Joint Replacement Longevity Tips

Maybe you have trouble walking, climbing stairs or standing after you've been sitting for a while. If your knees crack and your hips ache, it might be a sign of joint pain or a need for joint replacement.

Though we might think of joint pain as something that affects people in their post-retirement years, rates of knee and hip replacements are rising for those as young as 30 or 40. We experience a natural loss of bone density and muscle mass as we age—which strains the joints.

More than 800,000 knee replacement and 450,000 hip replacement surgeries are performed in the United States each year. And now, almost half of the hip replacements are in patients younger than age 65. In fact, Blue Cross Blue Shield alone reported 242,000 of their members under 65 underwent knee or hip replacement in 2017.

While people opt for pain-relieving joint replacement surgery at younger ages, the implants also last longer than ever. Thanks to advances in materials and designs tailored to an individual patient's anatomy and natural movements, modern artificial joints can last 10 to 20 years. The Cleveland Clinic reports more than 90% of knee replacement patients still function well 15 years post-op.

In addition to knees and hips, joints all over the body can now be replaced, including shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, ankles, feet and toes. Spinal discs are occasionally replaced with sophisticated metallic implants to treat painful conditions of the lower back.

A few weeks after joint replacement surgery, you can usually return to your everyday life, such as shopping, chores and daily walks. However, it's essential to care for your new joints to ensure longevity. Here are a few ways how.

Exercise, but don't overdo it. After joint replacement, physical activity can help reduce joint stiffness, improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles that support the joint. Swap high-impact sports, such as running or tennis, to prevent damage to the new joint for low-impact activities, such as swimming or stationary biking. Speak with your surgeon or physical therapist about developing an individualized exercise program.

Maintain a healthy weight. Extra pounds place stress and strain on natural and artificial joints alike, wearing them out faster. The good news? Joint replacement may make it easier to lose weight. In a study recently published in the journal Orthopedics, a significant proportion of knee and hip replacement patients lost 5 percent or more of their pre-surgery body weight after surgery, possibly because they could lead a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Enjoy a healthy diet. Eating the right foods can help you get in the best shape possible before surgery, promote healing after surgery and lead to good health long-term. For example, consuming foods rich in calcium, iron and vitamin C immediately before joint replacement can help build new bone mass and replace red blood cells after the procedure. Your physician may recommend other nutrients or supplements to aid healing and minimize scarring or advise against certain foods (such as those containing vitamin K) that can interfere with the healing process. Once you are back on your feet, the best diet is one that helps you control your weight, promotes bone health and provides balanced nutrition. Discuss any dietary concerns with your healthcare professional.

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