For many Canadians, the decision to undergo joint replacement surgery comes with a frustrating obstacle: wait times that can stretch months or even years. The Canadian Institute for Health Information reported that nearly 40% of patients awaiting knee replacement in 2024 did not receive one within the recommended 182-day benchmark.
Joint pain is an uncomfortable, achy, stiff, or inflamed feeling in the area where two or more bones converge. It is most common in older individuals but can result from various ailments, including arthritis, tendonitis, ligament injuries, and autoimmune diseases.
Nothing lasts forever, not even artificial hip joints installed during total hip replacement surgery. If those plastic, ceramic, or metal prostheses are installed correctly, they usually last for 15 to 20 years or, in some cases, the rest of the patient’s life.
Knee arthritis is a medical condition that arises when the cartilage in someone’s knee joint has deteriorated, causing the joint’s bone surfaces and fragmented cartilage to rub together.
Hip arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the hip joint breaks down. Age-related wear and tear is the leading cause of hip arthritis, but joint injuries and genetic factors can also contribute to its development.
Climbing stairs is a routine part of everyday life, but knee pain can make this common task challenging. If you experience knee pain walking up or down stairs, it may be a sign of a severe underlying issue, ranging from arthritis to a ligament injury.
Hip arthritis is a medical condition that results from deterioration or damage to a person’s hip joint. As a result, the bone surfaces in the joint grind against each other and become rough.
Dr. Shane Martin
