Are you living with chronic joint pain? You aren’t alone. If you’re tired of the pain interfering with your daily life, it might be time to join the millions of Americans who have chosen total joint replacement as a solution.
Orthopedic surgeons perform an estimated 790,000 knee replacements and 544,000 hip replacements each year in the United States — and joint replacement surgery consistently delivers high patient satisfaction rates.
So if you've tried other treatments, like medication, physical therapy, or even minor surgical procedures without relief, total joint replacement could be a good option for you. Our team at Manhattan Orthopedics offers total knee replacement and total hip replacement in Astoria, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, New York.
Here are a few of the biggest signs to consider total joint replacement for yourself.
Nonsurgical treatment is typically the first line of defense when it comes to joint pain and for good reason. Pain medication, physical therapy, joint injections, and other treatments can provide sufficient pain relief for many people, but they don’t always work for everyone.
When you’ve been dealing with chronic hip or knee pain for a long time, you're probably familiar with these methods. Although it’s true that they can provide temporary relief, there comes a point when they no longer deliver the pain management you're seeking.
If conservative treatments don’t work well enough for your joint pain, you might be a candidate for total joint replacement. We typically discuss joint replacement with patients when conservative measures fail to control pain, and surgery becomes a viable option if your joint pain keeps you from participating in activities you enjoy every day.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common reasons people consider total joint replacement. It’s a degenerative condition that occurs when the cartilage that cushions your joints wears down over time, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. As arthritis progresses, the damage can become severe enough to affect your ability to walk, stand, or even sit comfortably.
For example, people with hip arthritis can experience pain that radiates from their hip to the groin or thigh, making basic movements difficult. Knee arthritis often results in a grinding or clicking sensation with movement, along with pain and swelling.
When X-rays or other imaging studies show that the cartilage has worn away and bone is rubbing against bone, it’s an indication that joint replacement surgery could offer significant pain relief and mobility improvement.
When hip or knee pain starts affecting your mobility and independence, it’s time to consult with an orthopedic specialist. You might notice difficulty with everyday activities like climbing stairs, walking short distances, or getting in and out of a chair or car.
Over time, you might begin avoiding these activities altogether, which can lead to muscle weakening, reduced fitness, and even weight gain, further compounding your symptoms. Total joint replacement can restore much of your mobility and allow you to regain independence. By replacing the damaged joint with an artificial one, you can move more freely and with less pain.
You don’t have to live with chronic joint pain that keeps you from living an active life. Total joint replacement is a popular and effective solution, and our orthopedic specialists are ready to help you take the next step.
We start by evaluating your condition, reviewing your medical history, and doing imaging tests. We’ll discuss the total joint replacement procedure, review recovery expectations, and answer any questions you have.
Get started with a total joint replacement consultation at Manhattan Orthopedics. Call the office nearest you, or schedule your appointment online today.
