If you have osteoarthritis (OA), youre not alone. Many people over the age of 65 have OA to some degree, and the condition can even affect the joints of those in their 30s and 40s. While OA is common, joint replacement surgery is typically not necessary for most people who have the condition, according to Cleveland Clinic orthopaedic surgeon Michael Bloomfield, MD.Most people can safely delay surgery without having any major, long-term, irreversible side effects or complications, says Dr. Bloomfield. The biggest factor is that patients keep a close eye on their condition. If they think their pain is rapidly worsening, they should get in touch with an orthopaedic surgeon for an opinion sooner than later.
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