Nov 9, 2020

Is it Finally Time for a Knee or Hip Replacement?

Healthy Living.

Have you been living with hip or knee pain but aren’t sure whether a hip or knee replacement would be beneficial for you? Many adults live with arthritis or other conditions that cause severe joint pain.

While there are several options for treatment, sometimes initial treatment methods prove to be ineffective. And rather than continue living with worsening pain, it may be beneficial to talk to your doctor about receiving a knee or hip replacement.

What other treatments should you try first?

Usually a doctor will recommend less drastic treatment plans to address your knee or hip pain before recommending surgery. These include:

Exercise and physical therapy
Stretching the joints
Maintaining a healthy diet and weight
Using ice and heat on affected areas
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers

If you do not experience relief from these treatment methods, it may be time to consider a joint replacement.

How do you know if you should get a hip or knee replacement?

If you experience the following, you may be a good candidate for knee or hip replacement surgery.

Pain that interferes with daily activities
Pain that is not relieved by medication
Pain that persists even when you are sitting down or resting
Physical therapy has not helped
Your arthritis has caused deformities or severe swelling

How do you take the first steps toward getting a hip or knee replacement?

Begin by talking to your primary care physician about whether a hip or knee replacement is a good option for you. Your doctor can then refer you to an orthopedic surgeon.

Joint replacement surgery is a major procedure, so it is important that you learn about the risks and benefits associated with it. Choose a surgeon who seems like the best fit for you, and make the decision about whether a hip or knee replacement is a good option for you carefully after discussing it with your doctor and friends and family.

Is it Finally Time for a Knee or Hip Replacement?

What other treatments should you try first?

How do you know if you should get a hip or knee replacement?

How do you take the first steps toward getting a hip or knee replacement?

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