So you’ve been told by your orthopedic doctor that you need to have joint replacement surgery in order to squelch the chronic pain and to prevent further damage to your joint. Perhaps you’ve never had surgery before, or the idea of having a joint replacement absolutely petrifies you.
You’re not alone. Many people try other methods before resorting to having total joint replacement surgery. However, keep in mind that this surgery is performed more than a million times in the U.S. every year, and the techniques and technologies just keep getting better and better.
Let’s talk about some of the reasons why you might want to consider taking the plunge and having this popular and widely successful procedure done on your aching joint (due to the ramifications if you don’t), and where you can go here in Palm Beach County for a professional consultation and treatment for your joint pain.
Risks of Postponing Joint Replacement Surgery
Here are a few key points to note if you’re thinking of putting off having joint replacement surgery:
Worsening of Joint Deformity and Pain
As arthritis progresses, the joint wears out more, causing further deformity of the bones comprising the joint. This also causes more severe and persistent pain in the meantime, while also complicating the surgical procedure once the time comes.
Your orthopedic surgeon may have to use special prosthetic materials to correct the deformity, and this can lengthen your recovery time as you heal. The more repairing that your surgeon must perform on your joint, the more extensive the recovery is likely to be.
Stiffening of the Joint
Arthritis pain also causes a restriction in the movement of the joint. This creates a vicious cycle of not moving the joint, so the supporting muscles don’t get exercised enough, so the muscles no longer provide the full support needed by the joint, and so the joint becomes stiffer and weaker.
Muscle Atrophy and Loss of Strength
The lack of use of a joint results in the weakening of the muscles surrounding it; muscles must be used in order to maintain their integrity. The loss of muscle mass or muscle tissue is referred to as muscle atrophy, so arthritis primarily affects the joints but secondarily affects the muscles. If atrophy is severe, the muscles may not be able to return to their full strength.
Total Joint Replacement Surgery in Palm Beach County
Here at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches, our medical team has been providing orthopedic care since 2007. Our orthopedic physicians are experts at performing total joint replacement surgery of all kinds, including the knee, hip, and shoulder, and we can give you an efficient evaluation and explain all of your options in regards to treatment. We also offer concierge medicine for those who want more personalized healthcare.
Don’t let joint pain hold you back from doing what you love. To schedule an appointment, call our office, or fill out our easy-to-use appointment request form online. We look forward to helping you get back to enjoying a more active, comfortable lifestyle!
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. For advice about your condition, talk with your physician. Request an appointment with our team.
