit your daily life, it is worth having your hip evaluated sooner rather than later. Early evaluation allows your physician to discuss all available options and help you make the best decision for you.
Dr. Brandon Couch, Dr. Adam Harris, and Dr. C. Brandon Broome.
At San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists, patients are evaluated by experienced hip specialists, including Dr. Harris, Dr. Broome, and Dr. Couch, all of whom focus on advanced, patient-specific treatment plans for hip pain and hip replacement.
Stop living life with hip pain!
If hip pain is limiting your life, you do not have to navigate it alone. The physicians at San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists take the time to listen, evaluate your concerns, and guide you through your options with care and clarity.
Schedule an appointment to find out whether hip replacement is the right next step for you and start moving toward a life with less pain and more confidence. San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists is trusted by patients across San Antonio for personalized, expert hip care at every stage.