Arthritis occurs when the smooth articular cartilage that lines the joint surfaces becomes damaged and starts wearing out. As the damage accumulates the cartilage roughens and thins, which eventually leads to pain and stiffness.
When more simple measures such as simple painkillers and physiotherapy fail to give you good symptom relief it is time to consider whether a hip replacement is necessary.
This is a major procedure and if it is being considered Mr Lee will discuss the benefits and risks with you, the timing of when to have a replacement is dependent on how much your symptoms are affecting your daily activities.