Hip surgery in Droitwich

Hip pain may be caused by trauma, disease or degenerative ‘wear and tear’ as we age. A previous hip injury (often from a sport like skiing, squash or rugby) can cause damage in the hip joint that will end up requiring treatment.

If you’re struggling with hip pain, you’ll probably find yourself quite restricted in the things you’re able to do. Even simple everyday tasks like walking up and down stairs or sitting and standing up may aggravate your hip pain. You can self refer to see a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in hip surgery and they may refer you for a scan to see what type of treatment is the most suitable for you. This may be a course of physiotherapy, a steroid injection or hip replacement surgery. A common problem would be osteo-arthritis in the joint and is a hip replacement procedure is usually the best treatment for this.

At Droitwich Spa Hospital we see many patients, living in the town of Droitwich itself, Worcester, Ombersley, Kidderminster, Hagley, Bewdley, Bromsgrove, Redditch and other surrounding areas. We have rapid access to hip specialists and imaging availability so you can be seen quickly and receive a fast diagnosis.

Long-term (chronic) hip pain and/or stiffness can affect physical, mental and emotional health.

Many people will put up with mild hip pain for a while and pain may be helped by physiotherapy sessions or injections, or a combination of the two. However, some patients may require a hip replacement operation in order to feel free from pain.

Your hip joint is a ‘ball and socket’ joint. A deep joint, it is well positioned and surrounded by layers of muscle to provide excellent mobility and strength.

However, a hip can be damaged by injury, disease or as a result of ‘wear and tear’ from aging. Many people see a doctor for help when the pain is severe, significantly worse, long-term or bad enough to interrupt their sleep.

The aim of any treatment is primarily to get you out of pain. Hip pain is usually treated non-surgically at first using:

• Physiotherapy
• Pain relief medication
• Cortisone injection into the hip joint
• Weight loss

These can often help to relieve pain, or at least to delay the need for hip surgery. When these treatments don’t work, or aren’t as effective as expected, your Consultant may advise you to have hip surgery.

Many people who need hip surgery do so because they have osteoarthritis in the hip joint. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK and can affect all ages.

As we age, our joints experience natural ‘wear and tear’ through our everyday movements and activities. Osteoarthritis causes an increased breakdown of the smooth cartilage lining the end of the bones in the hip joint, leading to joint degradation. This causes friction in the joint, eventually leading to bone rubbing directly onto bone. As this occurs, you’ll probably start to find your normal everyday movements and activities becoming painful and more challenging. At its more advanced stage, the pain can be excruciating.

Hip replacement surgery

When a hip replacement procedure is performed the damaged, worn hip joint is replaced with a new artificial one, called a prosthesis. This new joint moves freely, without causing any pain or stiffness. It is an extremely good operation, with high satisfaction rates from people who have it who are often thrilled to have pain-free movement again.

Revision hip replacement surgery

If you have previously had a hip replacement procedure, but are experiencing further pain in the same hip, you may require a revision hip replacement. If this is the case your consultant may recommend you have a scan to determine what the best course of action may be.

The first step in treating any hip pain is to determine the cause. When you meet with your Consultant, they will take a medical history and ask you about the symptoms you’re experiencing in your hip. They’ll want to know things like:

• How long you’ve had the hip pain? 
• What types of activities or movements aggravate it? 
• The type of pain it is (e.g. dull or sharp, in only one place or throughout the hip, constant or sporadic)? 
• Whether it’s been getting worse over time?

As part of their assessment, they will carry out a clinical examination of your hip and back (some hip pain can be referred pain from a problem in the back or spine).

Additional diagnostic tests are sometimes needed, and these can all be easily arranged for you. Our on-site imaging facilities include X-ray, CT, MRI and ultrasound, giving quick and easy access to comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.

Once a diagnosis has been made, your Consultant will talk with you about treatment options and the benefits you should realistically expect to see as a result of them. If you have any questions or concerns, they will be very happy to discuss these with you.

When you have your hip surgery with us, you’ll benefit from: 

Fast access to a leading hip surgeon - Severe hip pain is incredibly unpleasant, and you certainly won’t want to wait for weeks (or months!) for an initial consultation. We can offer you rapid access to one of the top hip surgeons in the county, meaning you’ll be out of pain and back to better mobility sooner.

Recommended by patients: In an independent survey, 95.7% of the people we treated said they were likely or highly likely to recommend us to their friends and family.

Appointments to suit your diary: We’ll be able to arrange an appointment for you with your chosen Consultant at a time that’s most convenient for you. Remote consultations by telephone or video call are available where required (and when clinically appropriate).

Comprehensive support: Successful hip surgery depends on a good recovery. Our physiotherapy team will help show you how to move safely once again. A proper, well-structured recovery programme can help you see the best results from hip surgery and our team will work with you closely every step of the way.

Multidisciplinary team: From experienced Hip Surgeons to physiotherapists, nurses, occupational therapists and radiographers, our team of healthcare professionals work together to provide you with the best treatment, rehabilitation and care throughout your time with us.

Free parking: Our private car park offers easy access. Register your car at Reception when you arrive with us and you won’t need to pay for parking during your visit. 

Fast, expert help for your hip pain

If you’re feeling worried or nervous about hip pain, why not book an appointment with one of our experienced Consultants? They will find out what’s causing your pain and then talk you through any suitable treatment options. If hip surgery is needed, they will arrange that for you at the earliest opportunity.

You don’t need to struggle on with hip pain, help is available. We look forward to welcoming you to The The Droitwich Spa Hospital soon and helping you to get out of pain and back to better mobility.