What are my alternatives to hip replacement?
Explore hip arthritis treatment choices and why evidence for knee injections, braces, and topical medicines may not apply to the hip.
Read the guide ↗Medically reviewed by Charles A. DeCook, MD ·
← All optionsEstablished care
Oral NSAID / acetaminophen
Pain relief, with a safety check first.
Who might it suit?
For: Short-term symptoms when medical history and medicines allow.
Not for: Unreviewed use with kidney, heart, stomach, bleeding, or liver risks.
Limits and important cautions
Kidney, stomach, cardiovascular, bleeding, and liver risks require individual review. Use is for symptoms, not joint reconstruction.
What happens, how long, and what could it cost?
- What happens
- Review medicines, health conditions, contraindications, and the exact dose with your clinician or pharmacist.
- When might I notice a change?
- Timing depends on the medicine and formulation; follow its label and prescribed plan.
- How long might benefit last?
- Symptom control varies. Ask how long to try it before reviewing the result.
- Repeat treatment
- Review ongoing need and adverse effects. Do not abruptly stop prescribed opioids.
- Activity and recovery
- Ask about driving, interactions, and activities affected by the specific medicine.
- Ask for a complete estimate
- Medicine, visits, and any necessary monitoring.
Use this as a consultation guide. A timeline is not a guarantee; the evidence and FDA sections below remain part of the decision.
THE EVIDENCE IN CONTEXT
Benefits and risks differ by drug
Read the 2 selected references
- ACR/Arthritis Foundation: OA management ↗
2019 guideline, published in 2020. Recommendations vary by joint; it predates many newer trials.
- NICE NG226: osteoarthritis care ↗
UK guidance on exercise, medicines, supports, and referral. Recommendations are not US coverage rules.
FDA status
Product-specific drug labelingPrescription and nonprescription pain medicines have product-specific indications and warnings. Some nonprescription products follow an OTC monograph rather than individual premarket approval. Follow the exact product label; pain relief is not joint repair.
Site summary of FDA information · reviewed September 19, 2026. Refer to current product labeling. This is not an FDA endorsement of this site.What do professional guidelines say?
AAHKS: Names NSAIDs and acetaminophen as traditional non-opioid care; this is context, not a full guideline.
ACR: Strong support for oral NSAIDs; acetaminophen is conditional.
Will Medicare cover it?
Prescription coverage depends on plan and drug. Over-the-counter products are usually not covered.