Is a Winter Joint Replacement Right for You?

As temperatures drop, you are likely feeling your achy joints more and more. If you already have arthritis and joint degeneration, colder temperatures and reduced activity can make it harder to manage your joint symptoms.

For some patients, this discomfort is a reminder to address the joint issue head-on. Under the care of Dr. Thomas Kane III, many choose to have joint replacement surgery in the winter to allow ample time for recovery and to become more active in the spring and summer.

If you have ever wondered whether you could be a good candidate, read on, as we asked our expert to share who may benefit from joint replacement during the colder season.

Your symptoms worsen in the winter

If your pain increases and your mobility is reduced in colder temperatures, this may be the right time to restore comfort and function. Persistent pain that interferes with walking, sleeping, or basic movement is often a sign that conservative treatments are no longer effective, and you may benefit from surgical intervention.

Your schedule is more flexible in the winter

If you have a slower pace at work or fewer travel commitments during the winter, you may find it easier to dedicate time to surgery and recovery. Joint replacement requires rest, physical therapy, and follow-up care. Having fewer external obligations allows you to focus entirely on rehabilitation, which is essential to a smooth recovery.

You are most physically active in the warm seasons

If most of your vacations and trips are planned for the spring and summer, and you are currently dealing with symptoms that do not improve with medications or injections, planning is key.

In the first two weeks after surgery, you will typically walk with a cane or walker and begin physical rehabilitation exercises. Over the next three to six weeks, mobility and strength gradually improve. During this phase, many people can return to desk work.

Around three months after surgery, significant functional improvement is usually present. Most patients can walk longer distances, swim, or ride a bike. During this time, many can return to their usual routines, mainly if they include regular physical activity.

Considering your next step

Every patient’s situation is unique. If you would like to learn whether joint replacement aligns with your health goals and recovery needs, contact us to schedule a consultation at our Honolulu, Hawaii office. Dr. Kane is a pioneer in orthopedic surgery, with thousands of procedures performed and a success rate of over 98%.