Understanding how your hip works

Your hip is one of the largest weight-bearing joints in your body. When it’s working properly, it lets you walk, sit, bend, and turn without pain. To keep it moving smoothly, a complex network of bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments, and tendons must all work in harmony.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Hip Pain

Here’s a list of questions that may be helpful to ask your doctor when discussing your hip pain. We suggest you print this list and take it with you to your appointment. It’s also a good idea to keep a record of your hip pain to share with your doctor at the same time.

When should I talk to my doctor about hip replacement surgery?

That’s a question you and your orthopedic surgeon will have to answer together. But when hip pain is so bad it actually interferes with the things you want or need to do, the time may be right.

Hip replacement may be an option when nonsurgical interventions such as medication physical therapy, and the use of a cane or other walking aid no longer help alleviate the pain.

Hip Pain Relief: Nonsurgical Treatments

When it comes to relieving hip pain, there are many different treatment options. Success varies not only by each individual’s hip, but also by what’s causing your hip pain. Care for arthritis pain, for example, often involves a combination of treatments. Be sure to consult your doctor to discuss the best treatment plan for you.