keynshamvoice
44
January, 2018
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
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s we get older, we often complain that we can no longer do the things we could “when we were young”, but most people want to enjoy an active lifestyle well into old age. In fact, it is important to maintain activity as this not only keeps our joints healthy and in good working order, but it also keeps other parts of our bodies healthy too. Mr Evert Smith, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Spire Bristol Hospital, finds that many of us believe that you have to be “of a certain age” to contemplate having a joint replacement. However, if a joint such as a hip or knee is no longer working properly, a joint replacement is sometimes the best option and putting off replacement surgery can often cause more problems. Mr Smith answers some frequently asked questions about joint health and joint replacement surgery: When seeking a specialist opinion, what do patients typically complain of and what can be done? Joint pain is increasingly common as we age. It is important that patients do not to ignore joint pain that is worsened by walking. Pain is the body’s way of telling us that something is wrong. However, many people ignore the warning signs and battle through the pain with the help of analgesics, or through sheer grit. Joint pain can be managed in many ways, and does not necessarily mean you will need a joint replacement operation. A course of physiotherapy may be all that is needed to get you back on track. The important thing is to get it checked out, first by your GP and then with a scan or x-ray investigation. Putting up with the pain is not a sensible option. Persistent or increasing pain is a warning sign and it should be investigated. What might happen if joint pain is ignored and can it worsen over time such that surgery becomes a necessity? It is a fact of life that as we get older our joints are likely to become stiffer and can cause pain. However, putting off treatment will only worsen the situation and may have a detrimental effect on other joints, as they try to take the strain of
Putting up with joint pain is not the healthy option
the malfunctioning or painful joint. For example, if you limp due to a painful knee, you are likely to alter the way you walk, and this in turn will put a strain on other joints such as your hips, your other knee or your back as these joints try to accommodate an altered posture or style of walking. This may be acceptable in the case of a short-term injury, but when this occurs over a prolonged period, it will affect other parts of your body. Do people stop undertaking physical activity to avoid the pain of damaged joints, and can this affect general health? If carrying out your normal everyday functions, such
as walking, exercising or performing ordinary tasks becomes too painful such that you avoid or stop doing things, it is important to get treatment because reducing activity can affect one’s health. For example, your heart and lungs can be adversely affected if you do not take regular exercise and you may also gain weight.
Benefits of joint replacement surgery Joint replacement operations have an excellent success rate. A new hip or knee can give you a completely new lease of life. Walking and other activities that you previously loved but could no longer do not only become possible again but are actually enjoyable.
Many people in their 50s and 60s who are suffering joint pain come to me having given up their favourite activity such as golf or tennis. Following successful surgery, they can return to their former favourite activities. Depending on age and general fitness, low-impact activities are possible. I always advise my patients not to let painful joints dictate their lifestyle when there are so many treatment options available to resolve these issues. Spire Bristol Hospital offers a range of diagnostic scans, including x-rays, MRI and CT scans, while providing access to a consultant of your choice. If you or someone you know is suffering from joint pain and needs to see a specialist, a private consultation can be an option for everyone. Spire Bristol Hospital is able to provide finance options through Zebra Health Finance. So, you don’t necessarily need to have private insurance to access private healthcare. Call Spire’s patient treatment advisors today on 0117 980 4080 or email info@spirebristol. com for more information on how to book an appointment or obtain information on the finance options available to you.
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 or 07715 770448. Email: emma@keynshamvoice.co.uk