Women and Hip Replacement

Three times as many women suffer from hip pain, but men are more than twice as likely to have hip replacement surgery. This is one of the key findings of a recent study comparing women’s and men’s experiences with hip pain and approaches to treatment. Other significant gender differences uncovered in the study include the following:

• Women are more likely to rate the level of their pain and its impact on their lives at 10 on a 10-point scale.
• Women are twice as likely to experience sleep issues due to pain.
• Women have far more trouble with day-to-day activities, such as going up and down stairs, standing in line, getting up out of a chair, and sitting for long periods.
• Women are far more likely to consult a chiropractor or acupuncturist to assist in their pain management.
• Women take more medications and pursue more therapies to treat their pain.

Even a woman’s reasons to consider hip replacement surgery are different than those of a man. They include a desire to regain an improved range of motion and ability to lay down pain free.

Why Women Delay Hip Replacement Surgery

Despite the benefits, many women delay having hip replacement surgery. There are many reasons why women wait. Some concerns that women may have:

• The recovery period will prevent them from caring for their loved ones.
• The recovery may impact their daily activities.
• Questions about the procedure and may want more information in order to make an informed decision.

It's natural that you're concerned about your family's well-being. Maybe you’ve delayed surgery so you can care for them. But hip replacement may help you take better care of your family by taking care of yourself. Reducing your pain can enable you to do the things you want and need to do so you can lead a more independent, active life.

Delaying Your Decision Has Implications

Studies show that early diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis can lead to better outcomes than delaying surgery. In fact, delaying surgery can lower your quality of life not only before the operation, but for up to two years after surgery. Also, if pre-existing medical problems become more serious, they could delay elective surgery such as hip replacement.

Get Back to the Things You Enjoy Most

Arthritis diminishes your quality of life, reduces your independence, and makes it difficult—if not impossible—to do the things you want to do, like gardening, walking, or simple everyday activities such as climbing stairs. Hip replacement may reduce or eliminate the pain associated with osteoarthritis and restore mobility by replacing the diseased, worn-out surfaces of the joint.

What Do You Want to Do Again?

Whether you want to lift your children or grandchildren, do yoga for relaxation and health, or spend time in your garden, it is important to talk to your doctor about your goals after hip replacement surgery so he or she can choose the right implant for you.

The performance of a hip replacement depends on your age, weight, activity level, and other factors. There are potential risks, and recovery takes time. People with conditions limiting rehabilitation should not have this surgery. Only an orthopedic surgeon can tell if hip replacement is right for you.