How your BMI could impact your hips and your hip surgery The joints in your legs carry your body weight in everything you do, from standing to walking or running. In fact, your knees and hips actually bear the equivalent of seven times your total weight, which puts enormous pressure on those joints. And every pound you add to your weight adds as much as seven more points of pressure.Could extra weight be the cause of your hip pain?Any extra weight can lead to inflammation and pain, as well as excessive wear and tear on your joints. In the past, significant extra weight might eliminate hip surgery as an option for some patients. For example, people who weighed more than 180 to 200 lbs. were not considered acceptable candidates for hip surgery. Many of these patients were required to lose at least 40 pounds before they were allowed to undergo surgery.Advancements in medical technology and new research now make it possible for patients in similar situations to be cleared for surgery, and acceptable weight ranges have been created. The body mass index (BMI) is often used as a useful range of weight, and you can calculate your BMI using this simple calculation:● Multiply your weight in pounds by 703.● Divide that answer by your height in inches.● Divide that answer by your height in inches again.Generally, the BMI correlates to body fat content and can be used to identify specific weight classes. The typical maximum BMI for hip replacement is currently set at 40 or below.Should you consider losing weight before having hip surgery?Once your doctor recommends hip replacement surgery, weight may become a topic of discussion. Even if your current BMI doesn’t prevent you from being a candidate, losing weight can be helpful leading up to and following your surgery. A lower BMI means less stress on your hips and possibly less pain, which may make it easier for you to exercise before surgery and be an active participant in your post-surgery recovery.Here are a few basic tips you can easily incorporate into your daily routine to begin working on weight loss:● Keep a food journal. When you write things down throughout the day, it helps you pause and think about what you are about to eat. You can also keep a journal by taking a picture of your food right before you eat. A journal will not only give you time to consider your diet, but it will also help you identify certain foods or times that are● challenging for you.● Focus on nutrition. Understanding what your body needs to eat to be healthy—and making sure you get that at every meal—can help you lose weight and improve your metabolic health. Try to eat your meal in this order: protein first (often comes with the fat), vegetables next, then your carbs (starchy foods).● Make breakfast a priority. Breakfast is the meal you eat after fasting for 10–12 hours overnight. It doesn’t matter how early or late you eat breakfast, as long as you pay attention to what you eat. Choose foods with a fair amount of protein to start your body’s engine.● Consider working with a group or a partner. Whether you find an online group or a friend at work, dieting with others makes it easier to feel supported and accountable. If you feel you may need additional support, consider engaging your primary care physician or a weight loss specialist.Work with a specialist at DOC OrthopaedicWith so many advancements taking place in orthopaedic surgery – especially in hipreplacement, it’s important to work with a surgeon who specializes in joint replacement.Once you’re ready to consider total hip replacement surgery, consider scheduling a visitwith Dr. Scott Sharp at DOC Orthopaedic.Dr. Sharp is board certified in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine and specializesin minimally invasive joint replacement and other areas. He graduated from MississippiState University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering and eightyears with Lockheed in Huntsville, AL, he received his Doctor of Medicine with honorsfrom University of Alabama School of Medicine. Dr. Sharp did his general surgeryinternship at the University of Tennessee in Memphis, and completed his orthopedicresidency at the internationally renowned Campbell Clinic in Memphis, TN.Since joining DOC in 2000, Dr. Sharp has served as the Team Physician for Austin High School,Calhoun Community College and various area schools. He also has an appointment on theclinical faculty for the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. He has served in variousleadership positions including Medical Staff President at Decatur Morgan Hospital and is thePresident of DOC.Dr. Sharp continues to refine his skills by keeping abreast of the latest advances in surgical andnonsurgical techniques for musculoskeletal care. His commitment to excellence, combined withover 20 years of experience, ensures you will receive the best skilled orthopedic care possible.If you’re facing hip issues and feel that a hip replacement may be the best solution for you, please reach out to the skilled team at DOC Orthopaedics to schedule an appointment by calling 256-350-0362.
