Your consultant will determine whether you need orthopaedic surgery for your joint pain. There are non-surgical treatment options that can effectively manage joint pain.
Non-surgical methods to reduce and manage hip joint pain include:
Steroid injection therapy
Also known as steroid injection therapy, this treatment involves injections of steroid medication (corticosteroid) into your painful joint. This can effectively reduce pain and inflammation, and the effects can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. This form of pain relief may be recommended if you can't take oral anti-inflammatories for any reason.
Oral anti-inflammatories
These can either be prescribed by your GP or your consultant. They reduce swelling in your joint, which can lessen stiffness and pain. Your doctor might also recommend using heat therapy (in the form of icepacks or heat pads) to reduce swelling or numb your joint pain. Heat therapy can be used in addition to anti-inflammatory medication.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for joint pain comprises a specialist exercise programme designed to strengthen the muscles around your joints, improving mobility and - in taking the pressure of your joints - reducing your pain. It can be a highly effective treatment and many people see amazing results.
If these do not help alleviate your symptoms, you might need surgery. Depending on your condition, you might be able to have surgery as a day case, meaning you can go home the same day. Many arthroscopic surgeries (also called keyhole surgeries) are performed as day cases.
More complex surgeries, including total joint replacements (arthroplasty), require overnight stays in The Highfield Hospital's comfortable ensuite rooms. Whatever surgery you have, our friendly and caring staff will ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.