5 Reasons Not to Wait for Joint Replacement Surgery

If joint pain has become part of your daily life, you may have considered joint replacement surgery. And if you’re like many patients, you may have considered putting it off for one reason or another. Maybe you’re hoping the pain will go away on its own. Maybe you think you’re too young for joint replacement. Or maybe you just feel like it’s “one of those things” you have to live with.

Thankfully, you don’t have to live with it. Modern orthopedic surgery is both safe and effective. In fact, waiting too long for surgery can do more harm than good. Here are five reasons not to delay joint replacement surgery—straight from the experts at Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists.

1. You could cause further damage to your joint

When a joint is damaged by arthritis or injury, every day without treatment is another day of wear and tear. As the bone and cartilage surrounding the joint continue to deteriorate, surgery becomes more complex. Your surgeon may need to remove more pieces of bone or perform additional resurfacing to smooth out the joint. Early intervention helps preserve the surrounding bone and tissue, leading to better long-term outcomes.

“We look at every available option before recommending surgery,” says Jeremy Statton, MD. “But when patients delay surgery, we often see them come back with more pain and discomfort. That makes both the surgery and their recovery more difficult.”

2. You could develop mobility issues

Living with joint pain often means adjusting how you move. You may find yourself favoring one leg over the other, developing a limp, or avoiding certain activities altogether. Although they may seem normal to you, these compensations can create new issues in other parts of your body, including your back, hips, or opposite leg. One study showed that patients who waited 3–12 months for surgery experienced significant deterioration in their physical function. Addressing your damaged joint sooner helps prevent these problems from developing and keeps you mobile, active, and independent.

3. Your muscles may weaken over time

Joint pain makes it more difficult to stay active, and a lack of activity leads to muscle weakness. Strong muscles are essential to your recovery after joint replacement surgery, as physical therapy is proven to decrease pain, reduce inflammation, and increase mobility. Having surgery while your muscles are in good condition means you’ll be able to stick to your physical therapy routine and recover sooner.

4. Chronic pain may impact your overall health

Your health is more connected than you think. Ongoing joint pain doesn’t just affect your mobility—it can impact your sleep, mood, and even cardiovascular health. Living in discomfort can lead to stress, fatigue, and a sedentary lifestyle—all of which harm your overall wellness. One study found that individuals living with chronic knee pain had increased mortality, particularly among those with obesity. Addressing your joint pain helps you feel better both physically and emotionally.

5. You may increase your risk of needing a revision surgery

Modern joint replacements are designed to last many years. But if your joint is in poor condition before surgery, the implant may be prone to loosening or failure over time. As you delay surgery, you may lose more bone and cartilage around the joint, which makes it more difficult for your surgeon to secure the implant in place. While the initial surgery may be a success, there’s a higher chance it won’t last as long and may require a revision surgery down the road. Having surgery as early as possible helps your surgeon achieve the best fit and alignment.

“We go into every joint replacement surgery looking to achieve the perfect fit,” says Dr. Statton. “By operating as early as possible, we can often get better alignment, stronger attachment, and longer-lasting results.”

Get back to the life you love 

Delaying joint replacement surgery can make your recovery more difficult and your outcomes less predictable. Modern surgical techniques and personalized care plans help you return to normal activity as quickly as possible. If you’re tired of living with joint pain, Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists is ready to get you back on your feet. With 18 board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, we’ll help you find the right path forward and start feeling like yourself again.