Although infections after knee replacement surgery are rare, orthopedic surgeons in Jacksonville, FL, want their patients to be informed about the risks and how to avoid complications from infection. The more you know about these risks, no matter how low, the better prepared you’ll be when recovering from surgery. (more…)
Although infections after knee replacement surgery are rare, orthopedic surgeons in Jacksonville, FL, want their patients to be informed about the risks and how to avoid complications from infection. The more you know about these risks, no matter how low, the better prepared you’ll be when recovering from surgery.
Types of Infections
There are two kinds of knee infections possible after replacement surgery: superficial and deep knee infections. Here are some things you need to know about these different types of infections.
Superficial: This kind of infection usually occurs at the incision. Infections at the incision site often happen shortly after surgery while still in the hospital. Although, it’s also possible to develop a superficial infection when you get home. It’s important to treat superficial infections right away to prevent major problems from developing.
Deep knee infection: Some patients develop infections around the artificial knee. Orthopedic surgeons often see these infections develop weeks or even years after the replacement surgery. In order to determine the right course of treatment, see your orthopedic doctor in Jacksonville, FL, right away if you believe there is a deep knee infection. Often, surgery is needed to correct the problem.
Who Is at Risk of a Deep Knee Infection?
All knee replacement surgery patients have some risk. However, if it’s been over 2 years since you had your surgery, your chances of developing a deep knee infection decreases significantly. It’s more common for people who have had the surgery in the past 24 months to develop this problem.
You’re also at risk of developing a deep infection if you have any of the following health issues:
- Diabetes
- Dental problems
- Lymphoma
- BMI over 50
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Receiving treatment for a compromised immune system
- You’ve had previous knee surgery
- You smoke
Any of the above conditions can lead to an increase risk of infection. Talk with your orthopedic surgeon in Jacksonville, FL, about your risk factors before going through with knee replacement surgery.
Signs of a Knee Infection
Prior to your surgery, your surgeon will go over the signs of infection with you. However, here are some things that you’ll want to keep an eye on over the months following your knee surgery.
Superficial infection symptoms include the following:
- Redness, warmth, tenderness, swelling, or pain around the knee or incision area
- A fever of 100˚F or higher
- Frequent chills
- Gray, smelly drainage from the incision after the first few days
Deep knee infection symptoms include the following:
- The same symptoms as above
- A recurrence of pain after initial pain has stopped
- Pain that increases in intensity after a month
Your doctor will evaluate the situation and prescribe pain medication, additional surgery or different types of orthopedic therapy in Jacksonville, FL, to help alleviate discomfort.
If you’re experiencing knee or joint pain and require knee replacement surgery, don’t be fearful of possible infection. When you work closely with orthopedic surgeons in Jacksonville, FL, you’ll have a lifetime of mobility from your new knee.
4 Signs It’s Time to Consult an Orthopedic Hip Surgeon
Do you have pain or stiffness in your hips? If so, it might be time to consult with an orthopedic clinic. Many people associate these aches and pains with getting older, but severe pain and tightness should never be mistaken for the normal aging process. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your physician for a referral to an orthopedic center in Jacksonville, FL. (more…)
Myths about Joint Replacement Surgery Debunked
Are you considering joint replacement surgery? Several myths surround joint replacement surgery. Knowing that much of what you’ve heard isn’t true should put you more at ease going into your joint replacement surgery. (more…)
5 Most Common Causes of Knee Pain
Severe knee pain is an unfortunate part of a lot of people’s lives and can hamper everyday obligations. Unfortunately, knee pain can happen to almost anyone, no matter their age, gender, or lifestyle. To protect yourself from the dangers of escalating knee injuries and conditions, it’s important to know the common causes. Knowing the exact reason for knee pain can lead to a more accurate diagnosis and increase the chances of a successful treatment. If you are experiencing severe knee pain and want to seek out treatment, make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist spine care in Jacksonville, FL.Here is a list of the most common causes of knee pain. (more…)
Signs You May Need Joint Replacement Surgery
Joint pain might seem like nothing more than a side effect of getting older, but the reality is that pain isn’t supposed to be something that rules your life. Pain is meant to be a sign that something is wrong with your body and needs to be fixed, and in some cases, pain is a sign that you need major medical attention to function properly. (more…)
The Benefits of Chiropractic Medicine for Treating Spine Injuries
When a person has a back injury, the first thought is usually to reach for a pain reliever or a muscle cream to relieve the soreness. But when the back pain relates to a spinal cord issue, pills or creams usually aren’t the solution that you’re seeking. (more…)
An Overview of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeries
For years, spine surgeries were something for patients to seriously worry about. In order to get the procedure done properly, doctors had to make a major incision in the patient’s back, opening up an area of about five to six inches. The muscles had to be pulled back to open access to the spine, causing a new kind of pain after the surgery. In other words, it was common for patients to find themselves entering with one back problem and leaving with another. (more…)
Dos and Don’ts after Joint Replacement Surgery
One of the downsides to aging is that our joints wear out or get damaged. A lifetime of playing sports, exercising, and other physical pursuits, just like any appliance you have, takes its toll. In extreme cases of joint damage or wear, it may be necessary to replace the joint. If your doctor is recommending joint replacement procedures in Jacksonville, FL, the following are some do’s and don’ts for you following your surgery.
Do Listen to Your Doc
Your joint replacement specialist in Jacksonville, FL, has one job as it pertains to replacing your joints and your recovery. That means they’re not going to give you advice or recommendations that will hurt you or slow your recovery. You need to listen to them and do what they tell you to do regarding rest, recuperation, and rehabilitation.
Don’t Push It
If you’re the least bit active, the recuperation part of your post-surgery routine will be the most frustrating. The tendency will be, especially once you start to feel better, to push your rehabilitation as hard as you can. While a commitment and dedication to your rehab program is ideal, your joint replacement therapy in Jacksonville, FL, will be geared towards making sure everything you do helps you recover. Unless told otherwise, you must stick to the routine that is recommended and not push beyond that.
Do Exercise, but Sensibly
Once you’re well into your recovery, you will be able to begin exercising external to any joint replacement programs in Jacksonville, FL, that you’re involved in. You must pursue low-impact exercise like walking, bicycling, or swimming and avoid any exercise or sports that could lead to any type a physical impact. When exercising, do so strenuously, but do not overdo it.
Don’t Flex the Joint beyond the Rehab Threshold
As important as low-impact exercises to your recovery, it’s equally as important that you do not flex the joint that has been replaced beyond the limits of your rehab. To get the best understanding of what that means, you should discuss post-operative joint use with your joint replacement surgeon in Jacksonville, FL. Your surgeon will be able to explain to you natural and unnatural joint movement as well as what the thresholds are for your type of surgery.
Actions that every joint replacement specialist will tell you that you should avoid include crossing your legs and turning them inward and putting a pillow between your legs when you lie down if you have had knee replacement or bending at the hip if you have had hip replacement surgery. They will also tell you to use assistive tools to pick up objects and to relieve stress on the joint when sitting.
Joint replacement procedures in Jacksonville, FL, will do a lot to getting you back to your healthiest state. You, however, have a responsibility to follow the advice of your specialist and doctors. That is the only way to ensure that your recovery goes as smooth as possible.
Things You Didn’t Know about Spinal Fusion Surgery
A condition called lumbar spinal stenosis causes chronic lower back pain and loss of mobility in older adults. More and more patients are turning to spinal fusion surgery as a means to treat this painful condition. But is spinal fusion surgery right for you? Before you decide to go through with this surgery, make sure you have all the facts. Talk to a spine care specialist in Jacksonville, FL, and ask the right questions. Keep reading to find out more about treating lumbar spinal stenosis with spinal fusion surgery.
What Is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
Lumbar spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal. Over time, this narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This pressure causes lower back pain that may be accompanied by intermittent leg weakness, numbness, or leg pain.
What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Spinal fusion surgery is the process of connecting two or more vertebrae in the spinal column using a bone graft. The bone graft fuses the vertebrae together to form one bone to prevent the joint from moving and potentially alleviate lower back pain.
Is Surgery the Only Option for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
No. If your legs and toes are functioning fine, and you only have intermittent back pain, spinal fusion surgery is not recommended. Physical therapy, exercise and a healthy diet will help to alleviate your back pain without surgery.
What Are the Risks of Spinal Fusion Surgery?
The risks of spinal fusion surgery include pain at the graft site, infection, excessive bleeding, nerve damage, blood clots and spinal fluid leakage. There is also a significant risk of eventual reoperation.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Spinal Fusion Surgery?
The ideal candidate for spinal fusion surgery is someone who only has two affected vertebrae. Patients rarely feel a loss of mobility with the fusion of two vertebrae. But if more than two vertebrae are affected and require a fusion, significant reduction in spinal mobility may result. The ideal candidate for spinal fusion surgery is also someone who is physically active, doesn’t smoke, isn’t obese. and leads a healthy lifestyle.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Spinal Fusion Surgery?
The recovery time from spinal fusion surgery can last three to six months. You will likely spend two days recovering in the hospital. Once home, care needs to be taken to allow the new bone graft to fuse the vertebrae together and heal. No heavy lifting is allowed during the first few weeks following surgery. Pain will begin to subside after about 4 weeks. At this time, you can start doing physical therapy exercises. After about three months of physical therapy, your doctor will let you know if you can resume your normal activities again.
Spinal fusion surgery has helped many people recover from chronic lower back pain and lead healthy, active lives. But spinal fusion surgery isn’t for everyone. If you would like more information, talk to spine care consultants in Jacksonville, FL, and they will be sure to answer your questions.
Arthritis and Weather: Correlation or Perception?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control, approximately 50 million Americans suffer from some form of arthritis. There are many different forms of arthritis, but in the most severe cases, joint replacement is a necessary option. If you are considering options in treating arthritis and joint replacement cost in Jacksonville, FL, has you wondering if you can live with it a while longer, consider these arthritis facts.
There Is No Cure
The symptoms of arthritis vary from patient to patient, but generally, most people experience stiffness and joint pain that becomes worse over time. In some cases, simple OTC medication can relieve the symptoms. In many cases, more dramatic treatment is necessary. Patients who visit the joint replacement clinic in Jacksonville, FL, are patients who have seen their arthritis progress to where surgery is a reasonable option. There is no cure for arthritis.
The General Weather Effect
Just about everyone has a relative who could “feel” bad weather coming because the pain in their joints or around an old injury flared up. In most cases, this is thought to be due to arthritis, although there is little research to provide a definitive answer regarding the correlation. There is, as mentioned, significant anecdotal evidence. If you fall into this category and the pain is severe, you should see a joint replacement doctor to explore options.
The Barometer
The Arthritis Foundation has some studies that show a correlation between barometric pressure and arthritis pain. Pain seemed to increase with increases in pressure and humidity. Controlling this could be a factor of living choices. Having surgery performed at the joint replacement hospital in Jacksonville, FL for a specific joint and continuing to live in the Florida climate, for instance, would mean that other joints affected would continue to flare up.
Rain, Rain, Go Away
Rain is also thought to be a pain culprit as many patients feel more discomfort during rainy days, even in warmer climates. There are multiple studies by the Arthritis Foundation that indicate at least a loose connection. How much rain is a factor in causing pain is subjective and varies according to joint replacement doctors If it is significant for a patient, multiple procedures might be necessary over time.
Summary
There is no direct, scientifically or medically identified connection between arthritis pain and the weather. There is significant anecdotal evidence, however. For patients who have intense pain or discomfort when the barometric pressure decreases, it gets cold or rainy. Joint replacement cost in Jacksonville, FL, is a motivating factor in patient decisions, but given the prospect of reduced pain, with most patients, it is worth the investment.
