Damaged or diseased joints are typically characterised by chronic pain, swelling and, in advanced cases, impaired mobility. During the early stages, treatment is generally undertaken by a general practitioner who will prescribe a suitable analgesic. While painkillers may be effective initially, some conditions, like osteoarthritis, are progressive, so at some stage, joint replacement surgery (arthroplasty) will be necessary to alleviate pain and improve joint mobility.
Almost 800 000 total knee replacements and nearly 545 000 hip replacements are performed annually in the United States alone. The numbers continue to increase there and worldwide as the ageing population grows, with some authorities predicting the figure for US knee replacements could reach as high as 3,48 million by 2030.
On the plus side, arthroplasty is widely regarded as the most successful orthopaedic intervention in the history of the discipline. That said, these procedures are sometimes not as successful as one might hope. In practice, procedural failures are rare and poor outcomes are more often due to patients not managing their post-operative recovery as advised.
Tips on Managing Your Recovery Following a Joint Replacement
It is understandable that after enduring months of pain and difficulty moving a joint, you will be eager to get back into action as soon as possible, and indeed, physical activity is an essential part of the rehabilitation process. However, the watchword is moderation when attempting to regain your previously active lifestyle.
Your surgeon will refer you to a physiotherapist who will devise an exercise plan suitable for your age and the procedure performed. Adhering precisely to the plan will ensure your recovery is as pain-free and effective as possible. Exercising on a stationary bike will strengthen the supporting muscles and improve your hip or knee range of motion. In addition, the following tips will prove helpful:
- Avoid stairs: Until you are advised that it’s safe, if your bedroom is upstairs, arrange to have a bed set up downstairs before your joint replacement surgery. It will be four or five days before your new joint is sufficiently stable.
- Use a walking aid: Use crutches or a walker for the first month to six weeks or until your healthcare provider says it’s OK to stop. After that, you may still need to use a cane until your new joint is sufficiently stable.
- Don’t forget to rest: Exercise will be painful at first and best aid your recovery if followed by a rest period. Ice packs reduce pain and inflammation, and heat pads improve mobility.
- Watch your diet: Maintaining a healthy weight will avoid excess pressure on the prosthetic joint and help to extend its lifespan. A balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, calcium, and lean proteins will reduce the risk of wound infections and promote healing. If applicable, quit smoking as it can increase the risk of blood clots after a joint replacement.
Although a joint replacement relieves pain and inflammation and improves mobility, its abilities cannot fully match those of a healthy, natural joint. You may have a slight limp and will need to swap contact sports for milder exercise, like golf and rambling.
Contact the orthopaedic unit at the Wilgers Life Hospital in Pretoria for more details about minimally invasive surgery to relieve chronic joint pain and inflammation.
