People who talk about something that’s degenerating generally aren’t referring to something positive. That’s especially true when they’re talking about degenerative arthritis. 

A more common name for this type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, and it tends to occur due to natural, age-related joint wear and tear. A medical report on arthritis shows that this condition affects more than 33% of the U.S. population. In many cases, joints continue to deteriorate to the point where joint replacement surgery is the most effective treatment option. 

Physical therapy can help treat arthritis symptoms. It can delay the need for degenerative arthritis surgery as well. Physical therapists can also help patients recover after a joint replacement.  

These are three reasons why you might need surgery for degenerative arthritis:

1. Conventional treatments don’t ease pain anymore — Conventional treatments include options like physical therapy. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for osteoarthritis. This means that while PT can help slow the progression of osteoarthritis, it cannot halt it completely. People who are no longer getting pain relief from their PT may need to consider a joint replacement to address their pain. 

2. You’re feeling severe pain — Not every person who develops osteoarthritis also has severe joint pain. However, medical researchers report that about 25% of osteoarthritis patients do have severe pain. People are more likely to feel severe arthritis pain if they are: 

• Female. 
• Between the ages of 45 and 64. 
• Dealing with other chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease or obesity. 

People who fall into these categories are more likely to opt for joint replacement surgery as a remedy for their severe pain. 

3. Your independence is at risk — Having osteoarthritis can cause you many issues. But, for many people, the biggest challenge is the loss of independence this condition causes. You might have more trouble walking; as a result, shopping and other walking-related tasks tend to be harder to do. Getting to the bathroom or getting out of your chair may also be a struggle. People whose independence has been curtailed by osteoarthritis may opt to have a joint replacement.

Rehab Access offers help for degenerative arthritis patients

Are you considering having surgery for your degenerative arthritis? Let our Rehab Access Physical Therapy team see if we can help you put off surgery a little longer. We can do a free screening to assess your pain levels and joint mobility. Then, our physical therapists can build you a customized physical therapy plan designed to reduce your pain and improve your ability to move. If it turns out that you decide to have surgery, we can also help you prepare your body for surgery and help you recover afterward. 

Contact our team today for more information about the services we offer for arthritis or to schedule an initial appointment.