Hip problems can start quietly. They might show up as morning tightness or a dull ache after walking. Over time, stiffness and pain can limit how you move, how long you stay active, and how much you enjoy daily life.
When conservative treatments fail, hip replacement may be the next step. In the United States, more than 300,000 people undergo total hip replacement surgery every year. The anterior technique we specialize in at the orthopaedic practice of Kevin Park MD offers a modern option that many patients find appealing.
This approach allows Dr. Park to reach the hip joint from the front, helping preserve muscles and support a smoother recovery for the right candidates.
Knowing when it’s time to consider surgery helps you make confident, informed decisions about your care. Here are three common signs that a stiff hip may need more than rest, medication, or therapy.
Occasional stiffness happens to everyone, especially after long periods of sitting or intense activity. Ongoing stiffness that interferes with daily tasks signals a deeper issue.
You may notice trouble bending to tie your shoes, getting in and out of a car, or standing up from a chair. Walking may feel awkward, slow, or uneven, and some patients describe a catching or locking sensation in the hip joint.
Conditions like osteoarthritis gradually wear away cartilage that cushions the hip. As the joint space narrows, movement becomes painful and restricted. Severe hip osteoarthritis can also increase your risk of falls that result in fractures.
When stiffness persists despite stretching, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes, hip replacement may offer lasting relief.
Early hip pain often improves with rest, anti-inflammatory medication, injections, or physical therapy. Over time, these treatments may provide less relief or stop working altogether.
You might develop pain deep in the groin, thigh, or buttock that can worsen with activity and linger even when you rest. Some patients also notice pain at night that disrupts sleep or makes it difficult to find a comfortable position.
When pain continues despite months or years of nonsurgical care, it may signal advanced joint damage. At this stage, surgery can do more than mask symptoms. Hip replacement addresses the root cause by removing damaged bone and cartilage.
The anterior approach offers the same durable implant as traditional techniques while using a different pathway to the joint. For many patients, this approach supports faster early mobility and fewer postsurgical movement restrictions.
One of the clearest signs it’s time to consider hip replacement involves how your hip affects your life overall. When stiffness and pain stop you from doing what you love, it’s worth exploring surgical options.
You may avoid hobbies like walking, gardening, or traveling. Social activities can feel exhausting or painful. Even basic tasks, such as grocery shopping or climbing stairs, can become overwhelming.
Chronic hip problems also affect emotional health. Constant discomfort can lead to frustration, stress, and reduced independence. Patients often delay surgery longer than necessary because they hope symptoms will improve on their own.
Anterior hip replacement helps many patients return to activities they once avoided. By addressing pain and stiffness directly, surgery can restore confidence in movement and improve overall well-being.
The anterior approach accesses your hip joint from the front rather than the side or back. This pathway allows Dr. Park to work between muscles instead of cutting through them.
Because the hip muscles remain intact, many patients experience less postoperative pain and regain function more quickly. Some also appreciate fewer movement restrictions during recovery, such as bending or crossing their legs.
Hip stiffness doesn’t always mean surgery is necessary, but ignoring worsening symptoms can limit your options over time. An orthopaedic consultation helps clarify what’s happening inside your joint and what treatments make sense.
During your visit, imaging studies, physical exams, and a detailed discussion of symptoms guide personalized recommendations. If anterior hip replacement fits your needs, we will explain the process, recovery timeline, and expected outcomes.
Not every patient qualifies for anterior hip replacement. Factors like anatomy, bone structure, and overall health play a role. An orthopaedic evaluation helps determine the safest and most effective approach for you.
Living with a stiff, painful hip doesn’t have to be your new normal. Recognizing these signs early can help you take the next step toward lasting relief, better mobility, and a more active life.
Contact our Houston, Texas, office today to learn more about anterior hip replacement surgery or to arrange a hip pain evaluation.
