Joint pain can sneak up on you. At first, it might feel like a dull ache after a long day. But over time, it can grow worse, making it hard to walk, sleep or do the things you love.
If your pain isn’t getting better with rest, medicine or physical therapy, you may be wondering if it’s time for joint replacement surgery.
Many people live with daily pain in their knees or hips, hoping it will go away. But waiting too long can make it harder to stay active and independent, especially if you care for others.
We spoke with Samuel Ashby, DO, a Banner Health hip and knee orthopedic surgeon, to learn more about joint replacement surgery and whether it might be right for you.
What is joint replacement?
Joint replacement is a surgery that removes the damaged parts of a joint and replaces them with new parts made of metal, plastic or ceramic. These new parts move like a natural joint, so you can walk, lift and move with less pain.
“Joint replacements are one of the most common elective surgeries performed in the U.S. and have a high success rate,” Dr. Ashby said. “Many procedures today use minimally invasive or robot-assisted techniques, which usually means smaller incisions, less pain and quicker recovery.”
Joint replacement surgery is common in the:
There are two main types of joint replacement:
- Partial joint replacement: Only part of the joint is replaced
- Total joint replacement: The entire joint surface is replaced
“The type of replacement depends on how much the joint is damaged,” Dr. Ashby said. “In some cases, a partial replacement may be enough, but if there’s widespread damage a total joint replacement is usually a better choice.”
Read on to learn more about innovations shaping the future of joint replacement surgery.
Signs you could be ready for a joint replacement
Sometimes, joint pain can be managed with rest, physical therapy or medications. But when these treatments stop working, surgery may be recommended.
“We look for several signs that someone’s joint pain has reached the point where surgery might be the next step,” Dr. Ashby said. “These include severe, persistent pain that isn’t relieved with conservative treatments, significant loss of mobility, joint deformity, inability to perform daily tasks and a clear decline in quality of life.”
Here are some red flags:
- You have pain that won’t go away.
- You have difficulty with everyday tasks like walking, dressing, cooking or cleaning.
- You have limited movement, such as difficulty bending your knee, lifting your arm or rotating your hip.
- You have stopped being active, social or independent.
If you think joint replacement might help, your health care provider will take a close look at your joint, overall health and lifestyle.
“You may be a surgical candidate if you have advanced joint damage confirmed by imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs, severe pain, impaired function and diminished quality of life despite trying non-surgical treatments,” Dr. Ashby said. “We also consider your general health and day-to-day needs.”
What is joint revision surgery?
If you’ve already had a joint replaced and are feeling pain again, you might need revision surgery. This procedure replaces or fixes a past joint implant that is no longer working properly.
“Joint revision surgery replaces or repairs a failed joint implant due to wear and tear, loosening, infection or instability,” Dr. Ashby said. “It’s needed when the original replacement fails or causes complications.”
Revision surgery is often more complex than the first procedure and should be done by experienced surgeons.
Learn more about knee revision or hip revision surgery.
Is joint replacement safe?
All surgeries have risks but joint replacement is considered very safe and effective for most people. Today’s surgical techniques are more advanced than ever. Smaller incisions, better pain control and faster healing mean you may be up and moving within hours of your procedure.
Your health care team will talk with you about the risks and benefits, answer your questions and support you through every step of the process.
What to expect from surgery and recovery
Joint replacement isn’t just about surgery. It’s also about healing well. Most people follow this timeline:
- Before surgery: You’ll have appointments to prepare, including labs, physical exams and possibly prehab (pre-surgical therapy).
- Hospital stay: Many people go home the same day or stay one night.
- First one to two weeks: You’ll use a walker or a cane or keep movement gentle.
- Physical therapy: Starts right after surgery and continues for several weeks to strengthen muscles and restore movement.
- Back to daily life: Most people can return to normal activities in four to six weeks.
[Also read “These Steps Can Help You Get Home Sooner After Joint Replacement."]
Your care team will help you manage pain, watch for signs of infection and guide your return to work, exercise and family life.
Why choose Banner Health for joint replacement
At Banner Health, we treat your joint pain like the life-changing issue that it is. Our experienced, board-certified orthopedic surgeons offer the latest tools and techniques, including:
- Minimally invasive surgery for less pain and faster healing
- Robot-assisted surgery for greater precision
- Personalized treatment plans
Takeaway
If joint pain makes life harder, it may be time to explore your options. You don’t have to wait until the pain is unbearable. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you avoid more joint damage and may give you more options for care.
Make an appointment with a Banner Health joint specialist today to discuss your pain, treatment needs and the best way forward.
