Are You a Total Joint Replacement Candidate for Arthritis?

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Arthritis can affect people of all ages, genders, and races. Such a condition can make it tough to do and complete everyday activities, such as walking, dressing, and cooking. It can also cause fatigue and sleep problems.

In addition, arthritis can lead to other health problems. For example, it can cause you to lose weight because you may not feel like eating when you’re in pain. It can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. It also makes it harder to control your blood sugar, especially if you have a condition such as diabetes.

While there is no exact cure for arthritis, there are treatments that can help minimize symptoms and improve quality of life, like total joint replacement. Continue reading to learn more.

How Arthritis Affects the Joint

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints. The joints are where two bones meet, such as in the hip, knee, or shoulder. Arthritis can cause pain and inflammation in the joints. It can also cause the joints to become stiff and difficult to move.

There are many different types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis and gout. The most common type is osteoarthritis. This condition occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down. This type of arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in your joints. Osteoarthritis can happen because of injury, overuse, or aging.

How Total Joint Replacement Helps

Total joint replacement is a surgery that replaces the damaged parts of your joint with artificial parts. The artificial parts are called prosthetics. Total joint replacement can relieve pain and help your joint to move more easily. Total joint replacement is most often done on hips and knees, but it can also be done on other joints, such as the shoulder, elbow, and ankle.

Total joint replacement is major surgery, taking several hours even with a qualified health professional. It may take weeks or months for you to recover. During this time, you will need help with your daily activities.

When to Get Total Joint Replacement

A health professional may recommend you become a total joint replacement candidate and undergo surgery if you have severe pain or stiffness in your joint that does not get better with other treatments, such as medicine, physical therapy, or weight loss. Let's explore these points and more:

• Severe Arthritis If you have severe pain or stiffness in your joint that does not get better with other treatments, such as medicine, physical therapy, or weight loss, you should consider total joint replacement surgery. 
• Low Quality of Life Total joint replacement is believed to improve your quality of life. For example, if you are unable to perform everyday activities or participate in activities you enjoy due to pain, stiffness, or swelling, you may be a candidate.
• Ineffective PT and Medication If physical therapy and medications are not providing relief, consider becoming a candidate for surgery. It is important to note that joint replacement surgery is a major surgery with a lengthy recovery period. 

Preparedness for Post-Surgery Rehabilitation 

As mentioned, candidates need to be prepared for post-surgery rehabilitation after recovering from total joint replacement surgery. This may include several weeks of physical therapy.

Conclusion

There are many factors that go into getting a total joint replacement, such as the severity of your arthritis, your age, and your overall health. Be sure to discuss all of your concerns and questions, as well as allow a health professional to determine whether you should become a candidate and undergo surgery.

Looking for a bone and joint specialist? Atlanta Bone and Joint’s Board-Certified orthopedic surgeons have performed replacement surgeries for over 50 years. Get in touch with us today!