Adventist Health - Knee replacement patient story inspires hope

Know your knees

Your knee is like a hinge. The bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments, and tendons work together to stabilize and support your body.

When it’s time for a knee replacement: Worn-out knee joints can affect your mobility and your quality of life. With age, arthritis can cause the protective layer of cartilage to wear away and lead to bone pain with even the slightest movement.

How a knee replacement helps: Once you recover, you should be able to play doubles tennis, walk, cycle and swim. You may need a brace for extra support for activities like running, basketball, or skiing, but with today’s advanced surgical technology, recovery is often faster and easier than ever before.

Know your hips

The ball-and-socket joint of your hip allows you to keep stable and walk, squat, or turn without pain.

When it’s time for a hip replacement: As the joint’s protective layer wears away, the ball doesn’t glide in the socket as easily. Movements such as walking or standing up from a sitting position become painful.

How hip replacement helps: Range of motion will increase and pain will reduce. As you recover, you’ll probably be able to walk, bicycle and swim. Your doctor may advise you to avoid high-impact activities like basketball, jogging, and tennis.