The Orthopedic Surgery That's Changing Lives
One of the first things to consider if you’re dealing with chronic joint pain is the impact it is having on your day-today life.
“If pain and stiffness are interfering with your ability to perform everyday activities like walking or climbing stairs, and if other methods to control the pain are not working, then joint replacement surgery may be an option,” says orthopedic surgeon Andrew Holmes, MD.
Some alternatives your doctor might recommend before considering surgery include exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint, walking aids (such as a cane) to reduce stress on the joint, physical therapy and medication to relieve pain.
“Knee and hip replacements, which are the most common types of joint replacement surgeries, can help people of many different ages enjoy a better quality of life,” Dr. Holmes says.
For older patients, joint replacement surgery can also support greater independence by enabling seniors to continue everyday activities like walking or shopping. If you think joint replacement surgery may be an option for you, your doctor can refer you to an orthopedic surgeon, who can perform an evaluation and help you decide on the best course of action.
The Total Joint Replacement Center provides comprehensive services for total knee and total hip replacements. Find out more.