Joint replacement surgeries are pretty common. There are many people who have conditions that prevent their joints from working right, and so getting a joint replacement surgery is a great option. Here are some things you need to know about getting joint replacement surgeries.

Is There An Age Minimum or Maximum For Joint Replacement?

Generally speaking the people who get joint replacement surgeries are those in their golden years and well into adulthood. This is because the conditions that affect your joints usually don't present themselves till into adulthood, so the majority of patients tend to be older.

However, that doesn't mean that there are children and young adults are exempt from joint pain and eventually joint replacement surgeries. For example, if you or a loved one has a form of Juvenile Arthritis it can start in childhood and so by the time the person is a young adult, they may be in serious pain and needing a joint replacement. Usually the surgeon will try to hold off as long as possible, but in some cases they do perform surgeries are younger patients.

Is The Healing Difficult?

The healing of a joint replacement surgery is dependent on the health of the individual. If it is an active adult who is at a healthy weight and has a good diet, they are likely to heal quicker and easier than someone who is overweight, older, and less active. There are some people who have gotten joint replacement surgeries and are up and walking the next day. While others need help and therapy for weeks, even months after, until they are ready to walk unassisted.

Is There Anything You Can Do To Make A Joint Replacement Surgery Easier?

Being prepared for the surgery is one of the most important things you will do. Many times your orthopedist will ask you to go on a special diet to prepare. This may be a diet low in sugar and carbs, since these foods contribute to inflammation. You might be asked to start certain exercises that will strengthen the muscles around the joint, so that when you have the surgery the surrounding muscles are healthy. And lastly, physical therapy is key is these kind of surgeries. You can start therapy before you even undergo surgery and should plan and doing it right after you complete the surgery. This will speed up your healing.

By understanding these things you can understand what a joint replacement surgery will mean for you. Talk with a company such as Associates In Orthopedics & Sports Medicine PC for more information.