Joint Replacement Education
Answers to commonly asked questions about knee and hip replacement
What causes pain in knee and hip?
Hip pain and knee pain may come from an injury that happened a long time ago or from a recent trauma, such as a car accident or a fall. You may also experience pain simply as a result of the natural aging process. As we age, the cartilage that cushions our joints wears thin and the bones may begin to rub together or press on surrounding nerves. Oftentimes the hip causes knee pain and vice versa. You may be experiencing pain in your knee but upon examination it’s discovered that the source of the problem is actually in your hip.
When is it time for knee replacement or hip replacement?
- Experiencing moderate to severe hip or knee pain while resting day or night
- Having swelling or stiffness of the hip joint or knee joint that does not improve with rest or medication
- Being unable to move at the hip or having difficulty bending or straightening the knee
Only a doctor can accurately diagnose your condition by performing a physical exam, reviewing your health history, and looking at results from tests, such as an X-ray or MRI. Together, you and your orthopedic specialist will determine if these limiting symptoms justify undergoing surgery.
Are there options other than knee replacement or hip replacement?
What is hip replacement or knee joint replacement?
What is the knee and hip replacement success rate?
What is the risk of knee replacement or hip replacement?
What is the average hospital stay for knee replacement or hip replacement surgery?
What happens after knee replacement surgery or hip replacement surgery?
Where will I go after discharge from the hospital?
How is the recovery after full knee replacement / partial knee replacement or hip replacement?
You’ll need to avoid high-impact sports, such as jogging, downhill skiing and tennis.
It also helps to take a positive and very patient attitude towards recovery. Being patient yet persevering can make a tremendous difference in your first weeks and months of recovery. The sooner you start moving, the sooner your recovery begins!