‘Joint replacement is often the best option – don’t wait’ Osteoarthritis is a debilitating condition and can make everyday tasks more difficult. Here, Nuffield Health explains the different forms of treatment for the condition

AS the Welsh population gets healthier and lives longer, there is an increased demand for new joints due to wear and tear caused by osteoarthritis.

Symptoms to watch out for include pain, swelling or stiffness in the hip or knee which reduce mobility, hinder sleep quality and impact on everyday tasks.

If you have trouble going up and down stairs, fastening your shoes, shopping or getting out of the bath or car then you should seek medical advice.

Treatment will depend on the severity of the disease, but it ranges from a programme of weight-bearing exercises, weight control, medication and supports through to the need for surgery.

Private healthcare means you don’t have to wait for surgery, so you can get back to the life you love more quickly.

All backed up with the latest imaging and diagnostic equipment, patients can get immediate assessment, expert diagnosis and treatment, both surgical and physical, giving you and your family peace of mind.

At the age of 81, having spent 38 years making television programmes for ITV, Glenda Bell was fortunate enough never to need any hospital treatment.

But last autumn, when a physiotherapist noticed that her discomfort was more than just muscular pain, she was advised to see her GP for an opinion.

This resulted in a rapid referral to the Joint Replacement Centre Wales at Nuffield Health Cardiff & Vale Hospitals for hip replacement.

She underwent surgery in early November 2016 and has already returned to her active pastimes.

Glenda said she was apprehensive about going into hospital because in the past she’d never needed anything more than a tooth out.

While the pre-operative staff were very good about explaining what would happen, it was the consistency of the “fabulous” team and the physical surroundings which really reassured her.

Glenda said: “I can’t think where you find these staff members – they obviously enjoy their work as they are unbelievable and rate very highly when compared to others working in customer service.

“From the secretary on the phone, the reception team when I arrived, to the ward staff and the cleaner in my room – all absolute darlings.

“I was terrified before I went in but the calm setting of the Vale hospital, the clever building design and the lack of ‘hospital smell’ or obvious sight of clinical equipment on display helps put you at ease.

“The rooms are elegant yet meticulously clean and functional. The care during my astonishing five-day stay, operation, aftercare, and calls from my consultant David Pemberton were equally impressive.

“Throughout he was very kind and totally professional, giving precise instructions about what I can do and when.

“He is always there if I have a query and works closely with the team, especially the physiotherapists who got me back on my feet in no time.”

Now enjoying her retirement, Glenda is an active octogenarian.

She is a member of the U3A Strollers Club in Cowbridge, a group of 20 who walk two miles every fortnight.

She also attends a luncheon club and has a good social life with her friends and family.

But from early October her discomfort was so bad that she did not feel like taking part as her mobility was so restricted.

She said: “Even going up and down stairs was a major hurdle and the thought of a life spent on the sofa was unbearable.

“With over six-month waiting lists at the NHS hospital, my family encouraged me to go private and get back to doing the things I enjoy.

“My friends are totally impressed by the high standard of care I have had compared to their own hospital experiences – it was really rewarding and worth every penny.

“At my age time is precious. I have no regrets and am well on the way to getting my life back on track.”

David Pemberton, one of a team of 16 consultant orthopaedic surgeons specialising in hips and knees at the Joint Replacement Centre Wales, and medical director at Nuffield Health Cardiff & Vale Hospitals, said: “With motivated patients such as Glenda Bell, we have extremely high success rates in returning people to the active lives they still enjoy in their later years.

“The biggest factor in a patient’s recovery is a positive outlook. It is hugely rewarding to see patients do so well.

“People usually come to see us with pain, often in the groin, but arthritic hips can cause referred pain down to the knee.

“This wakes them at night, they struggle to bend down and they can’t drive or get out and about. It’s a quality of life issue and most would prefer to deal with it right away and get on with their lives, rather than wait until the pain is unbearable.”

He said the procedures and implants used for treating arthritic hips have improved “dramatically” over the years.

He said total hip replacement has recently been voted the most successful operation of the 21st century.

Reassuringly for those over 50 with knee pain, Mr Pemberton advised: “The process of cartilage breakdown in the knee joint may be delayed through physiotherapy, which will keep the knee mobile and the muscles strong; so preserving the function of the joint.

“Symptoms of early arthritis sometimes appear in not being able to straighten the knee fully and physiotherapy can fully, or at least, partially restore this straightening function.

“Physiotherapy can also be extremely helpful if the patient has just an isolated area of arthritis behind the kneecap.

“To delay surgery, exercise and weight control are essential; patients can take advice from their GP or physiotherapist to help with these aspects.

“For those with painful joints, in the early stages, I would advise, before embarking on activities such as a long walk or a round of golf, occasional painkillers or an antiinflammatory can be useful.

“Over-the-counter preparations such as taking regular doses of fish oils can be very beneficial for some people.

“For higher impact sports, such as skiing, the use of a knee brace or specially-fitted insoles can help people to continue with these activities.

“Depending on the extent of the damage to the hip or knee, in some cases, simple keyhole surgery to tidy up any torn knee cartilage may also be recommended.

“For some patients, however, as they get older and symptoms worsen, then more extensive surgery, including joint replacement, is often the best option.”

Nuffield Health Cardiff & Vale Hospitals accepts all major forms of health insurance and for those paying directly themselves, average prices at the Joint Replacement Centre Wales, are: Consultation fee: £150 Total hip replacement: £10,995 Total knee replacement: £11,995 For more information, go to www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/cardiff-and-vale