For many, joint pain is a fact of life. These conditions often create significant hurdles in enjoying daily life.
In fact, studies show that 90% of Americans with osteoarthritis end up suffering from joint pain for extended periods when a knee replacement could vastly improve their quality of life. Additionally, a lack of mobility due to pain often leads to other health issues, including weight gain and depression.
“Patients often hold off on getting a joint replacement because they are concerned about the potential need for a revision surgery,” said Dr Shiraz Patel. “However, by postponing the procedure, they may needlessly endure ongoing pain.”
More than 30 million adults in the US suffer from osteoarthritis, which is the most common cause of chronic joint pain and can be brought on by age, joint injuries, genetics, or weight. Osteoarthritis results from the joint cartilage's breakdown, causing the underlying bone to change. Because there is no cure, osteoarthritis is treated with physical therapy, medications, and possibly surgery.
Most joint replacements occur in patients between the ages of 60 and 80; however, factors such as the severity of pain and level of disability influence the decision to undergo joint replacement surgery.
Dr. Patel noted patients who don’t regularly visit their doctor are often left to guess when their symptoms should lead to action. He suggests a joint risk assessment can remove some of the guesswork.
To better help patients and the community understand the true impact of joint pain symptoms on their quality of life, Mercy Health is offering an online health risk assessment tool available to anyone at no cost. The tool empowers users to explore their unique circumstances and offers possible options for treatment, self-care, and/or lifestyle changes.
Here’s how it works: After collecting general data about the user, such as age and activity level, the assessment will ask questions about the level and frequency of pain experienced while doing daily tasks and routine activities. The user will then receive a detailed recommendation tailored to their specific circumstance. Mercy Health will also follow up if the user requests it, but personal medical information is never shared.
Head to mercy.com for more information on joint pain and the treatment options available at Mercy Health or to take the joint risk assessment at mercy.com/PaducahJointQuiz
In fact, studies show that 90% of Americans with osteoarthritis end up suffering from joint pain for extended periods when a knee replacement could vastly improve their quality of life. Additionally, a lack of mobility due to pain often leads to other health issues, including weight gain and depression.
“Patients often hold off on getting a joint replacement because they are concerned about the potential need for a revision surgery,” said Dr Shiraz Patel. “However, by postponing the procedure, they may needlessly endure ongoing pain.”
More than 30 million adults in the US suffer from osteoarthritis, which is the most common cause of chronic joint pain and can be brought on by age, joint injuries, genetics, or weight. Osteoarthritis results from the joint cartilage's breakdown, causing the underlying bone to change. Because there is no cure, osteoarthritis is treated with physical therapy, medications, and possibly surgery.
Most joint replacements occur in patients between the ages of 60 and 80; however, factors such as the severity of pain and level of disability influence the decision to undergo joint replacement surgery.
Dr. Patel noted patients who don’t regularly visit their doctor are often left to guess when their symptoms should lead to action. He suggests a joint risk assessment can remove some of the guesswork.
To better help patients and the community understand the true impact of joint pain symptoms on their quality of life, Mercy Health is offering an online health risk assessment tool available to anyone at no cost. The tool empowers users to explore their unique circumstances and offers possible options for treatment, self-care, and/or lifestyle changes.
Here’s how it works: After collecting general data about the user, such as age and activity level, the assessment will ask questions about the level and frequency of pain experienced while doing daily tasks and routine activities. The user will then receive a detailed recommendation tailored to their specific circumstance. Mercy Health will also follow up if the user requests it, but personal medical information is never shared.
Head to mercy.com for more information on joint pain and the treatment options available at Mercy Health or to take the joint risk assessment at mercy.com/PaducahJointQuiz