Orthopedic Care at Heartland Regional Medical Center

If bone or joint problems are keeping you from enjoying life like you used to, you don't have to travel far for relief. Heartland Regional Medical Center specializes in the treatment and rehabilitation of a wide range of injuries and disorders - from traumatic and sports-related conditions, to chronic and debilitating joint pain. So whether you want to get back to your morning run or walk up your stairs with greater ease, it's nice to know that you can count on skilled orthopedic care that's close to home.

If you are considering joint replacement surgery, we know it may seem overwhelming. That's why our orthopedic care team makes the joint replacement journey a little easier. Our skilled orthopedic team will see you through every phase of care, from pre-op education through your last inpatient therapy session.

Three Signs You Need Joint Replacement

As you age, your joints (particularly the knee, hip and shoulder) can grow stiff, swollen or painful. This pain is often caused by osteoarthritis, when the cartilage that normally cushions your bones begins to break down.

For millions of Americans, total joint replacement is the solution for relief from this pain and discomfort. So how do you know if joint replacement is right for you? Here are three signs it could be:

1. You have tried everything else. Supplements, over-the-counter medication, joint injections - you name it, you've tried it, and your joints still hurt.
2. Everyday tasks are becoming more difficult. Even something as simple as getting out of bed makes you ache, much less walking up and down stairs, being moderately physically active, or keeping up with your children or grandchildren.
3. You are otherwise in good health. Age is not usually a consideration when choosing whether or not to have a joint replaced - there is no upper age limit, and younger patients may find that their new joint is a lifelong solution to arthritis pain. The most important concern is whether you are healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure, which typically has a relatively low rate of complications.

So what happens during joint replacement surgery? At Heartland Regional Medical Center, orthopedic surgeons remove worn-out cartilage and resurface both ends of the joint. The cartilage is replaced with a metal implant that works similarly to your natural joint. Many patients who have their hip, knee or shoulder replaced feel immediate relief after years of aches and pains.

Life shouldn't be about what you can't do. It should be about what you can do. Stop living with the pain - fill out our form or call the number above to make an appointment today!