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.

“I use a minimally invasive approach where the joint capsule and all the small tendons and muscles surrounding the hip are preserved,” explained Dr. Daniel Le, an orthopedic surgeon who focuses on hip and knee replacement at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Willowbrook. “Ths leads to more stability and better range of motion.”

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 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 joint pain develops include:

1. Arthritis

2. Overweight or obese

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

“If chronic joint pain is interfering with your quality of life and nonsurgical treatments have not provided adequate relief, joint surgery may be a viable option,” Le said. “Surgery can alleviate pain, improve function, and allow you to return to your normal activities, helping you to live life to the fullest again.”

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.

However, it is important to have realistic expectations about living with the updated joint. Le explained, “Your knee won’t be what it was when you were younger, but it will have more function with less pain.”

Th ere are several reasons to consider joint replacement surgery, including:

1. Long-lasting results. 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.

2. Minima l 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. Increased activity. New technology and approaches make joint replacement outcomes feel more natural. Most patients who have joint replacement surgery can get back to lowimpact 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 in joint replacement is a combination of factors, including surgical technique, implant selection, and postoperative care,” Le said. “ The patient’s commitment to their recovery and taking an active role in their care is critical.”

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

SIGN S IT ’S TIME TO CONSIDER SURGERY:

■ Difficulty performing daily activities due to pain

■ Limited range of motion

■ Swelling in the joint

■ Pain while resting or sleeping

■ Persistent or worsening pain

■ Medications are no longer effective