Many people struggle with joint pain throughout their lives. This can be caused by many factors, but one of the most common causes of pain is arthritis.
Arthritis is a type of joint degeneration where the protective cushion of the joint wears away, either due to repetitive use or due to an accident or injury. When this occurs, the joint will begin to grind, bone on bone, causing inflammation and painful symptoms in the joint.
The most common joints that are affected by this are the knees and the hips, although other areas of the body can also experience the same type of effects. Knee and hip pain may eventually require joint replacement surgery.
Joint replacement surgery is a type of orthopedic surgery in which a dysfunctional joint surface that has been damaged is replaced with an artificial surface. This is typically recommended by a physician when other treatments have not been successful in alleviating symptoms. Other treatments could include activity modification, medications or injections.
It is likely that, with the other treatments, you would see a physical therapist to attempt to improve the function of the joint as well. If these treatments are ineffective, then a replacement surgery would likely be recommended.
Following any surgery, you are likely to experience post-operative pain, swelling, and some limitations in your ability to complete activities such as walking, running or moving your leg due to these symptoms. These are typically temporary symptoms, and will begin to improve within a few weeks of your surgical date. The use of ice to help control pain and swelling, as well as exercises given at the hospital, will be integral to your recovery over the first few days.
Your surgeon will most likely refer you to physical therapy, whether in a home-based environment or to an outpatient clinic. During physical therapy you will complete exercises designed to improve your strength and mobility, and improve your ability to walk independently. Therapy can help reduce swelling and painful symptoms.
Many people are able to return to hiking, biking, swimming, tennis and many other activities that are very important to their well-being. Most importantly, the goal of the surgery and therapy is to get you back to doing the activities that you love, and with less pain than you had prior to the surgery!
Spooner Physical Therapy, in North Mesa, is located at 6824 E. Brown Road. To learn more, call (480) 924-5514, or visit www.spoonerpt.com/locations/north-mesa.