The Low-down on Hip Joint Replacements

Published 1st October 2022

Georgie Mai
Clinic Director

Up to date information about hip replacements in the UK, and our free downloadable information sheets

We support many people with hip issues – whether improving function and pain to reduce the likelihood of surgery, or in specific procedural preparation and recovery. If you or a loved one need some guidance we have a set of free downloadable resources that could help, and of course we are here in clinic if you would like assessment, treatment and rehabilitation.

If you would like our support, just Contact Us.

• Hip replacements are becoming increasingly common. Currently 1.3 people in every 1,000 will undergo a hip replacement operation, and more than 1.2 million are carried out each year worldwide

• The biggest risk factors for needing a hip replacement are age and arthritis, with 85% of people having a hip replacement, also having osteoarthritis

• In terms of gender, women have a higher risk of needing a hip replacement (58%) compared with men (42%)

• Hip replacement surgery in patients aged 45-54 has also doubled in the past 10 years

So, what can you do to reduce the risk of needing a hip replacement if you are currently active?

Physical activity really does help. Regular walking can reduce the risk of needing hip surgery by a percentage of 23% and, believe it or not, regular running could help help you even more. Running decreases your risk of developing osteoarthritis by 18%, and as osteoarthritis is present in 85% of people who undergo a hip replacement, this has a knock-on effect in reducing your risk of needing a hip replacement by 35-50%. Weightlifting and resistance training are effective in increasing bone density and reducing the risk of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis too, so a regular workout will really benefit you.

Almost half of the protective effect of being physically active comes from its contribution to weight control. The higher your BMI, the greater your risk of needing a hip replacement, so regular exercise, keeping an eye on your weight, and eating a bone-loving, nutrient dense diet will help you greatly.

What can you do if you’re already experiencing hip pain?

If you need a hip replacement then the sooner you have it, the better the outcome is likely to be and the quicker you will recover from your operation.

This is because the more pain you suffer prior to having surgery, the more compensations, and adaptations the muscles and soft tissues will have made around the joint, in an effort to try and protect it and offset pain. These compensations and adaptations are harder to re-train once you’ve had the operation.

The good news is that outcomes from hip replacements are very good. Developments in materials and surgical techniques mean that the artificial hips are lasting longer, and success rates are very good, with more than 80% of people experiencing pain relief and functional improvement, meaning their daily lives become easier and they’re able to do more.

What can you do to ensure the best possible outcome from hip surgery?

The answer is LOTS! For the best possible outcome from your surgery you will benefit from the one to support that working with one of our Practitioners provides. They can partner with you to ensure that your preparation and recovery is the best possible fit for you.

Book Now or Contact Us to enquire.