Joint Pain –What You Should Consider Before Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint pain is a common symptom of osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative disease of the joints that causes a continued wearing away of the protective cartilage over the affected joint. Without the protective cartilage, bone rubs against bone, which, as you experience it, can cause pain. If you are feeling pain and weakness and non-surgical treatments no longer make you feel better, you should consider joint replacement surgery, by consulting an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in this procedure.

Joint replacement surgery as a treatment option for joint pain should be carefully considered. As it involves replacing a damaged joint with an artificial one, there is a lengthy period of recovery that should be expected. The most common joints to be replaced are the hip and knee. Other joints that can be replaced include the shoulder and elbow.

Let’s discuss some important considerations before joint replacement surgery.

The Surgeon’s Experience Level

The surgeon’s experience is an important consideration when deciding whether or not to get a joint replaced. It is important to find a surgeon who has performed many successful joint replacement surgeries under their belt, along with experience in the particular type of surgery that is needed. Go with a board-certified and fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeon with the training and experience needed for a successful surgery.

Your Overall Health and Commitment to Recovery

It is also necessary to consider your overall health before getting any kind of surgery done—joint replacement included. Be sure to talk openly with your doctor about any existing medical conditions that may complicate surgery or recovery from it, such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, obesity, osteoporosis, etc. These conditions can increase risks during both surgery and recovery. Additionally, ideal candidates for a joint replacement are not just healthy overall but are committed to their recovery, which means following the doctor’s post-operative instructions, doing their physical therapy exercises, and showing up for subsequent doctor’s appointments.

The Benefits of Joint Replacement for Joint Pain

Here are some of the benefits of joint replacement surgery, which are important considerations:

• Relief from pain: Joint replacement surgery eliminates the source of pain by removing the damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial one. This can provide significant relief from chronic pain for patients who have not found relief through other methods such as medication or physical therapy.
• Improved mobility: Joint replacement can improve a patient’s range of motion and ability to walk, run, or participate in other activities they once enjoyed without pain.
• Enhanced quality of life: Because chronic pain can significantly impact mood and daily activities, eliminating this type of pain can lead to an improved quality of life overall for patients who undergo successful joint replacement surgery.

Joint Replacement Surgery in St. Peters, O’Fallon & Wentzville, MO

The board-certified and fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeons at Advanced Bone & Joint regularly perform surgeries to replace damaged elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee joints. We have been in practice since 1980 and are proud to serve St. Peters, O’Fallon, and Wentzville communities. To find out if you are an ideal candidate for a joint replacement, schedule an appointment with us today. Call our office at (636) 229-4222 or use our convenient online request form.