Summer is filled with vacations, backyard barbecues, golf outings and time spent enjoying the outdoors. But if knee or hip pain has been limiting your ability to do the things you love, you may also be wondering whether this season is a good time to finally move forward with joint replacement surgery.
The answer isn’t the same for everyone.
In a recent article, UChicago Medicine AdventHealth shares three important questions to consider before scheduling surgery:
- Do your summer plans include swimming or time at the lake? Healing incisions need to stay out of the water for a period after surgery, so those plans may influence your timing.
- Are you planning to travel? Recovery timelines can affect everything from long car rides to air travel, making it worth discussing your schedule with your orthopedic specialist.
- What activities matter most to you? If hiking, biking or gardening are at the top of your summer list, you may choose to wait. On the other hand, having surgery during the summer could have you ready for fall and winter activities when the season changes.
The decision is highly personal and depends on your lifestyle, health and goals. The good news is that today’s joint replacement procedures and recovery plans are designed to help many patients return to the activities they enjoy with less pain and improved mobility.
If you’re weighing your options, UChicago Medicine AdventHealth’s full article offers additional insight to help you decide whether summer—or another season—is the best fit for your recovery.
Read the complete article here:
https://www.uchicagomedicineadventhealth.org/blog/summer-a-good-time-joint-replacement-surgery