According to the CDC, bone and joint disorders are the leading cause of disability in America, with knee pain being the second most common chronic type of pain. With millions of Americans experiencing knee pain, there are numerous alternatives to knee surgery that can help to reduce or eliminate your discomfort. We have gathered some of the most common non-surgical treatments below:

Cortisone Injections

A cortisone shot is a type of steroid injection where a version of the cortisone hormone is injected into the affected joint. This specific type of steroid will help to relieve discomfort and inflammation to the knee, which then reduces pain. These injections are seen as one of the most effective ways of treating inflammatory arthritis. On average, a patient would receive no more than three to four injections a year and the results can last up to several months.

Viscosupplementation

Sometimes referred to as a “Rooster Shot”, this injection directly addresses the root cause of knee pain by supplementing the joint. A natural gel lubricant is injected into the knee to make up for lost cartilage. As a result, joint motion and function are increased. Not to be confused with a cortisone shot which is seen to be a more generalized treatment than viscosupplementation. However, both injections aid in reducing inflammation to help those with arthritis.

Physical Therapy

Rehabilitative medicine is extremely beneficial for improving flexibility and joint support. When the muscles and soft tissues of the knee joint are stretched and strengthened, the results can go a long way in offsetting your knee pain.

PRP Therapy

This is another type of injection, but one in which platelet-rich plasma is injected into the knee joint to help alleviate pain. The platelets in your blood contain growth factors that, when injected into an injured area, are believed to help the tissues repair themselves by assisting in the formation of new cells.

Bracing

Knee braces provide external stability to the knee and can aid in managing your discomfort. The goal of a knee brace is to shift your weight off the most damaged part of your knee. This means you should be able to get around much more comfortably.

If you would like to discuss your options with one of our specialists, you can schedule an appointment online here!

The post Non-Surgical Options for Knee Pain appeared first on Premier Orthopaedics.

If you have persistent joint pain, the reason could be damage to the cartilage, caused by one of several underlying conditions. While each case is unique, the most common causes of joint pain are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Arthritis typically results from minor repetitive injuries, trauma to the joint cartilage, or heredity.

Osteoarthritis forms as a result of gradual, wear-and-tear damage to the cartilage that protects the joints. It causes swelling, pain, stiffness, tenderness and limited range-of-motion. As the condition worsens, cartilage wears away, causing bones to rub against one another. Osteoarthritis is the common condition that leads to knee and hip replacement surgeries, and affects over 32.5 million American adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joints. As a result, inflammation and fluid builds up in the lining of the membranes that surround the joints, causing swelling, pain, stiffness, fatigue and fever. As the disease progresses, the lining thickens, leading to pain and destroying the cartilage. Eventually, it can result in bone erosion and joint deformity. Patients who have rheumatoid arthritis most often undergo knee and hip replacement surgery; however, shoulders, ankles and wrists are common too.

Non-surgical, conservative treatments – such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, physical therapy and injections – should be the first course of action. If these treatments do not relieve your pain, it may be time to consider surgery. Talk with your doctor about what’s right for you.

Joint replacement surgery typically takes a few hours and is usually performed in a hospital’s operating room. During the procedure, the surgeon replaces damaged cartilage and bone with a prosthetic component. The prosthetic, which is made out of plastic, ceramic or metal, is designed to imitate a joint and can last up to 25 years. Most patients are up and walking with assistance the day of surgery, discharged two days after the procedure, and immediately placed in an outpatient physical therapy program. Some younger patients may even be able to begin this process at home with the help of skilled clinical staff from a home health agency.

If you are suffering with chronic pain, swelling, restricted mobility, stiffness and limited range-of-motion, talk to your primary care doctor or consider a visit to an orthopedist. Not every case ends up in surgery, but it’s best to work with professionals who know your goals, can present options, and will work with you to relieve pain.

The post Why Do My Joints Hurt? appeared first on Premier Orthopaedics.

Jeffrey Malumed, M.D., a board-certified orthopaedist with Premier Orthopaedics at Crozer-Keystone Health System, says, “Joint pain is the result of damaged cartilage that lines the end of the bones. When cartilage wears away, bone can rest against bone without any cushion of protection, making it very painful to get around.”

Patients opting for joint replacement have usually tried medications, such as the pain reliever acetaminophen (Tylenol) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil). Physical therapy and cortisone shots, as well as arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure, may also have been tried without success.

Dr. Malumed says, “Thanks to advancements in technology and the benefit of experience, knee replacement – also known as knee arthroplasty, has become highly effective in eliminating pain and restoring one’s range-of-motion and function.”

Be sure to ask your doctor about all your treatment options, including total or partial knee replacement, as well as minimally invasive procedures which offer the benefits of less pain and faster recovery times. Please note that patients whose symptoms are not related to joint disease, are too heavy to undergo surgery or be supported by an artificial joint, and who have poor skin coverage, a serious illness or a terminal disease are usually not strong candidates for joint replacement surgery. If you are suffering from pain in the knee or any other joint, it’s time to speak with your doctor. Together, and inclusive of your loved ones, you can discuss the best course of action to ensure your future quality of life.

To make an appointment with a Premier orthopaedist at Crozer-Keystone, please call 1-855-255-6468.

The post Are You A Candidate For Knee Replacement Surgery? appeared first on Premier Orthopaedics.

If you’re about to undergo joint surgery, it’s best to be as informed as possible so that you’re fully prepared and know what expect during the procedure and recovery. Keep reading to learn more about how to prepare for joint replacement surgery.

Understanding Your Joint Pain

Joints are the places in the body where the bones meet. The ends of the bones are covered in cartilage so they can easily glide against one another without causing pain. When a patient is experiencing joint pain, he or she typically feels discomfort, aches, and general soreness in the joint.

Talk to Your Doctor

Be sure to schedule an appointment to talk with your doctor in order to gain a full understanding of the procedure. Undergoing surgery can make you feel uneasy, but discussing it with your doctor and knowing what to expect can make you feel less nervous. Ask any questions you may have in addition to the following:

• What type of anesthesia will I receive?
• What type of implant or prosthesis will be used?
• How long will I stay in the hospital?
• How long will my recovery take?
• How will my pain be managed after surgery?

Plan for Arrival at Home

Recovering from joint replacement surgery will take a few weeks, so preparing your home for your arrival after the surgery will help you rest more comfortably. Take the following tips into consideration when preparing your home for your recovery period:

• Be sure to arrange to have someone take you home from the hospital after the procedure since you won’t be able to drive. If possible, it’s best for someone to stay with you for a few days after surgery to help you get settled.
• Have meals made up ahead of time for a week or two that are ready to eat or can easily be microwaved.
• If your bedroom is on the second floor, make a bed on the first floor so you don’t have to climb stairs. Have everything you need in this room such as the phone and the television remote.

Preparing for Surgery

In the weeks before your procedure, your medical team will make sure you’re prepared. You will have a medical evaluation performed, preoperative tests such as blood tests or X-rays, and discussion regarding the anesthesia that will be used during the surgery.

Joint replacement surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures for aging members of the population. Your doctor may suggest joint replacement surgery if nonsurgical treatment methods have been unsuccessful in the past. Following these tips to make sure you’re prepared will help your surgery and recovery process go more smoothly.

If you need an orthopaedic surgeon, click here to download our ebook, Your How-To Guide to Choosing an Orthopaedic Surgeon. This guide is full of helpful information, such as questions to ask surgeons to make sure you select the best one for you.

The post How to Prepare for Joint Replacement Surgery appeared first on Premier Orthopaedics.

In some cases, patients with hip pain are wary about addressing the situation because they want to avoid hip replacement surgery. However, not all hip injuries call for surgery. There are many different non-operative treatment methods that can help relieve your hip pain and get you back to living your normal life. Read on for more information about these treatment methods.

Anti-Inflammatory Medication

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are used to treat mild to moderate pain. These drugs will treat pain associated with the inflammation caused by muscular tears, bursitis, tendonitis, arthritis, or synovitis. They’re typically used in conjunction with another treatment method such as physical therapy. Anti-inflammatory medications are also administered to relieve pain after surgery.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is crucial to treating hip pain. The hip joint is surrounded by muscles, so physical therapy aims to strengthen the muscles as well as increase flexibility and range of motion. By doing so, inflammation is reduced, which also alleviates pain.

Injections

Your doctor may recommend that you receive injections. One type of injection is called diagnostic. During this procedure, a numbing drug is injected into the joint, and the immediate relief from pain will confirm that the joint is the source of the pain.

The other type of injection will relieve pain by putting cortisone directly into the hip joint. This method is beneficial because it typically lasts for a long time, even up to two weeks.

Thermotherapy

This is the practice of apply hot or cold packs to the affected area. Heat can loosen the muscles and sooth the inflammation, while cold packs can reduce inflammation.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

This method uses low-voltage electric impulses to relieve your pain. It’s believed that pain is relieved by inhibiting the conduction of pain to reach the receptors in the brain and spinal cord. During this method, the patient wears a device that generates the impulses.

If you utilize these methods for several weeks but don’t see any results, you may need to seek out a more serious treatment, such as surgery. Talk to your doctor and find out whether you’re a candidate for hip surgery.

Hip arthroscopy allows orthopaedic surgeons to make a small incision and insert a tiny device into the joint that relays the image onto a large monitor. The surgeon can see inside the joint and correct any issues with miniature tools without having to create a large incision that can make the recovery time longer.

Premier Orthopaedics is dedicated to providing quality care to all of their customers. If you’re considering surgery for your hip pain, download our e-book, Your How-To Guide to Choosing an Orthopaedic Surgeon.

The post Non-Operative Treatments for Hip Pain appeared first on Premier Orthopaedics.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do at home to relieve this hip pain. Keep reading to learn more about how to reduce your pain and get back to your life.

Exercise

Starting your day with a few simple hip exercises or non-impact workouts can help increase the range of motion in your hip and reduce pain. Loosening your muscles will activate them to make the rest of your day less painful.

For a bridge exercises, lie on your back with your legs bent and your feet flat on the floor hip-width apart. Press down on your ankles and raise your buttocks off the floor, tightening your abdominal muscles. Hold for three to five seconds then lower yourself back to the floor.

Non-impact exercises such as swimming, yoga, and cycling can also activate your muscles and help you feel better. Be sure to avoid high-impact activities such as running and jumping, though, as they can make your pain even worse. If you want to get out and talk a walk, be sure to take it slow to be easy on your joints.

If you’re dealing with hip pain caused by arthritis, losing a few pounds if you’re overweight can help relieve pain. This will take some pressure off the joint.

Stretch

In addition to exercise, you’ll want to be sure to stretch your affected hip. Stretching the muscles can give you some relief from the pain.

Ice

Icing your hip will help reduce the inflammation in the joint and decrease pain. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to your hip for 20 minutes approximately five times per day.

Hot Bath

While you want to avoid a hot bath if your hip pain is caused by bursitis, warming a hip joint affected by arthritis can soothe the joint.

Strengthen Thighs

Strengthening your inner and outer thighs can provide more support for your hips so your body relies more on your thigh muscles than your hips.

One workout for inner thighs is to lie on your back and put a softball between your knees and squeeze it. Do one set of 10 repetitions and build up to three sets.

To strengthen your outer thighs, lie on your pain-free side and lift the leg affected by arthritis and hold for three seconds then lower it. Start with one set of 10 repetitions then build up to three sets. Repeat on the other side unless it’s too painful.

These treatment methods can be performed on your own every day to reduce your hip pain. However, it’s still important that you seek treatment from a doctor who can provide you with other effective treatment methods, such as medication or possibly surgery.

If you’re considering hip surgery, click here for more information about choosing an orthopaedic surgeon for you.

The post Five Ways to Relieve Daily Hip Pain appeared first on Premier Orthopaedics.

The joints in your body are the points where bones come together. The ends of your bones are coated in articular cartilage that provides cushioning to make it comfortable when the bones move against each other. In an unhealthy joint, the cartilage wears away and causes the ends of the bones to rub together without any cushioning. Not only is this painful for the patient, but the bones constantly rubbing against each other can be dangerous for the bones.

If you have experienced any of the following symptoms, you may be dealing with joint damage and should seek treatment immediately:

• Stiffness
• Pain while at rest
• Pain during movement
• Pain that wakes you up at night
• Inability to utilize the limb attached to the affected joint

While you’re seeking treatment for your damaged joints, it’s crucial to decide whether surgical or non-surgical methods are the best choice for you. It’s usually best to try out all non-surgical treatment options before undergoing invasive joint replacement surgery.

Surgical Options

If you’ve undergone non-surgical treatment methods to address your joint pain and haven’t had success, it may be time to consider surgery. It’s best to discuss this with your doctor and learn as much about the surgical process as you can. Some of your options may include the following:

Arthroscopic Surgery

This procedure is where a tiny camera, called an arthroscope, is inserted into small incisions around the joint. The image is then broadcast to a larger screen so the surgeon can see inside the joint. Your surgeon will use miniature tools to operate on the joint, and because the incisions are small, the recovery time is minimal.

Total Replacement Surgery

When your joint is completely damaged, it must be removed. In a total replacement surgery, a surgeon will remove your damaged bones and replace the working parts with metal, plastic, or ceramic components. This surgery will have your joint working properly with the help of physical therapy and exercise.

Non-Surgical Options

Physical Therapy

Working with a physical therapist could improve your flexibility, reduce pain, and strengthen the muscles surrounding your joints to take stress off of them. Your physical therapist will instruct you to perform a series of repetitive exercises that will become increasingly more difficult as you grow stronger.

Medication or Cortisone Shots

Some people take over-the-counter medication to reduce their pain. While this will not treat your injury, it will help you feel more comfortable. Your doctor may also recommend cortisone or steroid shots to relieve your pain for longer periods of time.

Exercise and Lose Weight

If you’re dealing with an injury and pain in the hip or knee joint, losing weight could reduce your pain drastically. Starting a workout regimen and healthy diet can help you achieve your goals and relieve the added strain on your joints.

If you’re dealing with joint pain, you can find relief. Be sure to speak with your orthopaedic physician to learn about the best option for you.

To find out how to pick the right orthopaedic surgeon, download our e-book, How to Choose an Orthopaedic Surgeon.

The post Surgical and Non-Surgical Options for Joint Pain appeared first on Premier Orthopaedics.

Adapting to life with a knee that is recovering from knee replacement surgery can be challenging. Rehabilitation plays a large role in helping you participate in your normal activities and allowing your knee to move the way it did before injury. It’s important to take it slow and never continue a movement that causes you pain. It will also improve the health of your joint and the success of the surgery for years to come.

Your rehabilitation will start soon after surgery and will likely last around 12 weeks. While doctors don’t want you to rush recovery, you are encouraged to start using your artificial knee slightly, with the help of a therapist, right away.

Your physical therapist will assign you repetitive exercises that will strengthen the muscles around your knee joint and help you regain the flexibility needed to move the joint properly. They will also help you adjust to minimal use of your knee during recovery and show you how to get around using an aid like a cane or crutches.

Physical Therapy Exercises

Below are a few examples of exercises that you’ll perform during rehab. Your physical therapist will monitor your activity and increase the difficulty of your exercises as you continue to become stronger and your knee replacement is working properly.

Ankle Pumps

Increasing ankle flexibility helps you strengthen your leg muscles and provides support to your hips.

First, lie on your back with your toes pointed upward. Roll up a towel and place it beneath your ankle on your operated leg. Using your calf muscles, bend your ankle so that your toes are pointing towards your shin and hold for five seconds. Then, bend your ankle so that your toes are pointing away from your shin and hold for five seconds. Perform ten repetitions, three times a day.

Quad Exercises

Strengthening the muscles in your quadriceps is crucial when rehabilitating a knee joint replacement, but you need to make sure not to strain your replacement in the process. These exercises allow you to work your quad muscles while your hip and knee are at rest.

Start off by lying flat on your back on a soft mat or a bed. With your legs extended, tighten the quad muscle in one leg and hold for five seconds. Complete ten repetitions, three times per day on both legs.

It’s crucial that you follow your physical therapist’s instructions exactly and stop any exercise if you experience pain.

If you’re considering knee replacement surgery, download our e-book, How to Choose an Orthopaedic Surgeon. This educational guide will help you choose a reputable surgeon you can trust.

The post Physical Therapy after Knee Joint Replacement appeared first on Premier Orthopaedics.

Like all major surgical procedures, there may be risks associated with joint replacement surgery. It’s important to take care of yourself properly after your surgery in order to prevent any complications that may develop.

Complications following joint replacement surgery differ from one surgery to another. These risks include blood clots, lung congestion, infection, stiffness, and implant failure.

Blood Clots: Blood clots may form after surgery, so your doctor will prescribe blood thinning medication. You may also wear compression stockings to keep blood circulating in the legs. Slow, easy movement will also prevent blood clots.

Lung Congestion: You’ll be assigned breathing exercises after your surgery to keep your lungs clear. Pneumonia is a risk after any major surgery, so these exercises were designed to prevent it.

Infection: The wound from your surgery can become infected, and in more serious cases, the joint itself could develop an infection. Antibiotics will be prescribed by your physician to reduce this risk following your procedure and prior to any medical procedures in the future.

If your joint replacement becomes infected, it may need to be removed. After the infection has cleared, you may be able to have a new joint replacement.

Stiffness: It’s normal for you to experience stiffness after joint replacement. Regular physical therapy will correct this, but if the stiffness persists, it’s important to notify your doctor.

Implant Failure: As time passes, your implant may wear out and loosen. This is why younger patients aren’t typically great candidates for joint replacement surgery. If the joint wears out, a revision surgery may be performed.

Follow Your Physician’s Directions

It’s crucial that you follow the aftercare instructions from your surgeon exactly as outlined. This includes your pain medication, antibiotics, and caring for the wound. Failure to follow instructions can result in painful infection or implant failure.

Don’t Overdo It

After your surgery, it’s important that you rest and recover for the appropriate amount of time. Your body needs to heal and get used to your new joint replacement. Participating in physical activity before you’re ready could result in injury. To avoid reinjury, make sure your home is set up so you don’t have to move more than necessary. Place all the items you need, such as the phone, easily within reach. Make a bed on the first floor so you don’t exert yourself climbing the stairs. Prepare your meals ahead of time or have someone assist you during your recovery.

Physical Therapy

Patients who are recovering from joint replacement surgery typically participate in physical therapy sessions to gain full range of motion in their new joint. This reduces stiffness and pain. Most people make a full recovery by utilizing physical therapy sessions.

Take these tips into consideration when preparing for joint replacement surgery. For more information about how to find a reputable orthopaedic surgeon, download our e-book, How to Choose an Orthopaedic Surgeon.

The post How to Reduce the Risk of Complication after Joint Replacement appeared first on Premier Orthopaedics.

Infection can occur at the wound site of the replacement surgery or within the replacement joint itself. It can happen immediately after the surgery, or even years later. Physicians will take serious measures to prevent and treat an infection.

Joints are the point at which two bones come together. Types of joints include the ball-and-socket joint and the hinge joint. The ends of bones are often covered in articular cartilage which provides cushioning for the bones to move easily. In an unhealthy joint, the cartilage wears away and the ends of the bones rub together without any cushioning. This causes a great deal of pain for the patient and can lead to the ends of the bones wearing down. When this happens, some people have no choice but to have their joints replaced.

In a joint replacement surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged parts of the bones, such as the ball-and-socket joint in the shoulder, and replaces them with artificial metal or plastic pieces that resemble the real bones.

Infection

Any infection that exists within your body can travel to your joint replacement. Because these replacements are artificial and the immune system does not recognize them as part of the body, it doesn’t attack bacteria that can cause infection. Some people are more at risk to develop infection than others.

Factors that increase this risk include:

• Immune deficiencies including HIV and lymphoma
• Diabetes
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Obesity
• Immunosuppressive treatments

If you’re experiencing symptoms of infection, it’s important to contact your doctor right away. Ignoring an infection could make you very sick, so it’s crucial that you seek treatment immediately.

Signs of infection include:

• Persistent fever higher than 100 degrees
• Draining from the incision wound
• Increasing pain whether you’re resting or moving
• Tenderness, redness, or swelling of the incision wound

Examination

After you’ve contacted your doctor about the symptoms you’re experiencing, if they suspect infection, they will perform a physical examination. This exam will include imaging tests like X-rays and bone scans, as well as blood tests that can identify infection.

Treatment

• Non-surgical

If the skin or the tissues around the joint replacement has become infected, your physician will prescribe antibiotics to treat this issue. These treatments are for infections that are caught in the early stages.

• Surgical

If your infection has made its way into the artificial joint, you will most likely need to undergo surgery to have the infected areas removed. In a mild case, your surgeon may only remove the infected tissues surrounding the joint. In more severe cases that occur months or years after joint replacement, the artificial joint may have to be removed.

Discuss your risk of developing an infection with your doctor before undergoing joint replacement surgery. Although these conditions can occur, they are typically very rare.

If you’re considering orthopaedic surgery, download our e-book, How to Choose an Orthopaedic Surgeon. This educational guide will help you choose a reputable surgeon you can trust.

The post How to Avoid Infection after Joint Replacement Surgery appeared first on Premier Orthopaedics.