Nearly 1 in 4 adults in the US are affected by severe joint pain. If you’re part of this percentage, how can you determine the difference between a temporary injury or a chronic condition that requires joint replacement surgery?
Replacement surgery is intimidating, and it’s understandable if you want to avoid it at all costs. You can only do this for so long, though.
Keep reading for 3 critical signs that you need a joint replacement.
Severe and Worsening Joint Pain
It’s normal to experience some joint pain, especially after an injury or as you age. However, chronic and severe joint pain that doesn’t get better may mean that you need joint replacement surgery.
How do you determine how much pain is too much pain? There are a couple of warning signs to look out for which include:
- Pain that persists through medication
- Pain that worsens throughout the years
- Pain that persists after surgery or treatment on the affected area
- Pain that inhibits your ability to perform daily tasks
- Pain that inhibits mobility, such as walking or bending.
If you’re experiencing this, you need to take action. You can try physio, such as Performax, and if that doesn’t work, then speak to your doctor about replacement surgery.
Your Joint Pain is Negatively Affecting Your Mental Health
Hip or knee replacement surgery is daunting and intimidating. However, if your emotional and mental wellbeing is suffering due to chronic pain, then you should heed the warning signs.
If your condition is debilitating your life and preventing you from sleeping or enjoying your hobbies, then speak to your doctor.
A knee or hip replacement surgery may require a lot of recovery time, but it’ll be well worth it to take back your life.
Other Treatments Aren’t Working
Are you constantly asking yourself, ‘do I need a knee replacement?’ Or, ‘do I need a hip replacement?’. If these questions are floating around in your mind, it’s likely because you’ve tried everything else, and nothing has worked.
Before you opt for replacement surgery, a doctor will recommend treatments that include a diet change, physical therapy, specific exercises, or medication.
Sometimes these treatments are incredibly effective at relieving joint pain and healing injuries. And sometimes they’re not.
If you’ve exhausted all other avenues, the only option that remains is joint replacement surgery. This is especially true if your condition continues to worsen.
You should always try non-surgical methods first. But be mindful of when these stop working and whether they offer relief that’s only temporary.
Do you Need Joint Replacement?
Do you notice these signs in your own life? If so, you should speak to your doctor about the possibility of joint replacement surgery. Joint replacement can give you a whole new lease on life and is not something that should be ignored.