How Do I Know If I Need Joint Replacement Surgery?
If you’re wondering if joint replacement surgery is right for you, you’re not alone. Approximately 1 million Americans undergo joint replacement surgery each year. In fact, joint replacement surgeries are among the most common elective surgeries in the United States, and it’s no mystery why. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 90% of patients feel less pain after receiving joint replacement surgery.
The doctors at Bahri Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Clinic are experts in joint replacement surgery, and they’re dedicated to providing you with the right treatment plan for your needs.
Surgery overview
After an initial consultation, our team members will determine if you need a partial or total joint replacement based on your specific needs. We’ll make our decision based on a few factors, such as:
- Extent of the disease
- Severity of the damage
- Your age and overall health
Hips and knees are replaced most often. However, other joints ― including the shoulder, ankle, elbow, and finger joints ― can also be replaced. During the procedure, we’ll remove the parts of the joints that are diseased or damaged and replace them with surgical-grade parts.
Most joint replacement surgeries only take a few hours, and you’ll likely be encouraged to start using and moving your joint soon after your procedure. Recovery typically takes a few months.
Signs you may need joint replacement surgery
If you have a disease, such as osteoarthritis, or you have severe or chronic pain, you may need joint replacement surgery. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, call us today and schedule a consultation. Here’s what you should pay attention to when considering joint replacement surgery:
Your lifestyle is disturbed
If pain in your joints is keeping you from completing daily tasks or simple movements, such as getting dressed, writing, doing the dishes, or bending over, you may be a good candidate for surgery.
Your pain is unbearable
Sometimes the pain in your joints can keep you up at night and stick around during the day, even when you’ve taken medication and rested. This is a serious sign of significant joint damage, and you should consult one of our doctors to discuss treatment.
You have a joint disease
You may have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis or another joint disease. If so, joint replacement surgery may be the best solution.
Your joints aren’t responding to conservative treatments
Surgery is usually considered a last resort, but it can be a necessary one. If conservative treatments, such as medications and physical therapy, have not worked, joint replacement surgery may be the answer.
Joint pain can affect every part of your life. Fortunately, you don’t have to live it. Join the millions of men and women who have discovered relief through joint replacement surgery. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Bahri Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Clinic today.