Joint Replacement

Joint Replacement2021-01-29T09:16:11-06:00

Joint Replacement

Do you think that a joint replacement will keep you sidelined for a long period of time? Or, do you think you’re too old for a joint replacement? Think again! Thousands of people have ankle, hip, knee or shoulder replacements every year and most are surprised by how quickly they can get back to normal activities.

Age is only a number when it comes to joint replacement. In fact, age is seldom a determining factor for joint replacement candidates. People in their 80s and 90s regularly get joint replacements with excellent outcomes.

Questions? Don’t worry. We have a total joint coordinator specifically assigned to help patients through the total joint process that we call The Joint Journey.

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ANKLE REPLACEMENT

Ankle replacement, also known as total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), is a surgical procedure used to treat ankle arthritis. Arthritis in the ankle is usually the result of aging or injury. Ankle surgery will help to relieve pain and restore function.

Symptoms

Common symptoms for people who need TAA include ankle pain and decreased function from arthritis, even with anti-inflammatory medication, bracing, physical therapy, activity modification, and/or injections.

Treatments

TAA is performed either under general anesthetic or nerve block and involves cutting the bone to allow for placement of the components that recreate the ankle joint.

Your doctor will prescribe medication as needed to manage the pain. But pain medication is only part of your pain management. There are many other methods you might find helpful in managing your pain:

  • Ice: Ice can reduce bleeding and swelling, helping control pain and muscle spasms. You will be given an ice pack during your stay which is yours to take home. Continue to ice your surgical area as needed after your discharge.
  • Elevation: It is important to elevate your leg to reduce swelling. You can elevate your leg by putting a pillow under your lower leg, keeping the knee straight (extended). When you are not walking or doing exercises you should be elevating the leg.
  • Relaxation/Distraction: Relaxation exercises and deep breathing can help relax your muscles and decrease your pain. Distraction techniques may include listening to music, watching television, or visiting with a family member.
  • Repositioning: Sometimes all it takes to relieve pain is to change your position. In fact, frequent changes in position are recommended. Sitting at the side of the bed, going to the bathroom, or standing at the side of the bed are some examples.
  • Rest: Allow yourself plenty of rest to maximize your rehab and recovery time. It’s okay to ask your visitors to leave.
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The most common cause for damage to the hip, other than physical damage caused by an accident, is arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is sometimes referred to as “wear-and-tear” arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joints gradually wears away and becomes a frayed, rough surface. This makes joint motion along this exposed surface painful.

Symptoms

Pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms of hip injury. When medications and other noninvasive treatments don’t help you enough to perform normal daily activities, your doctor may recommend a hip replacement.

Treatments

In a total hip replacement the damaged bone and cartilage is removed and replaced with prosthetic components. Recommendations for surgery are based on your pain and disability. Age is not a factor.  

Your doctor will prescribe medication after surgery as need to manage the pain. But pain medication is only part of your pain management. There are other methods you might find helpful in managing your pain:

  • Relaxation/Distraction: Relaxation exercises and deep breathing can help relax your muscles and decrease your pain. Distraction techniques may include listening to music, watching television, or visiting with a family member.
  • Repositioning: Sometimes all it takes to relieve pain is to change your position. In fact, frequent changes in position are recommended. Sitting at the side of the bed, going to the bathroom, or standing at the side of the bed are some examples.
  • Rest: Allow yourself plenty of rest to maximize your rehab and recovery time. It’s okay to ask your visitors to leave.
Request an Appointment

Knee injuries come in all circumstances. Sports activities can put tremendous pressure on knee joints, however an awkward twist of the knee while climbing stairs can also tear meniscus cartilage.  Any discomfort in knee joints should be seen to immediately as prolonging treatment could accelerate arthritis in a patient.

Symptoms

Pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms of knee injury. When medications and other noninvasive treatments don’t help you enough to perform normal daily activities, your doctor may recommend a knee replacement.

Treatments

In a knee replacement the damaged bone and cartilage is removed and replaced with prosthetic components. Recommendations for surgery are based on your pain and disability. Age is not a factor.  

Your doctor will prescribe medication as need to manage the pain. But pain medication is only part of your pain management. There are many other methods you might find helpful in managing your pain:

  • Ice: Ice can reduce bleeding and swelling, helping control pain and muscle spasms. You will be given an ice pack during your stay which is yours to take home. Continue to ice your surgical area as needed after your discharge.
  • Elevation: It is important to elevate your leg to reduce swelling. You can elevate your leg by putting a pillow under your lower leg, keeping the knee straight (extended). When you are not walking or doing exercises you should be elevating the leg.
  • Relaxation/Distraction: Relaxation exercises and deep breathing can help relax your muscles and decrease your pain. Distraction techniques may include listening to music, watching television, or visiting with a family member.
  • Repositioning: Sometimes all it takes to relieve pain is to change your position. In fact, frequent changes in position are recommended. Sitting at the side of the bed, going to the bathroom, or standing at the side of the bed are some examples.
  • Rest: Allow yourself plenty of rest to maximize your rehab and recovery time. It’s okay to ask your visitors to leave.
Request an Appointment

Shoulder pain can be debilitating and often severe.  It’s best to immediately consult with our shoulder specialist about  exercises or even surgery to cure this sensitive joint. From injuries that dislocate joints to more complex rotator cuff surgeries, we will talk you through every possible process and evaluate the possible outcomes.

Symptoms

Pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms of a shoulder injury. When medications and other noninvasive treatments don’t help you enough to perform normal daily activities, your doctor may recommend a shoulder replacement.

Treatments

In a shoulder replacement the damaged bone and cartilage is removed and replaced with prosthetic components. Recommendations for surgery are based on your pain and disability. Age is not a factor.  

Your doctor will prescribe medication as need to manage the pain. But pain medication is only part of your pain management. There are many other methods you might find helpful in managing your pain:

  • Ice: Ice can reduce bleeding and swelling, helping control pain and muscle spasms. You will be given an ice pack during your stay which is yours to take home. Continue to ice your surgical area as needed after your discharge.
  • Relaxation/Distraction: Relaxation exercises and deep breathing can help relax your muscles and decrease your pain. Distraction techniques may include listening to music, watching television, or visiting with a family member.
  • Repositioning: Sometimes all it takes to relieve pain is to change your position. In fact, frequent changes in position are recommended. Sitting at the side of the bed, going to the bathroom, or standing at the side of the bed are some examples.
  • Rest: Allow yourself plenty of rest to maximize your rehab and recovery time. It’s okay to ask your visitors to leave.
Request an Appointment

Total shoulder replacement is a common procedure that is performed on thousands of people every year. However, for patients who have large rotator cuff tears who have developed a complex type of shoulder arthritis called “cuff tear arthropathy” reverse total shoulder replacement may be a better option.

Symptoms

If you’ve tried other treatments, such as rest, medications, cortisone injections, and physical therapy and still have shoulder pain, you are likely a good candidate for reverse total shoulder replacement surgery. The following are also common signs and symptoms:

Severe shoulder pain

  • Difficulty lifting your arm
  • A complex fracture of the shoulder joint
  • Ongoing shoulder dislocation
  • A tumor of the shoulder joint

Treatments

In a reverse shoulder replacement the damaged bone and cartilage is removed and replaced with prosthetic components. Recommendations for surgery are based on your pain and disability.

Your doctor will prescribe medication as need to manage the pain. But pain medication is only part of your pain management. There are many other methods you might find helpful in managing your pain:

  • Ice: Ice can reduce bleeding and swelling, helping control pain and muscle spasms. You will be given an ice pack during your stay which is yours to take home. Continue to ice your surgical area as needed after your discharge.
  • Relaxation/Distraction: Relaxation exercises and deep breathing can help relax your muscles and decrease your pain. Distraction techniques may include listening to music, watching television, or visiting with a family member.
  • Repositioning: Sometimes all it takes to relieve pain is to change your position. In fact, frequent changes in position are recommended. Sitting at the side of the bed, going to the bathroom, or standing at the side of the bed are some examples.
  • Rest: Allow yourself plenty of rest to maximize your rehab and recovery time. It’s okay to ask your visitors to leave.
Request an Appointment

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