Knee replacement patient story inspires hope

Elizabeth Spring sought help after an achy knee kept her from doing things she loves.

The pain in Elizabeth Spring’s knee was worsening to the point that even cortisone shots were not helping. The discomfort kept her from lifting heavy items, which she often needs to do for her job, and sleeping. “I knew I needed a knee replacement,” she says.

Spring, 59, had her knee joint replaced at Adventist Health Howard Memorial in November. With the support of her orthopedic surgeon, Paul Charpentier, MD, the Renaissance fair worker will soon be back to working and spending time outdoors.

“The Adventist Health team was outstanding. Dr. Charpentier was patient and answered all of my questions,” Spring says. “I have never had such a good experience at any hospital before, and they took such good care of me. All the previous pain I had is gone.”

“When conservative options, like anti-inflammatory medications or physical therapy, no longer help, joint replacement allows people to get back to normal and enjoy life without pain,” Dr. Charpentier says.

Debilitating pain, stiffness, and ineffective treatments are all signs it may be time to consider a joint replacement, Dr. Charpentier says. “It’s so rewarding to see people like Elizabeth get their life back after a knee or hip replacement,” he says.

Know your knees

Your knee is like a hinge. The bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments, and tendons work together to stabilize and support your body.

When it’s time for a knee replacement: Worn-out knee joints can affect your mobility and your quality of life. With age, arthritis can cause the protective layer of cartilage to wear away and lead to bone pain with even the slightest movement.

How a knee replacement helps: Once you recover, you should be able to play doubles tennis, walk, cycle and swim. You may need a brace for extra support for activities like running, basketball, or skiing, but with today’s advanced surgical technology, recovery is often faster and easier than ever before.

Know your hips

The ball-and-socket joint of your hip allows you to keep stable and walk, squat, or turn without pain.

When it’s time for a hip replacement: As the joint’s protective layer wears away, the ball doesn’t glide in the socket as easily. Movements such as walking or standing up from a sitting position become painful.

How hip replacement helps: Range of motion will increase and pain will reduce. As you recover, you’ll probably be able to walk, bicycle and swim. Your doctor may advise you to avoid high-impact activities like basketball, jogging, and tennis.

Get expert joint care

Find an orthopedic specialist and schedule your consultation by visiting MendocinoCountyOrtho.org.