Arthritis: Yoga Poses To Strengthen Knees

From ndtv.com

Try these yoga asanas to strengthen your knees if you have arthritis

Arthritis is a disease that distorts the functions and abilities of our joints and joint muscles. People suffering from arthritis often experience pain and stiffness around their joints. These symptoms are often prolonged and can restrict one's daily life.

Medication, lifestyle changes, diet, and exercise have been proven helpful in reducing these symptoms. Arthritis symptoms in the knees may pose discomfort and can constrict one's mobility. Regular exercise of the knee joints can provide relief and reduce pain and strengthen the knees.

Yoga has been proven to be one of the most effective regimes to reduce arthritis symptoms. As it is modifiable and boosts elasticity, it is highly advised for people with arthritis. In this article, we discuss some easy-to-follow yoga asanas that help strengthen the knees.

However, these yoga asanas help strengthen the knees and may be high-intensity for beginners. We advise you to practice stretches before you incorporate these yoga asanas into your workout routine.

Yoga asanas that strengthen knees for people with arthritis:

1. Child pose

Child pose also known as balasana is an easier yoga position if you wish to strengthen your knees. It is a low-intensity but helpful pose. Here's how you can practice the child pose:

• Sit straight with your legs folded
• At this point, your feet are supposed to be facing upwards
• Now, slowly bend your torso forward on the floor
• At this point, your arms should be extending forward as well, as far as possible
• Your face should also be facing the floor as well as your palms
• Your calves, forehead, and palms should all be touching the ground in this position
• As it only stretches your body and is a resting pose, it provides comfort and relaxation
• Hold this position for 10-15 seconds and perform 4-5 sets daily.

Child pose is a low-intensity yoga pose to strengthen knees

2. Chair pose

The chair pose is another core and knee strengthening pose. This pose helps stretch out and strengthen the knees. Here's how you can perform the chair pose.

• As the name suggests, you are required to squat in this position
• Squat as though you would sit in a chair
• At this point, raise your arms and keep them straight positing towards the ceiling
• Hold this position for 30 seconds and repeat 4-5 times minimum

3. Bridge pose

This pose is very common in other regimes as well. The bridge pose helps strengthen the knees and also strengthens the core. Here's how you can perform the bridge pose:

• Lie on the ground facing the ceiling with your hands on your sides
• Slowing lift your hips off the ground
• At this point, the only thing touching the floor should be your upper torso, head, arms, and feet
• Hold this position for 10 seconds and repeat 4-5 times

4. Tree pose

Tree pose is one of the most popular yoga poses. This pose focuses on improving balance and may require some practice. Here's how you can perform the tree pose:

• Stand straight
• Raise your arms the hold them straight towards the ceiling
• Now lift either one of your legs and place your feet on the other thigh
• You can rest your right foot on the left knee on the side or anywhere from that to the thigh
• Ideally, your foot should be as far up on your thigh as it can get
• Hold this position for 30 seconds and repeat 4-5 times minimum

In conclusion, in order to relieve arthritis pain, you must work on body strength. Working towards bettering flexibility and strength can equip your body to manage arthritis. As discussed in the beginning, various other factors contribute to the health of our joints. Along with these yoga asanas, we also encourage you to consume a nutrient-packed diet.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information

https://www.ndtv.com/health/arthritis-yoga-poses-to-strengthen-knees-3095903

How to Manage Anxiety When Living With Psoriatic Arthritis

From verywellhealth.com

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a progressive, inflammatory condition that affects the joints and entheses (the tissues that connect tendons and ligaments to your bones). PsA is caused by an over-reactive immune system. It is associated with psoriasis and can be similar to rheumatoid arthritis.

About 1 in 3 people with PsA also have anxiety. This can be explained, at least in part, by the pain and sleep disruptions caused by PsA.If your anxiety is affecting your quality of life, reach out to your healthcare provider to talk about treatments that can help.

Here's a closer look at how anxiety is related to PsA, along with 12 tips to help manage it.

Elva Etienne / Getty Images

How Is Anxiety Related to PsA?

Anxiety is characterized by feelings of worry or fear. It's common for people with chronic illnesses to have anxiety; often, they worry about their symptoms getting worse. Anxiety becomes a vicious cycle for people with PsA because poor mental health can be associated with higher perceptions of pain and more stress, which can trigger painful PsA flares. It is important to make sure mental health is addressed alongside physical health when treating PsA.

12 Tips to Deal With Anxiety

These tips and tricks can help people with PsA manage their anxiety and improve their quality of life.

#1 Develop a Pain Management Plan

Pain is a significant issue for people living with PsA. But knowing you and your healthcare team have a plan in place to deal with it can help keep you from stressing about it. Treating PsA usually involves a combination of medication, physical activity, dietary changes, mental health support, and other therapies. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often the first line of treatment for pain, but if they don't work for you, your healthcare provider may recommend other medications, such as prescription-strength NSAIDs or a corticosteroid drug. 

#2 Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and guided imagery can help with both anxiety and pain. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MSBR) is a noted and effective form of meditation for arthritis. It involves being fully present in the moment and recognizing thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental way.

#3 Make Sure You Get Quality Sleep

Sleep problems are common in those with PsA. And not getting enough sleep can cause anxiety or make it worse. Sleep medications, practicing good sleep habits, and relaxation techniques may help, but it’s also important to address any ongoing pain issues that could be contributing to your insomnia.

#4 Consider a Mental Health Specialist

A mental health specialist, such as a therapist, can teach you tools and techniques to manage your anxiety while providing emotional support and referring you for a medication evaluation, if necessary. Taking care of your mental health will not only improve your day-to-day life, it can also help ease your pain and other PsA symptoms.

#5 Seek Social Interaction

The combination of anxiety and physical pain from PsA can make you feel like staying home and not interacting with others. But isolating yourself can make your anxiety worse. Have a lunch date with a friend, schedule a weekly phone call, join a support group—anything to foster a sense of connection with others.

#6 Try Aromatherapy and Other Alternative Therapies

Alternative and complementary therapies for PsA have not been well-studied, so before you try any, talk with your healthcare provider first. That said, you may get some relief from both anxiety and pain by trying acupuncture, massage, or aromatherapy with essential oils. Scents used to treat anxiety and stress include rose, sweet orange, clary sage, and lavender.

#7 Exercise on a Regular Basis

Staying active offers many benefits for people living with PsA. For one thing, people with arthritis notice their joints stiffen up and muscles become weaker when they're inactive. And, of course, exercise is proven to help boost mood, and it can provide a social outlet, too. If you’re interested in starting a regular exercise program, talk with your healthcare provider about what activities are safe and most appropriate for you.

#8 Keep a Journal

Journaling has been found to have benefits for both physical and emotional health. Regularly writing down your thoughts and feelings can help reduce anxiety while also lowering blood pressure and improving immune system function.

#9 Avoid Unhealthy Coping Behaviours

Living with anxiety and chronic pain can be incredibly hard, but unhealthy coping behaviours will ultimately make things worse. These include isolating yourself, avoiding check-ups or not adhering to your treatment plan, abusing drugs or alcohol, and other risky behaviours. If you’re having a hard time coping, reach out to your healthcare provider or a trusted loved one for help. You don’t have to do this alone.

#10 Limit Alcohol and Caffeine

Alcohol has the potential to worsen PsA symptoms and inflammation, and heavy drinking is also linked to anxiety. Too much caffeine can also trigger anxiety. As with anything, moderation is important for both caffeine and alcohol.  

#11 Contemplate Getting a Pet

There are many ways a furry friend can help ease PsA-related anxiety. For example, pets help provide a distraction from pain, provide comfort and companionship, and can reduce feelings of isolation.

#12 Eat Nutritious Foods

While diet cannot cure PsA, certain foods can help improve your mood while reducing inflammation. These foods include fatty fish, nuts, olive oil, lean protein, and colourful vegetables. If you need some guidance, a dietitian can help put together a meal plan that best suits your needs.

Summary

PsA is a chronic condition that doesn’t just affect you physically, but also emotionally. Anxiety is common, but there are many ways to manage it, including exercise, seeking counselling or a support group, developing a pain management plan, and more.

A Word From Verywell

It's important not to overlook the mental health effects of a chronic illness like PsA. If you're struggling with anxiety, tell your healthcare provider. They can go over coping tools with you, and if necessary, connect you with a mental health professional.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Does psoriatic arthritis affect you emotionally?

  Yes. One in 3 people living with PsA were found to have at least mild anxiety, and 1 in 5 reported at least mild depression.

• Does stress trigger psoriatic arthritis flare-ups?

  It can. Your body's stress response can cause your muscles to tense, increasing pain, and it can also trigger inflammation, which contributes to joint damage.

• Do people who live with psoriatic arthritis have a greater risk of having panic attacks?

  People living with PsA have a significant risk of having anxiety, which can potentially lead to panic attacks. Not everyone with anxiety will develop panic attacks, though. The good news is that both PsA and anxiety can be managed with proper treatment.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/psa-and-anxiety-5218914 

The Doctor Game: There’s a way to ease arthritis pain naturally

From thewesterlysun.com

"Why shoot a mouse with an elephant gun?” It’s a good question to ask those suffering from osteoarthritis (the wear-and-tear type of arthritis). Why is it that so many of these people have never been advised to try natural approaches before using strong drugs which can cause major side effects and complications?

Vitamin C

This vitamin is the most overlooked natural remedy in treating aging joints. Vitamin C is needed to produce healthy collagen, a vital component of cartilage. Deteriorated cartilage leads to bones grinding against one another causing pain. Researchers at Boston University Medical Center studied the vitamin C intake of 640 people. They discovered that those with a higher intake of vitamin C were protected against progression of osteoarthritis of the knee and slowed development of knee pain.

Remember, animals make vitamin C and humans do not. Linus Pauling, two-time Nobel prize winner, knew that humans receive more than enough C in the food they eat to prevent scurvy. But diet alone does not offer near enough vitamin C to prevent arthritis and coronary attack. Pauling took 20,000 milligrams (mg) daily. The recommended daily dose is 75 mg. If you decide to take high doses of vitamin C, you might experience diarrhoea, in which case dial back the dosage. But your cardiovascular system and aging joints will thank you for a generous daily supply.

Exercise

If you don’t use your joints, you lose them. Exercise gets the heart going, and this is the pumping mechanism that pushes vitamin C and other nutrients into joints to nourish cartilage. It is under-use and poor maintenance, not just over-use, that causes so many people need hip and knee replacements.

Diet

A sound diet is powerful therapy for any condition and arthritis is no exception. Studies show that a mostly vegetarian diet has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect in improving joint pain. Patients with arthritis should concentrate on complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, vegetables, legumes and fruits. Fish oils contain omega-3 essential fatty acids, high in EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which have been shown to reduce morning stiffness and swollen joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease. They help ease arthritis pain by decreasing the production of prostaglandins, molecules made at sites of tissue damage or infection that control processes such as inflammation, which in turn causes pain. Take supplements if you are not getting enough fish oil in your daily diet.

Boswellia

Turn to herbal extracts used for centuries in Asia and Africa to treat pain. Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is obtained from the Boswellia serrata tree. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory compound that in recent years has been attracting significant attention. Boswellia has undergone human trials for knee pain and can be used in the prevention and treatment of diverse chronic diseases. It is devoid of toxicities. Look in natural health food stores for Casperome®, a new form of Boswellia better absorbed by the body. Faster absorption also means faster pain relief.

Natural approaches to treating arthritis are safe and effective. But in North America every year, 26,000 people die from gastrointestinal bleeding due to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aspirin, Tylenol, Advil (ibuprofen) Naproxen and others. Casperome® has been used safely and effectively together with NSAIDs, helping patients reduce the amount of NSAIDs needed to block pain.

Natural remedies can also have side-effects. After all it was hemlock that killed Socrates! But pound for pound, they are much safer than prescription drugs and it is logical to try them first.

Dr. W. Gifford-Jones, aka Ken Walker, is a graduate of the University of Toronto and Harvard Medical School. You can reach him online at his website, docgiff.com, or via email at info@ docgiff.com.

https://www.thewesterlysun.com/opinion/guest-columns/the-doctor-game-there-s-a-way-to-ease-arthritis-pain-naturally/article_b73828c8-f108-11ec-a844-47a9d4da3b5d.html 

Seven easy ways to protect your joints long term

From telegraph.co.uk

Lower the risk of ‘wear and tear’ arthritis in later life by adopting this expert-approved strategy 

As we head into middle age and beyond it seems none of us will be immune to joint problems.

According to Versus Arthritis, a UK charity, 10 million Brits suffer regular joint pain. This is mostly osteoarthritis (often called “wear and tear” arthritis), which often afflicts weight-bearing joints such as hips, knees, spine and toes.

Osteoarthritis is caused by the cushioning cartilage in our joints breaking down, leaving the underlying bone prone to damage. The result is pain, stiffness, swelling and grating. Risk rises with age, with around a third of people over the age of 60 having knee osteoarthritis.

How do we keep this dread visitation at bay? The temptation is to stay home and give our creaking bones an easy time. All the latest science says the opposite. 

1. Carry on walking 

Regular walks can ward off knee pain for over-50s with knee osteoarthritis, says new research published earlier this month in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology. 

A four-year study of more than 1,000 people found that among those who don’t walk for exercise, more than a third suffered frequent knee pain, compared with only a quarter of regular walkers. The walkers also suffered less physical damage to knee joints.

“This study highlights the importance of good old exercise,” says Dr Grace Hsiao-Wei Lo, the lead researcher, and an assistant professor of immunology, allergy and rheumatology at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston. The research suggests that walking may also help to manage osteoarthritis in hips and feet because it builds supportive muscle and strengthens ligaments. 

Meanwhile, more energetic mid-lifers can keep on running – so long as there’s no pain. In March, a study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine revealed recreational running does not necessarily harm knee cartilage.

But vigorous high-impact sports, such as football, rugby and netball, are best avoided by most mid-lifers, says Ian McDermott, a consultant knee surgeon at London Sports Orthopaedics.

“People persist despite starting to get niggling pains, thinking they can overcome them. But those pains mean you’re heading towards osteoarthritis,” he says. “It’s time to take up something gentler on joints such as walking, swimming or cycling.”

2. Try tai chi or yoga 

A 16-week study of 50 volunteers aged over 60 in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that while both exercise regimes helped with general movement and coordination, tai chi was better at strengthening knees and hips.

"Gentle strengthening exercises are strongly recommended. The key is generally to stay fit and healthy,” says Deborah Eastwood, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon and president-elect of the British Orthopaedic Association.

“What’s great for your health is best for your joints,” she says. “That means good habits such as staying off the sofa and avoiding chips, chocolates and smoking.”

3. Wear sturdy flats 

Your footwear can be crucial joint protectors, according to a six-month study of more than 160 people. Physiotherapists at the University of Melbourne, Australia asked volunteers aged over 50 to wear either supportive shoes with thick soles that didn’t bend much, or flat shoes with thin, flexible soles, for six hours a day. 

Some experts believe flexible soles help protect joints by allowing more natural movement of the leg and foot. However, the study in last year’s Annals of Internal Medicine reported that 60 per cent of people in the supportive shoe group enjoyed reduced knee pain, compared with only 40 per cent of those who wore flat, flexible footwear. Flexible wearers, the study found, were twice as likely to develop ankle or foot pain.

If you’re wearing running shoes, trendy ones with heels can increase pain compared with completely flat (though highly supportive) ones, reports another study, published in March by investigators at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They warn in the journal Gait & Posture that heeled running shoes make the knee bend more, which puts increased stress on the joint.

4. Ditch the fast food  

Tucking into convenience foods on a regular basis may speed the deterioration of joints by causing chronic inflammation. The problem is that foods such as ready meals and pizza are high in industrial fats that promote the growth of toxic bugs in our guts, researchers at the University of Rochester, New York, warn.

Their studies on lab mice found the toxic bacteria caused chronic inflammation throughout the rodents’ bodies, leading to rapid joint deterioration.

Changing one’s diet will help, but the researchers also reported in the journal JCI Insight in 2018 that consuming probiotic bacteria, such as the common yoghurt additive Bifidobacteria, seemed to help keep toxic bugs at bay, even in convenience-food consumers.

However, as for taking costly supplements that promise to “boost” joint health or even regenerate cartilage, don’t bother, says McDermott: “None of them work. The supplement industry is a multi-billion-pound con,” he says. “The only one worth taking regularly is vitamin D for bone strength because so many of us in Britain are deficient. Eating a healthy fresh diet with regular oily fish is the best thing you can do.”

5. Watch your weight 

Being overweight or obese is reported to be the “largest modifiable risk factor” for joint problems such as osteoarthritis and knee, hip and ankle pain, according to Versus Arthritis.

Carrying just 7lb of extra weight can mean an added 30lb of pressure on your knees and other lower body joints as you walk. Extra weight also puts an additional load on your spinal discs, which can lead to back pain.

A study of more than 2,500 volunteers in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism found a strong link between people with a high body mass index and disc degeneration in people with joint pain in their lower backs. The researchers also suggested fat cells may exacerbate the problem by causing chronic skeletal inflammation.

6. Treat yourself to moderate tipples 

The Queen reportedly gave up one of her treats – an evening dry martini – last year on the advice of doctors who warned it may be bad for her joints. 

In fact, scientists are still fathoming alcohol’s effects. A study of 2,000 Brits aged over 45 found that while drinking beer seems to increase the risk of joint problems in knees and hips, moderate wine consumption might actually lower the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.

Moderation certainly appears to be key, say experts at the Arthritis Foundation charity. “While moderate drinking may reduce some risks of developing arthritis, if you already suffer from arthritis or a condition like gout, it may do more harm than good.”

7. Keep feeling positive 

“Do everything you can to keep your moods happy, not least for the sake of your joints,” says Eastwood. “Research suggests low mood exacerbates people’s experience of arthritic pain. This can put them off exercising. Sedentariness worsens pain levels and restricts physical flexibility, so people exercise less. It all becomes a vicious spiral.

“If you can maintain a positive mental attitude then your ability to cope with aches and pains is improved,” she adds. “As a consequence, you get out and enjoy an active social life and get the joint-fostering benefits that gentle exercise brings.”

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/body/seven-easy-ways-protect-joints-long-term/

Rheumatoid Arthritis: 5 Hand Exercises To Reduce Stiffness & Pain

From ndtv.com

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause stiffness and pain to hand muscles and joints. Try these easy and quick hand exercises to improve the symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints and muscles in your body. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation, pain, and discomfort in the joints. This discomfort is often prolonged which can cause various other issues in the body and may even affect your mood.

One of the most common body parts that are affected is the hands. Rheumatoid arthritis in the hands is often ignored while treating arthritis. Various medications, foods, and exercises have been posed helpfully in reducing the severity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. In this article, we discuss some easy-to-follow hand exercises to reduce and relieve pain from your hands' joints.

5 hand exercises to relieve arthritis pain in your hands:

1. Finger bends

Under this technique, you are required to exercise one finger at a time. Open your palms and slowly bend one of your fingers inwards. As if you are folding your finger. Hold this position for 10 seconds and release. Repeat this with all your fingers and your thumbs. This exercise helps reduce stiffness and pain in your finger joints. Repeat at least 5-10 times on each finger and thumb. This exercise is great for people that have to write or type often.

2. Fists

As the name suggests, you are required to make fists of your hands. Try to squeeze your fist in as much as you can. This exercise can help reduce stiffness from various joints in your hands. Make sure to repeat this exercise 4-6 times and hold each fist for at least 10-20 seconds.

Gripping stretches can significantly improve pain and stiffness in your fingers

3. Wrist rolls

This exercise is a great way to start your workout routine. Lack of flexibility in your wrists can affect the movement and exercises in other parts of your body. For example, you require strength, flexibility, and grip in your wrist and hands while weight training or performing pushups, and so on. Lack of movement in the wrist can cause pain post-workout. To perform this exercise, form your hands into a wrist and hold it straight in front of you. Rotate your fists anti-clockwise (from your wrists) in a circular motion into 20 circles. Repeat clockwise and another 20 rounds. Try this exercise in sets of 2-4.

4. Finger lifts

This exercise focuses on strengthening and bettering your knuckles. To perform this exercise, place your palms flat on a table. Slowly lift one finger at a time, off the table. Hold this stretch for about 10 seconds and perform with each finger and thumb. Perform on both hands into at least 2-3 sets.

5. Gripping stretches

As the name suggests, you are required to practice grip under this exercise. To perform this exercise, you might require a squeezable ball. This ball should be about 4-6 cm big and should fit in your fist comfortably. Now, squeeze this ball for about 10 seconds and release. Alter the intensity of squeezing according to your convenience. Perform into 5 sets on both hands.

In conclusion, proper stretching can help reduce the stiffness and pain in your joints. As we use our hands and fingers actively every day, it is important to exercise them as well along with full-body exercises. Your diet can also help reduce pain and stiffness. A proper diet can boost the efficiency of rheumatoid arthritis medication as well.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

https://www.ndtv.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis-5-hand-exercises-to-reduce-stiffness-pain-3049840

 

Everything You Need to Know About Arthritis Surgery

From healthline.com

Arthritis is a group of diseases that cause swelling and tenderness in one or more joints.

There are over 100 typesTrusted Source of arthritis, and around 1 in 4 American adults are diagnosed with some form of it.

Surgery can be an effective treatment for cases of arthritis that don’t respond to more conservative treatments, such as rest and pain medication. Arthritis surgical options range from minimally invasive procedures to total joint replacements.

Read on to learn about the use of surgery to treat arthritis, including types, pros and cons, and recovery time.

Who needs arthritis surgery?

Generally, doctors recommend trying conservative treatments before considering surgery.

Common nonsurgical treatments for arthritis include:

• rest
• changing exercise routine or activity level
• steroid injections
• medications
• physical therapy
• applying heat or ice 

If none of these treatments offer relief, you and your doctor can suggest best next steps. Surgery may help improve your joint function, reduce pain, and prevent further joint damage. The decision to pursue surgery for arthritis varies on your individual case, and other personal health factors.

Arthritis surgery types

Many different types of surgeries are available to treat arthritis.

The best option for you depends on multiple factors, including:

• which joint or joints are affected
• how severe your arthritis impairment is on your life
• your overall health
• your age
• other personal risk factors

Let’s explore what different procedures look like, and what research says surrounding their effectiveness.

Arthroscopy

An arthroscopic procedure is performed with a tool called an arthroscope — a thin, flexible tube with a light at the end. Surgeons guide this tool through a small incision to do detailed work such as removing broken pieces of cartilage or repairing damaged ligaments.

In general, procedures performed with an arthroscope are less invasive than open surgery, require less anaesthesia, and have a quicker recovery.

However, arthroscopy is not considered the go-to arthritis treatment, and many doctors caution against it. For example, the Arthritis Foundation actively discourages arthroscopy to treat osteoarthritis. Research shows that arthroscopy usually doesn't provideTrusted Source substantial or prolonged pain relief.

Total joint replacement (Total joint arthroplasty)

A total joint replacement (TJR) replaces a damaged joint with an artificial implant made out of metal, plastics, or ceramics.

A TJR is most often performed on the knee or hip, but can be done elsewhere.

A total knee replacement can reduce pain while improving quality of life and mobility. However, joint replacements eventually wear out and require joint revision surgery. For example, most knee joint implants should last at least 10 to 15 years. Revision surgery can be more expensive and complicated than the original surgery.

The best candidates for a total joint replacement are people with severe pain who haven’t found relief with less invasive treatments. Your doctor may recommend this procedure if you have constant painTrusted Source, can’t move your joint well, and have problems with daily activities like climbing stairs, walking, or bathing.

Recovery from a total joint replacement can be a long process. According to the National Health Service, you should be able to stop using crutches or other supportive devices 6 weeks after a knee replacement. It may take 3 months for pain and swelling to go down, and up to a year for swelling to disappear completely.

Partial joint replacement (Joint resurfacing)

A partial joint replacement only replaces part of your knee or hip instead of your entire joint. For the knee, the most common way it’s performed is by removing the inner or outer compartment. For the hip, the joint socket is replaced with a metal cup, and the ball of the joint is capped with a metal layer.

Partial knee replacements can help improve daily function. Partial hip replacements may allow you to participate in high-impact sports. The downside is partial replacements tend to be difficult to perform and may have higher complication rates than full joint replacements.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, the best candidates for partial knee replacements are less active people with arthritis in one of the three compartments of their knee. The best candidates for a partial hip replacement are men under 50 with a large build, in particular athletes and people with physically demanding jobs.

Partial joint replacement may not be appropriate for people with smaller bone structures.

Returning to daily activities after your procedure tends to take about 3 to 6 weeks. Many people can return to sports like golf in 6 to 10 weeks. Hip resurfacing typically causes pain and discomfort for several weeks after surgery, and you’ll most likely resume regular activity after about 6 weeks. 

Osteotomy

An osteotomy involves cutting one or more of your bones, or adding a wedge near your damaged joint, to prevent further damage. For example, a knee osteotomy involves cutting and reshaping either your shin bone or upper leg bone to relieve pressure on the joint.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, the best candidate is in their 30s and younger than what’s usually recommended for a total joint replacement.

Osteotomy can delay the need for a joint replacement by more than a decade. However, they’re complicated and highly specialized.

A knee osteotomy may be performed in people with early-stage osteoarthritis on one side of the knee. A hip osteotomy may be recommended for young adults with arthritis isolated to a small part of the hip. The procedure involves cutting the femur or pelvic bone to prevent further cartilage deterioration.

After a knee osteotomy, you may be able to resume normal activities after 3 to 6 months. After a hip osteotomy, it may take up to a year. 

Synovectomy

A synovectomy is a procedure that treats inflammatory forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis.

The most common type of joint in your body is called a synovial joint. These joints contain a joint cavity filled with fluid and are lined with a thin membrane called the synovium.

Synovial joints include:

• knees
• elbows
• shoulders
• fingers
• hips
• wrists

In people with inflammatory arthritis, the synovium can become inflamed and cause damage to cartilage and other parts of the joints. A synovectomy removes most or the entire damaged synovium to relieve pain and improve joint function.

Candidates for a synovectomy include people with inflammatory arthritis with only minor cartilage damage in a joint and who didn’t respond to anti-inflammatory medications. A potential complication of the procedure is a limitation in your range of motion.

The surgery has fewer complications when performed with an arthroscope than with traditional incisions.

The recovery time depends on the joint you have treated but generally takes a minimum of 3 weeks.

Joint fusion (arthrodesis)

Joint fusion may be required if you have severe damage from osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis. During the procedure, your surgeon will use pins, plates, or rods to fuse two bones together so that you can no longer move your joint. Eventually, new bone tissue will grow between the two bones.

This surgery may be performed on your:

• ankle
• wrist
• finger bones
• spine

Fusion of the knee or hip is rarely performed.

Joint fusion offers permanent results. The downside of this procedure is it can alter your range of motion and flexibility and lead to problems in other joints due to altered biomechanics. Fusion of a joint like your spine is a major operation. It’s common to need to wait 6 months to a year before being able to return to some activities.

Joint fusion is usually only performed to treat severe arthritis pain. It was a more standard treatment to treat arthritis before the development of joint replacement surgery.

Joint revision

A joint revision surgery replaces a malfunctioning or damaged implant. Joint replacement usually lasts more than a decade before needing replacement.

A 2019 studyTrusted Source estimates that about 58 percent of hip replacements will last 25 years. In another studyTrusted Source by the same research team, they estimated that 82 percent of total knee replacements will last 25 years.

Factors that may lead to the need for early revision surgery include:

• loosening of the joint implant
• dislocation
• infection
• worsening joint problems

Revision surgery is highly variable based on your individual situation. Often, the procedure is more complicated than the original procedure.

It may take up to 12 months to recover from knee revision. Recovery from hip revision surgery may take 12 to 18 months.

Complications

Every surgery comes with potential complications. It’s important to talk to your doctor about potential risks before choosing a surgery so you can weigh the pros and cons.

In some cases, the original surgery isn’t successful at treating your arthritis, and you’ll need a second procedure. If your surgery or revision isn’t successful, you may have more pain or a more limited range of motion than before.

If you receive a joint replacement, there’s a small chance that there will be problems with the implant itself. This can include mechanical malfunctions, or an inflammatory allergic reaction from your immune system.

Other potential complications of arthritis surgeries include:

• adverse reaction to anaesthesia
• infection
• blood clots
• nerve injury
• bruising
• ligament or blood vessel injury
• loss of range of movement
• persistent pain

For knee replacement surgery, complications occur in about 1 in 20 people. 

Outlook

Arthritis can cause significant pain and discomfort. Depending on the joints affected, you may experience serious impairment in your daily life and activities. Surgery is one option used to treat arthritis when other first-line treatments, such as physical therapy and pain medication, aren’t effective.

Many types of surgery are used to repair or replace joints damaged by arthritis. Whether surgery is right for you depends on your specific case and individual health factors. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of arthritis surgery, what options are available to you, and any concerns you have about complications.

https://www.healthline.com/health/arthritis-surgery