How Do You Know If You Need A Knee Replacement?

Written by hlisenby on June 16, 2023. Posted in Blog, Knee Replacement.

Knee pain can add a lot of difficulty to your daily life that you simply don’t need to tolerate any longer. After all, you already have plenty of challenges to deal with.

That being said, how do you know if your knee pain is something serious? And more specifically, “How do you know when you need a knee replacement?” There can be certain types of knee pain that simply require a little bit of therapy or a little change in lifestyle.

Then there are other types of knee pain that are indicative that you should potentially have a knee replacement or knee surgery.

At Ascension St. Agnes, we always strive to exhaust every option before recommending surgery. However, there are some cases where it is necessary or more helpful for our patients.

Let’s talk about some of the scenarios in which your knee pain could mean that it’s time to have an operation.

How Do I Know If I Need A Knee Replacement?

So how do you know if you need knee surgery? Well, it turns out there are several factors that go into that decision. Now without further ado, let’s talk about how to know if you need a knee replacement:

The Non-Surgical Treatments Just Aren’t Working

You might have tried different kinds of therapies, exercise, sleep, or even devices. This is a great place to start and that’s what we typically recommend. You want to exhaust those options first.

However, sometimes it reaches a point where those simply are not enough anymore. You may continue to feel the pain, the swelling, the inflammation, and more. At that point, it may be time for you to have a knee replacement surgery.

The Pain Is Accelerating

At first, the pain might have started off subtle and just occasionally making you notice it more. However, as time goes on, if the pain becomes more frequent and more intense, then these are two very worrying signs.

This means that your knee pain could continue to get worse, and as it becomes more chronic, it can accelerate rapidly. It might be time to get a new knee or at least see your orthopedic specialist.

It’s possible you should take certain vitamins for joint health, or that a procedure will be better long term.

You’re Having Mobility Issues

No one wants to be limited in their mobility, but when you have knee pain, that’s one of the first things that becomes affected. Your range of motion will drastically reduce. And in order to improve your quality of life, sometimes knee surgery is the only option left.

Swelling

Some types of swelling can go away with time. However, osteoarthritis and other types of conditions will not simply get better on their own. In fact, that’s something that you need to address immediately once you notice it.

And there you have it. The list above encapsulates how to know when you need a knee replacement.

Learn More About Knee Replacement Surgery Today

At Ascension St. Agnes, we pride ourselves on providing the best joint and pain relief in the world. Our experts will evaluate your condition and suggest the most healthy, effective solutions for your goals and specific circumstances.

So let’s make sure that you can enjoy a healthy, fit lifestyle for as long as you choose to. Reach out for a free consultation today for orthopedic surgery in Baltimore.

The Most Common Orthopedic Surgeries Today

Written by hlisenby on June 9, 2023. Posted in Blog, Hip Injury, Hip Pain, Joint Pain, Knee Pain, Knee Replacement.

If you’re considering orthopedic surgery in Baltimore, you should know what your options are. You can always reach out to Ascension St. Agnes, our source for orthopedic surgery in Baltimore. You can schedule a free appointment to understand how to reduce your pain.

That being said, let’s talk about some of the most common types of surgeries available today.

Read More: How Hydration Affects Joint Health

The Most Popular Orthopedic Surgeries

Instead of a simple list of “The top 10 most common orthopedic surgeries” that you might find elsewhere, let’s narrow it down. Here are the surgeries most commonly in demand today:

ACL Reconstruction

This is one of the most common orthopedic procedures. A lot of athletes or even folks that are in their older ages look to get their ACL reconstructed. This is a major ligament that affects your mobility to rotate your legs, so it’s essential that it’s in working order.

Knee Replacement Surgery

At a certain point, a total knee replacement surgery is a great idea. It can help restore your damaged cartilage and free up your movement instead of it being painful.

After all, a lot of people have repetitive movement pain or knee pain due to obesity and other health conditions.

Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Getting your shoulder replaced can replace the damaged socket and give you a plastic prosthesis.

The tendons and ligaments in your shoulder can get worn out over time, so this is a very common surgery these days.

Hip Replacement Surgery

This is something called a ball and socket joint in your hip that connects your hip bones to your pelvis. That connects your pelvis to your femur, which is your thigh bone.

Hip replacement surgery can either use the traditional approach or just replace the damaged portions.

This is just an introductory list of the types of surgeries that you can get to relieve your pain. For a comprehensive list and for more information, reach out to Ascension St. Agnes today.

Unleash Your Mobility And Comfort Once Again

Reach out to the knee pain specialists in Baltimore at Ascension St. Agnes Orthopedics. At Ascension St. Agnes, we’re dedicated to your success in both your health and other areas of your life.

Our compassionate and knowledgeable medical experts will do whatever it takes to ensure you feel your best every day of the week. So contact us now and let’s build a healthy tomorrow.

What Is An Orthopedic Surgeon?

Written by hlisenby on June 2, 2023. Posted in Blog, Knee Replacement, Physical Therapist.

Orthopedics is an important medical field. It focuses on the musculoskeletal system and the diseases and conditions that affect it. This extends to your joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, bones, and nerves.

There are a lot of reasons to see an orthopedic doctor, such as when you have an issue like swelling or pain with any of these parts of your body. Some people wait until they have an injury, or they’re dealing with chronic pain or inflammation such as arthritis or pain in their lower back.

Let’s dive into orthopedic doctors and surgeons. They deal with basic structures of musculature like tendons, ligaments and muscles. And they also offer orthopedic surgery in Baltimore.

Let’s explore “What do orthopedic surgeons do?” and “What does an orthopedic specialist do?” right now.

What Does An Orthopedic Doctor Do?

When bringing up an orthopedic surgeon, “What do they do?” is a fair question to have shortly after.

An orthopedic doctor can diagnose conditions surrounding your musculoskeletal system. They help you with your rehab as well so you can regain movement strength and range of motion.

They can assist you with strategies to prevent arthritis and other chronic conditions that could affect you.

In addition, orthopedic specialists will give you lifestyle tips to avoid aggravating your injuries or otherwise reduce inflammation in your joints and musculoskeletal system.

Conditions That Are Treated By Orthopedic Doctors

Orthopedic doctors and surgeons can treat a variety of conditions. Typically these conditions have to do with ACL tears, other tendons and ligaments, arthritis, joint pain, back pain, and bone fractures.

There are many types of orthopedic surgery available. In addition, it may be more effective for you to undergo physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or medication cycles.

It’s important to schedule a consultation with an orthopedic doctor because what seems to be a small amount of pain or discomfort can become more serious over time.

Find Out More About Orthopedics Now

You can reach out to Ascension St. Agnes to learn more about our avenues of care. There is surgery available for your arm, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, joints, and back.

Essentially, if it has to do with a muscle, ligament, or tendon somewhere in your body, then an orthopedic surgeon can help you with your condition.

Of course, surgery is not always appropriate. We’ll conduct a full evaluation before recommending any kind of invasive operation — so reach out today.

How To Avoid Knee Pain When Running

Written by hlisenby on March 20, 2023. Posted in Blog, Knee Replacement.

If you love running, then suffering from knee pain is one of the worst experiences. It can keep you from doing what you love and maintaining your health.

Running can put stress on your joints, and especially the knees. Therefore having knee pain while running is more common than you think. So in this article, let’s talk about what typically causes knee pain and how to prevent knee pain when running.

That way you can get back to enjoying physical activities that fill you with joy.

How To Prevent Knee Pain When Running

As always, a good plan is to consult with a doctor for knee pain in Baltimore. In the meantime, here are some tips to keep in mind to avoid knee pain when running:

Get a good warm up in

Warming up before you start running is essential. It gets the blood flow going. Your muscles and joints need a little bit of prep time before you start putting the heavy demand of running on.

To warm up before running you can do a few basic exercises. For instance, you can try jogging for short distances.

This will promote synovial fluid flow. Synovial fluid is like lubricant for your joints. Your kneecap, the patella, is connected to the lower femur by the patellofemoral joint.

Since these two bones can rub against each other during running movements, you want their connection to be smooth.

In addition, when you warm up, you can start activating your glute and hip muscles. These are important for providing stability and alignment while you run. Start with a few short runs and even squats to get all of these areas activated first.

Better running shoes

It’s always worth the investment for great running shoes. Even if you spend a little bit more, it’ll be well worth it in protecting your joints and knees and long run. You want to get running shoes that provide cushioning to decrease the impact of running on your knees.

Try to avoid running in shoes that are not designed for it, like basketball shoes, flats or boots. Great running shoes should be light while providing extensive support. When asking how to prevent runner’s knee, footwear is a top priority.

Take it off-road

Therefore, if you have access to hiking or running trails, this is a good second option. Additionally, you can run on grass or on sand, like a beach. In general, the softer the surface, the less pain you’ll have when running.

You may have noticed a theme with the answers to “how to stop runner’s knee pain” and it boils down to being kind to your joints.

Build up over time

If you’re experiencing pain while running, then you want to start small and then build up. Go for a large 5 mile run if you start experiencing pain after half a mile. Start small and build up slowly.

When you get acclimated, it’s easier to understand how to prevent knee injuries running. You will be more in sync with your knee comfort level.

Use proper running form

Joint stress can occur if you are running straight up and down with your form. If you lean slightly forward, you can reduce the stress and pain on your joints. This is also something that allows you to use your natural momentum to run farther with less effort.

Take more strides

When you take big long strides, each step produces more stress. If you focus on shorter, smaller strides, it’s better for your knees.

Less force and velocity has time to build up on each stride. It may feel less natural at first, but eventually you’ll get used to it and it’ll be much better for comfort.

See a runner’s knee expert

If you experience discomfort in your knees, then you may consider seeing an orthopedic specialist. They can help you with certain exercises or inserts called orthotics.

These help cushion you and improve your gait to distribute weight evenly. Additionally, orthopedic surgeons can operate on your knee to repair damaged tendons, ligaments, and joints.

Surgery may not be necessary, but for some people, it can actually be the best option to restore natural pain free running.

Avoid Knee Pain — Baltimore

Now you know how to avoid knee pain while running at a basic level. visiting an orthopedic specialist in Baltimore today. You can get the proper diagnosis, therapy, and accessories for surgery that you need. That way, running becomes fun again.

Hip vs Back Pain: Key Differences

Written by hlisenby on March 13, 2023. Posted in Back Pain, Blog, Knee Replacement.

What’s the difference between back pain and hip pain? Well, it can be hard to tell. It’s often best to talk with doctors for back pain in Baltimore to know for sure.

Since they’re located in similar areas, they can often combine symptoms and have similar causes. For instance, normal aging can cause overuse in certain muscles or joints. This creates degeneration and strains your muscular skeletal system.

So let’s talk about the difference between hip pain vs back pain and what to do about them.

Hip Pain Versus Back Pain

To truly understand the difference between back and hip pain we need to explain what causes each type:

Hip Pain

One of the biggest telltale signs that your hip is causing pain is if you experience pain in the groin area. Since the hip joint is connected just behind the groin, pain usually radiates from your hip.

Occasionally, groin pain can radiate into your knee as well. If you have pain around the hip joint or knee, this is another sign that your hip is the issue.

Of course, it can become complicated because sometimes hip pain causes issues in your lower back as well. Osteoarthritis is one of the main drivers of hip pain. If you also have pain in your knees, thighs, or glutes, then it could be a sign that you have this condition.

In that case, you should have it looked at immediately by a professional specializing in hip pain in Baltimore. There are other issues that cause hip pain as well like sacroiliac joint dysfunction, vascular necrosis, and piriformis syndrome – so it’s nothing to leave to chance.

Back Pain

Back pain can start in the lower back and radiate to other areas as well. This includes knees, buttocks, and thighs. There are some degenerative conditions like herniated discs and spinal stenosis that cause back pain.

These cause your back nerves to send pain signals to your legs and surrounding areas. This can even result in numbness, reduction of motion, and weakness.

If you’re suffering from back pain, even simply walking, standing, sitting up, or lying down can cause it to fire up. If you’re experiencing consistent back pain, see a specialist soon.

It’s one thing to know the difference between lower back pain vs hip pain. It’s another thing to understand the right treatment or procedures to resolve it for good.

Getting To The Root Of The Issue

Whether you have back or hip pain, neither should be an issue chronically. This means there is a deeper problem that needs to be addressed.

If you have a condition that requires surgery or physical therapy, only a qualified doctor will be able to tell you for sure after running diagnostic tests. This is the best way to get the answer you’re looking for.

Resolve Back Pain in Baltimore

If you’re experiencing hip or back pain, you shouldn’t wait to get it looked at. Visit a specialist today. They can help you diagnose your issue and suggest the best path forward. That way, you can continue to live your life and enjoy your days without pain or discomfort.

Two Women Stretching Legs And Practicing Yoga In Garden

The Best Back Stretches For Lower Back Pain

Written by hlisenby on March 6, 2023. Posted in Back Pain, Blog, Knee Replacement.

Experiencing back pain can be one of the most challenging things in your adult life. Activities that used to be commonplace can now be a challenge. It includes getting in and out of bed, sitting up, going for a walk, or simply trying to enjoy a meal at the kitchen table.

So if you have back pain in Baltimore, you shouldn’t hesitate to try stretching. It’s one of the best ways to relieve back pain. It’s not always sufficient, but it can certainly help in most cases.

So what are the best lower back stretches? Let’s explore that in a moment. But first, why is stretching so helpful?

Benefits of stretching for lower back pain

Stretching helps you elongate your muscles and then the ligaments. This helps them absorb more impact while working less to support your weight. If you let your muscles or ligaments get too tight, they can lead to pain.

This is because certain parts of your body start to compensate, creating pressure points where there shouldn’t be. Stretching also improves blood flow, which is important for healthy bones, joints, and muscles.

That being said, you don’t need 13 stretches for lower back pain, or 30, or 50 different poses. Instead, you just need a small handful of stretches that you can memorize, starting small and adding more as you go.

So here are six key stretches that will work various parts of your back and put you at ease:

Best lower back stretches

1. Gluteus maximus release

One of the best stretches for lower back pain is the glute stretch. To do this stretch, begin with a firm ball, like a tennis ball. Then, lie on top of the ball with one of your glutes directly on top of the ball. Allow your weight to gently fall over the ball.

Without extending, lay on the same side of your gluteus on top of the ball. Perform little rocking motions over the ball. Do this for about a minute, then switch sides.

2. Piriformis release

This stretch is similar to the glute stretch. You’ll still use a tennis ball and place one of your buttocks on top of the ball. However, during this stretch, once your body weight melts into the ball, extend your leg out to the side.

Hold this stretch for about a minute on each side, repeating a few times. Once you get comfortable you can use alternate postures. Anything targeting the piriformis are usually good stretches for lower back warm ups.

3. Hip flexor stretch

This stretch works your piriformis muscles. It also helps your hip flexors. When you increase mobility in these areas, it helps your spine feel less tight. Start by being seated with your knees bent. Take your left foot up off the floor and cross it over your right thigh.

Keep your spine straight while doing this. Push your bent knee forward slightly. This helps release the hip flexor. Hold this stretch for around 30 seconds. Repeat for each side 3-4 times.

4. Hip flexor stretch version 2

This stretch is performed while kneeling forward. Kneel forward on one knee, keeping your spine straight. Your forward thigh should make a 90 degree angle with the ground.

Put a pad underneath your knee that’s touching the ground for more comfort. Lean forward and hold this stretch for around 30 seconds. Then repeat for each side.

This is one of the best lower back stretches to have in your arsenal.

5. Puppy pose

Begin this stretch on your hands and knees. Your back should be flat and relatively parallel to the ground. Put your shoulders forward, then thrust back slowly into your hips. Draw your tummy into your spine and breathe.

Hold for around 6 breaths. Sit back on your heels to rest again. Repeat the motion 2-3 times. This helps release your lower back.

6. Cobra stretch

Begin by lying face down on the floor with your hands out to your side. Then slowly raise your head and neck, creating a forward curve in your back. Do this slowly. Hold the pose at the top before releasing back down again. Repeat this 5-10 times.

Living without back pain

Lower back pain can be caused by a number of serious conditions. This includes fibromyalgia, arthritis, herniated discs, soft tissue injuries, lack of strength, muscular imbalance, pregnancy, and piriformis.

Each of these unique conditions requires the right approach. That’s why the best way to stretch the lower back varies. While stretching is an excellent part of your daily routine, you should also reach out to a qualified specialist in Baltimore that can help you with your back pain.

They can help you understand exactly why you’re experiencing this discomfort and what to do about it. Contact your experts at St. Agnes Orthopedics, today. They can help you relieve your back pain, promote a healthy lifestyle, and enjoy physical activity again.

Knee Pain? How to Tell if Your ACL is Torn or Sprained

Written by hlisenby on February 28, 2023. Posted in Blog, Knee Replacement.

Your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most important parts of your knee. This connective tissue provides movement and support for a variety of activities — from a simple walk in the park to athletic leaps in sports.

If you suspect you may have torn your ACL, then it is important to take the necessary steps and precautions immediately.

So in this article, we will cover the ways in which an ACL can be damaged, and ultimately the question of “what does a torn ACL feel like?” That way, you can seek the appropriate surgical or non-surgical treatment necessary to heal your body and regain full, natural, pain-free movement.

How Does an ACL Get Injured?

What does it feel like when you tear your ACL? Well, this can often depend on how you injured your knee in the first place.

You can tear an ACL a few different ways: stopping suddenly after running, quickly changing direction, landing on it wrong, or colliding with another person or object.

However, certain diet, exercise, and nutrition plans can help reduce the risk of injury.

How to Tell if ACL is Torn or Sprained

There are 3 grades of severity when injuring your ACL. Technically, some sprains are also tears. But typically, a “sprain” refers to a less severe tear.

Here are the grades of knee sprains in terms of severity:

Grade 1: The ligament is slightly damaged, and the knee is still stable.
Grade 2: The ligament is damaged to the point of a partial tear.
Grade 3: The ligament is severely damaged, resulting in a complete tear (resulting in two separate pieces), and the knee is no longer stable.

This grading system is why answering the question of “what does an ACL tear feel like?” is difficult to answer without a doctor’s evaluation.

However, sometimes an ACL injury is more obvious, such as experiencing the below symptoms:

What Does it Feel Like to Tear Your ACL?: 5 Tell-Tale Signs

When you tear an ACL, it usually comes with one of these symptoms of pain or discomfort:

A loud “pop” in your knee
Extreme pain
Fast, visual swelling
Reduced range of motion
A sense of “buckling” in which you feel like your knee cannot support any weight

If you feel any of these sensations, you should consult a doctor who can confirm the diagnosis, often using an X-ray or MRI to identify the extent of the injury.

Improving an ACL Injury Without Surgery

Many ACL sprains and tears require surgery. However, not all of them do. In some cases, you may support healing and reduce pain in your knee with the following non-surgical methods:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine
Knee brace for enhanced stability
Physical therapy to increase range of motion or strength
Crutches to avoid putting additional weight on the affected ACL

However, keep in mind that if you have torn the ACL and are at least mildly physically active, surgery is the most probable solution.

Stop the Pain and Start the Healing

If you’ve suffered a torn ACL in Baltimore, then surgery performed by a qualified surgeon can greatly improve your quality of life. Contact Ascension Saint Agnes to determine your options for healing your knee and regaining your mobility.

Elderly Man Holding His Knee In Pain On Couch

Does Alcohol Cause Joint Inflammation in Arthritis?

Written by hlisenby on February 14, 2023. Posted in Blog, Hip Injury, Knee Replacement.

People often report that their joints hurt after drinking. What causes this pain? And does alcohol cause joint inflammation?

Read on to discover how alcohol consumption affects joints and arthritis. And learn how to alleviate joint pain with a joint replacement in Baltimore or other remedies.

Can Drinking Alcohol Cause Joint Inflammation in Arthritis?

Some people have heard that consuming alcohol in moderation can reduce inflammation. For instance Resveratrol, which is found in red wine, does have some anti-inflammatory effects.

That being said, does wine cause inflammation in the joints? And what about other alcohol? For example, does beer cause inflammation of the joints?

The answer is Yes. Alcohol causes additional inflammation in the joints of people who have arthritis.

The reality is that alcohol consumption is likely to do more harm than good if consumed in excess. This is especially true for someone with pre-existing joint conditions such as:

Gout

The inflammatory arthritis known as gout coincides with increased levels of uric acid in your blood. Beer, wine, and other liquor has high amounts of purine, which is a compound that causes gout attacks.

Osteoarthritis

This degenerative joint disorder stems from cartilage breaking down in the body. Inflammation caused by alcohol can worsen this condition.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

While some studies suggest that low amounts of alcohol consumption can help prevent joint problems, those who already suffer from conditions like RA are more prone to pain and damaging effects.

If you experience joint aches after drinking alcohol, then it could be an indication of a more severe condition. You should consult your doctor to determine the appropriate amount of alcohol consumption after a proper diagnosis.

Why Joints Hurt After Drinking

There are several reasons why alcohol can lead to joint pain including:

Dehydration

Alcohol removes water from the bloodstream. This causes dehydration and thus various joint and other pains.

Inflammation

Alcohol inflames the body tissues. This is why those with chronic joint conditions may experience even more pain after drinking.

Drug Interference

When prescribed medication to alleviate joint pain, there is a reason that the doctor will typically warn against alcohol usage. It can disrupt the medicine’s ability to relieve pain and even interfere with bodily functions.

How Much Alcohol Can I Drink If I Have Joint Pain or Arthritis?

The safe amount of alcohol consumption depends on various factors unique to the individuals’ health and joint condition. Communicate with your doctor about the appropriate level of alcohol.

Some patients find that an occasional drink or two during the week or on special occasions is okay. However, always use moderation while balancing your health with having fun.

Relieve Your Joint Pain — Get Help

If you are considering joint replacement in Baltimore, you should consult with medical experts today. That way, you can get your questions answered regarding alcohol, joint pain, and options for pain relief.

An Individual Sitting On Mattress Suffering From Back Pain

Can Mattresses Cause Back Pain? 6 Warning Signs

Written by hlisenby on February 7, 2023. Posted in Back Pain, Blog, Knee Replacement.

Have back pain? If so, you’re probably wondering “can a bad mattress cause body aches?” And the answer truly depends on your mattress and the type of symptoms you’re having.

Now, if you’re suffering from back pain in Baltimore, orthopedic specialists can help. But you’ll still want to consider replacing your mattress if it is the culprit.

So let’s cover whether or not your mattress is responsible, and how to tell if you should get a new one.

Can a Bad Mattress Cause Back Pain?

Ideally, mattresses should help you feel relaxed and pain free. They should promote a good night’s sleep and leave you well rested without discomfort in the morning.

But can mattresses cause back pain instead of relieving it? The answer is yes. Everyone’s body is different. However, if your mattress is older, too firm, or too soft, then it could lead to moderate or even severe back pain.

How to Tell if Your Bed is Causing Back Pain

If your bed is causing your back to hurt, then you should begin looking for a new mattress immediately. If you don’t, you could have longer term back issues.

So let’s talk about how to know if your mattress is causing back pain and needs replacing. That way you can enjoy healthy, comfortable sleep.

Here are 6 big warning signs to watch out for:

1. You Wake Up With Temporary Back Pain

If your back pain is more noticeable in the morning, this could be a warning sign. If you notice that after stretching for around 15 minutes that your back goes away, then your mattress is likely the culprit. It means your back is stiff at night and not receiving blood flow.

2. You Struggle to Get Comfortable

If you’re finding it difficult to get comfortable at night, it could be due to your bed. For instance, if your bed is not supporting your hips and back correctly, then you will feel discomfort. A bed that’s too soft could create bad spine alignment.

3. You Wake Up Frequently

Waking up frequently through the night throws off your body’s natural circadian rhythm. You should be able to sleep for hours at a time, waking up very rarely throughout the night. So if you’re tossing and turning and unable to stay asleep, it could be time for a new mattress.

4. Sleeping In Other Beds Doesn’t Cause Pain

If you notice that sleeping in another bed — such as a guest bed, hotel bed, or another mattress in your house — does not cause you pain, then it’s a warning sign. There is probably something about your bed specifically that’s causing your discomfort.

5. Even Short Naps Cause Pain

When you lie down for a short nap, you should be able to wake up without any pain. If your back aches after even a 1 or 2 hour nap, then your mattress is probably at fault.

6. You Sink Too Much

A mattress that is too soft will create misalignment and curve your spine downward. If you feel like you’re “sinking” in your bed, then you should look for a more firm option.

How to Select a Mattress that is Good For Your Back

A good mattress will fit your personal comfort needs. Find a bed that is neither too hard or too soft for your preference.

A mattress that is too firm could cause extra pressure on your back’s pressure points and lead to misalignment.

On the other hand, a mattress that is too soft could create poor sleeping posture, leading to back pain when you wake up.

The perfect mattress will almost feel like you’re sleeping on air. It’s a little firm, but still has enough give – leading to a natural alignment while lying down.

Relieving Back Pain Caused By Mattresses

Can a bad mattress cause back pain? Absolutely, they can. If you are experiencing discomfort, you don’t have to suffer any longer. Discover the best options for relieving back pain and enjoying a renewed sense of health – schedule an appointment with the best specialists for back pain in Baltimore today.

Man Feels Knee Pain While Walking Outdoors With His Partner

How Long Does a Joint Replacement Last?

Written by hlisenby on January 23, 2023. Posted in Blog, Knee Replacement.

If you are one of the millions of Americans who have arthritis or another condition that requires a joint replacement, you may be wondering how long your new joint will last.

Replace the already present link with the below link Joint replacement by an orthopedic specialist in Baltimore will involve the surgical replacement of your damaged joint with an artificial one. Generally, the goal is to provide a durable and long-lasting solution.

We will discuss some of the most important things to keep in mind regarding joint replacement longevity.

Factors That Affect How Long a Joint Replacement Lasts

Joint replacement is generally thought to offer long-term pain relief, but how long the joint replacement lasts depends on various factors. These include:

1) The Patient’s Age and General Health

Joint replacement surgery involves complex surgery and recovery, so younger patients are typically better candidates for the procedure than older patients. Additionally, general health factors such as smoking, obesity, and underlying conditions can impact the longevity of a joint replacement.

2) The Type of Implant Used

Here are some types of implants that are used for joint replacement surgery:

– Metal and plastic: This is the most common type of implant, consisting of a metal stem with a plastic cup.

– Ceramic: Ceramic implants are designed to be incredibly long-lasting.

– Polyethylene: This implant uses highly specialized plastics to improve durability.

3) The Type of Joint Replaced

Certain joints, such as the hip and shoulder, tend to have longer-lasting replacements than others. This is because these joints are more stable and bear less weight than other joints like the knee.

Other factors, such as the patient’s activity level and how well they follow their post-operative instructions, can also affect the longevity of a joint replacement. For best results, it’s essential to discuss with your doctor what type of implant is right for you and develop a recovery plan according to your particular needs.

4) The Patient’s Activity Level After Surgery

Patients who have had a joint replacement should also be aware that their activity level following the procedure may affect how long the joint replacement will last. Patients who are highly active in sports or other physical activities after surgery are more likely to experience wear and tear on their artificial joints, which may cause them to degrade more quickly than if they had remained inactive. Therefore, individuals need to work with their doctor to establish an activity level that is safe and recommended after the procedure. With proper care, a joint replacement can last for many years, providing immense relief from pain and restoring mobility in the affected area.

5) Regular Follow-Up Visits With Your Doctor

Finally, it is essential for patients who have had joint replacement surgery to keep up with regular follow-up visits with their doctor. These checkups allow your doctor to monitor the progress of the artificial joint, spot any potential problems early, and make adjustments as needed to help extend the life of the joint replacement. Additionally, such visits are beneficial for keeping an ongoing dialogue between you and your doctor, so make these follow-up visits a priority.

Call Ascension Saint Agnes for the best joint replacement in Baltimore. We are committed to providing you with the highest quality care and the best results possible. Contact us today for more information about joint replacement surgery.