Osteoarthritis is a painful disease that affects the joints. As you age, the cartilage that serves as a cushion between your bones decreases. When cartilage is gone, the bones rub against each other when a joint is moved. The resulting friction causes pain and swelling. Osteoarthritis is usually found in older patients since the condition is a natural result of aging and wear on the joints. The good news is osteoarthritis surgery is only becoming more and more advanced, and it could help you.
What is Osteoarthritis Surgery?
There are several types of osteoarthritis surgery. The type you need depends on the severity of your symptoms, your lifestyle, and your potential risks or complications. Our doctor will help you decide which type of osteoarthritis surgery is right for you.
Who is a Candidate?
Doctors often try many conservative measures before recommending surgery for osteoarthritis. These treatments may include weight loss, physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. If conservative treatments continue to fail, you might be a candidate for osteoarthritis surgery. There are many factors that decide whether surgery will relieve your symptoms. Some of these include:
- Having a limited daily routine – If you are unable to follow through with normal daily activities due to complications of arthritis, you might need surgery for a full recovery.
- Extreme pain – Severe pain that is not relieved by medication can lead to depression and other medical conditions. Severe pain should not be experienced every day.
- Failure of other treatments – If you have already tried conservative measures with no results, you might be a candidate for surgery.
Osteoarthritis surgery can end chronic pain and get you back to your healthy active lifestyle. With today’s advancements in materials, age is not a deciding factor in your surgical needs. After recovery, most patients resume all activities they once enjoyed.
Consult our surgeon at Plymouth Bay Orthopedic Associates to discuss your options and get back to living your best lifestyle. Contact us today to book an appointment at our office in Plymouth, Sandwich or Duxbury.