Dignity Health | hello Healthy | Winter 2018-2019

HelloHealthy | Winter 2018–2019 13 Learn more! To learn more about Ortho Joint Camp, call 661.327.4647, ext. 4428 . Could you be ready for a new hip or knee? If you’ve been living with knee or hip pain, you may wonder if it’s time to think about joint replacement surgery. Ask yourself: Have I tried other treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medicines, steroid shots, physical therapy, or a special knee brace? Does pain still limit my daily activities—like walking, shopping, or climbing stairs? If so, you and your surgeon may want to discuss a new hip or knee, says Fadi S. Saied, DO, a Dignity Health orthopedic surgeon. Out with the old, in with the new Most candidates for hip or knee replacement have severe arthritis that has damaged their joint. During joint replacement, the surgeon replaces the damaged parts with metal and plastic implants that should last more than 20 years, Dr. Saied says. Typical joint replacement candidates are in their 60s. But age alone isn’t a limiting factor. “I’ve even done a replacement on a 101-year-old,” Dr. Saied says. Joint replacement surgery can greatly improve your quality of life. But it won’t make you a super athlete. And full recovery from joint surgery doesn’t happen overnight. In time, however, you should be able to enjoy many activities—such as walking, shopping, golfing, or dancing—with little or no pain. “The goal is to give you as pain- free of a joint as possible so that you can do the things you want to do,” Dr. Saied says.