Whether you suffer from knee, hip, or shoulder joint pain, total joint replacement surgery can be a powerful solution that can restore your comfort and mobility. But while this orthopedic procedure has a high success rate, it does require a lengthy recovery. Encouraging patients to fully explore their options for relief, Associates in Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Dalton, GA, highlights five signs that it’s time to find out if you’re a candidate for total joint replacement.

5 Reasons to Consider Total Joint Replacement 

1. You Have Chronic Pain That Medication Can’t Relieve

Most patients who seek joint replacement surgery have arthritis, which is a condition characterized by chronic pain. In many cases, this pain can be relieved with medications and therapy. However, if these solutions aren’t working for you, a prosthetic joint replacement can introduce you to a pain-free life.  

2. You’re 55 or Older

Since prosthetic joints wear out faster with use, young patients with an active lifestyle aren’t always good candidates for the surgery. Typically, the best time to opt for the procedure is between the ages of 55 and 70 years old.

3. You’ve Explored Other Methods

Before you commit to surgery, find out if there are other non-invasive therapies that can help. By taking an MRI, your orthopedic specialist can get a full look at your joint health and determine if the condition could be helped with an alternative solution.

4. You’re in Good Health

To be a candidate for total joint replacement, your general health must be good. For example, if you are suffering from a condition that lowers your immunity, you might have a higher risk of infection after surgery. Additionally, individuals who smoke cigarettes are known to experience less positive results than those who do not.

5. You Can Take Time to Recover

Soon after the surgery, you will have to start physical therapy to promote a fast and complete recovery. However, post-surgery physical therapy takes several weeks to complete. As such, those who have work or family obligations in the foreseeable future might need to postpone the operation.

If you think you’re a candidate for total joint replacement in Dalton, GA, Associates In Orthopedics & Sports Medicine will provide the complete care you need to tackle your pain. Whether you need an MRI to diagnose your joint condition or require advanced physical therapy services after the surgery, this team of specialists is equipped with the tools and expertise you need. To schedule a consultation to discuss your options with an orthopedic specialist, call (706) 226-5533. For more information on their services, visit their website today.