My mother has been suffering from hip pain for a while and now her doctor is suggesting that she have a hip replacement. How is the decision made and who should have a replacement and when?

Hip pain can affect your quality of life because the pain can interfere with your every day activities and it can cause you to become isolated if you are unable to go out and socialize. When this happens, other issues can come up like depression or anxiety. If pain is beginning to interfere with every day life, this is a good indication that if a hip replacement is an option, this might be a good time.

Usually, before deciding that a hip replacement is needed, many other treatments are tried to try to relieve the pain and discomfort. This can include medications to reduce pain and/or swelling, physiotherapy or rest. If none of these treatments are effective and you are generally healthy otherwise, you might be a good candidate for hip replacement surgery.