Millions of people around the world undergo a knee or hip replacement procedure every year, and the vast majority quickly realize just how much their joint discomfort was holding them back. Recently, a study took a closer look at the preoperative burden of knee and hip pain, and the results show just how impactful joint problems can be. Don’t let knee or hip pain keep you from doing all the activities you love or enjoying life to the fullest. Below, we take a closer look at the struggles that many people who would benefit from joint replacement surgery face on a daily basis.
The Daily Impact Of Hip And Knee Pain
The recent study was conducted in Ireland, but there’s no reason to think that the daily struggles faced by these people are any different than those who battle hip or knee pain here in the states face on a regular basis. Here’s a look at some of the eye-opening data on the burden of joint pain:
- More than 40 percent of respondents who eventually underwent knee or hip replacement said they faced “significant struggles” in everyday life before surgery, like being unable to comfortably walk or get restorative sleep.
- 60 percent of those who underwent hip or knee pain lived with this discomfort for up to three years prior to undergoing surgery.
- More than 83 percent claimed that their knee or hip pain affected their ability to enjoy major milestones, like birthdays, weddings or holidays.
- Nearly half of respondents (47 percent) said their hip or knee pain rendered them incapable of partaking in sports prior to their operation.
- 53 percent said knee or hip pain affected their ability to sleep, 47 percent said it affected their ability to drive, and 43 percent said it affected their ability to work.
- 47 percent said that their joint discomfort affected their ability to be intimate with their partner.
As you can see, hip and knee pain is incredibly burdensome. For nearly half of the population who eventually underwent a joint replacement procedure, discomfort was dictating some of the more important parts of their life. It was affecting their ability to earn a living, to stay active, to drive a car and to have physical intimacy with their partner. The vast majority saw a loss of enjoyment in major life milestones, and that’s simply no way to go through life.
And while the study did not follow up with patients to assess how their life was positively impacted by their joint replacement procedure, numerous studies have been conducted on the quality of life improvements that most patients experience following a joint replacement procedure. Don’t sit on the sidelines and let life pass you by because you are burdened with joint pain. Take a proactive approach and connect with a specialist like Dr. Botero. He is well-versed in conservative and operative approaches to address your joint pain, restore function and improve your quality of life. For more information, or to set up an appointment to discuss joint discomfort that you’re experiencing, reach out to Dr. Botero’s office today at (865) 558-4400.
