Recurring or consistent hip pain can keep you from participating in the activities you love. There will always be the aches and pains that come with aging, but when hip pain progresses to a point where your daily movements are impacted, it’s time to talk with a joint specialist about treatment options.

What Are the Options for Managing Hip Pain?

It’s important to see an orthopaedic physician (especially one that specializes in joints) about your hip pain. Dr. Cafferky and his team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery can diagnose the reason for your symptoms and make recommendations based on your hip condition. 

Your hip pain could be the result of any of the following conditions:

1. An injury, such as a fracture

2. A pinched nerve

3. Infection or disease

4. Tendinitis

5. Hip arthritis, either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid 

If your hip pain is caused by arthritis, Dr. Cafferky can recommend the following hip pain management strategies:

• Physical therapy

• Lifestyle changes, such as shifting to low impact exercises

• Over-the-counter pain and inflammation medications

• Weight loss, losing 5 pounds is equal to reducing 15-20 pounds of pressure on the hips

Taking some of these simple, conservative steps can help many people manage the hip pain caused by arthritis. However, because arthritis is a degenerative disease, sometimes the hip pain can progress to the point where conservative methods have no impact.

When Do You Need Surgery For Hip Pain Caused By Arthritis

When your hip pain compromises your quality of life, it’s time to speak with an orthopaedic doctor about a hip replacement. As the hip and knee joint specialist for Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, Dr. Cafferky is known across Colorado for his innovative joint treatments.

To resolve the chronic pain caused by hip arthritis, Dr. Cafferky may recommend the following surgical procedures:

• Arthroscopic Hip Surgery: This surgery is a minimally invasive procedure where Dr. Cafferky can repair or remove damaged cartilage in the hip joint.

• Hip Resurfacing Surgery: Used with younger, more active patients, hip resurfacing replaces the damaged bone in the hip joint, replacing it with metal coverings. 

• Total Hip Replacement Surgery: During this procedure, Dr. Cafferky replaces the damaged hip joint with a prosthetic ball and socket that fits into the pelvis. Learn more about a total hip replacement here. 

Dr. Cafferky can walk you through all your surgical options and recommend a procedure that is best for you, your activity level, and your unique anatomy. 

Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Cafferky to Discuss Your Hip Pain

Never wait until your hip pain becomes unmanageable! Schedule an appointment with Dr. Cafferky to diagnose your hip pain and explore a treatment plan that works for you and your life. 

Contact Team Cafferky today to make an appointment at one of their Eagle or Summit County clinics. Call (970) 476-1100 or request a consultation using our online submission form.