Living with chronic joint pain? You’re not alone. Many patients delay joint replacement surgery, hoping to “tough it out” or waiting for the “right time.” But according to SSM Health orthopedic surgeon Dr. Korey Partenheimer, postponing necessary joint replacement surgery could be doing more harm than good.
“What I often see in my practice is patients who have waited a long time, adapting to an increasingly limited lifestyle when they could have returned to their favorite activities years earlier,” said Dr. Partenheimer, who specializes in knee and hip replacements. “With today’s advanced surgical techniques and technology, joint replacement isn’t something to fear – it’s an opportunity to reclaim your quality of life.”
The hidden costs of waiting
When you delay joint replacement surgery, it’s not just about enduring pain. Postponing surgery can lead to:
- Muscle weakness and atrophy from reduced activity
- Increased strain on other joints as you compensate for the painful one
- Greater risk of falls due to unstable joints
- Depression and isolation from limiting social activities
- More complex surgery when you finally decide to proceed
Cutting-edge care at SSM Health
At SSM Health, Dr. Partenheimer and our other specialists utilize the latest technological advances in joint replacement surgery. “Modern joint replacement isn’t the same procedure it was even a decade ago,” he explained. “We now use robotic-assisted surgery, smart implants, sophisticated imaging technology for precise surgical planning, minimally invasive techniques with a goal of a faster recovery, and advanced materials that can last significantly longer than previous implants.”
The benefits of today’s joint replacement surgery include:
- Shorter hospital stays, often just one day
- Less post-operative pain
- Quicker return to daily activities
- More natural-feeling joint movement
- Better long-term outcomes
How do you know it’s time?
Dr. Partenheimer suggests considering joint replacement when:
- Conservative treatments no longer provide adequate pain relief
- Pain regularly interrupts your sleep
- You’ve given up activities you love
- Daily tasks like climbing stairs or getting dressed become challenging
- Pain medication dependency is increasing
Taking the next step
“The best outcomes occur when patients are proactive about their joint health,” said Dr. Partenheimer. “Having the surgery when you’re healthier and stronger typically leads to better results and faster recovery.”
Don’t let joint pain define your life. Schedule a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon at SSM Health to learn about your options. With modern surgical techniques and a commitment to exceptional patient care, you could be back to doing what you love sooner than you think.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about joint replacement surgery at SSM Health, visit ssmhealth.com/ortho.
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