New Year, New Mobility: Is It Time for a Joint Replacement?

A new year often encourages people to refocus on their health, especially when joint pain starts making daily life more difficult. When you think about it, healthy joints play a huge role in how comfortably you move through the day. Without joints that work well, even simple tasks can feel much harder than they should.

If stiffness, swelling, or discomfort is making it harder and harder to move the way you want to, the new year could be a great time to consider how a joint replacement could help you regain the comfort and mobility you once enjoyed.

At Advanced Orthopaedic Associates, P.A. in Wichita, Kansas, our fellowship-trained and board-certified orthopaedic physicians help patients throughout Wichita, Wellington, Winfield, Andover, Derby, Maize, Goddard, and Park City find the right solutions for long-term joint pain relief.

As the largest orthopaedic group in Wichita, our team provides specialized care across a range of areas, including sports medicine, fracture care, and joint preservation.

When you’ve tried the nonsurgical approaches and joint replacement becomes the best option, we can guide you through the decision-making process with confidence and clarity.

Signs You May Be Ready for a Joint Replacement

Many people wait longer than they need to before seeking help for joint pain. The specific signs you might need a joint replacement may vary depending on the affected joint. The most common joint replacements involve the hips, knees, and shoulders, but smaller joints may require replacement in some cases.

Some general signs that joint replacement could be the right next step for you are:

• Ongoing pain that continues even when resting
• Pain doesn’t significantly improve with nonsurgical care
• Pain that disrupts sleep
• Stiffness that makes walking, bending, or climbing stairs difficult
• Swelling or joint tenderness that doesn’t improve with medication or physical therapy
• Difficulty doing normal, routine tasks like getting out of a chair or getting dressed
• Reduced mobility that affects your work, hobbies, or independence

Why Winter is Ideal For a Joint Replacement

Winter and early spring often bring slower schedules for many patients, making it easier to rest and recover comfortably indoors. It can also be a practical time to plan a joint replacement, allowing you to regain strength before warm weather encourages more outdoor activities. By addressing joint issues now, you can enjoy the rest of the year (and many years to come!) with renewed energy and improved mobility.

Joint Replacement in Wichita, KS

If you’re wondering whether a joint replacement is right for you, call 316-631-1600 to schedule an appointment.