Joint damage can occur as the result of natural aging, repetitive stress, athletic injuries, accidents or as the result of arthritis, a painful disease that causes deterioration in the joint, rendering it stiff and painful to move. Cartilage wear and tear is what causes the pain, as the cushion that eases the movement wears away.
If medication, physical therapy and changes to the daily routine don't bring relief, that’s when the patient may consider having the joint replaced.
10 THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT THIS SURGERY
Because joint replacement is serious and potentially life-altering surgery, there are some things any patient should consider before undergoing the knife. Here are a few points to ponder:
1. You will have to undergo tests before the surgery. A blood test, an echocardiogram and several other routine tests will be performed to check your overall health and make sure you can withstand the surgery.
2. You will have to prepare your body. Like any test of your health, it’s a good idea to prepare your body for the shock of surgery. Eating right, cutting back on drinking and reducing stress, and exercising where possible are all things that should help ready you for surgery.
3. Preparing the house. Because there will be a period where surgery limits mobility, it’s a good idea to rearrange the house to accommodate the temporary disability. Remove loose throw rugs, move furniture that makes direct access to necessary areas like the bathroom or kitchen difficult, and generally line up necessary tools in easy-to-reach places.