How to Know When It’s Time for a Total Joint Replacement
Living with joint pain can be frustrating and, at times, debilitating. There are a plethora of factors that play into joint pain, all of which play a role in how you feel at any given moment. There can be damage to the joint structures or guarding in the surrounding muscles, changes in the weather general bumps and bruises, and many other factors. Arthritic and age-related changes are a common piece of this complex puzzle, though they are not prerequisites to joint pain, and joint pain can be present without these changes. Learn how to know when it’s time for a total joint replacement.
At the end of the day, joint pain can limit your mobility, comfort, and sleep, and impact your quality of life. For many, the thought of undergoing total joint replacement surgery can be daunting, but in some cases, it’s the best option for restoring function and reducing pain. So, how do you know when to consider a total joint replacement? Let’s explore the signs, treatment options, and what to expect if surgery is the next step.
Signs You May Need a Joint Replacement
Joint pain isn’t always a sign that a joint replacement is necessary, but there are certain indicators that it might be time to consider a more permanent, surgical solution. Consider these factors:
- Persistent or Severe Pain: If you experience persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest, over-the-counter medications, or other home remedies, it could indicate that your pain is beyond the capacity of your conservative treatments.
- Limited Mobility: Difficulty walking, standing, or performing everyday activities like climbing stairs, recreational activities, or daily chores may tell you the pain is impacting even the lower-level activities of your life.
- Stiffness and Swelling: If joint stiffness or swelling becomes a regular part of your daily life and limits your range of motion or comfort, it is usually a sign of tissue damage and is a perpetuation of the pain cycle you are experiencing.
- Failed Non-Surgical Treatments: When other treatments or medical providers have not gotten to a point of satisfaction, it may be appropriate to consider a joint replacement.
Exploring Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Before deciding on surgery, it’s important to explore non-surgical treatment options that could relieve your symptoms. These may include:
- Physical Therapy: We focus on tissue irritability, range of motion, strength, and your day-to-day function. Your physical therapist will likely use a combination of modalities, hands-on treatments, and exercise to help you restore the comfort and function of your involved joints.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and prescription medications can help manage pain and inflammation.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections or hyaluronic acid injections can offer temporary relief from pain and inflammation.
- External Devices: Braces, walkers, or canes can alleviate forces and stress placed on the joint and make daily activities easier.
These treatments are often effective, but if you’ve tried them all with little improvement, it may be appropriate to consider surgery.
When to Consider Surgery
Joint replacement surgery is typically considered when the pain and functional limitations are significantly affecting your quality of life, and after non-surgical options have been exhausted.
Types of Joint Replacements
There are several types of total joint replacements, with the most common being hip, knee, and shoulder replacements. Within these surgeries, there are two primary methods for securing the new prosthetic components: cemented and uncemented. Cemented prosthetics use special bone cement to attach the prosthetic to the bone, offering immediate stability, which is often beneficial for older patients or those with weaker bones. In contrast, uncemented prosthetics have a porous surface that encourages natural bone growth to secure the implant over time, making them a preferred option for younger, more active patients with good bone quality.
In some cases, surgeons may use a hybrid approach, where one component (like the femoral part in a hip replacement) is cemented while the other (like the acetabular component) is left uncemented, providing a balance of immediate stability and long-term bone integration. No one type of replacement is better than another, rather, the choice between these methods depends on factors such as patient age, bone quality, activity level, and the specific joint being replaced. This is where the expertise of a surgeon can guide this decision.
What to Expect After Joint Replacement Surgery
After surgery, you may or may not spend time in the hospital. This is followed by a long recovery period that includes physical therapy as an outpatient. It is important to move the joint as early as possible, as we know the healing and rehabilitation start immediately after surgery. Keep in mind that your surgeon may or may not send you home with precautions for movement, lifting, or activity that lasts a few weeks or months. This period is important to allow healing and protect the prosthesis, but you can move, be active, and recover within these precautions.
Pain and swelling are usually the biggest obstacles that people face first after surgery. As swelling dissipates, pain usually decreases as well. Range of motion, strength, and function are the other attributes that are focused on later in your rehabilitation timeline. Over time, you should experience less pain, improved mobility, and greater ease in performing daily activities.
While recovery can take several months and a year or more to restore full function and comfort, most patients report significant improvements in their quality of life post-surgery, with many returning to their favorite activities before they have reached that one-year mark.
Consulting with Your Doctor and PT
Before making any decisions, it’s essential to consult with your doctor and physical therapist to assess your situation. They can help you determine whether surgery is necessary or if non-surgical treatments can still be effective. A thorough evaluation can help clarify the extent of your situation and guide your decision.
Schedule an Appointment
If you’re experiencing joint pain that’s limiting your ability to live your life fully, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with a physical therapist at Freedom to discuss your options and create a plan tailored to your needs. Whether you need surgery or simply want to explore other treatments, taking the first step toward relief is important for your long-term health and mobility.