Find a Physician

• A physician will diagnose the severity of hip damage and recommend treatment. The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) is one credentialing agency for doctors.
  
  

Physical Therapy

• Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist (PT) for a treatment plan before suggesting surgery. The PT will design an exercise plan to rehabilitate the affected hip.
  
  

Cortisone

• Cortisone shots are one option that can prolong surgery. They treat joint inflammation and may provide relief for months.
  
  

Hip Resurfacing

• Hip resurfacing is an alternative to total hip replacement. Rather than replacing the hip socket ball, it resurfaces the ball.
  
  

Total Hip Replacement Surgery

• In some cases, it may be necessary for a surgeon to replace the damaged hip with a prosthetic ball and socket.