- Orthopedics, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWe all notice sore and stiff joints occasionally, like a sore hip after skiing or stiff shoulders after heavy lifting. Often, these issues go away on their own. But if you find sore and stiff joints are taking a toll on your daily life, it could be time to consider surgery. Our experts weigh in on when you should opt for surgery, and what to expect during recovery. Is there a best time for surgery? There’s no perfect time of year for joint replacement surgery. The best time, really, is when it’s most convenient for you. Some people may reach a point where the pain becomes unbearable, and mobility issues disrupt their daily life. In that case, they may opt for surgery right away. Others are able to plan ahead and schedule surgery at a time that fits their work or family commitments. If you have the flexibility to plan, there are a few factors worth considering. For example, if you usually have a busy holiday season in late winter, you may want to schedule surgery in the early fall. This timing allows for recovery before large family gatherings and activities. On the other hand, if you participate in spring or summer sports, it could be best to schedule surgery in winter. That way, you’ll be healed and ready to make the most of the warmer months. 5 signs it’s time for a joint replacement You may be tempted to put surgery off until your pain is unbearable. In some cases, delaying could lead to more joint damage and a longer recovery. Instead, consider discussing joint replacement with your provider if you have these problems: You need help with daily tasks like walking up and down stairs, getting dressed or standing up. Joint pain keeps you awake at night even after you’ve taken pain-relieving medication. Other treatment options like anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and physical therapy have failed. You make decisions about activities based on how far you must walk or if you must use stairs. You have advanced joint damage or osteoarthritis. Recovery is part of the process Surgical advancements have transformed joint replacement procedures. Operations take less time, incisions are smaller, pain is reduced and recovery is faster. Most of the time hip and knee replacement surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis. Still, it’s important to remember that healing takes time. Your body needs time to adjust, strengthen, and help you return safely to your usual routine. Here’s what to expect during recovery and how to set yourself up for a smooth return to the activities you love. Pain management begins immediately.Even with a minimally invasive procedure, you’re going to feel some pain. Your provider may suggest medications for pain, inflammation, or nerve pain. You’ll be up and moving within hours.Most patients start walking with a walker shortly after surgery, then transition to a cane as they gain strength. Physical therapy is essential.Rehabilitation starts as soon as you can get out of bed to improve motion and rebuild strength. You’ll return to a fully active life.Typically, patients are back to their usual routines within two to three months, although a full recovery can take up to a year. Be patient with yourself as you regain strength and mobility. If you have questions about joint replacement surgery or want to schedule a procedure, make an appointment with Luminis Health Orthopedics at Luminis.Health/JointPain. Our experienced and caring team is ready to support your recovery every step of the way. Authors Dr. Andrey Zuskov is a hip and knee replacement surgeon at Luminis Health.0
- Complete Care for Joint PainAt Luminis Health, many kinds of experts come together to treat arthritis and joint pain in different ways. Working together, we can get you back on the move, so you can return to doing what's important to you. The tools we use are:Braces and assistive devices. These devices take stress off of your joint by providing extra support. They can also stop your joint from moving in ways that cause pain.Injection therapy. This can deliver a dose of pain-relieving or numbing medication right where you need it. Or it may involve injecting a fluid that helps the joint move more smoothly.Low Dose Radiation Therapy. This can reduce pain and stiffness caused by inflammatory and degenerative conditions of the tendons, joints and other soft tissues. Learn more!Medication. We might recommend an over-the-counter medication or write you a prescription. These medicines are only one piece of the puzzle, though. Exercise and physical therapy are far more effective at helping you move better and reduce your discomfort long term. Medications can make it easier for you to take part in these treatments.Physical therapy. Our physical therapists can prescribe low-impact exercises to strengthen your muscles, which eases stress on your joint. Other exercises can reduce stiffness so you can move the joint more freely. If you don't stay active, your joint pain can get worse. What's more, weak muscles make it harder for you to move.Weight management programs. Extra weight puts more stress on your knees and hips. In fact, losing just five pounds takes 15 pounds of pressure off each knee every time you take a step. We can help you create eating and exercise plans that fit into your life.Joint replacement surgery. Once non-surgical options no longer provide the relief you need, your doctor may recommend joint replacement surgery. Total joint replacement has a strong, proven track record for safety and success.Ready for surgery?Once non-surgical options no longer provide the relief you need, your doctor may recommend joint replacement surgery. Total joint replacement has a strong, proven track record for safety and success. Luminis Health Orthopedics delivers nationally recognized joint care, right here in Maryland. Our experts guide you from preparation to recovery, helping you move confidently and live pain-free. Our surgeons offer:Hip replacement Knee replacementAnkle replacementElbow replacementShoulder replacementWhat Is Osteoarthritis?When you have osteoarthritis, the cartilage "cushion" between the bones in one of your joints is wearing away. Normal aging or an earlier injury, like a torn knee ligament, can cause it. Stress from excess body weight also speeds up this loss. Your genes play a role, too, as "weak" cartilage runs in some families. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 32.5 million U.S. adults are living with osteoarthritis.As the cartilage breaks down, the body releases substances that cause pain, stiffness and swelling. In fact, the name arthritis comes from a Greek word that means "disease of the joint." Severe cartilage loss causes pain in another way, too. Without enough of it to keep bones in the joint from gliding against each other smoothly, bone grinds against bone.At Luminis Health, we offer a full range of non-surgical treatments to help you manage arthritis and joint pain. We can also recommend ways to keep the damage from getting worse.ConditionConditions/Services/Treatments PageArthritis and Joint Pain Don’t let joint pain keep you from the life you love. Luminis Health Orthopedics is ready when you are with expert care to help you move comfortably and confidently again.We offer a full range of treatments for arthritis and joint pain. Whether you have mild discomfort or severe pain, we can help.0
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- Location232166tel:(410) 897-1941166 Defense Hwy, Ste 200, Annapolis, MD 214010
- Why Choose Luminis Health OrthopedicsEach member of our joint replacement team is an expert at what they do. We stand out because of our:Reputation for excellence. Our joint replacement program is one of the largest in the state. People travel from across the country for our expertise. It's also what brings doctors here from around the world to learn from us. We're leaders in high-quality orthopedics research, which ensures you receive the most advanced care. Plus, our record of outstanding care and results earned us regional and national awards.Continuous care. We're right beside you from the time you decide on surgery until you've recovered. You learn what to expect at our pre-op class. Our physical therapy team helps you get your body ready for surgery. After your operation, they'll guide you through exercises to gradually make your new joint stronger and more flexible.Shorter hospital stays. Three-out-of-four of our first-time patients go home either the same day or one day after surgery. But that doesn't mean you're on your own. Our team stays in contact with you once you're home. This means you're less likely to need emergency care or readmission to the hospital. Plus, if you're eligible for PT360, our physical therapists come right to your home.Dedicated nurse navigators. Having surgery shouldn't be scary or confusing. Our dedicated nurse navigators answer your questions and let you know what's going to happen next. Our nurse navigators ease your mind. They'll also coordinate your care and connect you with any resources you need. This gives you and your family the peace of mind you need as you prepare for and recover from surgery.TreatmentConditions/Services/Treatments PageOur expert team uses the latest advances in joint replacement surgery to treat osteoarthritis or trauma in the hips, knees, shoulders, elbows or ankles.What Does Joint Replacement Involve?Have you tried non-surgical treatments without success? Or do these treatments no longer ease your pain and stiffness? You don't have to give up your active lifestyle. Joint replacement surgery can give you long-lasting relief.Joint replacement surgery involves removing a damaged joint and replacing it with a prosthetic. If you have a total joint replacement your surgeon replaces the entire joint. A partial joint replacement involves removing and replacing only the damaged part of the joint.Hip and knee replacements are the most common joint replacements. And we offer two different approaches for hip replacement surgery:Anterior hip replacement, where the surgeon enters through the front of the hip.Posterior hip replacement, where the surgeon enters through the back of the hip.Our expert orthopedic surgeons also offer:Ankle replacement.Elbow replacement.Shoulder replacement.You'll need to do physical therapy and exercises in the hospital and when you return home. This helps strengthen the muscles around your new joint. Physical therapy also helps to stretch scar tissue so your new joint can move as normally as possible. Soon you'll be back to doing the things you love, without the pain.0
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