For many, joint pain is a fact of life. Often these conditions create significant hurdles in the enjoyment of every day living.
In fact, studies show 90 percent of Americans with osteoarthritis end up suffering with 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.
“People often think that they should postpone getting a joint replacement because they believe that they will have to go though it again,” said orthopedic surgeon Dr. Richard Miller. “But while these patients wait for the perceived right time, they could be living with unnecessary pain.”
More than 30 million adults in the U.S. 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 is the result of the breakdown of the joint cartilage, 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 age 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. Miller noted that often patients who don’t regularly visit their doctor are left to guess when their symptoms should lead to action. He suggested that 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, which is available to anyone at no cost. The tool empowers users to explore their unique circumstances and offers possible options for treatment, selfcare 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. There also will be follow up from Mercy Health, if the user requests it, but personal medical information is never shared.
Visit mercy.com for more information on joint pain or take the Joint Risk Assessment at mercy.com/Toledo JointQuiz.
