Waiting for a joint replacement in the midst of Covid-19?
The current COVID-19 pandemic has caused many events or travel plans to be postponed or cancelled. Included in this are most elective surgeries, including joint replacements and arthroscopic procedures. New regulations prohibit us from performing elective surgeries at this time.
The reasoning behind this is to allow the hospitals to have adequate resources to treat patients who have tested positive for COVID-19. It also allows patients to continue practicing social distancing to help stop the spread of the virus. Having to postpone surgery and dealing with continued pain can be rather frustrating. However, it is in the best interest of your health and the health of others in the community at this time.
If your surgery has been postponed due to the Covid-19 restrictions, here are a few tips to try while you wait:
- Maintain a home exercise program of low-impact exercises and stretches. If you’ve never tried yoga, now is a great time. If you are unsure of what exercise to perform, contact your doctor to see if telehealth physical therapy is an option for you.
- Continue with prescription and over-the-counter medications as prescribed by your physician. Always check with your primary care physician before starting any new medications.
3. Use heat or ice to help alleviate pain. Use whichever provides the best pain relief for you.
4. Maintain a healthy, well balanced diet. Extra weight can cause undue strain to your joints.
5. Use an ambulatory aid such as a cane or walker to alleviate pressure on your hip and knee.
6. Do not stress the joint with over activity. Let pain guide your amount of activity and rest as needed.
7. Rest assured, we will get your surgery rescheduled, just as soon as we are able. Our office will contact you when the hospitals and surgery centers are allowing us to reschedule your surgery.
If you’ve tried all the above tips and continue to have pain affecting your ability to perform daily living activities during the Covid-19 pandemic, please contact your physician for further recommendations.
Related Physicians
The providers at Kansas City Bone and Joint Clinic each have their own areas of specialty. Click on the providers below to read more about them.
