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The Good Life after Joint Replacement Surgery
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Many of us may be facing a decision now or in the future as to the need of joint surgery. Total joint replacement has been widely used for many years, and the results are excellent, especially in the hips and knees. Other joints, such as the shoulders, elbows, ankles and knuckles may also be replaced. With the development of new materials improved surgical methods and a better understanding of replacement joint function, this procedure has enabled many people who were severely disabled to become more active again. But preparing for and after the surgery is an important part to success
Preparing mentally and physical for surgery is the first step toward a successful result. People who understand and are knowledgeable about he process have swifter recoveries and fewer problems.
If you smoke, you should stop prior to a surgery. A well-balanced diet is an important factor in general health and become increasingly important in times of stress, such as that surrounding the time of surgery. If you feel your diet is deficient, daily multi-vitiams may be necessary. Vitamin C intake may enhance the healing process after surgery. Consider losing weight if need be, the stress it will take off the joint will be of great benefit to you in the future.
Do not take aspirin or aspirin-like medications for three days before surgery. These medications interfere with blood clotting. If you take cortisone, prednisone, or any steroid medication, be sure to tell your surgeon before the operation. These medications should not be stopped before or after surgery.
Depending on the type of joint surgery, your doctor may prescribe a period of rest, physical therapy and limited activity. Make sure your household is arranged so that your full recovery is possible by removing throw rugs and coffee tables. You may need to use a cane, walker, wheelchair, crutches or splints. Talk with your doctor about any short-term limitations and what he expects you to be able to do. Your physical therapist can advise you on how to do your daily activities in ways that are safe for your joints.
If the surgery involved one or both legs, how soon you are allowed out of bed will depend on the surgery. You probably will be able to get up the first day after surgery, with permission and assistance. You will begin to fell better the more you move around.
When you begin physical therapy be prepared to work hard. If you don't, your repaired joint may be less useful than it could be.
Some pain is common during the early stages of physical therapy. The pain usually comes form the muscles, not the joint. Some of your muscles have not been used or may have been working in different ways to help protect the diseased joint. Some muscles may have been cut and stitched during surgery. IT is important to understand that muscles get stronger in response to exercise. An exercise that hurts today may hurt a little less tomorrow. You will see an improvement in the range of movement or motion that you have, along with decreased pain, as you continue with your physical therapy.
You will have to continue to work hard for the first few weeks after surgery to achieve the motion you need. Then you can work at home a little less for several months to regain your strength. Keeping up with your exercise home program requires dedication. You may become bored with the exercises. You may want to slack off, but DON'T. It takes time but the rewards are great. You will see encouraging results soon. You will be able to do those task that were too pain prior to surgery. Remember your commitment is the key ingredient in the success of joint surgery.
* Information taken from " Arthritis Foundation's Surgery Information to Consider"
The Best Kept Secret
Do you want to know a secret? Your mother knew the secret and so did her mother.
"Stand up straight! Don't slouch!" Behind those words is the secret to help you to do more with less effort.breath easier.feel great. Good posture is important because it helps your body function at top speed. It promotes movement efficiency and endurance and contributes to an overall feeling of well-being. Good posture is also good prevention. If you have poor posture your muscles and joints take more strain than nature intended. Faulty posture may cause fatigue, muscular strain and in later stages, pain. Many individuals with chronic back pain can trace their problems to years of faulty postural habits. In addition poor posture can affect the position and function of your vital organs, particularly those in the abdominal region. And of coarse, good posture contributes to good appearance; the person with good posture projects poise, confidence and dignity.
A health back has three natural cures: a slight foreword curve in the neck, a slight backward curve in the upper back and a slight forward curve in the low back Good posture actually means keeping these three curves in balance. Think of an S to visualize the proper curve Abdominal, hip and leg muscles that are weak and inflexible cannot support your back's natural curves. Hip and knee and ankle joints balance you back's natural curves when you move, making it possible to maintain good posture in any position.
CHECK YOUR POSTURE:
Good Posture
1. Is your head held erect?
2. Is your chin parallel to the floor?
3. Are your shoulders in line with your ears?
4. Is your chest held somewhat elevated and the upper back erect?
5. Is your tummy flat?
6. Does your lower back spear to have a slight forward curve?
7. Are your knees straight?
Poor Posture
1. Does your head slump forward?
2. Does your chin tilt up with the head back?
3. Are your shoulders drooped forward or pulled back?
4. Is your chest sunken -in and your upper back rounded?
5. Does your abdomen sag?
6. Is your lower back too flat?
7. Do your knees bend forward or are they in a locked position?
Here are some tips for maintaining good posture throughout your life.
Concentrate on keeping your three natural back curves in balance daily
Keep your weight down
Avoid staying in one position for long periods of time, especially sitting or driving
Sleep on a firm mattress. Avoid using oversized pillows
Exercise regularly
Bend your knees when picking up or putting down objects
Carry a heavy object with two hands and keep the load next to you
Wear comfortable and well-supported shoes
Walk with good posture. Allow your arms to swing naturally
IF you already have good posture congratulations, if not get in the secret and start your way to posture perfect.
* Information taken from APTA " the Secret of Good Posture"
The Way We Walk
Physical Therapists regard the motion of the foot during walking as the key part to the gait cycle. Your gait cycle consists of a stance and swing phase. During stance the foot is in contact with the ground. the heel strikes the ground and the foot pronates and then as the foot rotates forward onto the ball of the foot and the toes and recovers stability the foot supanates. The swing occurs while the foot is completely off the ground. Yea Right.. SO What!
This automatic process is one we pay little attention to until "oh my feet are killing me". Your feet and ankle regions are subject to constant stresses and hazards, from ill-fitting shoes to traumatic sports injuries. While are feet may be killing us, feet and ankle problems can have a significant impact on our general health.
Everyone's gait is somewhat different. Have you noticed the heels of your shoes wear down at a particular angle? This indicates your particular style of walking. Watching the gait a physical therapist can help to pin point if the pronation and supination phases of the gait are in balance. Or is the person relying heavily on the wrong muscles to maintain stability?
Shoes are often the culprits. If you must stay on your feet and keep moving our shoes have to fit right and provide support. Support means the maximum coverage of the surface under the arch. Shoe should be able to absorb shock while you walk and provide stability to the heel area. Remember lace up shoes are preferable, they give you more control over support. Inserts can help to restore support to older shoes if needed.
Those of you who are at risk for disease related problems such as diabetes must pay particular attention to wearing the correct shoes. The American Physical Therapy Association stated in a recent publication that Medicare now provides patients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy one pair of therapeutic shoes and two pair of custom inserts a year.
Because we are two-footed creatures, our feet and ankles are called upon to perform a remarkable task. They keep our bodies upright and stable. Don't let pain keep you from enjoying this unique capability.
Get right with your hip
Runners and other Athletes need to be especially cautions and sophisticated in their approach to hip pain or dysfunctions. Persistent or chronic pain in the hip region warrants special attention. Ignore the urge to "run through" the pain; pain is a warning signal to stop what you are doing, even if the discomfort is minor. Find out what's really going on: although you may just be experiencing muscle stain or tendonitis, there's a small but real chance that you may have something more serious.
The following types of pain may indicate serious problems and warrant immediate attention.
Groin pain
Progressive loss of motion in the hip
Buttock pain that worsens when you walk
Hip pain in people with circulatory problems
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For people who are middle aged and younger, the hip usually requires only moderate conditioning exercises to keep it in shape. Major trauma is rare and repetitive motion injuries usually are confined to serious runners and other athletes. For older people changes in the hip due to aging or disease demand awareness of what can be done to prevent potential injuries.
Strengthening and stretching exercises should be part of your regular routine. The hip region is affected positively by exercises for the thighs, lower back, groin, buttocks and abdominal muscles. For many people cycling is a great way to keep their hips in shape. Cycling helps maintain muscle tome and fluid joint movements without undue shock and pressures on the joint.
Here are some tips for people with identified hip problems,
1. If you use a cane use it on the side opposite your problem hip to take the weight off the affected area. Your elbow should be nearly straight when you hold the cane.
2. Wear shoes with thick soles t absorb shock and weight on the hip
3. If you have osteoporosis make sure you home is safe from falls.
Keep you hips strong and sturdy through exercise and good nutrition.
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