✅Regular examinations with the orthopedist.
✅Maintain a healthy weight. Practice
✅moderate physical activity throughout life.
✅Quitting smoking: it slows down healing.
✅Adapted shoes and orthopedic insoles.
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Most importantly: take care of yourself!
Hip wear and tear isn’t inevitable. The sooner you recognize that your joint needs help, the better your chances of maintaining pain-free mobility. Listen to your body, don’t hesitate to consult a professional, and share your experience.
Tell your story!
If you have ever suffered, undergone treatment, or had surgery, please share your story! Your experience can be a support to someone taking their first steps towards a healthy hip.
🗂️Helpful checklist: questions to ask your doctor before surgery
If you or your loved ones are about to undergo hip replacement surgery, don’t hesitate to ask questions! Here is a list of examples:
✅Which type of prosthesis is best for me?
✅What material will the implant be made of?
✅What is its average durability?
✅What are the risks of complications and how can they be avoided?
✅How many days will I be hospitalized?
✅When will I be able to return to work?
✅Will I need help at home?
✅What exercises are mandatory after the operation?
✅What to do if the pain returns?
Tip: Write down these questions and bring them with you to the exam so you don’t miss anything.
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📅Recovery Journal: The First 4 Weeks After Surgery
Proper rehabilitation is half the battle. Here is a provisional plan (but always consult your surgeon and physiotherapist):
📌Week 1
• Getting out of bed with help.
• Light exercises: wiggle your toes, bend your knee.
• Learning to walk with crutches or a walker.
📌Week 2
• Increase walking speed.
• Muscle strengthening exercises.
• Correct sitting and standing posture.
📌Week 3
• First attempts at walking without crutches.
• Exercises with an elastic band (according to the instructions).
• Ascending and descending 1 to 2 steps.
📌Week 4
• Gradually increase the walking distance.
• Continue the exercises.
• If necessary, schedule with a rehabilitation specialist.
💰How much does treatment and recovery cost?
Prices vary depending on the country, the clinic, and the implant chosen. Here are some estimates:
🏥Diagnosis:
• Examination by an orthopedist — 100–200 BGN.
• X-ray or MRI — 100–400 BGN.
• Blood tests — from 50 BGN.
⚙️Surgery:
• The prosthesis itself — from 5,000 to 15,000 BGN.
• The surgeon’s work — from 2,000 BGN.
• Hospital stay (4 to 10 days) — from 1,000 BGN.
Rehabilitation:
• Exercise therapy — 20 to 50 BGN per session.
• Physiotherapy — from 20 BGN.
• Household appliances — from 200 BGN.
Many clinics offer a package deal. Don’t hesitate to ask for a detailed quote.
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🌱How to manage anxiety
Often, people aren’t afraid of the pain itself, but of the very idea of surgery. That’s normal. To cope with it:
✔️Talk to your doctor: information soothes fear.
✔️Seek support from your loved ones.
✔️Communicate with people who have already undergone surgery.
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🎯What to do if the operation is postponed
✅Maintain your weight.
✅Practice a suitable physical activity.
✅Use a cane or crutch if necessary.
✅Only take your medication as prescribed by a doctor.
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📌Real advice from patients
🗣“Don’t wait for it to go away; the sooner it’s treated, the better.” — Ivan, 57 years old.
🗣“After the operation, it’s important to move around. The first three days are the hardest, then it gets easier!” — Marina, 62.
🗣“Don’t skimp on rehabilitation; recovery is much faster.” — Oleg, 45.
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📖Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Can the prosthesis be replaced?
Yes, usually after 15 to 20 years.
Can I exercise after the operation?
Yes, but in moderation: swimming, walking, stationary cycling.
Jumping and intense running are not recommended.
• Can the prosthesis break?
Very rarely. But excessive loads increase the risk.
Can we take the plane?
Yes, but this may trigger a metal detector; a special card is issued for this purpose.
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🎉Conclusion: Your steps to a healthy hip
✅Identify the problem.
✅Consult an orthopedist.
✅Maintain your weight and move.
✅Don’t be afraid of surgery.
✅After the operation, follow the recommendations.
Share your experience!
Your story is part of the journey of thousands of people. Tell us about your experience with hip osteoarthritis, what helped you, and what you went through. Your words can give hope to others!
This article is provided for informational purposes only. Avoid self-medication and always consult a qualified healthcare professional before applying any information contained herein. The editorial team makes no guarantees regarding results and accepts no liability for any damages resulting from its use.
