Hayward Orthopedic Surgeon Discusses Hip Replacement Surgery

I’ve been an orthopedic surgeon in the Hayward area for over thirty years, and I can definitely say that the average age of patients undergoing hip replacement surgery is on the decline. This is being fueled by baby boomers who are staying active longer. I even heard piano man Billy Joel, 62, had a double hip replacement just last year.

People are simply living longer. This generation is much more active than the one that preceded it. Your typical boomer is engaged in far more activities than their parents were. Thus, I’m seeing patients who have worn down their joints faster but want to keep going! Although surgery is never your first option, a hip replacement can give you a new lease on life.

Not to mention that the design of prosthetic hips are superior to those used just ten years ago. They are composed of more durable materials. This does not mean, of course, that you should get a hip replacement just so you can run around like a twenty year old. First, try playing doubles tennis instead of singles.

Having hip replacement surgery is not an entirely painless process. The recovery therapy can be quite strenuous and uncomfortable for many patients.

Most people just assume that joint pain is just a part of aging. To some extent this is true. But if your loss of functionality begins to impede on your basic daily activities, it may be time to do something. Just getting an X-ray of the hip can tell a doctor a lot about the reality of the situation.

Although many patients understandably show some reservations towards hip replacement surgery, most tell me afterwards that they wish they’d done it sooner. In short order, they are back doing the things they love and living life again. The often tell me that they don’t even know the replacement is there.

The leading cause of hip pain is osteoarthritis, in which cartilage in the joint degenerates through overuse, obesity or congenital defects like hip dysplasia.

So who really is a good candidate for hip replacement surgery? It really comes down to how much pain you are living with which can vary widely from person to person. When friends of my patients see them back out doing the things they used to do, they wonder if they should get a new hip, too. If your pain is limiting you from enjoying your lifestyle or preventing you from sleeping, there’s no good reason to delay.

The truth is, no one is too young or old for hip replacement surgery if they are indeed suffering from “bone-on-bone” arthritis, especially if the first line of treatment has no impact. These include pain management and/or physical therapy.

If you or someone you love is suffering from hip pain, call my office today to schedule your initial consultation. Hayward residents need to know that hip replacement surgery is not the only option!

Getting you back in the game,
Dr. K

Michael B. Krinsky, M.D., M.C.
20990 Redwood Road
Castro Valley, CA 94546
(888) 478-5688