Do You Dance in High Heels for Work? Better Watch Out…

Decades of partying on stage like it was 1999 finally caught up with Prince.

The pop singer, 50, was reportedly told by his doctors that he will need hip replacement surgery due to wear and tear from years of performing. Sources told the British media, “For months Prince, who always puts on the most energetic shows, has been complaining of pain every time he moves.”

While the Purple Rain singer reportedly believes that his 30 years of dancing on tour have taken a toll on his joints, others think the pain may be a result of the singer’s high-heeled shoe habit. Prince, who is just five-foot, three-inches, is famous for his platform boots. Another source said, “He used to wear high-heeled boots every day and doctors told him that may have contributed to his condition.”

In preparation for the procedure Prince has allegedly booked time in an undisclosed private hospital. Meanwhile his assistants reportedly cleared two months from his schedule to allow him time to recover. According to the National Hospital Discharge Survey Prince is not the only one getting a new hip. In the past decade the number of hip replacement surgeries has more than doubled, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. In 2005, more than 235,000 replaced their hips.

While the procedure relieves great pain for many, it does carry a hefty price tag. A total hip replacement surgery can run up a bill of more than $27,000, not including the additional costs for physical therapy, says Kevin Riché, an orthopedic surgeon. However, most health insurance providers will cover the procedure. Robelynn Abadie, president of the Association of Health Insurance Advisors said, “Rarely is there ever a situation that it would not be paid for.”