Three Things That You Need To Discuss With Your Hip Replacement Surgeon

Much like knee surgery, hip replacement surgery is an incredibly grueling procedure. While an anterior hip replacement is quite a bit less invasive, major operations can entail a significant amount of downtime. As such, there are a few key things that your hip replacement surgeon should know before your procedure is started.

First, the state of your general health is critical. This surgery is going to place a lot of strain on your body. Your provider will need to know that your heart, organs, and body systems will be able to stand up to the stress. Make sure to schedule an appointment with your general doctor to have a comprehensive health exam performed at least one to two months ahead of your surgery.

Your provider will need to know all about any medications that you are currently using. This point remains true even if your regular doctor has prescribed these medications. Certain drugs increase the risk of uncontrolled bleeding, and they may additionally cause problems with blood clotting. You will need to discontinue these products approximately two to three weeks before invasive treatment as recommended by your doctor.

It is vital to note that you should additionally tell your provider about any supplements or over the counter (OTC) medications that you are using. Some of these products can have the same effects as prescription-strength blood-thinning drugs. These include aspirin and Ibuprofen, as well as all other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). You will have to find alternative forms of pain relief, and you should temporarily discontinue any aspirin therapies.

Any chronic health issues that you have should be brought to the attention of your surgical team right away. These will need to be fully controlled via medication or lifestyle adjustments at the time of your procedure. These include illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. You should not undergo any surgery until each of these conditions is completely stabilized.

To answer any questions about hip replacement surgery, contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.

Tips For Faster Recovery After Knee Surgery

It is vital to maintain strong, healthy knees to perform daily activities. A single fall can keep you from enjoying leisure activities or carrying out your everyday routine. An operation may be needed to resolve an issue and get you back to health. On average, it takes six months for recovery and up to a year before being able to do strenuous physical activities. There are several tips to help with a faster recovery after knee surgery.

If you have undergone ligament reconstruction, exercise helps improve balance, mobility, flexibility, and muscle strength. Low impact activities like swimming or cycling six to twelve weeks after the operation are recommended. This kind of exercise allows the body to strengthen without putting too much stress on the joint. No activity should be done without consulting your doctor or physical therapist.

For the individual with osteoarthritis, a replacement procedure may be considered, especially if there is severe pain involved. When simple daily chores become more challenging due to the damage, replacement may be the only option. Physical therapy is an essential aspect of a speedy recovery. The therapist will provide the adaptations and techniques needed to carry out daily tasks safely.

Immediately after the surgery, it is crucial to avoid squatting, kneeling, and excessive stair climbing. Following your doctor’s advice is vital for a successful recovery. If you fail to follow instructions, it can slow the recovery time.

A physical therapist can help you return to your best health and range of motion as soon as possible. Everyone recovers at a different pace, so it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor about any issues or concerns.

For more information on recovery from knee surgery or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.

Three Things Your Knee Replacement Surgeon Needs To Know Ahead Of Your Procedure

If you are planning on having your knee repaired or replaced, it is crucial to keep your doctors informed of changes in health or habits. Without this information, these professionals cannot possibly deliver the level of needs-specific care and attention that you require. Following are a few things that your knee replacement surgeon ought to know ahead of your procedure.

All of the medications that you are currently using should be reported to the doctor right away. Certain prescription drugs can complicate surgical treatment due to the impact that they have on clotting abilities and bleeding. For instance, blood thinners can increase the risk of problems by making it more difficult for your surgeon to get bleeding under control. These drugs can also increase the severity of any post-treatment bruising.
Several store-bought products can have similar effects.  Aspirin and Ibuprofen, which are commonly used for heart therapy and pain relief, are blood thinners. They fall into a category of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. Tell your doctor if you have been using these products as they will need to be discontinued a suitable amount of time before your treatment.

It is also essential to talk about any chronic health issues that you have. Problems like diabetes and hypertension can complicate these procedures, and they also increase the overall risks of invasive treatment. It is crucial for you and your primary physician to get these issues under control ahead of your procedure.

Speak with your doctor about any fears that you might have concerning the healing process or the actual surgery itself. If you have questions, it is essential to seek answers. Discussing your issues with your doctor and surgeon will allow you to approach this procedure with peace of mind, and have information for successfully managing your recovery.

For more information on knee replacement surgery or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.

Choosing An Orthopedic Surgeon For Best Results

Orthopedic surgeons specialize in correcting deformities of muscles or bones due to disease or injury. They have years of extensive experience examining and diagnosing these ailments. From surgical procedures to corrective therapies, choosing an orthopedic surgeon requires some legwork and research.

There are multiple ways to begin your search. Asking for a referral from your primary care physician (PCM) is an excellent place to start. Your PCM will have access to the list of orthopedic specialists in your network. If you are not in a Healthcare network, the internet has numerous websites that rate physicians and surgeons in your area. These sites usually have patient reviews.

Next, you can go to the Medical Licensing Board website for your state and look up any doctor. The information on this website will list the education, licensing, malpractice cases, any action taken by the medical board concerning this doctor, and other specific details about the physician’s practice. Look for a physician that specializes in orthopedics.

Once you have gathered all this information, call the surgeon and set up a consultation appointment. You should approach this appointment like an interview – ask questions, confirm the information you have collected. Does the doctor listen to you and address your concerns? Do you feel comfortable with this person? You may have a long relationship with this doctor depending on your needs – make sure you find a doctor that works well with you.

These professionals work in hospitals and specialized practices. Orthopedic surgeons deal with arthritis, osteoporosis, recurring back and joint pain, and broken bones. They use scans and imaging, which enable them to pinpoint and address the areas in distress. Remember, just because they are a surgeon does not mean that surgery is their first remedy recommended. Most orthopedic surgeons will recommend, physical therapy, weight loss, pain medications, heat/cold therapies long before they recommend surgery.

Doing some research will go a long way in finding an orthopedic surgeon to meet your needs. The best results always happened when proper preparation and excellent teamwork.

For more information or to set up a consultation, contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.

Understanding The Challenges Of Total Hip Replacement Surgery

When the joints start to wear down beyond the point of usability, even seemingly minor tasks can be challenging if not downright impossible. This situation is undoubtedly the case with the hips. Getting up and down from a sitting position, standing for any significant amount of time, walking, and even lying prone can all be extraordinarily painful. In these and other instances, there may come a time when total hip replacement surgery is required.

Recovery from hip replacement surgery is challenging, so it’s essential to understand it fully. That’s why news of a broken hip in the golden years is often foreboding. One of the hardest parts of undergoing these procedures is the recovery process. Although there are much lesser invasive methods of addressing joint dysfunction and distress, total replacement is always a rough road in this respect. Patients will need to have a solid plan in place for making sure that their basic needs are met throughout this time.

It is essential to have a full-time helper at home to assist with everyday tasks for the first several weeks of the recovery process. Someone or a team of people are needed to help with bathing, dressing, cooking, and cleaning. Until you can get up and do these things on your own, having a qualified helper is necessary for supporting your basic needs and your recovery.

Learning how to use a new joint is also challenging. There is an adjustment period that follows the period of recovery. After inflammation and swelling have decreased, and once incisions have successfully closed, you will need to join a rigorous physical therapy plan. Exercises help you to regain muscle control, restore range of movement, establish balance, and how to go forward using the interior prosthesis with continued success throughout the years.

For more information on total hip replacement surgery or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.

Taking Care Of Knee Pain

The legs are the human body’s wheels that carry us from place to place. However, knee pain can be debilitating and prevent standard functionality and performance. Whether due to water build-up, loose cartilage, or swelling and arthritis, knee pain can impact a person’s lifestyle by affecting their mobility.

To get your mobility back, consult with an orthopedic specialist or sports injury doctor. With years of extensive experience, these physicians have the tools and expertise to get your life back on track. They specialize in alleviating pain in the joints by reducing the pain-causing swelling and inflammation. Treatment may include therapeutic massages, rehabilitative exercises, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Some patients dealing with leg and calf tension can also see their local chiropractors. These professionals offer natural, holistic remedies for all types of knee injuries. These injuries may include pain due to car accidents, obesity, water retention, or sports mishaps. As part of any examination, the doctor will request scans and imaging to pinpoint and address the areas in distress.

Knee replacement surgery may be an option when all other treatments have been exhausted. However, not all sufferers are candidates for this intricate procedure. Many sufferers may prefer medications or rehab as opposed to having surgery. Your doctor or orthopedic specialist will recommend the best treatment for you. If you do opt for surgery, it can take several weeks or months to get back your mobility, flexibility, and balance.

Whether dealing with sprains, swelling, or recurring stress, you need to have any prolonged knee pain examined by a professional. This check-up can prevent further injuries from occurring and get you mobile again.

For more information on dealing with knee pain, contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.

Knee Replacement Surgeon Care And Services

The knees are responsible for helping us bend our legs and allowing us to walk. As we age the calcium within the knee joint can wear out from use.  Arthritis and reduced cartilage can cause chronic knee pain. If the pain cannot be relieved through non-surgical means, then it may be time to speak with an orthopedic surgeon. Consulting with an orthopedic surgeon is the best way to know if you are a  candidate for this knee replacement surgery.

This surgical procedure permanently removes any damaged parts of the joint and replace them with artificial prosthetics. It resets and aligns the knee joint back to healthy and functional settings.  This treatment allows you to walk normally again pain-free. You can return to work and light sports after about six weeks.

Knee surgery is intricate and detailed. It requires a seasoned surgeon to restore proper mobility and function. The surgeon will keep your primary care physician in the loop. This way, everyone is working towards your post-surgical care and recovery together. The post-op journey will include rehabilitative exercises, along using canes, crutches, or walkers to allow you some mobility until the knee joint is healed completely.

Knee replacement surgery helps elderly patients overcome osteoarthritis in the knees. Your doctor and specialist will determine whether you will need a full or partial replacement procedure. They will also discuss the preparations of the treatment, as well as post-op care that can last for up to 2 months. This process is designed to manage pain and give the knees better elasticity and mobility for years to come.

For more information on knee replacement surgery or to schedule a consultation contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.

What To Know About Knee Replacement

Knee arthroplasty is designed to alleviate pain and immobility issues. This surgical procedure also known as knee replacement relieves pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis in the knees. This technique helps restore the knee to optimal functionality.

Some people opt for this procedure for meniscus tears and cartilage defects. Many athletes have undergone this surgery because of ligament tears and chronic pain in the legs. While elderly folks are most susceptible to osteoarthritis, this condition can affect persons of any age. Whether you need partial or complete replacement, your primary care physician or surgeon will discuss the procedure in great detail.

One of the key results of this surgery is better mobility.  Post-surgery, the patient can bend the knees without chronic or recurring pain and stiffness. The patient will have to go through physical rehabilitation to get back to complete functionality. This recovery stage may last 6 weeks or longer.

Post-surgical care is essential in preventing infection and other complications.  Abiding by the surgeon’s instructions and orders is critical. These instructions may include the type of pain relievers to take, as well as how to walk correctly with crutches, canes, and walkers. Most procedures are successful, and replacements can last for up to 25 years. It will be up to your doctor and surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate after a medical evaluation and consultation.

If dealing with mobility or pain issues in the legs, now is the right time to have a full examination. There is no need to live in constant pain or to have reduced mobility when there is a remedy.

For more information on knee replacement surgery contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.

What To Know About Knee Surgery

Arthroplasty also known as total knee replacement surgery is designed to replace the damaged or diseased surfaces of the joints in the knees. Knee surgery is a final resort after all non-invasive treatments have failed. Inserting an artificial joint alleviates pain while restoring optimal mobility and balance to sufferers. An orthopedic surgeon performs the procedure.

These replacements help patients regain mobility and flexibility in the legs. They are especially helpful for patients dealing with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. Similarly, they help athletes dealing with the results of extensive sports injuries including floating cartilage, lack of calcium, and bone density problems.

With years of extensive medical experience, primary care doctors perform examinations to check for irregularities and abnormalities. They will start assisting patients with ice and hot therapies and therapeutic massages.  Deep tissue massages or adjustments may only offer temporary solace and comfort.  Doctors may prescribe prescription pain relievers to keep a patient comfortable.  However, if the pain continues to persist without relief, an operation may be the only option.

This type of surgery corrects meniscus tears, as well as cartilage defects. It targets ligament tears, along with debilitating pain stemming from osteoarthritis. The procedure can be a complete or partial replacement, which removes the diseased or damaged joint surfaces.  Plastic or metal replacement devices are used for optimal and smooth motion of the knee.

The operation usually results in post-op pain. However, this is remedied with physical rehabilitation, stretching and light exercises under the supervision of a physical therapist. The recovery period is approximately six weeks (longer depending on the starting fitness of the patient).  The patient uses a walker, crutches or a cane during the healing process.  Once muscle strength and balance are restored, the patient can resume their usual activities.

For more information on knee surgery, contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.

Experiencing Knee Pain Inside Of Knee

Much like your elbow, your knee holds a compact bundle of nerves. This network is something that you probably think very little about until you happen to bump it. Much like the funny bone, it can send waves of pain radiating through your body leaving your limbs feeling like much-abused tuning forks. If you have knee pain inside of your knee,  a recent bump or bruise may have caused some nerve irritation.

There are other reasons why this type of discomfort might occur. For example, you might be dealing with arthritis. This condition typically occurs whenever there is inflammation in the joints. Your knees are the joints that you use the most, to walk, get up, sit down, jump, and change elevation.  Due to their constant use, they are generally among the first joints to experience the pain and discomfort of arthritis.

When arthritis is an issue, you can consult with your doctor about using anti-inflammatory medications as a means of therapy. It is also a good idea to implement an anti-inflammatory diet. This often means limiting your consumption of red meats, alcohol and above all things, white sugar and other simple carbohydrates. By reducing inflammation in the whole body, arthritis flare-ups will be less frequent, less severe, and much shorter in their duration.

Another common cause of this discomfort is hormonal change. This situation can be induced if you are a gym enthusiast with a rigorous body-building routine that includes the use of either prohormones or steroids. Hormones perform essential functions like keeping your joints lubricated and moderating inflammation. Some people experience discomfort as a result of mid-life hormonal changes. When this is the case, consult with your doctor about using natural strategies to balance out your chemical composition.

There are lots of reasons why you might be experiencing stiffness and soreness in this particular area. A short, sharp ding that connects with the sensitive nerves at the knee interior can cause latent pain for quite some time. Hormonal changes, significant weight gain, and arthritis are common causes of this discomfort as well. Scheduling an appointment with your doctor will be the quickest way to identify the source of the problem and to develop a plan for resolving it.

To discuss knee pain inside the knee and possible solutions, contact Dr. Dan Albright at 919-863-6808.