JOINT REPLACEMENT: GettingYou Back to an Active Lifestyle

Severe joint pain can keep you from enjoying life to the fullest. But thanks to advances in less invasive replacement surgery, you can get back to an active lifestyle with less downtime than you might think.

“Incisions have gotten smaller; and approaches are different,” explained Dr. John Fackler, an orthopedic surgeon at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at The Woodlands. “We have better techniques to protect the healthy soft issue around the joint.”

Joints are the parts of the body where two bones meet, enabling movement and stability. If a joint is damaged, it can cause signifiant pain and limited mobility that can negatively impact the quality of life. Hip and knee replacements are the most commonly performed joint replacements, but replacement surgery can be performed on other joints, as well, such as the ankle, wrist, shoulder and elbow.

Common reasons why joint pain develops include:

1. Arthritis

2. Overweight or obesity

3. Past injury

Without treatment, joint pain gets worse over time. Having surgery can seem daunting, but the results can be life-changing. Advancements in technology and techniques have made joint replacement procedures much safer and more effective, with quicker recovery times.

Why Surgery Could Be Your Next Step

“Knee replacement surgery has sort of a stigma that it’s too painful and hard to go through,” Fackler said. “I tell patients it’s more like knee resurfacing than replacement.”

Essentially, joint replacement is more like joint resurfacing. When a joint becomes worn out, the nerve endings in the bones become exposed, causing pain. The surgeon places a new surface on the end of the bones, like a cap that is designed to cover up and protect the nerve endings.

“We don’t remove your joint or remove a huge section of it,” said Fackler. “We remove a few millimeters from each side and then cover it with a cap to reduce pain.”

However, it is important to have realistic expectations about living with the updated joint. Fackler explained, “Your knee won’t be what it was when you were 30. But if you are looking for a functional knee with less pain, you’re going to be happy with the results.”

There are several reasons to consider joint replacement surgery, including:

1. Joint replacements are long-lasting. In many cases, people can enjoy improved joint function and relief for upwards of 20 years. “Over 80% of patients who have undergone surgery are very happy with their knee replacement and would do it again,” Fackler expressed.

2. Minimal recovery time. Advances in surgical techniques have led to the development of less invasive joint surgery options that offer quicker recovery times and reduced risk of complications compared to traditional surgery.

3. Increase your activity. New technology and approaches make joint replacement outcomes feel more natural. Most patients who have joint replacement surgery can get back to low-impact activities, such as swimming or walking within four to six weeks.

Houston Methodist developed a Rapid Recovery Program to streamline healing after joint replacement surgery. Patients who are relatively healthy and have good family support are eligible to go home on the same day as the surgery. With telemedicine connectivity, patients can attend follow-up visits with their care team from the comfort of home.

For inpatient procedures, many patients are up and walking within hours after surgery. Whether you recover in the hospital or at home, your care team is dedicated to your success.

“ The key to success is getting into physical therapy right away,” Fackler said. “Patients who are motivated to do well and get back to an active lifestyle will do so quickly. Our team — including surgeons, therapists and nurses — support people and encourage them along the way to get back to where they want to be.”

The s ooner you talk to an orthopedic specialist about your persistent joint pain, the quicker you’ll be back to enjoying life to the fullest. •