Tennova Healthcare Offers Monthly Joint Pain Seminars at Convenient Locations in East Tennessee
11/15/2016
Attend a seminar to find out if joint replacement surgery is right for you
KNOXVILLE, TN (November 16, 2016) – The holidays are fast approaching, and most people won’t give a second thought to going in and out of stores to shop, or climbing up and down stairs to clean their homes, decorating and preparing holiday goodies. However, there are many people who struggle with those activities because of aching knees and hips. Their pain can have a grave effect on them at this time of year—not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.
“An aging population and rising obesity rates make knee and hip pain an increasingly common concern,” said Matthew Nadaud, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Knoxville Orthopaedic Clinic and medical director of the Center for Advanced Orthopedics at Tennova Healthcare’s Physicians Regional Medical Center in Knoxville.
“The normal wear and tear on joints that occurs over time, coupled with the enormous pressure caused by excess weight, can result in joint breakdown,” Dr. Nadaud said. “When the cartilage between bones wears down—causing the ends of the bones to rub against each other—osteoarthritis develops. Initially, this condition causes creaking and clicking sounds in the joint, but it progresses to inflammation, swelling and significant pain.”
Individuals with degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis typically receive physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles surrounding and supporting the joint, or topical or oral medications to help them cope with the pain. When these aids are no longer effective, the remaining option may be surgical intervention, which can range from minimally invasive arthroscopy to partial or total joint replacement.
“Joint replacement is considered an elective surgery, meaning patients determine for themselves if and when to schedule the procedure,” Dr. Nadaud said. “This choice can be both a blessing and a curse. Patients appreciate being in charge but often agonize for months or even years over whether it’s the right time for surgery. Frequently, they postpone the procedure and suffer tremendously in the interim.”
The science of joint replacement surgery has progressed to include:
- Better preparation prior to surgery: Classes explaining the surgery and recovery process are now a standard part of care to ensure patients know what to expect and their role in achieving the best possible result.
- Less invasive procedures: These newer developments include partial knee replacement.
- Faster, fuller recovery: Advances in pain management allow the recovery process to begin sooner. With pain control, patients are usually up and walking the day of surgery with the assistance of crutches or a walker, and are typically discharged home within two days, depending on the procedure.
“The science of joint replacement is evolving, and patients routinely discover that what they have dreaded most about the surgery or the recovery is no longer true,” Dr. Nadaud said. “Having the latest information often makes it easier for patients to pursue joint replacement and get on a path to recovery, reclaiming a life that more closely resembles what they had pre-disease.”
Tennova Healthcare offers monthly seminars on osteoarthritis and ways to preserve joint function called “Joint Pain – Don't Let It Slow You Down” at convenient times and locations in East Tennessee. For more information, call 1-855-TENNOVA (836-6682) or visit TennovaOrtho.com.
Tennova Healthcare offers a wide range of classes and programs to help you and your family lead healthier lives. Whether you need assistance managing a health condition, are preparing for the birth of a child, or are seeking support from others who are facing similar health challenges, Tennova Healthcare sponsors community events and support groups to meet your needs. For a complete listing of classes and programs, visit tennovaeast.com/classes-and-programs.
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