When Should You Consider Joint Preservation for Your Joint Pain?
Joint preservation is a surgical or non-surgical approach that keeps your joints healthy without joint replacement surgery. You should consider joint preservation to avoid going the route of replacement. Dr. Stephen Fisher, MD, can help you preserve your joints. You can benefit from a variety of procedures that can treat different joints in your body.
Areas of your body that can benefit from joint preservation
- Knees
- Hips
- Elbow
- Shoulders
- Ankle
Types of joint preservation techniques
Although you can undergo surgery, your sports medicine specialist might recommend minimally invasive procedures before going the surgical route. One of the most common techniques that your specialist will recommend include physical therapy and diet. The following are common joint preservation surgeries.
Realignment procedures/ osteotomy
A knee osteotomy is a joint preservation procedure that you will undergo to straighten and align your leg. The technique works to relieve pressure on your joints caused by damaged tissues. Your surgeon will divide the bone, remove a wedge of bone and realign your bone.
The realignment ensures that your bone is in the correct position, and you will not experience any pressure. After recovery, you will not experience joint pain as before.
Minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures
Arthroscopic procedures minimize your recovery time because the surgeries use small incisions to evaluate and treat the affected area. For example, if you have a painful knee, your surgeon will use an arthroscope, which is an endoscope to evaluate your knee joint.
Your specialist will carry out the necessary repair. If you have damaged tissue, your surgeon will remove them before stitching you up. You can expect to recover after six weeks.
What tips can you do to keep your joints healthy?
Poor food and lifestyle choices can affect your joints. You must practice healthier habits to promote healthy joints and avoid the need for joint replacement surgery. You can use the following tips:
Exercise regularly
Exercise is one of the most important things you can do for healthy joints. People with arthritis can benefit from regular exercise because the movement increases the strength and flexibility of their joints. If you are an athlete, ensure you warm up thoroughly before engaging in any exercises.
If you stay too long without exercise, your joints might become stiff. You can include simple exercises like walking, jogging, stretching, and swimming.
Eat a balanced diet
The foods that you eat will directly affect the health of your joints. If you have a condition like arthritis, you should avoid inflammatory foods like processed foods full of sugar and saturated fats. Eat a balanced diet full of wholesome foods like potatoes, brown rice, lean meats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Maintain a healthy weight
Extra weight places unnecessary pressure on your joints. If you are overweight, lose weight to promote healthy joints.
If you have joint pain and don’t want to undergo joint replacement surgery, visit Team Fisher Ortho for evaluation and treatment. You will experience qualified and experienced staff ready to help. Call or book an appointment online and restore your quality of life.
