Do you have an appointment with a hip doctor soon? Having questions ready for your doctor will help you feel more prepared for your appointment and could even calm any nerves you may have.
Whether you are looking for a hip replacement or have a different hip injury or condition not involving surgery, it is important to know what questions to ask your hip doctor so that you can take full advantage of your appointment time!
1. Could you explain my injury to me in layman's terms?
Some doctors may struggle to explain it to you in simple terms. Do not be afraid to have them re-explain exactly what is going on and how you got to this place. Remember, it is the doctor's job to educate you on your injury or condition!
2. How will this injury affect me from here on out?
Knowing what to expect in life will help you know when it is time to see a doctor or not.
3. What does my recovery look like?
Ask your doctor how long you will be in recovery, what medications you may need and what your recovery entails so that you know how to prepare yourself and others who may be taking care of you.
4. What activities should I pause or stop doing with this type of injury?
Be honest with your doctor about the things you do in daily life so that they can accurately tell you what you should and should not participate in.
5. How long will I be unable to do these activities?
6. How helpful would weight loss be for my injury or condition?
If you are dealing with a joint issue, losing weight can help take added pressure off the joints. Be open to the idea of losing weight (if necessary) and ask your doctor for weight loss support near you.
7. What are the treatment options for my condition?
Understanding all treatment options will help you find out what is best for you.
8. Are there any noninvasive procedures we could try before surgery?
A good hip surgeon will exhaust all other treatments before jumping to surgery. Know your options and understand your condition before making the decision to have surgery.
9. How often should I do my physical therapy? Is it necessary?
Your doctor should be able to tell you if you need physical therapy.
10. Are there any adjustments I can make to my home before or after surgery to make it more accessible?
It can be very beneficial to talk through the changes you can make to your home to make it better accessible to you, especially if you think you may need surgery.
11. How many post-operative appointments will there be?
Know how many you will have and if you will need someone to drive you to your post-operative hip appointments.
12. Are there any risks associated with my treatment options?
Especially if you are considering surgery, it is important to know the risks involved and be prepared to give your hip doctor a detailed medical history.
13. What can I do before surgery to make the risks lower?
Even simple changes like switching o an anti-inflammatory diet, physical therapy, etc are examples of small changes you can make to decrease the risks associated with your treatment.
14. Will I be able to walk, if so, how far?
15. Does Your office offer on-sight physical therapy?
Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics offers onsight physical therapy in Nashville and Franklin, making your appointments convenient!
16. How involved are you in my recovery / with my physical therapist?
Having a surgeon who can get in touch with your physical therapist quickly and easily makes all the difference. At Elite, our hip surgeons are highly involved in your post-op care and your physical therapist will work closely with them throughout your recovery.
17. Will I need antibiotics for dental care?
This is an important question if you have a dentist appointment coming up after your surgery.
18. When can I lie on my injured hip side when sleeping?
Sleep is important for recovery. Ask your doctor for helpful tips on how to sleep with hip pain.
19. What can I be doing to keep my hip joint functioning for as long as possible?
Even after your treatment, it is important to be educated on how to prevent further injury or cope with your hip condition.
20. What would happen if I waited to treat my hip pain?
Are you able to wait? Trust your hip surgeon's expertise if they are telling you now is the time to seek treatment.
