Do you have painful knees or hips? Are you putting off the joint-replacement surgery due to unfounded fears? This article attempts to clear a few of the common misconceptions that you may have in this regard.

Myth #1: I can opt for joint-replacement surgery only when I can no longer walk

The earliest when you should think of a joint-replacement surgery is when the pain affects your everyday activities. However, in the meanwhile, you can address the pain using anti-inflammatory medications and modify your activities.

If you cannot sleep in the night due to the pain in the joints or it interferes in your daily activities, it is important to consult an orthopaedic specialist.

Myth #2: I can wait till I am older/ I am too young to undergo joint-replacement surgery

There is no specified minimum/maximum age for joint-replacement surgery. It has been observed that with modern surgical and better quality of implants, younger patients have very little risk of repeated surgeries in the future that may be required due to wear and tear.

Dr Santosh Shetty, the best joint replacement surgeon in Mumbai opines that some 90-year-olds are better physically than some 60-year-olds. Therefore age is no criterion when joint pain takes over.

Myth #3: I will have to restrict myself physically after a joint-replacement surgery

After a joint-replacement surgery, a high level of physical activity can be achieved if the therapy has been done properly. However, patients are restricted from running long distances after the surgery. They can take up activities like swimming and cycling where the impacts on the joints are much less.

Myth #4: Post-surgical pain is very intense

It is improper to say that there will be no pain after joint-replacement surgery. However, the pain that occurs after the surgery is usually on the lower end of the scale. A proper anaesthesia dose during the surgery controls the post-surgical pain to a large extent. A majority of patients are sent home in a couple of days after the surgery and the physical rehabilitation takes place in the home setting.

Myth #5: I can opt for a joint-replacement surgery with any orthopaedic specialist

It has been observed that a patient gets the best results after a joint-replacement surgery gets the best results when the surgery is done by a specialist who has already operated on many such cases successfully. It is important to spot a joint-replacement surgeon that is good and who you trust. The surgery should always be done right the first time. There will be no second chance.

If you are on the lookout for joint replacement surgery in Mumbai, it is worthwhile to fix an appointment with Dr Santosh Shetty. He is the best joint replacement surgeon in Mumbai with many years of experience and any successful surgeries to his credit. He is famous for conducting joint-replacement surgeries with amazing precision and has had the best outcomes for his patients.