Jim is Climbing Mountains after Knee Replacement Surgery

After 10 years of getting shots in both knees and living with knee pain, Jim, age 65, of Mt. Laurel finally bit the bullet and decided to have knee replacement surgery.  As a plumber, he knelt a lot and was forced to crawl through some tight spaces. “It got so bad, walking up steps on the ladder for work was too painful,” Jim said. He hadn’t been able to do that for a long time.

Jim met with Virtua Orthopedics and Spine surgeon Rajesh K. Jain, MD, regarding Virtua’s minimally invasive, quad-sparing joint replacement surgery. Dr. Jain defused any fears or concerns Jim had about his knee replacement and recovery. He told Jim he would need to have both of his knees replaced.

Since Jim needed a double knee replacement, he agreed to physical therapy prior to surgery to strengthen his leg muscles and aid in speeding up his recovery time. His first knee replacement surgery was in April 2016, and his second surgery was in October 2016. 

After both surgeries, he was up and walking within hours. “I can’t thank the doctors and staff enough for the wonderful experience I had with both of my surgeries,” Jim said.

After his quad-sparing knee replacement surgeries at Virtua, Jim is doing things that he never dreamed were possible. Just four months after having his second knee replaced, Jim is hiking and climbing mountains. In February 2017, he was able to climb to the top of Springer Mountain on the southern part of the Appalachian Trail. Although it was only a 2-mile hike, it was incredible to him because less than a year ago he couldn’t even stand without being in pain.

In Jim’s own words, “This experience has truly been a life changer. Thanks to the Virtua physicians and staff, I can do things again I haven’t done for years and it feels great.” 

Don’t Let Joint Pain Hold You Back

From pain management and physical therapy to surgery and rehabilitation, the joint specialists at Virtua Orthopedics & Spine can help get you back to living your life the way you want. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons are with you every step of the way. 

Learn more about joint care at Virtua Orthopedics & Spine or call 856-517-8812 to request an appointment.

Updated June 20, 2022