Gadsden, AL, October 14, 2024 – A growing trend in orthopedics reveals that younger people are undergoing hip and knee replacements, raising questions about the optimal age to undergo these procedures. According to the American Academy of Orthopedics, by 2030, people younger than 65 will account for more than half of hip replacements and more than 60 percent of knee replacements.
Only an orthopedic surgeon can help determine if a joint replacement is appropriate for a younger person, but they are becoming increasingly common among GenX and Millennials. Younger people are opting for the procedure due to advances in minimally invasive techniques and faster recovery times.
“We’re seeing patients in their early 60s, 50s and 40s say they are suffering from joint pain, and they don’t want discomfort to hold them back from the activities they enjoy,” said Dr. William “Bill” Haller with Gadsden Physician Clinics’ Orthopedic Specialists clinic. “What was once considered a last resort and only for seniors, joint replacement is now thought of as a viable option for younger generations who want to live an active lifestyle—and remain active for decades to come.”
Joint pain is a common complaint among all ages, and it affects each individual differently. Some people feel joint pain all of the time, or mostly when they’re moving. For others, it comes and goes, or radiates to other parts of the body. There are many treatments for joint pain, and orthopedic specialists may consider other interventions before surgery, including medications, physical therapy, injections like cortisone or hyaluronic acids, heat or cold therapies, and other options that can relieve pain.
For those seeking relief and weighing their options, Dr. Haller highlights what to expect from an orthopedic evaluation: