What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement, or arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the diseased parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with new, artificial parts. These artificial parts are called the prosthesis and are often made of metal and plastic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 332,000 total hip replacements are performed in the United States each year.

Doctors often recommend surgery once the problem has progressed to the point of excruciating and constant pain, decreased mobility and impaired quality of life. Common reasons for hip surgery as a result of existing damage include childhood hip disease, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis, avascular necrosis, injury, bone tumor and fractures.

What Results Can I Expect From Hip Replacement Surgery?

The goals of hip replacement surgery include increasing mobility and activities of daily living, improving the function of the hip joint, improving quality of life, and relieving pain by replacing damaged and diseased bone and tissue with an artificial implant. Doctors usually resort to hip replacement surgery when other treatment options have failed in adequate pain reduction or relief.

Are There Alternatives to Hip Replacement Surgery?

Your doctor may want to try other methods of treatment, such as exercise, walking aids, and medication, before considering a total hip replacement, An exercise program can strengthen the muscles around the hip joint. Walking aids such as canes and walkers may alleviate some of the stress from painful, damaged hips and help you to avoid or delay surgery. Over-the-counter pain medication can help in some cases, while more severe hip pain may call for stronger, prescription pain medication. Medication comes with certain risks and is only a temporary solution to pain management.

Am I a Candidate for Hip Replacement Surgery?

It is important that you make the decision to have hip replacement surgery with your doctor and your family. Ask your doctor to refer you for an evaluation to an orthopaedic surgeon, a doctor specially trained to treat problems with the bones and joints. People who are generally healthy are the best candidates for the surgery.

People between the ages of 50 and 80 are most likely to have a hip replacement. Surgeons perform this procedure more and more as American baby boomers and seniors live longer, more active lives. More young people are getting hip replacements, typically due to sports injuries or trauma to joints. Recent studies also suggest that people who choose to have surgery before advanced joint damage occurs tend to recover more easily and have better outcomes.

How Custom Orthotics Can Help Those Suffering From Diabetes

Proper foot care is crucial for individuals who suffer from diabetes. Because the disease can cause neuropathy and decreased sensations in the foot and ankle, having customized shoes and orthotics can help prevent serious foot issues and alleviate pain and discomfort that often accompanies the foot related complexities of the disease. Customized footwear such as orthotics play an integral part in the foot health of a diabetic patient, helping them in the following ways:

·      Reduce complications caused by foot ulcerations – Foot problems associated with diabetes can cause extreme pressure and rubbing that can lead to raw areas and painful sores. Proper footwear can help reduce or alleviate these issues.

·      Creates shock absorption – The bottom of the foot is subject to a great deal of vertical pressure. This pressure can be particularly painful for diabetic patients. Footwear with the right stability can help reduce discomfort and increase range of motion.

·      Extra support – Diabetes sufferers often have issues with foot deformities that can create a great deal of pain without the proper cushioning and support. Specialized shoes and orthotic inserts can give the patient much needed stability.

·      Decrease inflammation – Customized footwear and orthotic inserts can assist in stabilizing foot joints, thereby decreasing foot inflammation and providing pain relief.

While customized shoes are sometimes the best solution for diabetic patients, often an orthotic insert is all that is required. The specially molded shoe inserts offer a non-surgical alternative to correct foot and ankle issues caused by diabetes related conditions. Orthotic inserts can include footpads placed on the sole of the patient’s shoe as well as ankle braces to help support and stabilize foot joints. Ankle braces are worn in conjunction with shoes and are put on before the patient puts on their shoes.

At Robinwood Orthopaedic Specialty Center, we offer our patients a full range of non-surgical and surgical treatments for diabetic foot related conditions. We can help patients get custom fitted for orthotic footwear that will increase their comfort as well as their ability to live a productive life.  If you or someone you know suffers from diabetic related foot issues, contact Robinwood Orthopaedic today to schedule an appointment at one of our four convenient locations.

What to Expect after Knee Surgery

Aging, sports and accidents can cause unnecessary knee pain and discomfort. If the symptoms of your knee issues become too severe, they might require a knee surgery or even a total knee replacement. Going into any surgical procedure can be a bit scary and overwhelming and knee surgery is no different. Here are some general things to expect as you go through the recovery period from your procedure.

1.     Get going – The amount of time before you get up and start moving depends upon how extensive your surgical procedure is. In general, you will be expected to start moving within the first 24 hours of your procedure. The quicker this happens, the faster the healing process. At first these mobility sessions will be brief, but will increase in duration and distance as you progress.

2.     Bending and moving –Your physical therapist will ask you to start bending and flexing your knee regularly to increase the range of motion. If your procedure requires a hospital stay, you will be asked to demonstrate a moderate range of motion. Additionally, before you are discharged you must show you can get by without an assistive device and are able to dress yourself.

3.     Stepping it up at home – As your recovery progresses, you should increase your daily movement. You will be given at-home exercises and a walking regime. It is important to follow this program faithfully to prevent swelling and inflammation of the surgical site. You may also be asked to start climbing stairs and do light stretching to increase flexibility.

4.     Regular therapy – In addition to at-home exercise, you will be expected to attend regular physical therapy sessions to help monitor your recovery and determine any changes to your at-home program. In therapy, you might also be asked to lift weights, ride a stationary bike or use a treadmill/stair climber. Your therapist will also help you get a thorough stretch of the area. The number of therapy sessions you attend each week will decrease as your healing commences.

Consult your doctor and/or physical therapist if you feel any discomfort, sharp pains, sudden swelling or oozing of the wound site. These could be signs of more serious issues. If you have any questions about what to expect after knee surgery, please contact the staff at Robinwood Orthopaedic Center.