Joint Arthritis can make everyday life very difficult. There are three types of arthritis that you can have in your joints:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): This type of arthritis is due to wear and tear of your joints over time. It causes the cartilage to deteriorate and can result in bone rubbing on bone.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): This type of arthritis is caused by an autoimmune disease that attacks various joints throughout the body. This disease is chronic and inflammatory in nature and damages ligaments and cartilage while softening the bone.
• Post-traumatic arthritis (PA): This type of arthritis will develop after a trauma or injury to the joints. It may not develop until years after the injury.

Arthritis and Your Life

Arthritis pain can begin suddenly, but it is most likely to develop gradually over time. You may first experience pain when waking up in the morning or when you stand up after sitting for a while. Some patients say changes in weather can bring on arthritis pain. Eventually, you may notice that the pain has taken control over your ability to complete everyday tasks. It may hurt to walk, climb stairs, or even sit down. You may not be able to bend or straighten your joints as before. You may also feel a grinding sensation in your joint or popping and cracking sounds when you walk. Arthritis can even wake you up in your sleep. The appearance of your joint may change and become deformed due to the breakdown of the bone structure. There may come a time when you decide that you need help.

Treatment Option - Joint Surgery

Joint replacement surgery is considered after all other conservative options have failed to provide any relief. If you have tried all your doctor’s recommendations and are still experiencing pain, stiffness, or lack of stability, then it is time to consider making a choice that will allow you to get your life back to normal. 9 out of 10 patients who undergo knee replacement surgery state they feel immediate pain relief and 95% of all patients are satisfied with the procedure. Patients can expect implants to last up to at least a decade, with some lasting as long as 20 years. This procedure enables years of active and healthy living. The impact of a joint replacement surgery on your life can be profound.