Joint Replacement
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South Orange County Orthopaedics
Orthopaedic Surgeons located in Orange County, Mission Viejo, CA
Joint replacement surgeries are among the most commonly performed medical procedures in the United States. According to statistics compiled by the Mayo Clinic, an estimated 4.7 million Americans have had total knee replacements, and 2.5 million have had total hip replacements. To learn more about advancements in joint replacement surgery, schedule an appointment at South Orange County Orthopaedics, Inc in Mission Viejo, California with Dr. Samuel Park. Restore your joint’s function and reduce your pain by calling or scheduling your appointment online today.
Joint Replacement Q & A
When are joint replacements necessary?
When a joint is damaged or is subjected to disease, you may experience increased pain and decreased function. In some cases, your surgeon can remove a portion of the damaged or infected joint. At times, however, the entire joint needs to be replaced.
Here are some common factors that can lead to joint replacement:
- Arthritis
- Disease
- Fractures
- Wear and tear over time
Many joints throughout your body can be replaced, but the most common sites of joint replacement are your knees and hips.
How can I prepare for joint replacement?
As with any medical procedure, being properly prepared can make your recovery process far easier. One of the most important preparations involves learning what to expect in terms of the process itself, the estimated recovery time, and the pain management plan.
It is also absolutely critical that you share your full medical history with your South Orange County Orthopaedics, Inc, surgeon. It is important to discuss past and present health conditions, prescriptions, previous operations, allergies, and contact information of all of your current doctors.
How can I make the recovery process easier?
After your joint replacement surgery, your body requires a period of recovery. That process is different from one person to the next, and depends on a number of factors. Your age, overall health, fitness level, living environment, and the extent of any other injuries will all affect your recovery.
There are ways to make this process easier. If you know that joint replacement is on the horizon, make an effort to improve your health and fitness. Attain a healthy weight, and focus on strengthening the muscles that will support your new joint.
You may also want to prepare your living environment to make it easier to move around and complete your daily routines. That may mean rearranging furniture or installing assistive devices in your bathroom. Even simple steps, like removing rugs and freezing a few extra meals can make a world of difference once you are back home and recovering.
To find out if joint replacement is right for you, schedule a consultation with a member of the South Orange County Orthopaedics, Inc team today by calling or using the easy online tool.
