Knee, hip and shoulder pain can be debilitating. When the pain is stopping you from doing the things that you love, it’s time to get help from an orthopaedic surgeon. They can recommend conservative methods to help manage your pain, and help you decide when it might be time for joint replacement surgery.
The Culprit Behind Joint Issues
Typically, arthritis is the cause of painful joint issues. Arthritis damages the cartilage lining joints. As the cartilage wears, it causes inflammation, swelling and pain. Arthritis gets worse as time goes on. For many people, the pain eventually needs to be addressed with joint replacement or other treatment methods.
Arthritis can be a result of joint injury, overuse or just bad luck. It may result from unaddressed joint issues that build and become a problem over time.
Unfortunately, even if you eat healthy, stay active and maintain a healthy weight, you may still develop arthritis. A lot of the time, arthritis is out of your control.
An X-ray can determine how arthritic a joint is. This helps your doctor make management or treatment recommendations based on your lifestyle and goals.
Where To Start When Addressing Joint Issues
“We always try to start conservatively when treating joint issues,” shares Austin Williams, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon with ProMedica Physicians.
Cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy are often the first line of treatment. “These methods can work well for people and allow them to do what they want to do,” Dr. Williams shares.
While these methods may be effective in pain management, they don’t cure arthritis. And they may not slow its progression. When more conservative methods are no longer effectively managing pain, or your mobility is suffering, it might be time for joint replacement.
Are you a good candidate for joint replacement?
“It’s time for joint replacement when you can no longer do the things that you want to do,” Dr. Williams shares.
Age isn’t that large of a factor. “The old thinking was to push joint replacement off until age 70, or for as long as you possibly could. Nowadays, the mindset has shifted. We want to get people back to doing the things that they enjoy sooner, and when it’s easier to bounce back after a operation,” Dr. Williams shares.
With the help of better materials and replacement methods, artificial joints are lasting much longer than they used to. The risk of needing a joint replacement revision surgery has gone down significantly. “Implants used to last 10, 20 maybe 30 years. Now, joint replacements may last 50 to 60 years before a revision surgery needs to be considered,” Dr. Williams shares.
The other side of the coin is also true. Joint replacement doesn’t have an age maximum. Replacement can restore mobility and give back lost freedom and independence.
What To Consider Before Deciding on Joint Replacement
If you’re considering joint replacement surgery, it’s important to get existing health conditions under control to set you up for the best outcome.
Things like being obese, having uncontrolled diabetes or advanced heart or lung disease can put you at an increased risk of complications.
Dr. Williams shares that these conditions don’t make you ineligible for joint replacement surgery. If you’re able to lose weight and get any other health conditions under control, joint replacement could still be an option.
For insurance to cover joint replacement surgery, you will likely need to try more conservative methods first.
“Some people who have bad arthritis do fine without surgery and just using injections, anti-inflammatory medicines and/or physical therapy to manage their pain,” Dr. Williams shares. “The risk of conservative treatment methods is low, and it doesn’t take much time to figure out if they’re going to work for you.”
Knowing When It’s Time for Joint Replacement
When it’s time for joint replacement is different for every patient. Dr. Williams shares that as the person experiencing the joint pain, you’ll know when it’s your time.
Just don’t put it off for too long. Having joint replacement done when you’re still able to get around, ideally without the use of mobility devices, is best. This makes it easier for you to bounce back quicker after surgery, take care of yourself during recovery and regain your strength faster.
“I’ve had many patients share that they wish they would have had the replacement done five or even 10 years sooner than they did,” Dr. Williams shares.
If you’re considering a joint replacement, it may be the right time. Your best life is ready when you are. Get back to doing the things you love. Learn more about joint replacement with ProMedica.
Austin Williams, MD
Dr. Williams is an orthopaedic surgeon with ProMedica Physicians. View his profile.
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