Joint Pain - Replacement and Management

Your joints, particularly the knees, hips and shoulders, can grow stiff, swollen or painful as you age. This pain is often caused by osteoarthritis, when the cartilage that cushions your bones begins to break down.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, degenerative joint disease, or "wear and tear" arthritis, is a chronic condition that affects more than 30 million U.S. adults.

Total joint replacement may be a solution for joint pain and discomfort. During this procedure, worn-out cartilage is removed, and the joint's ends are resurfaced. Metal implants replace your cartilage and work similarly to your natural joint.

Many patients who have their hip, knee or shoulder replaced feel immediate relief after years of aches and pains. In some cases, surgery can be completed as an outpatient procedure for healthy patients, which means you don't have to stay in the hospital overnight.

While joint replacement isn't for everyone, it may be right for you if:

• You have tried everything else. Supplements, over-the-counter medication, joint injections — you name it, you've tried it and your joints still hurt.
• Everyday tasks are becoming difficult. Even something as simple as getting out of bed makes you ache, much less walking up and down the stairs, being moderately physically active or keeping up with your children or grandchildren.
• You are otherwise in good health. Though most joint replacement patients are between 60 and 80 years old, anyone can be a candidate if the procedure would improve their quality of life. The most critical concern is whether or not you are healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure.

If you have joint pain, there are several non-surgical pain management options, including:

• Regular, moderate exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and relieve extra pressure on your knees and hips. Exercise also increases blood flow to joints and strengthens the muscle around your joints.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help reduce inflammation related to joint pain. Your doctor can also prescribe newer or higher-dose NSAIDs to help with arthritis pain. Always talk with your doctor before starting any medication.
• Corticosteroid injections for the joints can relieve pain, but only for a limited time — long-term use causes cartilage breakdown. Hyaluronic acid supplements are injected directly into the joint to replace natural lubricant and act as a shock absorber for the knees.

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