Are myths about joint replacement stopping you from getting relief from nagging joint pain? Don’t be fooled. When pain in your knees or hips interferes with your daily routine, it’s time to learn the facts about life-changing options for pain relief. Many Houstonians suffer from joint pain, and their fears – that are untrue – can prevent or postpone them from seeking help.
The team of affiliated specialists at Memorial Hermann Joint Center’s eight locations is trained to provide an individualized treatment plan for each patient, offering solutions and information that separate the facts from fiction.
Age is relative when it comes to joint replacement. There is no magic age for joint replacement and it’s not unheard of for a 20-year-old or a 95-year-old to benefit from joint replacement. The best time for joint replacement is when you are experiencing chronic pain and are no longer able to enjoy an active lifestyle. Consider your quality of life. If you have difficulty walking and enjoying normal daily activities, it is time to explore options for relief. There are patients today in their 90s who are still healthy, live independently and they can get pain relief and continue to live independently.
New, innovative materials make implants more dependable and long lasting, and open the door of opportunity for patients, both young and old. The Memorial Hermann Joint Center affiliated staff acknowledges that it used to be true that implants did not last past 10 years. With advances in implant materials and design, hip implants can last 25 to 30 years and knee implants for approximately 15 to 20 years. The good news is that most patients enjoy a better level of function and less pain after surgery. These benefits have a powerful impact on a person’s mindset.
A lot of problems start small, and if a patient waits too long, the problem can become worse. The cause of your pain in your knee or hip may be easy to solve and you may only need a joint injection. Surgery is not always the best option and we always explore nonsurgical treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications or physical therapy. We may recommend you try a walking aid or lose a few pounds to take some of the burden off of your joints. Many patients wait too long to see a doctor. If you wait too long, there may be other health issues we need to consider. The patient is also extending the months, and possibly years, of chronic pain.
There are many reasons why recovery from joint replacement is faster now. There are better surgical techniques and better instruments, and our incisions are much smaller. We have better pain management and this leads to a more rapid recovery.
Most patients are out of bed faster, usually the same day of surgery, and back to normal activities within a few weeks. Patients can usually return to moderate activities such as walking, biking or swimming in four to six weeks, with full recovery extending up to six months. Other patients may recover sooner. Recovery is often up to the patients and their willingness to work hard in physical therapy.
For more information on joint replacement, fill out the form below or call (713) 272-1888.
Contact us to learn more about Memorial Hermann Joint Centers and pain-relief solutions. Submit the form below and the Memorial Hermann Joint Center navigator will reach out to answer your questions and help guide you down the path to a life with less pain.