Joint replacement surgery can sound intimidating at first, but with an experienced medical provider and the proper level of care and support, it can bring multiple benefits and long-term relief. If you are a good candidate, the benefits of joint replacement surgery often far outweigh the initial hesitancy.
With its ability to minimize pain and improve your overall lifestyle, joint replacement surgery is more than worthwhile. When you choose the right provider, you can be confident in a smooth process and comfortable result that gets you back to your routine. At The Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale, we are committed to providing you with the information and support you need to return to an active lifestyle without joint pain.
What Causes Joint Problems?
Joint problems can arise from a range of issues and generally begin to present themselves as we age. Some of the most common areas of pain include the hips, knees, and shoulders.
Some of the primary causes of joint problems include:
- Genetics
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis, or wear and tear of the joint due to the break-down of cartilage
- Significant injury to a joint
Joint problems can occur suddenly due to a significant injury or develop over time as the result of multiple minor injuries or continuous wear and tear. They can also be exacerbated by the weakening of the muscles surrounding the joints, which can cause a loss of support and lead to more strain.
Who Is a Candidate for Joint Replacement Surgery?
Although joint replacement surgery can provide valuable relief for those with joint problems, not everyone is an automatic fit for the procedure, and it takes careful assessment to determine whether surgery is a good idea. Typically, the best candidates for the procedure are those who have tried other methods and experienced no relief from their joint pain.
Candidates for joint replacement surgery often experience the following:
- Severe joint pain that limits daily activities
- Chronic joint inflammation
- Loss of mobility in your joint
- Severe joint trauma
- Chronic arthritic conditions
- Failure to obtain pain relief from other methods
These tips are simply a reference point for assessing whether joint replacement surgery may be right for you—the only way to definitively determine whether you are a good candidate is to visit a specialist for a consultation.
Keep in mind that joint replacement surgery is rarely a first resort for those experiencing pain. Your doctor will likely recommend other interventions and treatment methods before suggesting surgery as an option.
Top Benefits of Joint Replacement Surgery
Although joint replacement surgery is not the first step for alleviating pain, it can be the right choice if you do not find relief from other treatment methods. If you have exhausted all your options, then joint replacement surgery may be the right solution for you, as it offers several benefits for those with persistent joint problems.
Reduced Pain
The common denominator in the above causes of joint problems is that the pain is often caused by bones in the joint rubbing together without the body’s natural cushion and protection. By replacing the joint and ensuring smooth motion, surgery reduces both the amount of friction and the amount of pain that you experience.
Patients will have less nagging pain after joint replacement surgery, making it easier to tackle their day-to-day activities without focusing on constant discomfort.
Enhanced Quality of Life
Pain is uncomfortable, and it doesn’t take much to prevent you from doing the things you enjoy or going about your daily routine. Joint replacement surgery helps repair the joint so you can get back to your daily activities with ease.
Whether it’s walking around the grocery store or climbing stairs, joint replacement reduces your limitations and opens up the world again. After surgery, patients are also able to return to their favorite hobbies, sports, and exercise, enhancing their quality of life even further.
Improved Mobility and Functionality
Joint problems often result in stiffness and swelling that affects your mobility and makes it difficult to move around. This stiffness often limits your ability to navigate standard daily activities.
Joint replacement surgery improves the functionality of your joint, giving you better range of motion and improved flexibility. Your doctor will also provide insight into exercises and post-surgery steps you can take to maximize the function of your joint and return to tackling your normal activities.
Increased Durability
Joint replacement surgery provides more than just short-term relief. If you do opt for surgery, you can be confident that your new joint will last for years. Thanks to advanced technology, artificial joints are both durable and reliable.
On average, replacement joints last about 15 to 20 years. However, modern joint replacement technology is rapidly evolving, so that number could even be higher.
Altogether, patients can approach their regular activities with peace of mind, knowing that their new joint is durable enough to handle them.
Improved Mental Health
Chronic pain and decreased mobility can take a toll on your mental health over time. It can be especially frustrating if this pain and reduced mobility prevent you from managing your responsibilities or doing things you enjoy.
By relieving pain and restoring your ability to get back to your daily activities, joint replacement surgery can boost your mood and provide you with an overall more positive mindset.
Embrace Long-Term Joint Health
If you have tried several interventions for your joint problems that aren’t providing the relief you are hoping for, joint replacement surgery may be a viable option. This surgery offers many long-term benefits that make it a worthwhile investment, including improved mobility and lasting pain relief.
At The Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale, we are dedicated to helping our patients get back to a comfortable and active lifestyle. We provide an advanced level of care to each of our patients, working to ensure the best possible outcomes and long-term joint health.
Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of joint replacement surgery and to see if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
