Ready to move freely again? Understanding hip replacement
You used to hike without a second thought for your joints. Ski season meant full days on the mountain — not midday breaks and a pocket full of ibuprofen. But lately, your hip aches after a bike ride, and even walking the dog feels like a chore. Bending down to put on shoes and socks can be a struggle. Whether you’re in your 40s or your 80s, if you live an active Colorado lifestyle, hip pain can feel like an unfair sentence to slow down.
But it doesn’t have to be.
How do I know if I need a hip replacement?
For many people, hip arthritis builds slowly. You might notice stiffness getting out of the car or pain after sitting too long. Eventually, the joint loses its smooth cartilage surface, and bone rubs against bone.
“We try to manage symptoms first without surgery using anti-inflammatories, cortisone injections, and physical therapy,” says Dr. Sean Baran, orthopedic surgeon at Western Orthopaedics. “But when the pain starts interfering with daily activity and quality of life, that’s when we talk about surgical options.”
Common signs that hip replacement may be appropriate:
- Pain that limits walking, hiking, or biking
- Difficulty putting on socks or shoes
- Disrupted sleep due to hip discomfort
- Reduced range of motion or a grinding sensation
Benefits of an anterior hip replacement
Not all hip replacements are the same. Dr. Baran specializes in anterior hip replacement, an advanced technique that accesses the hip joint from the front of the body rather than the side or back.
“The anterior approach allows us to avoid cutting through major muscles,” Dr. Baran explains. “That often means less pain after surgery, faster recovery, and fewer restrictions early on.”
Because the muscles that stabilize the hip remain largely intact, patients often regain mobility quicker. Many are walking the same day as surgery and return to hiking, cycling, or travel within a few months.
Dr. Baran adds, “My patients are often surprised at how quickly they bounce back. A lot of them tell me they wish they hadn’t waited so long.”
Recovery after hip replacement
Hip replacement is still major surgery, but the recovery process has come a long way.
Most anterior hip replacement patients:
- Go home the same or next day
- Walk with assistance immediately
- Begin physical therapy early
- Return to light activity within weeks
“My goal is to get people moving again and back to the activities they love,” says Dr. Baran. “We tailor the recovery plan to your lifestyle, whether that means being on the slopes, walking your favorite trail, or just playing with your grandkids.”
You don’t have to live with constant hip pain
Many active adults delay hip replacement, worried that surgery will slow them down. But with advances in technique, technology, and recovery protocols, replacing a worn-out hip might be the first step toward getting your life back.
“People think hip replacement means the end of their active years,” says Dr. Baran. “But in reality, it can be the thing that allows you to keep doing what you love without pain holding you back.”