Primary Facts About Joint Replacements
It takes a special kind of surgical technique and recovery program to completely reconstruct damaged joints
Two of the most brittle parts of the human body are bones and the joints that connect them together. Over the years, our joints lose durability along with a massive amount of cartilage protection. When our joints wear down, we start experiencing a lot of pain in our hips, knees, wrists, or shoulders. If too much pain hinders your ability to perform regular daily activities, then joint replacement may be necessary to help get your life back on track.
It’s normal to feel skeptical about any joint replacement work, but we’ll be able to clear up all of those concerns in this tell-all guide.
Joint Replacements—The Must-Know Facts
Total joint replacements can help you feel as good as new, but don’t expect it to be a simple process. Treating your joints is extremely complex. It takes a lot of preparation, but in the long run, it will pay off immensely. You’ll be able to flourish with less pain in your joints, an improved range of motion, and a better overall quality of life.
Here’s everything that you need to know about joint care procedures:
Common Conditions
Joint pain often stems from a variety of medical conditions. If you suffer from any of the following conditions, then you may be in need of joint replacement care.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Tendonitis
- Sprains
- Bursitis
Nonsurgical Care
Never agree to a surgical procedure before having your doctor examine the problem area first. While surgery is a surefire way to restructure the joint, it may not be necessary. Maybe you just need a prescription for pain medication. Perhaps you’ll need to receive physical therapy, or maybe you are even running low on joint fluid. The fact of the matter is that it’s always best to get a professional opinion before you rush into surgery. This can save you a lot of money and stress in the long run.
When To See a Doctor
Your joints don’t always require professional medical attention. Joint pain can often be treated with over-the-counter medications and a few days of adequate rest, but that’s not always the case. If you experience chronic pain in any joint to the point where you are unable to place weight on that specific area, then you may need to consult with a physician. In addition, it’s important that joints that appear crooked-looking must receive immediate medical attention.
Total Hip and Knee Repair
Total joint surgery is a surgical procedure exclusively for lower body joints, specifically the hips and knees. It takes a special kind of talent to perform this type of surgery. These prosthetic procedures involve a superior level of orthopedic care. Certified surgeons restructure the bone of the problem area, remove the artificial joint and replace with a durable prosthetic material that naturally connects to the bone’s cartilage.
Here’s a close look at how total hip and knee replacements work:
- Hip Replacements: Also referred to as total hip arthroplasty, hip replacement surgeries are thorough medical procedures that require surgical cementing to the pelvic bone. The “cement” is actually a metal or plastic attachment that stabilizes the rest of the hip. Surgeons will need to make incisions over the hip bone, attach the prosthetic material, and let the joint naturally align itself.
- Knee Replacements: If your knee joint has not responded well to physical therapy, then a prosthetic surgery may be your best option for reconstruction. Much like hip replacements, knee replacements involve the attachment of a ceramic or plastic stabilizer. Bones will grow into the mesh layer and realign themselves to attach to the cemented material.
The Recovery Process
Expect to stay in the hospital at least one day after surgery. The healing process is a gradual one that will slowly align the joints to reconnect to its cartilage. Since the surgeon is reshaping the ends of the bones to accept the artificial joints, it will take a while for the cartilage to completely reform. Typically patients are able to walk hours after surgery, but it is advised to keep any strenuous activity to a minimum. If you continue to feel pain weeks after surgery, then contact your doctor and look into physical therapy.
Contact Effingham Surgery Center for the Ultimate Joint Solution
When it comes to joint care, there is no one better to work with than the experts at Effingham Surgery Center. We are the best source for joint replacement surgery in Illinois. Whether it’s the knee, hips, wrist, or shoulders, we’ll be there to help you look and feel as good as new. We work tirelessly to make the joint replacement process as easy as possible.
If you start to experience pain in any of your joints and the thought of replacement surgery crosses your mind, then call us today to set up your complimentary examination with one of our certified experts.