A few years ago, I decided to take up running. I was bad at it at first, but after a few months, I got more comfortable. Unfortunately, right when I got good at running, I developed a bad pain in my left foot. At first, I decided to push past the pain, but it quickly became excruciating. I realized that it might be a good idea to talk with a doctor about my problem, and so I met with an orthopedist. He carefully watched my gait as I ran, and he decided to take some images to check out my bone health. It turned out that I had developed a stress fracture, and my doctor recommended surgery. This blog is all about ways that an orthopedist can help you, so that you can enjoy your hobbies.
Have you ever felt a sharp pain in the balls of your feet that makes it difficult to walk or stand for ex
The Achilles tendon is one of the longest and strongest tendons in the human body. It connects the calf m
There are people who unfortunately have to deal with chronic pain. Maybe it's their back that always hurt
What are orthotics, and why might you need them? These are special devices intended to help make walking
Foot pain is a problem that many people will find can have a major impact on their quality of life. When
If you're like most people, you hope you never have to have a joint replacement. However, many people do eventually fall and break a major joint, develop serious arthritis, or suffer a severe injury that does make joint replacement a necessity. If you do ever find yourself in need of a joint replacement, then it will be important to be educated and informed about the process. More specifically, you won't want these common myths to interfere with your surgery and recovery.
Myth: If you're too young when you have your joint replaced, you'll need a second replacement one day.
This myth did not come out of nowhere. It actually used to be true. The materials used for hip, ankle, and knee replacements used to last about 20 years, at most, someone who got a hip replacement at 40 would have needed a second one later in life. Luckily, this is no longer the case. The materials used for joint replacements have come a long way and can now last you a lifetime, even if you are on the younger side when you have the new joint put into place.
Myth: You should put off joint replacement as long as possible.
Some patients delay their joint replacement over and over again, trying non-surgical options like physical therapy, cortisone injections, and pain relievers to push through just one more year, again and again. But while you don't want to have a joint replacement if you don't need it, once your doctor tells you this operation is on the horizon, it's best to act promptly. The longer you wait, the more damage you will do to the tendons, muscles, and ligaments associated with your injured joint. This damage will ultimately make it harder for you to heal from your joint replacement surgery.
Myth: You'll be in a rehab facility for weeks after surgery.
If you are imagining spending a month or more in a rehab facility or nursing home after joint replacement, then your expectations are a bit unrealistic. Yes, some older patients are best off spending some time in rehab after this procedure. However, most patients are able to return home soon after their surgery, provided they have someone else living with them who can prepare meals, help them dress, and so forth. It's typical for patients to spend a couple of days in the hospital and then go home.
Joint replacement surgery is a major procedure, but it's one that can benefit you greatly if you have a joint in poor condition.
Share