Considering a Joint Replacement?

A joint replacement may be considered as one of the most impressive healthcare developments in history. It can enable people to take a joint that is extremely painful and dysfunctional and give it a whole new lease on life.

Decades of improvements to this surgery has allowed the success rates for joint replacement surgery (arthroplasty), particularly hip and knee replacements, to be higher than ever.

If you are struggling with joint pain related to arthritis, it can be difficult to know when to make the move. The following are a few things to consider before going for that surgical consult.

Don’t assume pain is permanent once you hear the word arthritis

Pain is a complex beast and is usually never caused by one single thing. It is said that most people will have some amount of arthritis in their joints past the age of 50. However, without seeking physiotherapy treatment first, whether or not this is what is causing your pain will be unclear.

On the other hand, many people have some level of degeneration in their joints without experiencing much discomfort at all. It’s possible that an examination of biomechanics, strengthening and manual therapy could all significantly improve symptoms, even if osteoarthritis is present. In most cases, a trial of physiotherapy treatment is recommended before surgery is prescribed.

Pre-surgical strength and fitness are crucial for optimal recovery

This means two things, first of all, your strength or exercise program before surgery will set you up for much better results in the long run. The second thing involves choosing when to have the surgery. Try not to wait until the pain is unbearable before commencing the surgical plan, as prolonged time spent in significant pain can reduce your overall strength and fitness while also putting more stress on other joints.

Research the risks and side effects

While surgical outcomes are continually improving, no surgery comes without risks and some people will still have ongoing pain and stiffness even after their surgery. As always when it comes to your health, it’s important to make an informed decision about when and if you should have a joint replacement.

If you are considering a joint replacement, speak to your physiotherapist about all the ways they can support you through your journey and help you come to an informed decision about what is right for you.

None of the information in this article is a replacement for proper medical advice. Always see a medical professional for advice on your individual injury.