We recently came across an informative online slideshow by Amanda Gardner at health.com. 13 Must-Know Facts About Joint Replacements talks honestly about what patients across the country can expect when they choose to have hip or knee replacement surgery. Gardner cites improved rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment as a major factor in the decrease of joint replacements for middle-aged patients over the past two decades
She refers to “a California study of people with RA — all in their 40s or 50s – (which) found that knee replacements have dropped by 19% and hip replacements by 40% since the 1980s,” while, “(Rates in people over 60, however, have stayed the same or have gone up.)” She concludes that, “when severe pain or joint damage limits your daily activities, joint replacement surgery may still be your best option.”
In Washington state, we are lucky to have an abundance of very talented orthopedic doctors. At ProOrtho eastside orthopedic clinics, our staff of world-class orthopedic surgeons specializes in the surgical and non-surgical care of a wide variety of conditions, including arthritic disorders of the hip, knee, and shoulder. We combine experience with the most advanced technologies and pain management treatments available.
If your pain prohibits you from enjoying a normal active life, perhaps it is time for joint replacement surgery. Ask your doctor for a referral or make an appointment with one of the orthopedic physicians at ProOrtho to discuss your options and the path to a more enjoyable life.
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