Knee and hip replacements are a common surgical procedure in this day and age. Placement of artificial joints can lead to relief of pain and increased mobility in the joint that is involved in just about everyone that undergoes the procedure.

In a sense, joint replacement can really be a life-changing procedure for the right patient and greatly improve their quality of life. If you or a loved one is suffering from hip or knee pain, how do you know when it is the right time to have your joint replaced and what the benefits of it for you will be? The situation is different from one person to the next, but there are some obvious indicators that should alert you that it just may be the right time to get serious about surgery, including:

1. Pain and stiffness

   Most people who end up having their joint replaced have severe pain that makes it difficult for them to walk, climb stairs, get up from a chair, or do any of their other normal activities.

   The pain will be chronic and persistent, day after day for at least 6 months.

2. Poor quality of life

   Not only does the pain matter, but if how it affects your daily life does too.

   If you find yourself depressed or not able to engage in the activities you once enjoyed, it may be time.



3. Bone damage

   X-rays and other imaging studies will allow your physician to visualize any severe joint damage within your knee or hip.

   If there is notable damage, this will most likely qualify you for a joint replacement.

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4. Unsuccessful non-invasive treatment

   If modifications to your current lifestyle such as losing weight, taking medications to suppress pain and inflammation, or practicing exercises to better distribute your weight do not work to relieve your pain and increase your functioning you may become a candidate.



5. Notable deformity

   For example, if your knee is severely swollen or your leg has become bowed, this may indicate that it’s time to take action.

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6. Suffering from juvenile arthritis

   This means you are age 35 or younger, however if you have a joint replacement at this young of an age there is a great chance that you’ll be more productive, lead a better life and have great relief from any pain you have been suffering from.



7. Suffering from bone-on-bone arthritis

   If you are an older adult and your arthritis has greatly worsened resulting in extreme wear and tear on your bones and joints, it may be time to consider a replacement.

8. Instability

   Arthritis can cause progressive instability which will increase your risk of falls and causing injury that otherwise could have been prevented.

   If your knee “gives out” often, it may be time to think about a replacement.

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9. Disruption of daily life

   If your knee or hip will not allow you to go about the activities you’re used to doing every day or causes you to continually miss doing things with your loved ones due to increased pain and decreased mobility, a replacement may be the answer.

   Disabilities that your affected joints may cause not only takes a toll on you, but also your loved ones because they aren’t used to seeing you struggle.



10. When you have ¨toughed it out¨ for too long

    Each person is the best judge of their own pain, so when you can no longer take the pain your joint is causing you, the time may finally be right to undergo a joint replacement.

Ultimately, when its time its time. If you’re pain still persists despite trying numerous other interventions to try to relieve it, you should probably crackdown and get more serious about replacing your joint no matter if you’re 35 or 65. Let’s face it, the longer you wait, the worse it will get. Time is precious, so make the most out of yours!

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Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.