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Signs Your Hip Implants Are Hurting You

by Bethany Johansson

Hip pain 12 imagesOur hips are an important part of the human body. A healthy hip not only improves mobility, but can also be crucial when it comes to high quality of life. Unfortunately, over time, many individuals develop arthritis in their hips—which may require artificial hip implantation. While many hip implants last for years, others can become faulty after a few decades’ worth of use. To avoid serious complications, individuals who have undergone hip replacement in the past should be aware of hip pain, decreased flexibility, hip swelling, increased fatigue, and other side effects that suggest your hip implants may be hurting you. This is especially true of specific models of metal-on metal hip implants including DePuy Orthopaedic’s ASR TM total hip system and Zimmer, Incorporated’s Durom Cup.

According to most experts, on-going hip pain is one of the most common symptoms associated with faulty implantation. While this pain may vary in intensity, it often presents as a dull ache—not a sharp stabbing discomfort. In most cases, individuals who are diagnosed with faulty hip implantation experience discomfort in the groin or lower back, in addition to that felt in the hip itself. Individuals who experience this symptom should seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the joint. 

Decreased Flexibility

Flexibility typically refers to the ability of the human body to move and work in the ways in which it was designed. Unfortunately, decreased flexibility is another common sign that a hip implant may have failed. Individuals who suffer from decreased flexibility years after a hip implantation may also begin to notice that the joint in question is stiff and difficult to move. While flexibility exercises and physical activity may be effective at managing some of the symptoms associated with faulty hip implantation, additional therapies—such as medication use or invasive procedures—may also be required. 

Hip Swelling

According to Drug Watch, hip swelling may also indicate potential implantation failure. Depending on the severity of the failure and on-going complications, the severity of the swelling may be quite variable. In most cases, the sooner that hip swelling is identified in patients who have undergone this procedure in the past, the better the final results of provided health care. Consultation with a nurse, physician, or other health care provider during the early stages of hip swelling may mean the difference between prescription medication use and invasive surgery—which in some cases, may be life threatening.

Increased Fatigue

On-going fatigue is a chronic health condition affecting many individuals living in the United States, and for that matter, the world. While fatigue is an everyday occurrence for some people, it may also be a sign of a more serious health problem, such as the failure of a hip implantation. Experts agree that a change in sleep habits is one of the best indicators of hip implantation disturbance or disruption. Those who have noticed a change in their ability to fall asleep or stay asleep over the past few weeks—and cannot identify a legitimate reason for the fluctuations—should seek medical assistance as soon as possible for rapid treatment and care.

About the author:

Bethany Johansson is an avid health writer and landscape photographer. To learn more about her, please visit her on Google+

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