Hip Replacement Surgery San Antonio, TX | Orthopedics

We Can Help You Get Relief from Hip Pain

At Baptist Health System, our hip replacement staff know that pain, discomfort and difficulty moving can make it challenging to live your life the way you want to. When pain and stiffness make interfere with your daily routine difficult, hip replacement surgery may be able to give you back mobility and control.

Whether it’s worsening arthritis or a hip fracture that brings you to our hip replacement surgeons, you’ve already taken an important step. If you’re looking for options to help with hip pain Baptist Health System is here to help San Antonio and surrounding areas.

What Are the Common Causes of Hip Pain?

Hip pain, or pain in or around the hip joint, may be caused by an injury or a condition, such as

Arthritis
Hamstring injury
Hip fractures
Inflamed tendons (tendinitis)
Overuse injury
Spine problems
Tight muscles in the hip and buttocks
Trochanteric bursitis

How Do Doctors Diagnose Hip Pain?

At your consultation, an orthopedic doctor may ask you the following questions to better understand your condition:

Which part of your hip do you experience pain?
When did you experience the first symptoms of hip pain?
Does hip pain affect your mobility?
Is your hip pain getting worse at a specific time?
Is anything making your pain worse?
Do you have pre-existing conditions?
Are you taking medications?

Additionally, your orthopedic doctor may perform tests that can help provide a detailed view of your cartilage, bones and other tissues. These tests may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Blood tests
Computerized tomography (CT) scan
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test
Joint fluid test
Ultrasounds
Urine test
X-rays

What Are the Treatment Options for Hip Pain?

Every case of hip pain is different, so the treatment may depend on its cause. If the patient is suffering from exercise-related pain, an orthopedic doctor may recommend a certain amount of time to rest to give time for the hip to heal. Meanwhile, if the cause of hip pain is arthritis, they may prescribe medications for pain relief and to ease stiffness.

For injuries, the doctor may recommend a combination of bed rest and medications also to relieve pain and swelling. Patients may also be referred to physical therapy and acupuncture to promote healing. For more severe injuries, hip fractures, hip dislocation or hip pain that doesn’t go away with medication and physical therapy, treatment may require hip replacement surgery.

Some of the most common reasons for hip replacement surgery include hip damage, such as a fracture, and osteoarthritis, a loss of joint cartilage that limits movement, which causes pain and inhibits daily activity.

What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement surgery (arthroplasty) is a procedure that can alleviate the hip pain and immobility that come with injury, deformity or diseases such as osteoarthritis. If you do require total or partial hip replacement surgery, Baptist Health System has hip replacement surgeons in San Antonio that may replace the worn out or damaged hip with a prosthesis (an artificial joint).

How Long Is the Recovery Time After Hip Replacement?

The recovery time after hip replacement varies per individual, and also the type of surgery you undergo; whether it’s partial or total hip replacement, and if you receive a traditional hip replacement or a minimally invasive procedure. A patient may spend one to three days in the hospital after the surgery.

Once you’re discharged from the hospital, please follow your hip replacement surgeon’s instructions, such as only performing light exercises and resting. If you need support or assistance, our physical therapy and rehabilitation services are here to help.

The majority of patients are able to resume lighter daily activities in three to six weeks. After three months, you may be able to get back to performing some low-impact sports. Around four to six months after the procedure, you may able to function well enough, although the muscles surrounding your hip may still feel weak for up to two years. We also recommend that you sign up for our orthopedic classes and events.

Why Choose Baptist Health?

At Baptist Health, we have caring and compassionate hip replacement doctors, surgeons and staff who will work with you or your loved one to develop a personalized treatment plan that suits your unique needs. Traditional treatments such as medication, physical therapy, therapeutic exercise, weight management and cortisone injections are usually prescribed first. If these treatment options didn’t relieve pain, that’s the time when you may be advised to undergo surgery.

Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Surgery in San Antonio

If you decide to undergo hip replacement surgery, you may choose to proceed with a minimally invasive procedure. The hip replacement surgeon will be assisted by a robot for higher accuracy and smaller incisions. Aside from these benefits, this option may also lead to shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times.