When arthritis makes everyday life painful, hip or knee replacement can offer meaningful relief and a path back to activities that matter to you.
Joint replacement removes worn joint surfaces and replaces them with implant components. For many people, this leads to substantial relief from arthritis pain and an improved ability to move. The goal is practical: make daily life more comfortable and help you do more of what you enjoy.
Less joint pain can make walking, standing and resting more comfortable. Many patients notice a major improvement in the arthritis pain they lived with before surgery.
Improved movement can make tasks such as getting out of a chair, shopping, climbing stairs and dressing easier. Strength and mobility develop with recovery and rehabilitation.
Being able to move with less discomfort can support independence, social activities and a more active routine. Your personal goals help guide treatment and recovery.
A painful hip can affect walking, getting into a car and putting on shoes. Hip replacement can reduce joint pain and improve mobility. Many patients return to comfortable daily activities and lower-impact recreation after recovery.
A worn knee can limit standing, stairs and short walks. Knee replacement can substantially reduce pain and improve daily function. Rehabilitation helps restore strength and movement; some stiffness or difficulty with kneeling may remain.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons describes hip and knee replacement as among the most successful procedures in medicine. Their strong record of pain relief and improved function helps explain why many patients are satisfied with the decision.
A study comparing hip, knee and ankle replacement reported overall satisfaction at one year of approximately 95% after hip replacement and 90% after knee replacement. These are findings from one study, not Dr. Hirshorn’s practice results or a guarantee of an individual outcome. Satisfaction depends on the patient population, recovery and how it is measured.
High satisfaction does not establish that joint replacement ranks first among every type of surgery. What matters most is whether the operation is likely to help you achieve your own goals.
Read the study on patient satisfaction after joint replacement
Consider a consultation when pain and stiffness keep you from daily activities, or disturb rest, despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment. Exercises, physical therapy, medicines and injections may still be useful options. You do not need to decide on surgery before your first appointment.
Dr. Hirshorn will review your symptoms, imaging, health and treatment history, then help you compare the likely benefits, risks and alternatives.
A replacement joint is not exactly the same as a natural joint. Surgery involves a healing period, discomfort and rehabilitation. Risks include infection, blood clots, ongoing pain and implant problems; hip replacement also carries a risk of dislocation. Not everyone obtains the same degree of relief. Your surgeon will explain risks relevant to your situation.
Many patients return to lower-impact activities such as walking, cycling or swimming. Ask your care team about your goals, activity limits and recovery plan. Implants may eventually wear or require revision.
Tell Dr. Hirshorn which activities you want to regain. Together, you can decide whether nonsurgical care or joint replacement is the appropriate next step.
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