Is Joint Replacement Right For Me?

If you're suffering with stiff, painful joints caused by severe arthritis, even small tasks can feel like monumental challenges. And while medication or physical therapy may help ease your pain, sometimes surgery may be your best solution for long-term relief. The orthopedic surgeons at Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda specialize in partial, total and robotic-assisted joint replacement, a procedure in which injured or diseased joints are replaced with artificial ones.

Am I Candidate for Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery?

Hundreds of thousands of people have hip and knee replacement each year, with success rates of 98 and 96 percent respectively, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. In addition to relieving pain, these procedures can enhance mobility and function, and help you rediscover the active life you love.

You may qualify for a life-changing procedure if you:

• Have severe arthritis or irreversible damage from fractures, torn cartilage and/or torn ligaments
• Struggle with daily functions like getting out of chairs or walking up and down stairs
• Are unable to sleep at night due to pain
• Haven't found relief with anti-inflammatory/pain medication or physical therapy

If hip or knee pain is affecting your quality of life, it may be time to look for solutions to your joint pain. Take a joint pain assessment to find out if it's time for you to talk to a doctor about your treatment options.

Joint Replacement Jitters

If you are considering joint replacement surgery to relieve pain and restore function in a painful joint, it's natural to feel apprehensive. Learning the facts can help calm your fears.

Fear: Joint replacement surgery is extremely painful.

Fact: While joint replacement is still major surgery and some discomfort immediately after the procedure is to be expected, having a joint replaced is no longer the daunting experience it once was.

In the past, total joint replacement surgery typically involved a large incision to reach the damaged or diseased joint. Today, advances in surgical techniques allow surgeons to perform joint replacement through smaller incisions and with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues - resulting in less pain.

Fear: After surgery, I will be off my feet for a long time.

Fact: While not a quick fix, joint replacement surgery does not involve weeks or months of bed rest - in fact, every effort is made to get patients up and moving soon after the procedure, often the same day.

Generally, joint replacement patients can expect to stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery, followed by a few weeks of outpatient physical rehabilitation. The time it takes to make a full recovery depends on many factors, including the reason for the surgery and type of procedure performed, as well as the age and overall health of the patient, but it typically takes three to six months.

Request an Appointment

Experiencing joint pain? Our orthopedic specialists can help. Click here to request an appointment.

Joint Replacement Procedures

The orthopedic surgeons on the medical staff at Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda specialize in partial, total and robotic-assisted joint replacement, a procedure in which injured or diseased joints are replaced with artificial ones.

Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda offer the following joint replacement procedures. Click on the links below to learn more about each procedure, including your hospital stay and recovery time.

• Total Hip Replacement
• Robot-Guided Total Hip Arthroplasty^*
• Total Knee Replacement
• Total Knee Replacement Implant ^**
• Partial Knee Replacement
• Robot-Guided Partial Knee Replacement^*

In addition to performing traditional orthopedic procedures, surgeons on the medical staff use minimally invasive techniques, which often allow for smaller incisions and minimal disruption to surrounding tissue. For you, this may mean less pain and scarring; more flexibility and mobility immediately following surgery; and a smoother, faster recovery.

Interested in learning more about relieving joint pain? Click here to register for an upcoming seminar.

^* Offered only at Bayfront Health Port Charlotte.

^** Offered only at Bayfront Health Punta Gorda.

Overcoming Joint Pain

You're in pain but not sure you're ready to look into total hip or knee replacement. Read about other options that can help.

You've been dealing with joint pain from osteoarthritis for years, and over-the-counter medications have become essentially useless. You want to keep up with your normal life, but joint pain is holding you back. Surgery will provide the best long-term solution, but there are short-term treatment options available to ease your symptoms until you are ready to take that step.

Pain-relieving Movement
Believe it or not, regular exercise can help relieve joint pain. Physical activity decreases pain, increases energy and improves sleep. Exercise can also help you lose weight, which reduces stress on your joints.

If you have mild to moderate arthritis, make sure your exercise activities are low-impact and place little stress on the joints. Always seek medical advice before changing your exercise routine. Your doctor can help you understand why you are having pain before, during or after a workout, and if your exercise is safe for your joints.

Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist. Physical therapy incorporates targeted exercises designed to strengthen your joints and improve your daily function. If exercise, either on your own or with a therapist, becomes impossible, it may be time to talk about knee replacement surgery.

Assess Your Joint Pain Now

If hip or knee pain is affecting your quality of life, it may be time to look for solutions to your joint pain. Take a joint pain assessment to find out if it's time for you to talk to a doctor about your treatment options.

Staying Positive Post-Op

A positive frame of mind can speed up your recovery from an orthopedic procedure. Try these techniques to make your return to active life more enjoyable.

After receiving a new joint, it takes time and effort to regain functionality and find your new normal. These positivity-boosting strategies can help keep your eyes forward and your spirits lifted as you walk the road to recovery.

• Build a Support System. Before surgery, gather a team of friends, neighbors and family members who can help you with daily tasks around the house, running errands and making it to appointments.
• Set Goals. Work with your doctor and rehabilitation team, set realistic short- and long-term goals. Keeping goals in mind helps you focus on the big picture instead of the hurdles you may have to overcome each day.
• Stay Busy. A busy mind will help combat boredom and boost your mood while your body recovers. Social interaction can help boost morale, which research suggests may improve the speed at which you heal.
• Get Out. Make plans to get out of the house for something other than physical therapy. A change of scenery can be refreshing. Try visiting a busy park or shopping center, take a scenic drive with a good friend or visit a bench at a beautiful outdoor space.
• Keep Track. Make a point of checking in with yourself weekly. Use this time to note any changes in your abilities and check on how you are feeling both mentally and physically.
• Celebrate Successes. There will be a lot of milestones along the path to rehabilitation. Celebrate them as they come by doing something special for yourself or with those that have been helping you reach them.

Talk to a Coordinator

You are not alone on your journey to pain-free living. Our joint replacement coordinator is here to help you discover just what joint replacement entails. Click here to have a coordinator contact you.

What to Do Before Surgery

Planning for your temporary physical limitations ahead of time can make your life much easier immediately after your surgery.

• Around the House - Following your surgery, you may briefly require a wheelchair or walker. Make sure your hallways and other paths throughout your home are clear of obstacles. Have chairs with arms on each side and firm cushions to help you getting up after sitting. Reduce your need to go up and down stairs as much as possible by making moving necessary items to your primary living space. Grab bars near bathtubs and toilets are also useful during recovery time.
• Getting Around - Depending on the procedure you have, driving could be difficult for four to six weeks after surgery. Apply for a temporary disabled parking permit now, so when you're ready to drive, parking lots aren't a source of pain.
• Taking Care of Business - How long you're away from work depends on the nature of your job. Office workers may be able to return sooner, but for those who perform physical labor, joint surgery could keep you away from work for several months. If you can perform some of your work from home, speak with your employer prior to your surgery to discuss any necessary arrangements.
• Don't Put off Chores and Errands - Take care of as many regular errands as possible ahead of time. Stock up on food that is quick and easy to cook without spending a lot of time on your feet. Make sure you have plenty of clean dishes and clothes to reduce the need for washing. Set up online bill-pay accounts if walking to your roadside mailbox might be difficult, or see whether your mail carrier can come to your door.
• Asking for Help Is Natural - Above all, don't expect to be able to handle every need, and don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. Most people will be happy to help.

Attend a Seminar

You are not alone on your journey to pain-free living. Our team of orthopedic specialists provides free seminars designed to help you understand your condition and your options for relief. We'll guide you through the complexities of arthritis and help you discover just what joint replacement entails. Register today.

Why Choose Bayfront?

Discomfort from bone pain, joint pain or an orthopedic injury can go beyond uncomfortable to debilitating—limiting your range of motion and keeping you from daily activities. Bayfront Health orthopedic departments have been recognized by multiple accrediting bodies, and our specialists use the most advanced treatments and technology available to care for:

• Orthopedic surgeries, including total hip and knee replacement surgeries
• Outpatient sports medicine conditions
• Orthopedic trauma care, spine care and bone diseases
• Orthopedic rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Arthritis, joint disease and back and neck pain
• Medications and pain management therapies

Ready to take the next step? Request an appointment with one of our joint care specialists today.

Robotics in Port Charlotte

Bayfront Health Port Charlotte is proud to offer technical advances in robotic surgery to our community. In fact, we’re the only surgery center in Charlotte County to offer robotic surgery. These surgical options are less invasive than traditional options and come with minimal risk. We know you have a life you need to return to. That’s why these robotic surgery alternatives also offer a faster recovery and far less scarring. And with the commitment of Bayfront Health Port Charlotte, you’re sure to receive quality healthcare from a caring and compassionate staff.

Robot-guided surgery refers to minimally invasive procedures that utilize and combine robot technology and 3D imaging. The controls and surgical tools are guided by the skilled hands of a qualified surgeon and provide pinpoint robotic precision. With the aid of high-definition 3D imaging, the surgeon is able to perform highly complex procedures with greater accuracy. Robot-guided surgeries require much smaller incisions and significantly reduce pain, scarring, blood loss, and recovery time, while improving patient outcomes.

Joint Replacement in Punta Gorda

The Joint and Spine Academy in Punta Gorda is a specialized center dedicated to the care of orthopedic patients. Our program brings together a team of knowledgeable surgeons with compassionate and specially trained nurses, therapists and technicians. Our goal is to provide seamless, coordinated care and get you back to your favorite activities as soon as possible.

The Joint and Spine Academy’s approach to joint replacement surgery encompasses wellness, early mobility, family involvement, education, personal responsibility, group interaction and minimally-invasive and rapid-recovery techniques.

Led by a Joint Care Coordinator, our team has been hand-picked for their positive attitudes, motivational skills and a desire to provide outstanding service. In addition, they have been specially trained to provide comprehensive clinical care for patients undergoing these important procedures.

Our comprehensive approach includes:

• A dedicated unit with spacious, private rooms
• Group physical therapy – patients can support and encourage each other on the road to recovery
• Rehabilitation room located down the hall from patient rooms
• Exercise and therapy provided in a group setting
• Casual clothes – no hospital gowns for this crowd
• Family and friends participating as coaches in the recovery process
• Community outreach seminars
• An informative pre-operation class for patients and your family
• A patient guidebook that explains your surgery step-by-step
• Daily newsletter delivered with your breakfast letting you know the day's agenda, along with tips for caring for your new joint
• After-care support program