Jennie Garth Opens Up About Hip Replacement Surgeries and Breaking the Stigma Around Joint Issues
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Jennie Garth, the beloved star of Beverly Hills, 90210, has shared a personal health journey she once kept hidden. In a revealing interview with Self, Garth disclosed that she has undergone two hip replacement surgeries.
The actress, now 51, admitted she was hesitant to open up about her medical procedures but no longer wants to keep it a secret. “I’ve kept it a secret for so long, but I’m no longer at a place where I want to hide things,” Garth explained in the interview published on September 12.
Her decision to share came after reflecting on how isolating the experience can feel due to societal stigma. “I had wished during my journey of the first surgery that I could share my experience with people because there’s such a stigma around getting any of your joints replaced. This is something that doesn’t just affect 80-year-olds,” she said.
Garth had led an active lifestyle, indulging in hobbies like horse riding and dancing, but over time, she began to experience chronic hip pain. After being diagnosed with osteoarthritis, a condition in which cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down, her doctor recommended hip replacement surgery. She had her first surgery at 48, and earlier this year, she underwent her second hip replacement.
Osteoarthritis, often thought of as an age-related issue, is more widespread and affects individuals of all ages. The Mayo Clinic defines the condition as the most common form of arthritis, where the protective cartilage in joints deteriorates over time, causing pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. By opening up about her surgeries, Garth aims to shed light on the broader reality of joint problems and challenge the perception that such procedures are only for the elderly.
“It’s why I want people to understand that living with chronic pain and opting for surgery is not something to be ashamed of,” she noted. Her story is a reminder that joint health and related issues are important for people of all ages, and seeking treatment, including surgeries like hip replacements, can be life-changing.
Garth’s candidness about her journey is helping to reduce the stigma around joint replacements and encourages others who might be silently suffering to take steps toward better health.
