*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature P: Personality Disorders.

Alternatives To A Hip Replacement

Common alternatives to a hip replacement

There are other treatments you can try first before having a hip replacement.

Before having a hip replacement, your GP or doctor will talk to you about non-surgical treatments to help with your hip pain and stiffness.

These may include lifestyle changes and some types of pain relief, such as:

weight loss to reduce the strain on your hip if you're overweight (find out about managing your weight)
low-impact exercise such as swimming, walking or cycling, and muscle strengthening in the hips - a physiotherapist may advise and support you with exercising
using walking aids
wearing special footwear or insoles for your shoes
pain relief medicines, gels or creams
hydrocortisone (steroid) injections - an injection into the hip joint to help with pain and swelling

If you've tried these and they have not helped, your doctor may talk to you about having a hip replacement.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature P: Personality Disorders. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.