Athletes: When is it time to consider a joint replacement?

I laced up my first pair of softball cleats at the tender age of 8, transitioning from T-ball and coach-pitch baseball. Softball became my passion—I held down shortstop all the way from Little League to my college days, representing my high school team and even donning the jersey for NC State's club softball. Go Wolfpack! Nowadays, I’m an orthopedic surgeon specializing in trauma and joint replacement, with a busy schedule, but I find myself wishing I had more time to be on the field.

In the world of joint replacements, the main player on the field is osteoarthritis.

As we age, the cartilage—the connective tissue covering our bones—takes a hit. This cartilage, responsible for reducing friction and absorbing shock, wears thin and roughens over time or due to injuries. Consequently, our bones start to rub against each other, gradually damaging the joint and leading to pain, inflammation, stiffness, and overall weakness.

Sound familiar? If you're nodding along, you might be dealing with osteoarthritis. While conservative measures like staying active, managing weight, and using over-the-counter medications can help manage the symptoms, there's no cure.

Many of us have chuckled about a "bad knee" or a "bad hip" among friends who still hustle on the field, perhaps donning a brace and popping a couple of Advil to keep playing. So, when do you consider a joint replacement? Simply put, it's time when the pain starts sidelining you or your body can't keep up anymore.

I often advise people to think about joint replacement surgery when non-surgical treatments fall short, and the pain, limited mobility, and inability to enjoy your favorite activities become too overwhelming.

While we may not have the magic to turn back the clock and make us as fast as we were at 20, joint replacement surgery can be a game-changer for arthritis sufferers wanting to get back in the softball groove. If your pain is reaching a point where you're contemplating skipping a season or stocking up on pain relievers before and after every game, it's likely time to consider joint replacement.

During a consultation, an orthopedic surgeon will inquire about your pain—its location, frequency, and impact on activities. If you're still in love with softball but dreading games due to joint pain, it's a sign to schedule an appointment and explore your options.

Surgery isn't the immediate go-to, but athletes, attuned to their bodies, sense when something is off and worsening.

Joint replacements aren't just about reducing pain; they're a long-term solution for stiffness and lack of mobility. They can significantly enhance your ability to enjoy the game for decades. If you sense it's time for a consultation, trust that feeling—it probably is.

A print version of this article was featured in Slow Pitch, a publication of the Northern Virginia Senior Softball League.