Addressing Your Unique Needs

Like many women, you may have noticed that hip pain has caused you to limit or give up doing the things you love. This may have happened slowly over the years, and you’ve come to accept the daily pain and restrictions on your activity.

A lot of other women share the same experience. Studies show women wait longer than men to have hip replacement surgery, and are less likely to be able to perform normal daily activities when they do seek treatment.^1,2

Why Women Delay Hip Replacement Surgery
Despite the benefits, many women delay having hip replacement surgery. There are many reasons why women wait.

Some women are concerned…

• That the recovery period will prevent them from caring for their loved ones.
• That the recovery may impact their daily activities.
• About the procedure and want more information so they can 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.³ 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 orthopaedic surgeon can tell if hip replacement is right for you.

Next: Fitting Your Unique Anatomy