If you’ve been dealing with hip pain for a while, you’ve likely tried all the usual routes, painkillers, rest, physiotherapy, maybe even a few injections. But what happens when those treatments stop making a difference? When getting out of bed, walking to the MRT, or even tying your shoes becomes a struggle, it might be time to think about something more long-term.
Hip replacement surgery isn’t just for the elderly. It’s a common procedure for people in their 40s, 50s and 60s who want to reclaim their mobility, sleep through the night, and get back to enjoying daily life. Here’s how to recognise when conservative treatments have done all they can, and when surgery might be the right next step.
Signs That Conservative Treatment Has Reached Its Limit
Not everyone with hip pain needs surgery right away. In many cases, things like physiotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms. But over time, these treatments may stop being enough.
Here are some tell-tale signs that your hip is no longer responding to conservative care:
1. Pain That’s Always There
If you’re feeling pain not just during activity but also when sitting, resting, or trying to sleep, that’s a red flag. Night-time pain in particular is a sign that the joint damage may be severe.
2. Struggling With Daily Movement
When walking, bending, or climbing stairs becomes a constant challenge, even with a walking aid or pain relief, it may be time to consider surgery. You shouldn’t have to plan your day around how far you can walk without pain.
3. Relying on Painkillers Just to Get By
If over-the-counter medication no longer works and you find yourself needing prescription drugs more often, your pain may be outpacing conservative treatments. Long-term use of painkillers can also cause side effects.
4. Limited Hip Movement
Stiffness that makes it hard to move your leg or rotate your hip can affect everything from driving to putting on socks. If physiotherapy hasn’t improved your range of motion, it might mean the joint is too damaged.
What Happens During Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement involves removing the worn-out parts of the hip joint and replacing them with smooth, artificial components. These parts work together to restore natural movement and reduce or eliminate pain.
The procedure is done under anaesthesia and typically requires a few days in hospital, followed by a structured recovery plan. Most patients gradually return to walking within days and continue to build strength and mobility through physiotherapy over several weeks to months.
What You Can Expect After Surgery
The idea of surgery can feel daunting, but many people report significant improvements in their quality of life. After a hip replacement, you can look forward to:
- Walking with less or no pain
- Improved sleep without aching hips keeping you up
- Increased confidence in movement
- Returning to light exercise or daily activities without hesitation
It’s not about running marathons, it’s about moving through life comfortably again.
Is It Time to Talk to a Surgeon?
If hip pain is interfering with work, family life, hobbies, or sleep, and physio and medication aren’t helping, it’s worth having a conversation with an orthopaedic doctor. Waiting too long can sometimes lead to further joint deterioration, making recovery more difficult.
The decision to proceed with hip replacement is personal, but you don’t have to make it alone. An orthopaedic consultation can help you weigh your options and decide what’s right for your health and lifestyle.
Let’s Take the Next Step Together
At Liberty Orthopaedic Clinic, Dr Lee Eu Jin, Orthopaedic Doctor in Singapore, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, and Joint Replacement Specialist and Sports Surgeon, helps patients understand when it’s time to move beyond conservative treatment and towards long-term relief.
If you’re tired of pushing through pain and wondering if hip replacement could be the right move, contact Liberty Orthopaedic Clinic today to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you understand your options for a more mobile, comfortable life.
