If you experience joint pain that prevents you from doing routine activities, sports or hobbies, it may be time for a change. As dramatic as it sounds, completely replacing your aching joint could bring you some much-needed pain relief.
What is total joint replacement?
Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure. It is performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgery center. During the surgery, your doctor removes damaged cartilage and bone from the affected joint and replaces it with a device made of metal, plastic or ceramic. This device is called a prosthetic. It is designed to move just like a natural joint.
Joint replacements are performed most often on hips and knees. But other joints can be replaced, too, such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist or ankle.
Typically, your provider will want you to try nonsurgical treatments before choosing surgery. These can include weight loss, low-impact exercise, joint injections or medication. If you have tried some of these options and still have severe symptoms, your provider may suggest surgery.
Is it safe and effective?
Hip and knee joint replacements are common procedures. Each year in the U.S., about 790,000 knee replacements and more than 450,000 hip replacements are performed. You can expect your joint replacement to last for 20 years or more.
How long is recovery?
In most cases, patients can resume normal daily activities by six weeks after surgery. Your doctor will want you to walk with assistance on the same day as the surgery. This may be challenging, but it will improve your recovery in the long run.
After the surgery, you will progress from using a walker to using a cane or nothing at all within a month or two. During recovery, avoid high-impact activities such as sports.
You're likely to have some pain during your recovery. Follow your provider's post-surgery instructions, and ask them about any concerns you have.
Watson Clinic’s team of Orthopaedic Surgeons offer a comprehensive roster of nonsurgical and minimally invasive surgical treatments for joint pain and damage, including total joint replacement. Call 863-680-7214 or visit WatsonClinic.com/Ortho for more information.
Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons; American College of Rheumatology