Without easing the stress off an arthritic hip joint, other non-surgical options are less likely to be successful like injections, medications, and supplements. Without taking care of a joint, then a replacement surgery will be needed sooner rather than later. But before accepting the risk of a big joint surgery, try some other options like the canes, the exercises, and the pillows because these options far less risky. Even if you do eventually have the joint replaced, you are still going to have to take care of that new joint, maybe with assistive devices, definitely with exercises for muscle support, and hopefully with improved body mechanics around the clock. Ultimately, you cannot avoid the need for proper care of your hip joint, and the rest of your body.