2018-10-08T09:01:00
(BPT) – Have you been experiencing chronic pain in your knees or hips? Is it making everyday activities like walking or getting out of bed a challenge? You’re not alone.
Osteoarthritis, also known as OA, impacts more than 30 million adults in the United States and is one of the most common reasons a person will need a joint replacement, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.[1]
If the pain is interfering with your day-to-day life, and treatments like medication or physical therapy aren’t providing relief, knee or hip replacement surgery may be right for you.
Ask yourself these three questions and learn more about how you can explore your treatment options and physically, mentally and emotionally prepare for knee or hip replacement surgery and recovery.
1. Is knee or hip replacement surgery right for me?
Knee or hip replacement surgery is not about age. When pain prevents you from being active, or if you’re no longer responding to other types of treatment, it may be time to talk to your doctor about surgery. Knee or hip replacement surgery can provide relief from pain and stiffness, improve mobility and give you the freedom to do what you love again.
Only an orthopedic surgeon can determine if knee or hip replacement surgery is right or you, and only you can determine if you are ready for it. However, if you are ready to explore your options, TheHealthPartner.com can provide the support you need, including science-based information personalized to your level of pain and assistance finding an orthopedic specialist.
2. How do I prepare for knee or hip replacement surgery?
Preparing for knee or hip replacement surgery can include getting in better physical shape to lessen the chance for complications and minimize your recovery time, and making caregiver arrangements for a smooth rehabilitation.
Once you have scheduled your surgery, the Health Partner for Knees & Hips app can provide personalized guidance as you prepare for surgery. Key features include a customizable action plan to track appointments and take steps to prepare physically and emotionally, as well as real life stories from patients who have undergone surgery and educational resources so you know what to expect. The app is available on the App Store and Google Play.
3. What should I expect after knee or hip replacement surgery?
Returning to normal activity after knee or hip replacement surgery typically takes a few months. Following the care plan set forth by your doctor is extremely important in helping ensure a successful recovery and helping restore the strength in your muscles and movement in your joints.
The Health Partner for Knees & Hips app can help make it easier for you to follow your doctor’s recommendations by tapping into what motivates and drives you as an individual to get and stay healthy after surgery, and providing reminders and integration with your tracking apps to monitor your progress.
Knee and hip replacement surgery can be daunting, but Johnson & Johnson Health Partner can support you every step of the way. Start your journey today by visiting TheHealthPartner.com.
[1] CDC. Osteoarthritis. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm. Accessed May 2018.