Orthopedics, Wellness
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Joint Pain and Problems: Is It Time for a Joint Replacement?
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We 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.
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Orthopedics
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4 Tips to Avoid At-Home Orthopedic Injuries This Summer
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Spending more time at home comes with its fair share of advantages and disadvantages, and most families are figuring it out as they go. While we’re seeing less injuries from contact sports, injuries from things like starting new, unguided workout regimens and from doing everyday housework are on the rise.
Here are four tips to avoid at-home orthopedic injuries while staying active this summer.
Ease into new workouts and activities. Your gym may be closed and, if not, you’re trying to decide when to get back to your normal routine. In the meantime, you want to stay active to avoid going stir-crazy. But you don’t have access to the equipment or classes you’re used to. We get it. Take time to adjust to any new workouts and activities you choose to do at home. To help avoid injury, don’t overdo it right away.
Get help when learning those new workouts. Maybe you’re ready to start weight-lifting or try your hand at CrossFit. As you begin these new routines, reach out for help. Find a friend or family member who has experience with that workout and can help demonstrate proper form. Or better yet, hire a trainer. Many trainers are now doing virtual sessions and can help guide you while you safely workout at home.
Be careful with repetitive workouts. Many people have increased their at-home workouts and have used extra free time to become more physically active. Now is a great time to build good fitness habits, but be careful with repetitive workouts as they can lead to overuse injuries. Running and cycling too often, for instance, can cause stress fractures, shin splints and tendinitis. We recommend switching up your routine to focus on other muscle groups and giving your body proper rest.
Don’t forget to warmup and stretch. These things can easily get left out of the routine when you don’t have an instructor guiding you, but you need to do them. Warming up and stretching are two of the most important parts of a workout routine. Warming up not only loosens stiff muscles, but it can also improve performance. And stretching can help boost your flexibility and decrease the muscle tension in your body. Both will reduce your risk of injury.
No matter where you’re spending your time this summer, it’s important for your physical and mental health to stay active. But falls, mishaps and orthopedic injuries don’t take a vacation just because we’re at home. Call your doctor if you experience an orthopedic injury. Doctors’ offices are safe, ready and open to care for you.
Author
Ben Petre, MD, is a sports medicine doctor and surgeon at Anne Arundel Medical Orthopedics. He can be reached at 410-268-8862. For more information visit aamcortho.com.
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Cancer Care
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True Story: My life after colon cancer
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Life after cancer can be a very exhilarating yet complicated time in someone’s life. From the time you get the diagnosis, you become extremely focused on the fight of your life. Everyone you know rallies around you and it’s an all-out war against this invader. At the end of your journey, God willing, you get the news and results everyone has been working toward and praying for — you’re cancer free. Then, it’s back to everyday life.
I call it the “cancer hangover.” My wife compares it to the lead-up and excitement you feel during Christmas time and the feeling you have the day right after. She said the significant other also experiences this culmination of intense emotions, dedication and support.
READ MORE about Brian’s story and how he learned that it’s never too early to take care of your health.
Throughout my journey with colon cancer, I kept a journal of sorts with notes in my phone. I find it inspiring to go back and read what I thought in that moment. My notes read:
Don’t wait until you are faced with your own mortality to be the son, husband, father, friend, neighbor and person you can be.
Live life. Allow yourself to love, strive and achieve.
Find patience and peace in life’s challenges. Accept your defeats and learn from your mistakes.
Appreciate life’s victories, no matter how small, and be your own biggest fan and critic.
Be patient and know that others are going through daily challenges as well.
Don’t be afraid of self-analysis and to be critical of yourself. But make sure you also appreciate the positives and come up with a plan for improvement.
Find what inspires you, absorb its strength and allow it to usher you forward.
You can be a hero starting now.
Your actions create the costume.
Finding inspiration is easy. It’s remaining inspired that is the true test. Only coming from the lion’s mouth can we learn to roar.
A day’s challenge is only as challenging as we make it.
A worry will drag you down, confronting it will rise you up.
Sometimes you have to ask yourself, in an honest first-hand opinion, what you can do to be the person you know you can be.
We grow stronger in the face of adversity, wiser in the wake of mistakes and kinder with hearts open.
The better ‘you’ is around the corner, the same one you have been around before.
I am one of the lucky ones. After a shocking diagnosis, I was able to complete my cancer treatment plan and am happy to say I continue to be a cancer survivor.
It took a lot of patience, a lot of faith, a lot of support and a comprehensive plan from the doctors to be where I am today. Listen to your body and seek help if something isn’t right. We all have our own challenges in life, it’s important to work your way through each battle in order to win the war. Take things one step at a time and prepare yourself to succeed. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story so others may be able to learn from my experiences and know that they can overcome what lies ahead.
If you’re 50+ this year, pledge to have your colonoscopy. Learn more at askAAMC.org/Milestone50.
Author
Brian Page, from Annapolis, is a father of two and a 41-year-old colon cancer survivor.
Originally published March 11, 2019. Last updated March 2, 2020.
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Physical Therapy
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Occupational Therapy: Helping You Regain Your Independence
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Did you know that April is Occupational Therapy month? As described by the American Occupational Therapy Association, “Occupational therapists help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.”
Stroke, brain injury and other neurological conditions can be life changing. Occupational therapists work with individuals of all ages to help them discover the possibilities of a brighter future. Therapists identify how their patients can complete activities in a safe, effective way, which helps them improve their independence.
Occupational therapy addresses the actions that occupy your time. For example, returning to work or school, driving, getting dressing, bathing and grooming. Through skilled evaluation, they identify barriers such as sensation, strength, cognition, and visual impairments. Our OT teams help patient’s meet their goals. They provide education on adaptive equipment to improve independence with a task, recommend tools to support and protect and provide strategies for safely getting around your community.
Our occupational therapists look at the whole person. They work as part of a neurorehabilitation team that may include physical therapists and speech language pathologists along with your physician. During your first visit with an OT, we collaborate with you and your family members or caregivers, identify your goals, and create a treatment plan to meet your specific goals.
For more information on occupational therapy and to request an appointment, visit AAMGPhysicalTherapy.com.
Author
Kaitlyn Schwartz, MS, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist, specializing in neurorehabilitation, with Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Physical Therapy. To reach her office, call 443-481-1140.
Originally published April 14, 2017. Last updated April 29, 2021.
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