Joint replacements are commonly performed on knees, hips, and shoulders that have arthritis or degenerative changes to the surfaces. Your joints are composed of cartilage and synovial fluid that reduces the friction where the two bones meet. The cartilage wears away, reducing the space between the bones causing pain and joint damage. The bones begin to wear down the cartilage and will eventually damage the joint. Advanced joint damage may require physical therapy or even surgery. 

Below are 6 signs that will help you determine if you need joint replacement surgery. 

1. You Have Chronic and Significant Pain
   
   Damage to your joint can cause chronic and significant pain. If you experience any of the following, you should talk to an orthopedic specialist: 
   
   -Taking painkillers frequently to deal with the pain
   -Pain prevents a quality night's sleep, despite pain medications
   -Pain prevents you from performing daily activities
   -Conservative treatments have not helped your pain or ROM
   -You compensate for your pain, causing other muscle soreness
   -An assistive device is needed to perform daily activities
   
   A primary reason patients avoid joint replacement surgery is the potential recovery period. If your pain is already limiting your activity, it makes sense to try physical therapy or even have surgery to restore function to your affective joint. Severe pain is one of the main reasons patients seek a replacement. 

2. Completing Routine Tasks are Challenging
   
   The most important factor you should keep in mind when you’re deciding if you should have replacement surgery is how much it is affecting your life. Even if you can manage the pain, joint surface changes can make even the most routine tasks difficult or impossible, such as: 
   
   -Putting on your shoes or socks 
   -Walking normal distances 
   -Reaching for items above head 
   -Inability to move or bear weight on the affected extremity

3. Your Normal Range of Motion is Limited
   
   Stiffness is another indication that your joint may be compromised and need joint replacement surgery. Acute joint stiffness is normal following a recent injury, however chronic joint stiffness justifies medical attention. Speaking with an orthopedic specialist may be beneficial. 

4. Less Complicated Surgical Procedures are Not Helpful
   
   Other surgical procedures can be an alternative to joint replacement surgery. However, surgeons may perform them to prolong a joint replacement. However, joint replacements have developed a high success rate among most patients. If your doctor believes you will not benefit from less complicated surgical procedures, you could be a candidate for the joint replacement surgery. 

5. Pain is not Relieved by Conservative Treatments 
   
   Many people with conditions affecting their joints do not need surgery immediately. Your doctor might attempt conservative treatment options, including: 
   
   Physical Therapy: Strengthens and stabilizes muscles surrounding the joint and preserves or restores the range of motion. 
   Steroid injections: Reduces swelling and blocks pain signals. 
   Anti-inflammatory medications: Reduces inflammation in the joint, which can relieve pain. 
   
   These treatments do not cure the conditions. However, they can improve function and reduce pain. Unfortunately, there may come a point when these measures become less effective to provide relief. Pain medications such as NSAIDs, are relatively safe, however, side effects can develop with prolonged use.
   
   Including: 
   -Stomach irritation or ulcers 
   -Increased risk of stroke, blood clots and heart attack 
   -Weakened immune system  
   -Increased tolerance to the medicine that is being taken to achieve the desired effect 
   
   When that happens, your doctor may suggest surgery.  

6. Joint Pain Is Wearing You Down Emotionally and Mentally
   
   The physical results of hip joint pain are affecting your ability to move and perform actions. However, chronic joint pain can also take a toll on a patient’s emotional and mental well-being. Even if you can tolerate the pain level, dealing with symptoms for months or years can produce signs of a mental health condition. Chronic pain has been linked to depression, anxiety and shown to exacerbate preexisting mental illness. 
   
   Try one of our physical therapy clinics for conservative treatments or post operative rehab:

   SANDUSKY
   2500 W. Strub Rd.
   Suite #150
   Sandusky, OH 44870

   CLYDE
   112 Independence Way
   Suite #170
   Clyde, OHIO 43410

   FREMONT
   629 Bartson Rd.
   Fremont, Ohio 43420

   NORWALK
   164 Milan Ave.
   Norwalk, Ohio 44857