1. < Joint Replacements

Hip & knee pain -- when to consider joint replacement?

Posted by Leon R @leonr, Aug 10, 2011

Well, the "subject" says it all. When is it right to consider joint replacement?? I still get around, but going down stairs is pretty dicey. Occasionally, when walking, a knee "buckles" (haven't fallen yet). Fairly frequent brief, very sharp pain in knees. Knee & hip pain when I've walked a short distance, but can keep going if I slow way down. Do I wait as replacement techniques improve, but I get older so heal more slowly (now 75)?

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Sophe | @sophe | Aug 19, 2011

Usually the x-ray will tell you, plus when your limitations seriously interfere with quality of life.

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1 reply
mun080 | @mun080 | Aug 19, 2011

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swhitmire | @swhitmire | Sep 2, 2011

I waited untill i had to get in a wheel chair...When you have it done you will probably say what i said..."i wish i had done it earlier! "Had both knees done at same time...because i knew if i had one done i wouldnt go back!!! Soi had both done.I do every thing now..The only thing i cant do is lean down on my knees (like when you squat down on your knee).otherwise its great! Besides i had a 78 year old lady tell me she had them done at once, and i thought if she can i can..so i did.

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2 replies
KS | @ks | Sep 27, 2011

I have 2 total knee replacements. One of them is 21 years old, the other one is 5 years old. I LOVE my knee replacements. No pain, straight legs, full range of motion. Pain level is what drives most people to replacements. As for waiting for advancements, don't bother, this surgery has evolved greatly and is very, very effective. Rehab is extremely painful but MUST be completed to get the full benefit. You don't need to keep suffering. My surgeon came from the Mayo Clinic!! Use a surgeon that only does knees. Good luck

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4 replies
charbaby | @charbaby | Oct 10, 2011
In reply to @swhitmire "I waited untill i had to get in a wheel chair...When you have it done you..." + (show)
@swhitmire

I waited untill i had to get in a wheel chair...When you have it done you will probably say what i said..."i wish i had done it earlier! "Had both knees done at same time...because i knew if i had one done i wouldnt go back!!! Soi had both done.I do every thing now..The only thing i cant do is lean down on my knees (like when you squat down on your knee).otherwise its great! Besides i had a 78 year old lady tell me she had them done at once, and i thought if she can i can..so i did.

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There seems to be no recent posts are you guys getting more than i am? Haven't heard from either of you since my last attempt. I see a consulting derm from Vanderbilt today. Doubt he will have any magic for me. Still haven't seen a rheum but not thinking that is a big deal since the only joint that hurts is my rt. hip from tendonitis following partial hip replacement in 2008. Can't take my fav NASIDS for it because I'm on methotrexate. Hope you guys are doing good.

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goodfriends | @goodfriends | Nov 14, 2011

The sooner you do them the better...you'll wonder why you waited...

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1 reply
Paul Lueders | @paullueders | Nov 26, 2011
In reply to @sophe "Usually the x-ray will tell you, plus when your limitations seriously interfere with quality of life." + (show)
@sophe

Usually the x-ray will tell you, plus when your limitations seriously interfere with quality of life.

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I' m having one knee done next week and the other in 8 weeks. You're right, x-rays say it all . In my case, old Arthur Rightus had eaten away the cartilage. I'm a teacher. How long will I need to stay home. I'm 60, and very active.

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liza | @liza | Mar 5, 2012
In reply to @ks "I have 2 total knee replacements. One of them is 21 years old, the other one..." + (show)
@ks

I have 2 total knee replacements. One of them is 21 years old, the other one is 5 years old. I LOVE my knee replacements. No pain, straight legs, full range of motion. Pain level is what drives most people to replacements. As for waiting for advancements, don't bother, this surgery has evolved greatly and is very, very effective. Rehab is extremely painful but MUST be completed to get the full benefit. You don't need to keep suffering. My surgeon came from the Mayo Clinic!! Use a surgeon that only does knees. Good luck

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Would you be willing to share the name of your doctor at the Mayo Clinic who did your replacement.? Thanks!

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KS | @ks | Mar 6, 2012
In reply to @ks "I have 2 total knee replacements. One of them is 21 years old, the other one..." + (show)
@ks

I have 2 total knee replacements. One of them is 21 years old, the other one is 5 years old. I LOVE my knee replacements. No pain, straight legs, full range of motion. Pain level is what drives most people to replacements. As for waiting for advancements, don't bother, this surgery has evolved greatly and is very, very effective. Rehab is extremely painful but MUST be completed to get the full benefit. You don't need to keep suffering. My surgeon came from the Mayo Clinic!! Use a surgeon that only does knees. Good luck

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My doctor did a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. He currently practices in NYC at Insall Scott Kelly (ISK). His name is William J. Long. He actually did my right hip (very good results). When I read back my Post I realized I mispoke. My knee surgeon is W. Norman Scott of Insall Scott Kelly....he's always been in NYC. I'm sorry they're not local for you. Find a surgeon who only does knees. I think it's really important.
Good Luck!

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liza | @liza | Mar 6, 2012
In reply to @ks "I have 2 total knee replacements. One of them is 21 years old, the other one..." + (show)
@ks

I have 2 total knee replacements. One of them is 21 years old, the other one is 5 years old. I LOVE my knee replacements. No pain, straight legs, full range of motion. Pain level is what drives most people to replacements. As for waiting for advancements, don't bother, this surgery has evolved greatly and is very, very effective. Rehab is extremely painful but MUST be completed to get the full benefit. You don't need to keep suffering. My surgeon came from the Mayo Clinic!! Use a surgeon that only does knees. Good luck

Jump to this post

Thank you so much for your prompt reply. I really appreciate it!

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