Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery

Everything You Need to Know About Joint Replacement

Preparing for a surgical procedure can be intimidating. However, arming yourself with the proper information can help provide peace of mind as the big day draws closer. The orthopedic health experts at Fox Valley Orthopedics are here to share everything you need to know ahead of your joint replacement procedure.

What is a Joint Replacement?

Joint replacement surgery is an orthopedic procedure done to remove and replace the damaged portion of the affected joint. More often than not, the replacement prosthetic is made from ceramic, metal, or plastic materials.

Total Joint Replacement

As the name suggests, a total joint replacement involves the replacement of a majority of a damaged joint. In most instances, total joint replacement is necessary for those with damage to 2 or more areas of the ball-socket joint.

Partial Joint Replacement

With a partial joint replacement, only one area of the joint is damaged and requires a prosthetic. This procedure is a less invasive procedure than a total joint replacement. However, fewer patients actually qualify for this form of joint replacement because, in most cases, damage affects both the ball and socket of the joint.

Benefits of Having a Joint Replacement

Many people suffering from persistent joint pain and joint damage can benefit from joint replacement surgery. Whether symptoms are brought on by an injury, illness, or degeneration—discomfort can significantly impact an individual’s ability to perform everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, or even walking.

Joint replacement procedures can help:

• Alleviate pain
• Improve mobility, flexibility, and range of motion
• Support healthy joint function
• Restore a sense of independence
• Reduce the need for medication therapy

Replaceable Joints

Although the hips, knees, and shoulders are among the most common joints to be replaced, other joints can be replaced as well. Replacement procedures can be performed on the following joints:

• Wrists
• Ankles
• Fingers
• Thumbs

Common Signs & Symptoms of Joint Issues

While the symptoms experienced and their severity heavily depends on the underlying cause of joint problems, some of the most commonly experienced symptoms include:

• Persistent pain
• Stiffness
• Tenderness
• Inflammation
• Fatigue

How Arthroscopic Procedures Can Help Alleviate Symptoms

When joint pain continues to worsen over time, it is considered a chronic condition. If left unaddressed, this can lead to disability and even visual deformity. However, arthroscopic surgery can help to diagnose joint issues, alleviate unwanted pain, and restore the healthy function of the affected joint.

When damaged or diseased portions of the joint are removed and replaced with a durable prosthetic, proper function is restored—allowing the patient to use their joint to do everyday tasks and activities without pain.

However, it is important to keep in mind that joint replacement surgeries are the most successful before a patient’s arthritic condition becomes advanced. When joint degeneration or disease becomes rampant, it’s more difficult for the surgical team to reconstruct healthy tissues around the implant, which would cause the replacement to fail.

When to Discuss Joint Replacement as a Treatment Option

While many people are guilty of ignoring aches and pains affecting their orthopedic health, it is important to know when surgical intervention may be a viable treatment option. If you’re experiencing any of the following issues, be sure to your orthopedic care team about revisit your treatment plan:

• You still experience pain while resting.
• You avoid everyday activities to prevent pain.
• Physical therapy, steroid injections, and medication therapy aren’t working.
• Your pain continues to worsen over time.

Orthopedic Care in Fox Valley

At Fox Valley Orthopedics, we can help you get back to a pain-free, comfortable life. If you have been dealing with aches and pains that have lasted for more than a week, don’t put off getting help another day. Call (630) 584-1400 today to schedule your appointment.