Facts Associated with Joint Replacement
Do you know as you get older, joint problems like pain and stiffness are experienced? Do you ever try to know why these problems are faced by you? The primary reason for it is joint deterioration because of aging. The soft cushioning cartilage in the joint starts degrading which leads to rubbing of the bones against each other in the knee area that leads to the wearing of joint bones.
However, only aging is not a factor of joint deterioration. Your lifestyle-related issues such as high-impact sports activities, lack of exercise, and obesity can lead to joint problems sooner or later. The first-line treatment includes medications, weight loss, physical therapy, or local joint injections. If all of them seem not so effective, joint arthroscopy or joint replacement is recommended to provide relief from severe pain. Let’s understand what joint replacement surgery is in brief.
What is the Joint Replacement?
Damage of knees because of arthritis-like osteoarthritis is the most common cause of joint replacement. The joint surgeon recommends replacing the knee joint with a prosthesis that is of metal, plastic, and ceramic. The prosthesis helps to get back the normal activities and helps provide relief from pain. When it comes to replacing joints, the most common joint replacements are done for the hip and knee. It is also done for the shoulders, elbow, and ankle.
Here are the key factors that help to identify whether you are a good candidate for knee replacement –
- The age
- Overall health status
- Knee deformity
- How the knee pain is interfering your daily activities
Surgical Procedure
The surgical procedure goes for around 1 hour where the damaged bone and cartilage is replaced with a prosthesis that mimics the role of the cartilage to provide the normal flexibility and movement of the joint.
Post Surgery
Recovery after the surgery depends on person to person. However, the recovery and rehabilitation plan gives speed to the recovery process. A day after the surgery, several sessions are arranged with a physical therapist to encourage the patient to get back to the normal routine through several movement exercises. Moreover, the doctor recommends using the new joint shortly after the surgery. It is necessary to follow the advice of your doctor and the physical therapist to make the recovery process faster. Since the surrounding muscles have been inactive for a while, a temporary pain can possibly occur for a few weeks. The joint tissues may take some time to heal.
Your physical activities and exercise are the primary parts of getting faster recovery.
Dr. Biren Nadkarni is a renowned knee replacement surgeon in South Delhi who has vast experience in knee and hip joint replacement surgeries. Connect with Dr. Biren by booking your appointment online or via phone at Joint and Bone solutions Delhi.
Email us at birennadkarni1@gmail.com