Medically reviewed by Charles A. DeCook, MD ·
YOUR JOINT OPTIONS · DECISION GUIDE
What are my alternatives to hip replacement?
Hip arthritis care can include exercise, weight care when appropriate, walking support, medicines, and selected injections. Knee-specific treatments should not automatically be applied to the hip. A clinical assessment helps distinguish hip-joint pain from other causes.
Updated September 24, 2026 · Educational synthesis · People & medical review status
Confirm where the pain comes from
Prepare to describe groin, thigh, buttock, or other pain; what brings it on; and how it affects walking and daily activities. The location of pain alone cannot establish a diagnosis. Bring existing imaging reports if the office requests them.
Build a practical nonsurgical plan
The ACR guideline supports exercise, weight loss when appropriate, and cane use when symptoms warrant it. Oral medicines require an individual safety assessment. Agree on a manageable plan and a review point rather than collecting disconnected treatments.
Read the supporting source ↗Do not borrow knee evidence
An unloader knee brace does not treat a hip joint. The hip is deep, so evidence for a topical knee medicine is not interchangeable. Ask for hip-specific evidence before considering an injection marketed for arthritis.
Read the supporting source ↗Know what the next consultation should answer
Ask whether symptoms, examination, and imaging fit together; what benefit another nonsurgical step could reasonably provide; and whether a replacement consultation would clarify the tradeoffs. The choice includes your priorities and medical circumstances.
Questions to take to your visit
- Is the hip joint the likely source of my pain?
- Was this treatment studied in hip arthritis?
- What would change the recommendation?
Explore the treatment details
Sources and limitations
These are selected references, not an exhaustive review. Guidelines address different populations and may disagree. Your clinician determines how evidence applies to you.
A CONVERSATION WITH A SPECIALIST
Meet the surgeons.
Explore the professional profiles of Charles A. DeCook, MD and the hip and knee surgeons at Total Joint Specialists.
Contact the practice directly about appointments, services, and coverage. A professional profile is not a personal treatment recommendation. Medical review attribution is shown separately on reviewed pages.